US07869478B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for maintaining an constant extinction ratio of a laser diode (LD). The apparatus includes: an automatic power control circuit maintaining the constant optical power of the LD; a correlation deriver deriving correlations between a bias current of the LD and a modulation current to maintain the constant extinction ratio of the LD; and a modulation current control circuit controlling the modulation current to maintain constant the extinction ratio of the LD based on the correlations. The apparatus and method do not use a temperature sensor but derive a relationship between variances of a bias current of the LD and a modulation current according to temperature change, control the modulation current based on the relationship, and maintain the constant extinction ratio of the LD.
US07869475B2
The present invention relates to an external-cavity laser module comprising a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) including an upper carrier plate having an upper surface, said TEC being configured to stabilize the temperature of the upper surface at a substantially constant temperature. The laser module further comprises a laser assembly mounted on an optical bench, which is in thermal coupling with said upper surface, said laser assembly comprising a gain medium for emitting an optical beam into the external cavity and an end mirror.
US07869474B2
An apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, an optical beam steering component configured to steer the light beam from the first path to a second path at an angle to the first path, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path, wherein the angle determines an external cavity length. Included is an apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, a beam steering component configured to redirect the light beam to a second path at an angle to the first path, wherein the optical beam steering component is configured to change the angle at a rate of at least about one Kilohertz, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path.
US07869471B1
A tunable OPO laser is provided. The laser includes an OPO cavity containing an OPO nonlinear crystal for generating a plurality of preselected wavelength beams of different wavelengths. The OPO cavity is formed between a first OPO reflective surface and a second OPO reflective surface. A laser cavity containing a lasing medium for generating a preselected wavelength fundamental beam is provided in optical communication with the OPO cavity. The laser cavity is partially separate and partially overlapping the OPO cavity. A beam separating prism is located in the overlapping portion of the two cavities. The beam separating prism separates electromagnetic radiation propagating through the prism into spatially separate paths of different wavelength. At least one of the OPO reflecting surfaces is moveable over a preselected range to reflect a selected wavelength of electromagnetic radiation propagating from the prism for amplification in the OPO cavity.
US07869463B2
An information communication method, which is executed on a transmitting side, is provided. The method comprises a first step of transmitting communication data to a receiving side; and a second step of retransmitting the communication data to the receiving side without waiting for an arrival of a negative acknowledgement signal of the communication data, which arrives from the receiving side, or an elapse of a predetermined acknowledgement wait time.
US07869459B2
A mechanism for communicating instructions and data between a processor and external devices are provided. The mechanism makes use of a channel interface as the primary mechanism for communicating between the processor and a memory flow controller. The channel interface provides channels for communicating with processor facilities, memory flow control facilities, machine state registers, and external processor interrupt facilities, for example. These channels may be designated as blocking or non-blocking. With blocking channels, when no data is available to be read from the corresponding registers, or there is no space available to write to the corresponding registers, the processor is placed in a low power “stall” state. The processor is automatically awakened, via communication across the blocking channel, when data becomes available or space is freed. Thus, the channels of the present invention permit the processor to stay in a low power state.
US07869452B1
A FIFO communication system is provided using a FIFO and connection circuit to transmit data from a single source to multiple sinks. The connection circuit operates to enable simultaneous reads by the multiple sinks with a single output port FIFO. Multiple FIFOs can likewise be used to distribute data from a single source to multiple sinks without requiring a simultaneous read by both sinks. Similarly, a multiple output port FIFO can be used to supply multiple sinks without requiring simultaneous reads and without requiring additional memory use.
US07869438B2
A method for pre-authentication in a wireless network is disclosed. The method begins by receiving, from a mobile client device, an Ethernet pre-authentication frame having an Ethernet address corresponding to a destination infrastructure device in the wireless network. Based upon a network mapping table, the method determines an internet protocol (IP) address that is mapped to the Ethernet address of the destination infrastructure device. The Ethernet pre-authentication frame is encapsulated inside an IP packet having the IP address. Then, the method routes the IP packet to the destination infrastructure device across WLANs with a different VLAN or subnetwork boundary in the wireless network.
US07869435B2
A communication control system comprising a plurality of user terminals connected via a network composed of a plurality of sub networks; and a home agent managing the addresses of the plurality of user terminals. The home agent stores the care-of addresses of the plurality of user terminals, which are associated with one home address, in a user data storage unit. When update information including a care-of address is received from the predetermined user terminal, the home agent finds a sub network to which the predetermined user terminal is connected based on the update information, references the user data storage unit to determine the care-off address of an appropriate user terminal that is one of user terminals connected to the sub network, and transfers information, which is sent to the home address, to the determined care-of address.
US07869433B2
Provided is a home network connection management system using UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and VLAN (Virtual LAN) multicast. The home network connection management system includes a UPnP-VLAN interfacing section for receiving requests of registration of VLAN and multicast addresses from a UPnP device in response to connection establishment commands from a connection manager, a VLAN managing section for registering the VLAN and multicast addresses in a VLAN mapping table according to connection establishment request from the UPnP device through the UPnP-VLAN interfacing section, the VLAN mapping table for matching and storing the VLAN and multicast addresses under the control of the VLAN managing section, and an Ethernet device driver for retrieving the VLAN and multicast addresses from the VLAN mapping table in response to TCP/IP data from an outside, forming the received TCP/IP data into VLAN frames, and transmitting the VLAN frames.
US07869432B1
A virtual link aggregation-capable service provider network and network edge device are described. In at least one embodiment, the service provider edge devices forward packets across the service provider network between pairs of customer ports, including link aggregation packets that would ordinarily be consumed by the edge device. This allows the customer to bridge a link aggregation across a service provider network. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US07869425B2
Telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet. A media order entry captures complete user profile information for a user. This profile information is utilized by the system throughout the media experience for routing, billing, monitoring, reporting and other media control functions. Users can manage more aspects of a network than previously possible, and control network activities from a central site. The hybrid network also contains logic for responding to requests for quality of service and reserving the resources to provide the requested services.
US07869422B2
A method receives data including synchronization information. The method includes obtaining a synchronization for receiving the data based on the synchronization information. The method includes generating, during receiving of the data, maintenance information indicative of whether the synchronization is being maintained based on the synchronization information. The method includes continuing, upon loss of the synchronization, to generate the maintenance information based on the synchronization.
US07869420B2
Methods and systems are provided for in-band signaling of at least two simultaneous digital media streams in a network, the two simultaneous streams being a part of a media session. Each of the at least two simultaneous streams is generated from a corresponding source. The generated simultaneous streams are synchronized by using a unique marker packet. Each synchronized stream is transmitted to a destination corresponding to each source.
US07869419B2
A method of transmitting feedback information in a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises a mobile station (MS) which determines whether to transmit feedback information to a base station (BS) without solicitation from the BS. After determining to do so, the MS transmits a request message to request the BS to allocate an uplink resource for transmitting at least one unsolicited header and thereafter receives the uplink resource allocation from the BS. Lastly, the MS transmits the at least one unsolicited header via the allocated uplink resource.
US07869417B2
A control scheme using packet headers allows GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) systems to increase spectral efficiency through multiplexing techniques, such as superposition coding, multi-user packet transmission, joint detection, and/or joint decoding. A fast feedback scheme for GERAN allows Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) frames to be transmitted over GERAN air interfaces without excessive feedback latency. As a result, Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest (H-ARQ) acknowledgements may be timely provided for end-to-end VoIP calls that traverse GERAN air interfaces. Additionally, Incremental Redundancy H-ARQ and link quality feedback latencies are decreased.
US07869416B2
A method enables the use of a secondary pilot signal and a secondary antenna(s) in the forward link of a CDMA-based cellular network employing a slotted transmission scheme with a time-multiplexed primary pilot signal, with backwards compatibility. The forward link is divided into a number of time slots. For communications with “legacy” mobile stations that expect transmissions from a single, primary antenna (and that expect a single, primary pilot signal), during some of the time slots, only the primary antenna is used for transmissions, including transmitting the primary pilot signal. Neither the secondary pilot channel nor any other signals from the secondary antenna are transmitted. During the remaining time slots: (i) the primary pilot signal is transmitted from the primary antenna, and the secondary pilot signal is transmitted from the secondary antenna, but at different times; and (ii) data meant for the legacy mobile stations is not transmitted.
US07869413B2
A method and a wireless communication device that implements a control node for a mesh network. Preferably, the device and method are used in an 802.11 LAN.
US07869410B2
Forward link transmission power to a user terminal in a wireless communications system having a plurality of beams is controlled by determining a baseline power level, Pbaseline, from a received active pilot channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); determining a power margin, Pmargin, from an identified interference susceptibility; determining a power level correction, Pcorrection, based on an identified packet error rate (PER); and setting Ptransmit based on Pbaseline, Pmargin, and Pcorrection. For example, Ptransmit may be set to a power level that is substantially equal to the sum of Pbaseline, Pmargin, and Pcorrection. The determination of each of Pbaseline, Pmargin, and Pcorrection may be performed in independently running control loops or processes.
US07869409B2
A multi-mode transmitter (301) is adapted to modulate a data packet (200) communicated by a wireless communications signal. The data packet includes a packet header comprising a preamble (201) and a start of frame delimiter (202), and a data payload comprising a payload data length portion (203) and a payload portion (204). The packet header is modulated with a spread spectrum technique. When transmitting a data payload in one mode, the data payload is also modulated with the spread spectrum technique. When transmitting a data payload in another mode, the data payload is modulated with a non-spread spectrum technique.
US07869405B2
A Diversity Handover, DHO, node is adapted to execute a macro diversity functionality in a mobile telecommunication system. The DHO node performs an uplink combining of Dedicated Channel, DCH, frames. The DHO node estimates the size of an adaptive receive window for receiving the DCH frames. The adaptive receive window includes a starting point, denoted ref, and an end point for receiving a next DCH frame or a next set of DCH frames to be combined having a Connection Frame Number n, CFNn, based on the Time of Arrival, ToA, of a previous frame or a previous set of frames having a CFNn−1. The adaptive receive window is adjusted by changing its end point for a new frame or a new set of frames in accordance with the estimated size.
US07869396B2
A method which can reduce loss in data transmission is provided. A data block is prepared in a high-level layer and the data block is transmitted in a low-level layer. Status report information associated with reception or non-reception of the data block is received through the low-level layer. When a receiver fails to receive data transmitted from a transmitter, the transmitter can rapidly recognize the reception failure and can retransmit the data.
US07869395B2
In one example, a method in a wireless router system for transmitting data packets to a mobile device through a wireless network based upon a round trip time is provided. A number of packets matched for a window size are transmitted to the mobile device, and a round trip time is measured. The window size for data packet transmission is re-sized by increasing the window size if the round trip time is within a first threshold, and decreasing the window size if the round trip time is more than the first threshold but less than a second threshold. The window size is also decreased if the round trip time is more than the second threshold, where each such data packet is further marked as a lost packet. A number of packets matched for the re-sized window is subsequently transmitted, including a retransmission any packets marked as lost.
US07869389B2
A network device includes a proxy ARP (address resolution protocol) unit for comparing a target IP (Internet protocol) address contained in an ARP request frame with a first set of IP addresses in a proxy ARP table of the proxy ARP unit, and for generating an ARP reply frame containing a MAC (media access control) address of the network device according to a result of the comparison. In addition, the network device includes a routing table for storing a second set of IP addresses for IP packet routing. Furthermore, the network device includes a processing unit coupled between the proxy ARP unit and the routing table. The processing unit is operable for receiving the ARP request frame, assigning an IP address to a host logging onto the network device, and updating the assigned IP address into the proxy ARP table and the routing table respectively.
US07869378B2
A method and apparatus for communicating slot allocations of nodes in a wireless mesh network that has data exchanges between the nodes occurring during slots. Each node maintains internal tracking of its slot allocation. A node may request a slot allocation of another node, and each node is enabled to report its slot allocation to other nodes. An information element (IE) and management type messages are introduced for tracking and reporting slot allocations among mesh network nodes.
US07869374B2
A system and methods of detecting a loop in a network having at least one access point with a first interface and a second interface, at least one switch with multiple ports, and at least one client with a first interface and a second interface, including: the access point first interface intermittently transmitting a loop check packet to the switch; the switch receiving the loop check packet at one of the ports and transmitting the loop check packet to the client through another one of the ports; the client first interface receiving the loop check packet; the client second interface retransmitting the loop check packet to the access point; and the access point second interface being configured to receive the retransmitted loop check packet. The access point detects a loop when the access point second interface receives the retransmitted loop check packet. Other embodiments eliminate the loops in various ways.
US07869373B2
One aspect of the invention comprises a method of operating a network for providing services to subscribers, the network including a configuration system comprising: a core system comprising primary and secondary cores, each core being separately capable of controlling operation of the system; at least one cell connected to the core system; and at least one network element connected to the cell, each network element supporting a number of subscribers for provision of the services; the method comprising: operating the configuration system using the primary core; monitoring operation of the primary core for a failure event preventing the primary core from properly controlling operation of the configuration system; on detection of a failure event, transferring control of operation of the configuration system to the secondary core; following correction of the failure event such that the primary core again becomes capable of properly controlling operation of the configuration system, configuring the secondary core such that it is no longer modified and synchronizing the configuration of the primary core with the configuration of the secondary core; and transferring operation of the system back to the primary core.
US07869370B2
Disclosed herein is a portable Internet analyzer (PIA) having a handover test function. The portable Internet analyzer includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, a switching unit, and a central control unit. The transmission unit encodes the various DownLink signals of a serving and/or target Base Station (stBS) using a preamble index, synthesizes the encoded signals, and sends the synthesized signals to a Portable Subscriber Station (PSS). The reception unit receives various UpLink (UL) signals from the PSS, and decodes the UL signals using the cell Parameters of the stBS. The switching unit selectively switches the transmission unit and the reception unit to the PSS. The central control unit generates various Media Access Control (MAC) messages to be sent to the PSS through the transmission unit in association with the handover test, analyzes handover test-related MAC messages received through the reception unit, and controls switching operation of the switching unit.
US07869367B2
A method for checking expected network traffic is disclosed. The method for checking expected network traffic includes accessing pre-registered expected results of a network traffic checking exercise that include expected packet content verification information for individual packets of the network traffic. In addition, the method includes accessing network traffic where individual packets of the network traffic include actual packet content verification information. Individual packets are identified that have expected packet content verification information that does not match their actual packet content verification information and individual packets are identified that have expected packet content verification information that does match their actual packet content verification information.
US07869358B2
A communication relay apparatus, information management system, and control method and program therefor. The communication relay apparatus includes several communication ports, and that includes a communication relay section, a buffer, a control signal transmitting section, a bandwidth information acquiring section, and a transmission interval control section.
US07869357B2
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change.
US07869350B1
A method is disclosed for determining a repair strategy for a data communication network. The data communication network has as components nodes and links. The method comprises a step of implementing a link repair strategy for an adjacent link to an adjacent node. The method further monitors for a probe packet to the adjacent node and, if such a packet is received, implements a node repair strategy.
US07869343B1
A field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes relatively general-purpose PLD core circuitry and relatively specialized high-speed serial interface (“HSSI”) hard IP circuitry. To better support applications that include forward error correction (“FEC”), some tasks related to FEC (e.g., FIFO operations) are performed in the PLD core circuitry, while other FEC tasks (e.g., FEC calculations) are performed in the HSSI hard IP circuitry.
US07869336B1
A data storage device includes a conductive probe having a tip; a substrate; and a data storage medium including a layer of poled ferroelectric material. The ferroelectric layer is between the tip and the substrate.
US07869329B2
An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus is provided for recording and/or reproducing information on an optical disc including a recording layer in which information can be recorded at recording positions each located at a different distance from a surface of the optical disc. The optical information recording and reproducing apparatus includes: a light source; and an objective lens which can converge the light flux from the light source onto one of the recording positions at a predetermined depth in the recording layer for recording information on the optical disc. When information to be recorded is recorded on one of the recording positions at a predetermined depth in the recording layer, the optical information recording and reproducing apparatus records information about the predetermined depth on one of the plurality of recording positions at the predetermined depth, with the information to be recorded.
US07869321B2
An optical disk discriminating method and an optical disk device which can detect reflected rays for making discrimination among kinds of optical disks with high accuracies. By switching a plurality of lasers and moving a spherical aberration corrector while moving an objective lens to cause it to approach or keep away from an optical disk, rays reflected light from the optical disk can be detected with high accuracies. Discrimination among the kinds of a plurality of optical disks can be made on the basis of signals generated from the detected reflected rays. This ensures that the kind of an optical disk can be determined through one operation of sweeping.
US07869319B2
An optical recording medium including a user data area and an SA/DL area in which a replacement block to replace a defective block in the user data area, and information regarding a defect corresponding to the defective block, is recorded, wherein the information regarding the defect includes a consecutive defect list entry including information regarding defects located in consecutive locations of the user data area; an apparatus using the optical recording medium; and a method of using the optical recording medium.
US07869318B2
A write-once-type recording medium (100) on which record data can be recorded only once, provided with: a data area (108) to record therein the record data; and a shared area (104, 105) to temporarily record therein evacuation data which is record data to be recorded or already recorded at a position of a defect in the data area and defect management information (120) including an evacuation source address of the evacuation data, the evacuation data being recorded with one predetermined point which exists in the shared area as a start point, the defect management information being recorded with another predetermined point which exists at a different point from the one point as a start point, in the shared area.
US07869312B1
A driver circuit for use with a variety of OPU circuits has both a single-ended input and a differential input. The single-ended input is coupled to a single-ended signal path having a variable gain stage and a variable level shifter. The differential input is coupled to a differential signal path having a variable gain stage and a variable level shifter. The single-ended signal path and the differential signal path may be selectively coupled to an output. The respective variable gain stages and variable level shifters can be adjusted so that an output signal at the output has a desired dynamic range.
US07869307B2
An ultrasonic transmission member including one end part and the other end part and transmitting an ultrasonic wave input into the one end part to the other end part is formed by preparing a main mold having a casting cavity corresponding to a whole outer shape of the ultrasonic transmission member, melting an alloy which is a material of a metallic glass, and pouring the melted alloy into the casting cavity of the main mold to solidify the melted alloy in a liquid phase state thereof.
US07869306B2
Systems and methods are provided for automatically detecting sonar contacts. The system comprises a data analyzer that integrates the raw data from a plurality of sonar detectors over a predetermined period of time, thereby providing integrated data characterizing a sonar image on a sonar display. A Hough transform module is configured to employ a Hough transform algorithm that transforms at least a portion of the integrated data to detect a substantially straight line in the sonar image.
US07869296B2
An internal voltage generator when activated, generates an internal voltage to be supplied to an internal circuit. Operating the internal voltage generator consumes a predetermined amount of the power. In response to a control signal from the exterior, an entry circuit inactivates the internal voltage generator. When the internal voltage generator is inactivated, the internal voltage is not generated, thereby reducing the power consumption. By the control signal from the exterior, therefore, a chip can easily enter a low power consumption mode. The internal voltage generator is exemplified by a booster for generating the boost voltage of a word line connected with memory cells, a substrate voltage generator for generating a substrate voltage, or a precharging voltage generator for generating the precharging voltage of bit lines to be connected with the memory cells.
US07869294B2
A single-ended sense amplifier in a semiconductor storage device having a hierarchical bit line structure includes a first MOS transistor for amplifying a signal outputted from a memory cell to a bit line, a second MOS transistor for feeding the output of the first MOS transistor to a global bit line, and a global bit line voltage determination circuit; and at least the ON/OFF timing of the second MOS transistor or the read timing of a global sense amplifier that includes the global bit line voltage determination circuit is controlled by the output signal of a delay circuit that includes a replica of the first MOS transistor and a replica of the global bit line voltage determination circuit.
US07869262B2
An SRAM device includes a first inverter; a second inverter cross-coupled with the first inverter; a first pass gate transistor connecting the first inverter to a bit line; and a second pass gate transistor connecting the second inverter to a complementary bit line, wherein the first or second pass gate transistor has a layout structure where a first distance between its gate conductive layer and its source contact is purposefully designed to be substantially different from a second distance between its gate conductive layer and its drain contact for reducing leakage current induced by misalignment of the gate conductive layer with respect to the source contact.
US07869259B2
A resistance change memory includes a first interconnection, a second interconnection, a first resistance change element which has a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first tunnel insulating film provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first tunnel insulating film including a first trap region formed by introducing defects to trap holes or electrons, and the second electrode being connected to the first interconnection, and a first transistor whose current path has one end connected to the first electrode and the other end connected to the second interconnection.
US07869257B2
The integrated circuit includes a transistor and a contact coupled to the transistor. The integrated circuit includes a first diode resistivity changing material memory cell coupled to the contact and a second diode resistivity changing material memory cell coupled to the contact. The second diode resistivity changing material memory cell is positioned above the first diode resistivity changing material memory cell.
US07869256B2
A non-volatile memory device is employed in which data values are determined by the polarities at both ends of a cell, The non-volatile memory device includes a first decoder which decodes a plurality of predetermined bit values of a row address into a first address and is disposed in a row direction of a memory cell array; a second decoder which decodes the other bit values of the row address into a second address and is disposed in a column direction of the memory cell array; and a driver which applies bias voltages to a word line which corresponds to the first address or the second address in accordance with the data values. By including first and second decoders and decoding a row address in two steps, a bi-directional RRAM according to the present invention can perform addressing at high speeds while reducing chip size.
US07869249B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing the resistance state of a Programmable Conductor Random Access Memory (PCRAM) element using complementary PCRAM elements, one holding the resistance state being sensed and the other holding a complementary resistance state. A sense amplifier detects voltages discharging through the high and low resistance elements to determine the resistance state of an element being read.
US07869245B2
An excess region on a chip plane is eliminated to reduce a chip size. A plurality of data pads, which input/output data, are arranged near one side of an outer periphery of a substrate in parallel with the aforementioned one side, and a plurality of data pads, which input/output data, are arranged on an inner side of the plurality of data pads in parallel with the plurality of data pads. NMOSs, which output data, are arranged between the data pads, and PMOSs, which output data, are arranged at positions where they face the NMOSs near the data pads.
US07869238B2
An N-way mode CAM (content addressable memory) array includes M rows that each contain N subwords. Each of the N subwords has a respective mode cell. Additionally, a mode input bus is coupled to each mode cell of each of the N subwords, and a data input bus is coupled to each of the M rows. The mode input bus and the data input bus can uniquely identify as a match a single subword or a plurality of subwords in one of the M rows during a search operation. The N-way mode CAM further includes a row address encoder/generator coupled to each of the M rows, and an address output bus coupled to each of the row address encoder/generators. The mode input bus is also coupled to each of the row address encoder/generators. A uniquely identified single subword address may be outputted on the address output bus.
US07869235B2
A flyback converter having an active snubber includes a transformer to receive input power. The transformer has a primary winding at a first side. The active snubber is coupled in parallel with two ends of the primary winding and has a first circumferential circuit coupling in parallel with the primary winding, a second circumferential circuit and a zero voltage switch unit. The second circumferential circuit is controlled by the zero voltage switch unit and incorporated with the first circumferential circuit to form double damping paths to reduce current and prevent resonance that might otherwise occur to a single circumferential circuit and the secondary side of the transformer.
US07869229B2
A cord correction circuit in a primary-side-controlled flyback converter compensates for the loss of output voltage caused by the resistance of the charger cord. In one embodiment, a correction voltage is subtracted from a feedback voltage received from a primary-side auxiliary inductor. A pre-amplifier then compares a reference voltage to the corrected feedback voltage. In another embodiment, the correction voltage is summed with the reference voltage, and the pre-amplifier compares the feedback voltage to the corrected reference voltage. The difference between the voltages on the input leads of the pre-amplifier is used to increase the output voltage to compensate for the voltage lost through the charger cord. The flyback converter also has a comparing circuit and a control loop that maintain the peak level of current flowing through the primary inductor of the converter. Adjusting the frequency and pulse width of an inductor switch signal controls the converter output current.
US07869225B2
A shielding structure is provided for shielding a signal path extending between a first layer and a second layer in an electronic device at a transition region with a transition that extends in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The shielding structure includes a shielding structure portion, which includes a first shielding via in proximity to a first area of the signal path at the transition; a second shielding via in proximity to a second area of the signal path at the transition; and an area metallization electrically coupled to the first shielding via.
US07869222B2
An embedded electronic component structure and a method for forming the same are provided, wherein the embedded electronic component structure comprises a lower laminating layer, a first clamping layer, a dielectric layer, a second clamping layer, an electronic component, an upper laminating later and a via interconnection. The first clamping layer is disposed on the lower laminating layer. The dielectric layer is disposed on the first clamping layer. The second clamping layer is located on the dielectric layer. The electronic component is embedded in the dielectric layer, wherein the lower surface of the electronic component contacts the first clamping layer and the upper surface thereof contacts the second clamping layer. The upper laminating layer covers the second clamping layer. The via interconnection is adjacent to the electronic component and penetrate the dielectric layer to respectively connect the first clamping layer and the second clamping layer.
US07869217B2
A locking device is used for securing a heat sink to an electronic device mounted on a first face of a printed circuit board which defines a first hole. The heat sink defines a second hole therein. The locking device has a fastener including a head portion located aside the heat sink, a foot portion located aside a second face of the printed circuit board, and a body portion extending through the holes of the heat sink and the printed circuit board and interconnecting the head portion and the foot portion. The foot portion includes a buckling part abutting against the second face of the printed circuit board, and a positioning part extending towards the head portion to a position above the buckling part. When the buckling part abuts against the printed circuit board, the positioning part has a portion thereof entering into the first hole.
US07869215B2
An electronic device includes a casing, an electronic component received in the casing, and a fixing member. The casing includes a cutout defined in a side wall thereof for assembly or disassembly a heat dissipation member into or out of the electronic device. The fixing member is connected to the top wall of the casing. The fixing member includes an elongated pole, a guiding pole connected to an outer end of the elongated pole and located adjacent to the cutout, and a resilient element at an inner end of the elongated pole and located over the electronic component. The resilient element is compressed and abuts the heat dissipation member when the heat dissipation member is assembled into the electronic device to contact with the electronic component.
US07869214B2
A portable high-voltage test instrument comprises an electronic unit having means for producing a test voltage located in the kV range, a control area cooperating with the electronic unit, at least one terminal for the component or cable to be tested and for an external voltage supply, a housing for permanently accommodating the electronic unit and a cooling system, disposed inside the housing, for cooling the electronic unit, the cooling system comprising an air-cooled assembly having an air inlet and an air outlet. This housing is provided with a lid part that can be moved between an open and a closed position, such that all terminals, the control area and the air inlet and air outlet are covered in closed position thereof, whereas all terminals, the control area and the air inlet and air outlet are unobstructed in open position thereof.
US07869213B2
A heat dissipation device is provided for dissipating heat from a heat source inside a notebook computer, and includes a hood, a bottom board, a thermal insulation layer, and at least one fan. The hood and the bottom board together define a heat dissipation channel. The bottom board integrally forms a plurality of fins and pegs. The bottom board is set above the heat source. The fan is set above the bottom board to efficiently expel heat from the inside to the outside. With the plurality of fins and pegs, the heat dissipation surface area of the bottom board and the heat source is increased and the overall heat dissipation performance is enhanced.
US07869210B2
A system for controlling the temperature of a rack includes a connecting plenum configured to receive incoming cooling air from outside a rack for cooling the rack; a front plenum connected to the connecting plenum and configured to receive cooling air from the connecting plenum and deliver the cooling air to the rack, the cooling air being warmed by powered electrical components as it passes through the rack; at least one ventilator for recycling warmed cooling air from the rack back to the connecting plenum to be mixed with incoming cooling air; a sensor for sensing temperature of air in the rack; and a controller for controlling the at least one ventilator based at least on the sensed temperature.
US07869208B2
Assembling a power converter for a multiple phase electric drive propulsion system in a machine includes arranging a plurality of rectangular capacitor units of a capacitor subassembly for conditioning electrical power in the power converter in a first packaging arrangement. In the first packaging arrangement, major capacitor axes of each one of the capacitor units are co-linear with one another and minor capacitor axes of each one of the capacitor units are oriented parallel but not co-linear with one another. Assembling the power converter further includes arranging a plurality of IGBT modules of a transistor subassembly for power switching in the power converter in a second packaging arrangement. In the second packaging arrangement major module axes of each one of the IGBT modules are oriented parallel but not co-linear with one another and minor module axes of each one of the IGBT modules are co-linear with one another. The capacitor subassembly and the transistor subassembly are supported in the first packaging arrangement and in the second packaging arrangement for service in a power converter housing.
US07869207B2
A sliding mechanism includes a main board, a sliding board, two racks, a gear, a connecting member and a winding coil. The main board defines a guiding slot. The two racks are positioned at two opposite sides of the main board. The gear matches each of the first and second racks. The sliding board is slidable along the guiding slot by the connecting member. The winding coil, the winding coil is tightened when the sliding board is pushed toward or away from the main board, and rebounds to its original shape to cause the sliding board to automatically further slide relative to the main board when the gear is detached from one rack and matches another rack.
US07869203B2
A display screen turning apparatus capable of improving assembling workability in assembling steps and suppressing jolting during rotation can be obtained. This display screen turning apparatus includes a rotating member mounted with a display screen and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a base, rotatably holding the rotating member, provided with an upright portion having a hole, a platelike spring of metal fitted onto the upright portion of the base for pressing the rotating member and a stop member inserted into the hole of the upright portion of the base for pressing the platelike spring and holding the platelike spring in a deflected state.
US07869188B2
A capacitor structure includes an insulating layer, first conductive patterns, second conductive patterns, an insulating interlayer, third conductive patterns, and fourth conductive patterns. The first and second conductive patterns are alternately arranged on the insulating layer to be spaced apart from one another. The first and second conductive patterns have side faces where concave portions and convex portions are formed. The insulating interlayer is formed on the insulating layer to cover the first and second conductive patterns. The third and fourth conductive patterns are alternately arranged on the insulating interlayer to be spaced apart from one another. The third and fourth conductive patterns have side faces where concave portions and convex portions are formed.
US07869186B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a capacitor, including a solid electrode, an electrode broken into subsections with a signal bus lines connecting the subsections; and wherein the signal bus further connects the solid electrode with the electrode broken into subsections.
US07869183B1
A static electricity monitoring device is disclosed for monitoring a user wearing a static control garment. The garment comprises a first bootie and a second bootie. The monitoring device comprises a first footpad for interfacing with the first bootie of the garment, and a second footpad for interfacing with the second bootie of the garment, wherein the first footpad is electrically insulated from the second footpad.
US07869181B2
A lightning protection appliqué incorporates a plurality of conductive plies adhesively affixed to a composite surface, at least a first one of the plies providing conductive characteristics sufficient to divert electrical energy from a lightning strike and at least a second one of the plies comprising operational circuitry. A dielectric ply is fixed to the composite surface over and completely covering at least one metal surface feature between the plurality of conductive plies and the composite surface.
US07869170B2
A time-synchronized trip implementation for a motor circuit protector (MCP) having a reconfigurable microcontroller. The microcontroller causes a power supply to, be charged for an initial time period during a charging mode. An onboard comparator is configured for a predetermined self-protection level of the MCP, and fault currents that exceed the comparator's threshold will directly drive a solenoid to trip the MCP. The microcontroller reconfigures the comparator's threshold to both measure and charge the power supply toward a stored energy trip voltage, which will charge quickly when high fault currents are present. As a result, self-protection is not compromised. After the trip voltage is reached, the microcontroller reconfigures the onboard comparator's threshold for self-protection trip levels. When a trip event occurs in this mode, stored energy trip activation occurs. The MCP includes user-selectable trip settings, and the microcontroller reconfigures the comparator threshold levels for user-selectable self-protection levels.
US07869165B2
Magnetic field detecting element having stack with a plurality of free layers and side shield layers
A magnetic field detecting element comprising: a stack including an upper magnetic layer, a lower magnetic layer and a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between said upper magnetic layer and said lower magnetic layer, wherein magnetization directions of said upper magnetic layer and said lower magnetic layer change in accordance with an external magnetic field; an upper shield electrode layer and a lower shield electrode layer which are provided in a manner that they sandwich said stack therebetween in a direction of stacking of said stack, wherein said upper shield electrode layer and said lower shield electrode layer supply sense current in the direction of stacking and magnetically shield said stack; a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a surface of said stack, the surface being opposite to an air bearing surface of said stack, wherein said bias magnetic layer applies a bias magnetic field to said upper magnetic layer and to said lower magnetic layer in a direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface; and a pair of side shield layers which are provided on both sides of said stack with regard to a track width direction.
US07869163B2
A tape head and bearing assembly comprises an air bearing structure having a tape bearing surface with a plurality of openings therein configured to provide a continuous air bearing of pressurized air to support a linear tape moving along a path, the air bearing being provided on only one side of the linear tape. A head slider assembly, such as an HDD-type assembly, is positioned at the opposite side of the linear tape from the tape bearing surface and is configured to be in contact with the linear tape.
US07869137B2
An Abbe prism lens and lens array are disclosed. The lens comprises front lenses disposed on a front surface of the Abbe prism, rear lenses disposed on a rear surface of the Abbe prism, a front bottom reflecting surface, a rear bottom reflecting surface, a left top reflecting surface, and a right top reflecting surface. An aperture cover is positioned over the front surface of the Abbe prism lens and a field cover is positioned over the rear surface of the Abbe prism lens. The aperture cover comprises aperture holes encircling the aspherical front lenses. The field cover comprises field holes encircling the aspherical rear lenses. Light enters the Abbe prism lens and reflects off the front bottom reflecting surface, reflects off the left top reflecting surface and the right top reflecting surface, reflects off the rear bottom reflecting surface, and exits the rear lens of the Abbe prism lens.
US07869136B2
In a zoom lens, in which the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group changes during zooming, wherein a refractive optical element A that has a positive refracting power if its object side surface and its image side surface are interfaces with air is provided between an object side base optical element B and an image side base optical element C to constitute therewith a three-piece cemented optical element D in the first lens group, there is at least one optical element having a positive refracting power disposed closer to the object side than the three-piece cemented optical element D, and the zoom lens satisfies a certain condition.
US07869135B2
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power and a second lens unit having a positive refractive power. In the zoom lens, an interval between the first and second lens units becomes smaller at a telephoto end than at a wide-angle end during zooming. The first lens unit includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens having a negative refractive power, which is made of a plastic and has an aspheric lens surface, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. In the zoom lens, a refractive index and an Abbe number of the plastic (Nd, νd), a focal length of the second lens (fn), and a focal length of the first lens unit (f1) are appropriately set.
US07869134B2
Provided is a microminiaturized zoom optical system capable of sufficiently correcting aberration. The zoom optical system (100) includes a first lens group (101) having a negative optical power, a second lens group (102) having a positive optical power, and a third lens group (103) having a positive or negative optical power in this order from the object side. The zoom optical system is configured in such a manner that the interval between the first lens group (101) and the second lens group (102) is decreased in zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. A positive lens element in the third lens group (103) or in a lens group closer to the image side than the third lens group (103) satisfies the following conditional expression: vp<40 where vp is the minimum value of the Abbe number of the positive lens element.
US07869132B2
An immersion microscope objective formed of thirteen or fewer lens elements includes, in order from the object side, first and second lens groups of positive refractive power, a third lens group, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power with its image-side surface being concave, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power with its object-side surface being concave. The first lens group includes, in order from the object side, a lens component that consists of a lens element of positive refractive power (when computed as being in air) and a meniscus lens element having its concave surface on the object side. Various conditions are satisfied to ensure that images of fluorescence, obtained when the immersion microscope objective is used in a laser scanning microscope that employs multiphoton excitation to observe a specimen, are bright and of high resolution. Various laser scanning microscopes are also disclosed.
US07869125B2
A multi-magnification viewing and aiming scope includes a first imaging group including an objective lens lying on the optical path and an eyepiece lens lying on the optical path. The first imaging group forms a first image having a first magnification on the optical path at an image location. A second imaging lens group is controllably inserted into the optical path between at least some elements of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. Upon insertion of the second imaging lens group into the optical path an optical combination of the first imaging group and the second imaging lens group forms a second image having a second magnification on the optical path at substantially the image location. The insertion may be accomplished by a tumbler mechanism upon which the second imaging lens group is mounted.
US07869122B2
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective comprises: a first objective part for imaging the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image; a second objective part for imaging the first intermediate imaging into a second intermediate image; a third objective part for imaging the second intermediate imaging directly onto the image plane; wherein a first concave mirror having a first continuous mirror surface and at least one second concave mirror having a second continuous mirror surface are arranged upstream of the second intermediate image; pupil surfaces are formed between the object plane and the first intermediate image, between the first and the second intermediate image and between the second intermediate image and the image plane; and all concave mirrors are arranged optically remote from a pupil surface. The system has potential for very high numerical apertures at moderate lens material mass consumption.
US07869121B2
A relatively high NA objective employed for use in imaging a specimen is provided. The objective includes a lens group having at least one focusing lens configured to receive light energy and form an intermediate image, at least one field lens oriented to receive the intermediate image and provide intermediate light energy, and a Mangin mirror arrangement positioned to receive the intermediate light energy and apply light energy to the specimen. One or more elements may employ an aspheric surface. The objective may provide an uncorrected spectral bandwidth up to approximately 193 to 266 nanometers and numerical apertures in excess of 0.9. Elements are less than 100 millimeters in diameter and may fit within a standard microscope. The field lens may include more than one lens and may be formed of a material different from at least one other lens in the objective.
US07869117B2
Provided is an electrophoretic display device. The electrophoretic display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate forming a space receiving electrophoretic particles, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the first substrate and the second substrate respectively. The electrophoretic particles include reflective particles having a first electric polarity and reflecting a first light in visible wavelength bands, and light emission particles having a second electric polarity and emitting a second light by an optical stimulation. The first and second lights are in a substantially same color range of wavelength in a same pixel region.
US07869110B2
An optical scan apparatus is configured to include a light source emitting a light beam; a vibration mirror deflecting the light beam emitted from the light source to scan a scan area; a drive unit driving the vibration mirror; and an optical imaging system focusing the light beam deflected by the vibration mirror on a predetermined focus position, and having optical power to correct a displacement of the focus position which occurs due to a deformation of the vibration mirror caused by its own vibration.
US07869098B2
A method and device are provided for assigning a task to a user to verify information from a scanned document. An image, a data item, and a data field are presented to a user. The image is associated with at least a section of a scanned document. The data item is identified from a portion of the image. The data field is associated with the data item. A second data item is received. The second data item is entered by the user in the data field and indicates a correction to the data item to reflect the portion of the image. An error rate is updated based on the received second data item. The user is selected to process a task based on the updated error rate. The task is presented to the selected user.
US07869093B2
A method and system reconstructs a contone image from a binary image by first tagging pixels to identify one of a multiplicity of image content types. The tag information and the pattern of bits surrounding the pixel to be converted to a contone value are used to reconstruct a contone image from a binary image. The pattern of bits in the neighborhood is used to generate a unique identifier. The unique identifier is used as the address for a lookup table with the contone value to be used. A filter also generates a contone value. A selector selects between the look-up table contone value and the filter contone value based an image context type.
US07869089B2
A profile generator determines differences between the standard spectral reflectances of a color chart printed under standard density conditions and the spectral reflectances of a color chart printed while the density of one of the colors C, M, Y, K is changed, and the densities of the other colors are secured to standard densities. When density variations are established, the profile generator generates a print predicting profile using spectral reflectances produced by adding the standard spectral reflectances and the difference with respect to the color whose density has changed. The colors of a print produced when the density of a desired color is changed are predicted with high accuracy using the print predicting profile.
US07869083B1
A method of producing a piece of artwork using a computer-controlled color printer (e.g. thermal in-jet printer) capable of printing at least three colors, is provided. The method includes: a) Inputting (e.g. from a digital camera, or the Internet) or selecting a multicolor image (e.g. a digital photograph) so that it is provided in the computer. b) Selectively disabling one or more of the colors, while not disabling all of the colors besides black, of the printer to insure little or none of the one or more disabled colors is printed by the printer; and c) with the printer, printing the non-disabled color or colors of the image onto a substrate (such as matte paper or canvas). In the method, a)-c) may be practiced to produce a final work of art, but preferably the method further includes d) further acting upon the substrate from c) to add artistic elements (e.g. adding acrylic paints, texture, color, foreign materials, and/or objects) to spaced portions of the substrate to produce a final artwork. Typically, b) is practiced to fully disable one or more colors (such as at least black and near black), but can be practiced to only partially disable one or more colors. For an ink-jet printer b) may be practiced by removing an active black ink cartridge. For any printer, b) may be practiced by using computer software. A printer to practice the method, and final artwork produced by the method, are also provided.
US07869066B2
This specification discloses a computer program product manufacturing method. This method is provided with a forming step, a combining step, and a storing step. The forming step instructs the printer to form a dot at a predetermined coordinate. The combining step creates a combination of the predetermined coordinate and a sub-coordinate which is different from the predetermined coordinate. A distance between the predetermined coordinate and a position of a dot formed when the printer tries to form the dot at the sub-coordinate is shorter than the distance between the predetermined coordinate and the position of the dot formed in the forming step. A storing step stores a computer program into a memory medium. The computer program includes instructions for ordering the computer device to perform a choosing step and a converting step. The choosing step chooses a coordinate from bit-mapped data. The converting step converts the coordinate chosen in the choosing step into the sub-coordinate in a case where the coordinate chosen in the choosing step has been combined with the sub-coordinate in the combining step.
US07869061B2
A surface-distortion measuring device and a surface-distortion measuring method can quantitatively, rapidly, and highly accurately measure and evaluate surface-distortion distribution at all of observable points on a specular or semi-specular surface of a measurement target. The device includes pattern displaying means 2 capable of switching and displaying a plurality of kinds of light-and-shade patterns 5, capturing means 3 for capturing mirror images, reflected in the specular or semi-specular surface of a measurement target 1, of the plurality of light-and-shade patterns displayed on the pattern displaying means, and surface-distortion distribution calculating means 10 for performing image processing on the captured mirror images of the plurality of light-and-shade patterns to calculate surface-distortion distribution of the measurement-target surface.
US07869059B2
A height-limited-area-information creating device creates a clip plane on a base plane of a printed circuit board, and sets a view so that an image faces the base plane and a normal to the base plane represents a depth direction of the image. According to the view, a three-dimensional image of a chassis-side component is created. The base plane is divided into unit areas, and one of the unit areas is selected. Coordinates of vertices of the selected unit area are transformed to screen coordinates to acquire a component and a polygon at the position of the screen coordinates. Distances from respective four vertices to the polygon are calculated as height, and a minimum value is determined as a maximum height for the unit area.
US07869057B2
A method is disclosed including: generating a scanning interferometry signal at each of multiple wavelengths for each of at least one location on a test object; obtaining the scanning interferometry signals at each of the multiple wavelengths for each of at least one location on the test object; analyzing the scanning interferometry signals to determine information about the test object; and outputting the information about the test object. Each scanning interferometry signal corresponds to interference between test light and reference light as an optical path length difference between the test and reference light is varied. The test and reference light are derived from a common source, and the test light emerges from the test object over a range of angles corresponding to a numerical aperture of greater than 0.7.
US07869050B2
A method for determining a background noise level includes receiving interferogram data; determining at least one measure of interferogram quality; accumulating said received interferogram data; and generating a background noise level based on said interferogram data and at least one measure of interferogram quality.
US07869044B2
An optical sensing system includes an optical sensor that includes a substrate having an upper surface and a plurality of tapered walls on the substrate, wherein at least one of the tapered walls is aligned along a longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of tapered walls comprise sloped surfaces oriented at oblique angles relative to the upper surface, wherein the sloped surfaces are configured to adsorb molecules of a chemical sample, a light source configured to emit an incident light beam to impinge the plurality of tapered walls adsorbed with molecules of the chemical sample; and a detector that can collect light scattered by the plurality of tapered walls to allow a determination of the sample chemical.
US07869040B1
An illumination subsystem configured to provide illumination for a measurement system includes first and second light sources configured to generate light for measurements in different wavelength regimes. The illumination subsystem also includes a TIR prism configured to be moved into and out of an optical path from the first and second light sources to the measurement system. If the TIR prism is positioned out of the optical path, light from only the first light source is directed along the optical path. If the TIR prism is positioned in the optical path, light from only the second light source is directed along the optical path. Various measurement systems are also provided. One measurement system includes an optical subsystem configured to perform measurements of a specimen using light in different wavelength regimes directed along a common optical path. The different wavelength regimes include vacuum ultraviolet, ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared wavelength regimes.
US07869037B2
This invention may measure the sprayed particle sprayed from the nozzle safely with the use of a conventional particle size distribution measuring device The particle size distribution measuring device may measure particle size distribution of a particle group, and may include a device body comprising a light source that irradiates light on the particle group and a light detector that detects intensity of diffracted light or/and scattered light generated by irradiation of the light, a spray measuring system that introduces a sprayed particle group as being the particle group sprayed from a nozzle into a measuring area between the light source and the light detector, and an ordinary measuring system that arranges a measuring cell that accommodates an ordinary particle group as being a particle group other than the sprayed particle group between the light source and the light detector are arranged to be exchangeable for each other.
US07869031B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a print on a surface, the method comprising: (a) contacting the print with a Raman surface-enhancing agent to produce a Raman-enhanced print; and (b) detecting the Raman-enhanced print using a Raman spectroscopic method. The invention is particularly directed to the imaging of latent fingerprints.
US07869027B2
The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means; through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical force transmitting means, the force transfer means and load cell from the posterior structural housing of the sample holder which is forced together with the said window retaining means by a force generating means; and means to adjust the known load and a method of confocal microscopy of new and used CMP pad samples to determine relative surface area and other characteristics using the said confocal sample.
US07869017B2
One embodiment of the invention provides an test apparatus having a plurality of combinations of object distances and being used for testing an optical device. The test apparatus comprises at least one reflector, at least one first target module and at least one second target module. The first target module is for forming a first patterned light beam being shed on the optical device. The second target module is for forming a second patterned light beam being reflected by the reflector and then shed on the optical device. The third target module is for forming a quasi-parallel third patterned light beam being shed on the optical device. The distance between the first target module and the optical device is smaller than the distance between the second target module and the optical device.
US07869014B2
A method of simultaneously specifying the wavelength dispersion and nonlinear coefficient of an optical fiber. Pulsed probe light and pulsed pump light are first caused to enter an optical fiber to be measured. Then, the power oscillation of the back-scattered light of the probe light or idler light generated within the optical fiber is measured. Next, the instantaneous frequency of the measured power oscillation is obtained, and the dependency of the instantaneous frequency relative to the power oscillation of the pump light in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is obtained. Thereafter, a rate of change in the longitudinal direction between phase-mismatching conditions and nonlinear coefficient of the optical fiber is obtained from the dependency of the instantaneous frequency. And based on the rate of change, the longitudinal wavelength-dispersion distribution and longitudinal nonlinear-coefficient distribution of the optical fiber are simultaneously specified.
US07869004B2
An optical observation apparatus with at least one observation beam path and with means for laser range-finding, which have at least one transmitting device and at least one receiving device and are arranged outside the at least one observation beam path. The transmitting device and the receiving device are arranged in each case in separate housing parts of the optical observation apparatus and/or, if a folding bridge of the optical observation apparatus is present, along a mid-axis of the folding bridge. At least one diffractive optical element is provided for shaping at least the receiving beam for the at least one receiving device.
US07869002B2
A method for reducing contamination in immersion lithography includes retaining a semiconductor wafer on a support surface of a wafer chuck, the wafer chuck having a gap therein, the gap located adjacent an outer edge of the wafer, and the gap containing a volume of immersion lithography fluid therein; and providing a fluid circulation path within the wafer chuck so as to facilitate the radial outward movement of the immersion lithography fluid in the gap, thereby maintaining a meniscus of the immersion lithography fluid at a selected height with respect to a top surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US07868997B2
In the inspection apparatus of this projection optical system, a folding glass member, comprising a flat surface part and a reflecting spherical surface part opposing to the flat surface part, is disposed on the image plane side of the projection optical system so that the flat surface part opposes to the projection optical system. Further, in a state wherein a liquid is supplied between the projection optical system and the folding glass member, a measuring beam emitted from an interferometer unit enters the projection optical system; the measuring beam that transmitted through the projection optical system and the liquid, and entered the folding glass member is reflected by the reflecting spherical surface part, and once again passes through the liquid and the projection optical system; and the interference fringes obtained from the measuring beam and the reference beam generated within the interferometer unit are detected.
US07868989B2
In a mounting structure in which a component is mounted on a substrate, substrate-side first wirings, substrate-side first terminals formed in a mounting area where the component is mounted on the substrate, substrate-side second terminals formed in the mounting area and substrate-side second wirings are disposed over the substrate. Component-side first terminals and component-side second terminals are provided to the component.
US07868988B2
A display device includes a plurality of signal lines having different length, and a driving circuit for supplying signals to the signal lines. Each signal line includes a connecting portion, and the driving circuit includes a plurality of output terminals electrically connected to the connecting portions of the signal lines and a plurality of resistors connected to the output terminals. The resistors have resistance depending on the length of the signal lines connected thereto.
US07868981B2
A liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, as well as a source electrode, a Cs intermediate electrode, and a pixel electrode formed on one of the pair of substrates. The liquid crystal display device also includes vertical alignment films formed on the pair of substrates and polymer layers formed on the vertical alignment films, wherein a contact hole, which connects the source electrode and the pixel electrode, and another contact hole, which connects the pixel electrode and the Cs intermediate electrode, are both formed at a liquid crystal domain boundary.
US07868977B2
Optical compensation elements include first phase plates and second phase plates, which have retardation in a front-plane direction. When a value Δn/Δnλ is set by normalizing a retardation amount Δn·d relating to light of each of wavelengths by a retardation amount Δnλ·d relating to light of a predetermined wavelength λ, a normalized value Δn/Δnλ in the first phase plate is greater than a normalized value Δn/Δnλ in a liquid crystal layer, and a normalized value Δn/Δnλ in the second phase plate is less than the normalized value Δn/Δnλ in the liquid crystal layer, with respect to light of wavelengths other than the predetermined wavelength.
US07868974B2
This invention provides a liquid crystal display device capable of allowing the color saturation of light reflected from a transflective type or a reflective type liquid crystal display device to be constant. In addition, According to the invention, the color filter is adjusted according to the distribution of the colors included in the light source such that the color saturation of images displayed in the reflective mode is constant. As a result, the images are clearly exhibited in the liquid crystal display device, and resolution of the color increases.
US07868966B2
A liquid crystal display device (LCD) includes a liquid crystal panel displaying an image; a first transparent plate disposed on the liquid crystal panel; a second transparent plate disposed underneath the liquid crystal panel; a support member supporting the second transparent plate and the liquid crystal panel; and a fixing member disposed on the first transparent plate, the fixing member coupled with the support member to fix the liquid crystal panel and the first and second transparent plates in place, and to protect the liquid crystal panel and the first and second transparent plates.
US07868963B2
An optical modulation element unit is disclosed which employs a film-type optical function member and a reflective optical modulation element and allows dust prevention for the reflective optical modulation element while preventing an increased number of parts other than optically required parts. The optical modulation element unit includes a light-transmissive substrate, a film-type optical function member attached to the light-transmissive substrate, a reflective optical modulation element separately placed from the light-transmissive substrate, a cover member which surrounds a space between the light-transmissive substrate and the reflective optical modulation element, and a holding member which holds the light-transmissive substrate. The holding member has a guide portion which guides an air flow to a space along a surface of the light-transmissive substrate, the surface being a surface on the side opposite to the reflective optical modulation element.
US07868962B2
A pixel circuit for a liquid crystal display panel includes a capacitor unit, a voltage-regulating mechanism, a first switching member, and a second switching member. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of scan lines and data lines. The voltage-regulating mechanism is coupled to the first and second liquid crystal capacitors thereby enabling the first and second liquid crystal capacitors to be configured with different voltages when a voltage is applied to the capacitor unit. The first switching member is coupled to the capacitor unit, one of two corresponding scan lines, and one of two corresponding data lines. The second switching member is coupled to the second liquid crystal capacitor, the other of two corresponding scan lines.
US07868956B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a first substrate, gate lines formed on the first substrate, data lines perpendicularly crossing the gate lines to define red, green, and blue (R/G/B) sub-pixels, thin film transistors (TFTs) disposed at each intersection where the gate lines cross the data lines, common lines disposed in parallel with the gate lines, the common lines including a common line capacitance (Cdc) control portion, pixel electrodes insulated from the common lines and connected to the TFTs, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates.
US07868954B2
An exemplary liquid crystal panel (400) includes a first substrate (401) having a common electrode layer (429), a second substrate (402) parallel to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer (403) between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer defines an active area (406) thereat. The second substrate includes common lines (440). Electrical coupling elements are disposed at the active area, so as to electrically couple the common electrode layer to the common lines.
US07868953B2
In a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display, an insulating layer for storage capacitors is reduced in thickness to increase the storage capacity while maintaining the aperture ratio in a stable manner. A thin film transistor array panel for the liquid crystal display includes an insulating substrate, and a gate line assembly and a storage capacitor line assembly formed on the insulating substrate. The gate line assembly has gate lines and gate electrodes. A gate insulating layer covers the gate line assembly and the storage capacitor line assembly. A semiconductor pattern is formed on the gate insulating layer. A data line assembly and storage capacitor conductive patterns are formed on the gate insulating layer overlaid with the semiconductor pattern. The data line assembly has data lines, source electrodes and drain electrodes. The storage capacitor conductive patterns are partially overlapped with the storage capacitor line assembly to thereby form first storage capacitors. A passivation layer covers the data line assembly, the storage capacitor conductive patterns and the semiconductor pattern. First and second contact holes are formed at the passivation layer while exposing the drain electrodes and the storage capacitor conductive patterns. Pixel electrodes are formed on the passivation layer while being connected to the drain electrodes and the storage capacitor conductive patterns through the first and the second contact holes. The pixel electrodes form second storage capacitors in association with parts of the storage capacitor line assembly.
US07868948B2
Disclosed herein is an image signal processing apparatus configured to convert an interlaced signal into a progressive signal, including: a first conversion unit; a second conversion unit; a decision unit; and a selection unit.
US07868946B2
A motion compensated interpolating method of adaptively generating a frame to be obtained by interpolating two frames according to features of a motion vector and an apparatus therefor. The adaptive motion compensated interpolating method includes estimating motion vectors (MV) by performing block-based motion estimation (ME) between adjacent frames, calculating gradients of the estimated MVs, classifying pixels of the adjacent frames into a plurality of image regions according to the gradients of the estimated MVs, and determining pixel values to be obtained by interpolating the adjacent frames by adaptively selecting pixels matched between the adjacent frames or the MV estimated between the adjacent frames for each classified image region.
US07868945B2
A function key assembly and a portable device having the same. The function key assembly is exposed to an outside of the portable device having a screen to allow a user to select various functions, includes a direction key unit provided in the portable device, and having a plurality of buttons to select or move a menu on the screen, a mode key unit movably provided around the direction key unit to allow the user to select a predetermined mode provided from the portable device according to a position motion thereof, and a circuit board provided inside the portable device to prevent the direction key unit and the mode key unit from being detached therefrom, and having switches to generate signals in response to an operation of the direction key unit and the mode key unit.
US07868943B2
An image pickup apparatus 100 includes a memory 52 that stores information on an object distance obtained from an interchangeable lens 220 mounted on the image pickup apparatus and a memory controller 50 that retains the information on the object distance in the memory also after the interchangeable lens is removed from the image pickup apparatus. The image pickup apparatus of a changing-lenses type in which an object in-focus at a same distance can be obtained in a short time when lenses are changed is provided.
US07868933B2
In an image capturing device structured of a camera module and a main body unit, information which can verify the authenticity of image data is superposed on the image data, and thereby the image capturing device is proposed in which the authenticity of the image data can be assured. Second control means (being a main control section) outputs first information which includes original verifying information to verify the authenticity of the image data, and first control means (being a sub-control section) superposes outputted first information and second information which the camera module has, onto the image data as an electrical watermark.
US07868931B2
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a data recording apparatus including: a first recording control unit configured to control recording of data on a first recording medium connected to the data recording apparatus; and a second recording control unit configured to control recording of data on a second recording medium connected to the data recording apparatus. In the data recording apparatus, the first recording control unit inhibits writing of data in a free space of a predetermined size included in the first recording medium when it is detected that the second recording medium is connected to the data recording apparatus, and permits writing of data in the free space when data cannot be recorded on the second recording medium.
US07868929B2
The present invention provides a white balance correcting method and image-pickup apparatus which are able to perform white balance correction on a main subject even if mixed light of flash light and ambient light is radiated on the main subject, as the method and the apparatus are adapted to correctly predict the amount of flash reached, which is the amount of light reached a main subject in the main emission, for performing white balance correction according to the predicted amount of light reached.
US07868924B2
An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing section for capturing an image; a person determining section for determining whether the image captured by the image capturing section includes any person; an input notification section for notifying a user that the person included in the image captured by the image capturing section should be inputted when the image determining section determines that the image includes the person; a personal identification information input section for causing the user to input personal identification information indicative of the person included in the image captured by the image capturing section by a predetermined timing after the input notification section notifies the user that the person included in the image captured by the image capturing section should be inputted; and an image storage section for storing the personal identification information inputted by the personal identification information input section in association with the image captured by the image capturing section when the personal identification information input section inputs the personal identification information.
US07868901B1
Embodiments of the present invention sets forth a method and system for reducing memory bandwidth requirements for an anti-aliasing operation. The first virtual coverage information for a pixel involved in an anti-aliasing operation is maintained in memory. If a certain operating condition of the anti-aliasing operation deterministically implies the second virtual coverage information for this pixel, the second virtual coverage information, as opposed to the first virtual coverage information, is used in the anti-aliasing operation. In such situations, since the virtual coverage information is implied, it does not have to be accessed from memory, thereby improving overall system performance.
US07868895B2
An apparatus has a first attribute setting unit which sets first attribute information of image data, a second attribute setting unit which sets second attribute information of the image data, and an input-output controller which writes and reads out image data to and from an external storage medium. The first attribute information is stored in the image data, and the second attribute information is stored in an area in the external storage medium, which is used to manage the image data to be written in the external storage medium.
US07868890B2
A display processor includes an interface unit, an instruction processor, a synchronization unit, at least one processing unit, and a device buffer. The interface unit receives input image data (e.g., from a main memory) and provides output image data for a frame buffer. The instruction processor receives instructions (e.g., in a script or list) and directs the operation of the processing unit(s). The synchronization unit determines the location of a read pointer for the frame buffer and controls the writing of output image data to the frame buffer to avoid causing visual artifacts on an LCD screen. The processing unit(s) may perform various post-processing functions such as region flip, region rotation, color conversion between two video formats (e.g., from YCrCb to RGB), up/down image size rescaling, alpha-blending, transparency, text overlay, and so on.
US07868885B2
A graphics system allows for manipulation of a detail mesh for a subdivision surface. To deform the subdivision surface, the graphics system generates a corresponding deformed control mesh by attempting to satisfy both position constraints of the manipulation and Laplacian constraints for the detail mesh. After the deformed control mesh is generated, the deformed detail mesh can be generated by applying a subdivision function to the deformed control mesh to generate a deformed smooth mesh and then applying detail information to the deformed smooth mesh.
US07868880B2
A display apparatus is disclosed. A display panel includes a plurality of display pixels arranged at intersections of a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of data lines. A scanning drive unit sequentially applies a scanning signal to each of the scanning lines and sets the corresponding display pixels to a selection state. A data drive unit generates a gradation signal corresponding to the display data and supplies the gradation signal to the display pixels. A power source drive unit supplies to the display pixels a drive voltage for controlling a drive state of each of the display pixels. A drive control unit controls the power source drive unit to operate to set the display pixels to a non-display operation state during a non-display period, and controls the scanning drive unit to operate to set the display pixels to the selection state during the non-display period.
US07868873B2
A smart surface is disclosed that can stand alone or be contained within a portable computer or other system, for powering and communicating with single or multiple cord-free transducers. Operating or charging power is transmitted by the surface using a carrier signal that is on/off keyed or amplitude modulated with synchronization, clock, enable, address, modes, commands and other pulse width, encoded or digital data. The signal is transmitted to single or multiple cordless smart transducers located on or above the surface, such as pens with multiple pressure sensing and switch capability, pointers, stylus, cursors, pucks, mouse, pawns, implements and similar items. Overlapping resonant inductive circuits are used in the surface to transmit operating power and communicate data to the transducer(s).
US07868867B2
A device of driving a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The display device includes a plurality of display circuits, a plurality of sensing circuits, and a plurality of data lines connected to the display circuits and the sensing circuits. The driving device includes: an image data driver converting image signals into image data signals and applying the image data signals to a first set of the data lines; a sensing signal processor receiving analog sensor data signals from a second set of the data lines and processing the sensor data signals to generate digital sensor data signals; and a signal controller receiving the image signals from an external device and controlling the image data driver and the sensing signal processor, wherein the image data driver, the sensing signal processor, and the signal controller are integrated in a single integrated circuit chip.
US07868856B2
A display has light emitting elements (2) arranged in rows and columns, with pixels in a column being supplied with current from a respective column power supply line (26). Target pixel drive currents are determined corresponding to desired pixel brightness levels based on a model of the pixel current-brightness characteristics. These are modified to take account of the voltage on the column power supply line (26) at each pixel resulting from the currents drawn from the column power supply line, and the dependency of the pixel brightness characteristics on the voltage on the column power supply line at the pixel. The invention addresses the problem of vertical cross-talk that occurs in active matrix LED displays due to the finite output impedance of the current providing TFTs as well as the finite resistance of metals used to form power supply lines.
US07868854B2
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of unit circuits that are provided in correspondence with intersections of the data lines and the scanning lines. Each of the data lines is supplied with a data voltage in accordance with a gray-scale level. Each of the scanning lines is supplied with a scanning signal that specifies a writing period during which the data voltage is being written into the corresponding unit circuits. Each of the plurality of unit circuits includes a driving transistor, an electro-optical element, a capacitive element, a power feed line, a first switching element and a second switching element. The driving transistor generates a driving current in accordance with an electric potential of a gate thereof. The electro-optical element generates light with a gray-scale level in accordance with the driving current that is generated by the driving transistor. The capacitive element has a first electrode and a second electrode that is connected to the gate of the driving transistor. The power feed line is supplied with a constant electric potential and is, during an initialization period that is different from the writing period, electrically connected to the second electrode. The first switching element conducts the gate of the transistor with the drain thereof at least during the initialization period. The second switching element switches between conduction and non-conduction between the data line and the first electrode on the basis of the scanning signal. The power feed line is arranged in a direction that intersects with the scanning lines.
US07868842B2
A dual polarization base station antenna producing a beam having 3 dB azimuth beamwidth of E(theta) within 5° of the 3 dB azimuth beamwidth of E(phi). The antenna also maintains E(theta) and E(phi) within 3 dB of each other over a wide beamwidth up to 120°, and over a wide bandwidth of 30% of the center frequency. The antenna achieves these performance characteristics through beam shaping structures connected to or located near the ground plane supporting the dipole antenna elements. By adjusting the locations and shapes of the beam shaping structures, specific antennas are designed to meet these design characteristics for different desired beamwidths, including 45°, 60°, 90° and 120°.
US07868830B2
A dual beam dual-selectable-polarization phased array antenna comprises an aperture unit, a printed wiring board, radiating elements, chip units, a pressure plate, and a rear housing unit. The printed wiring board has sub assemblies bonded to each other with a bonding material providing both mechanical and electrical connection. The printed wiring board is connected to the aperture unit. The radiating elements are formed on the printed wiring board. The chip units are mounted on the printed wiring board. The chip units include circuits capable of controlling radio frequency signals radiated by the radiating elements to form dual beams with independently selectable polarization. The pressure plate is connected to the aperture unit. The aperture unit is connected to the rear housing unit such that the aperture unit covers the rear housing unit.
US07868825B2
An apparatus for transforming a signal strength of a wireless positioning system is provided. The apparatus is adapted for eliminating the difference of signal strengths between different mobile communication apparatuses or different environments. The apparatus includes a location estimation circuit. The location estimation circuit is adapted to obtain a possible coordinate by calculating a first signal strength distribution received by a mobile communication apparatus. The possible coordinate and the first signal strength distribution are taken as training data for training a transforming module with an approximation algorithm. Accordingly, the present invention adopts a positive correlation index and the approximation algorithm for automatically training a transforming module for the mobile communication apparatus without using the information of chip model and location of mobile communication apparatus.
US07868824B2
A beamforming apparatus obtains the beamforming parameters that realize arbitrary desirable PSF by using optimization theories. The apparatus uses at least one of the beamforming parameters such as the intensities, frequencies, bandwidths and shapes of the signals transmitted by the transmitting unit, the filtering of noises, amplifications (gains) and shapes of the signals received by the receiving unit, delays of the directions of propagation and array used by the delay units, apodization functions of the directions of propagation and array used by the apodization units, the number of the additions of the signals by the addition unit, array element parameters such as element size or shape and how to implement the elements in transducers (e.g., connections by leads between the elements and with the surroundings), which are determined by the specified optimization process to realize the desirable PSF.
US07868823B2
A phased array antenna system with variable electrical tilt comprises an array of antenna elements etc. incorporating a divider dividing a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal into two signals between which a phase shifter introduces a variable phase shift. A phase to power converter converts the phase shifted signals into signals with powers dependent on the phase shift. Power splitters divide the converted signals into two sets of divided signals with total number equal to the number of antenna elements in the array. Power to phase converters etc. combine pairs of divided signals from different power splitters this provides vector sum and difference components with appropriate phase for supply to respective pairs of antenna elements etc. located equidistant from an array centre. Adjustment of the phase shift provided by phase shifter changes the angle of electrical tilt of the antenna array.
US07868822B2
Methods and apparatus of determining an integrity risk of a satellite reference system are provided. Galileo parameters according to the Galileo integrity concept are detected. The Galileo parameters are imaged onto satellite based augmentation system (SBAS) parameters used in the SBAS. The integrity risk of the satellite reference system is determined according to the SBAS integrity concept using the SBAS parameters.
US07868807B2
A data weighted average circuit is disclosed which includes a lookup unit and a storage unit. The invention uses a lookup table to speed up the circuit operation. Besides, the operation delay is not affected by various orders of the data weighted average circuit and various bit-widths of input data.
US07868805B2
A Digital-Analog (D/A) converter, a data driver and a flat panel display using the D/A converter and data driver includes a controller to generate a first control signal or a second control signal according to a bit value of data supplied thereto. A voltage generator is disposed between a first voltage and a second voltage, and includes a plurality of resistors for dividing the first voltage and the second voltage. First switches are coupled to respective nodes of the resistors. Capacitors are respectively coupled to the first switches, and are charged with turning-on or turning-off the first switches. Second switches are respectively coupled to the first switches, and transfer the first control signal or the second control signal to the first switches. Shift registers are respectively coupled to the second switches, and supply reset signals or shift signals.
US07868798B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for whitening quantization noise in a delta-sigma modulator using a dither signal. An input signal is quantized using a predictive delta-sigma modulator by quantizing the input signal using a quantizer; adding a dither signal at a first location of the predictive delta-sigma modulator; determining a quantization error associated with the quantizer; removing the dither signal at a second location of the predictive delta-sigma modulator (for example, by subtracting a substantially similar version of the dither signal at the second location); generating an error prediction value using an error predictive filter; and subtracting the error prediction value from the input signal. The dither signal may be a white noise signal and may optionally be generated using a pseudo-random number generator.
US07868795B2
A data converter for converting analog signals to digital signals, or for converting digital signals to analog signals is provided. In one embodiment, a production self-test is provided. In one embodiment, a high-speed lower-resolution method or mode for a data converter is provided. In one embodiment, a differential data converter with a more stable comparator common mode voltage is provided. In one embodiment, the input range of a digitally calibrated data converter is provided and maintained so that there is no loss in input range due to the calibration. In one embodiment, digital post-processing of an uncalibrated result using a previously stored calibration value is provided.
US07868794B2
Methods and apparatus to test and compensate multi-channel digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are described. In some examples, a multi-channel digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an error detector are implemented in an integrated circuit. The multi-channel DAC includes a first DAC channel configured to generate a first analog representation of a digital input signal, and a second DAC channel configured to generate a second analog representation of the digital input signal. The error detector is configured to compare the first analog representation and the second analog representation to generate a difference signal, and to output a signal indicative of whether the difference signal is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US07868793B2
The invention relates to methods and devices for binary coding and decoding by similarities for structured documents After having decomposed the data to code into a series of symbols, each item of data being at least partially represented by a symbol, and having selected at least one item of data to code, a search is carried out for a first sequence of symbols coded beforehand, identical to a second sequence of symbols to code, comprising a symbol representing a part of said data. Similarly, a search is carried out for a third sequence of symbols coded beforehand of which one symbol is distinct from the symbol corresponding to a fourth sequence of symbols to code comprising said symbol representing said part of said data. In response to the comparison of their coding efficiency, the second or the fourth sequence is coded.
US07868786B2
A location history is a collection of locations over time for an object. A stay is a single instance of an object spending some time in one place, and a destination is any place where one or more objects have experienced a stay. Location histories are parsed using stays and destinations. In a described implementation, each location of a location history is recorded as a spatial position and a corresponding time at which the spatial position is acquired. Stays are extracted from a location history by analyzing locations thereof with regard to a temporal threshold and a spatial threshold. Specifically, two or more locations are considered a stay if they exceed a minimum stay duration and are within a maximum roaming distance. Each stay includes a location, a starting time, and an ending time. Destinations are produced from the extracted stays using a clustering operation and a predetermined scaling factor.
US07868780B2
Individual probe management is accomplished in a measurement system by communicating configuration data to each probe based on that probe's received metadata. In one embodiment, the configuration data is sent from a server and the server does not keep track of the probe's configuration. The configuration data can be, for example, parameters used to directly configure the probe or software modules for running on the probe.
US07868778B2
Apparatus and a method for causing a printed display (poster, placard or promotional flier) to become interactive when a person points to part of the display. Behind the display a customized layout of capacitive proximity sensors printed with conductive inks on to a low-cost disposable, replaceable substrate (paper, plastic, cardboard) in alignment with visually significant features of the display is connected to proximity-sensing circuitry. Audio-visual or multimedia responses using pre-recorded or synthesized information are reproduced in event of a selection.
US07868776B2
A system is provided for adjusting settings of a power system device. In one embodiment, the setting adjusted is an identification setting of the power system device. The system generally includes an actuator having a select arrangement of magnets. A magnetic field sensor is provided for sensing the select arrangement of magnets. A microprocessor is coupled to the magnetic field sensor such that upon sensing the select arrangement of magnets by the magnetic field sensor, the microprocessor establishes an identification setting based upon the select arrangement. The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for adjusting settings of power system devices in harsh conditions, such as persistent in water.
US07868759B2
Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to bottom of the basket (BOB) item detection and provide a method, system and computer program product for high-contrast BOB item detection. In one embodiment of the invention, a shopping cart BOB item detection data processing system can include high contrast material applied in proximity to a shopping cart BOB; an optical sensor positioned to generate an image of the high contrast material; BOB detection logic and an alert disposed in proximity to a cash register at the check stand. The BOB detection logic can include program code enabled to analyze the image to detect either an obscuring or an obstruction of the high contrast material. As such, the alert can be operable to issue an alert responsive to the BOB detection logic detecting one an obscuring or an obstruction of the high contrast material.
US07868758B2
A passenger screening system including a first gradiometer, and a second gradiometer disposed adjacent the first gradiometer. The first and second gradiometers are each configured to operate at a first frequency and a second frequency to facilitate detecting the presence of an explosive material. A method of operating the passenger screening system is also described herein.
US07868743B1
An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.
US07868723B2
A power coupling device for coupling power to a rotating member includes a primary magnetic core defining a first recess, and a secondary magnetic core defining a second recess and disposed adjacent the primary magnetic core. The primary and secondary cores are arranged so as to form an air gap therebetween. The air gap permits relative rotation of the cores about a common axis of rotation. A primary conductive winding is disposed within the first recess, and a secondary conductive winding is disposed within the second recess. At least one of the primary and secondary windings is a fractional turn winding, thereby enabling the transfer of power between multiple input and output voltages. Shielding is provided by a pair of continuous, circular, semi-toroidal shells arranged to support the currents needed to cancel the fields from the transformer.
US07868709B2
To provide an oscillating current converter fabricated by utilizing the MEMS technology making it possible to further decrease the size yet improving the conversion efficiency.An oscillating current converter 1 fabricated by using the MEMS technology and comprising a cantilever 4 having an opening 5 formed on the distal end side thereof and is cantilevered on the proximal end side thereof, a coil 6 wound around the opening 5 of the cantilever 4, and a magnet 8 arranged so as to enter into the inside of the opening 5 of the cantilever 4, wherein the cantilever 4 oscillates to generate an induced electromotive force in the coil 6.
US07868699B2
The present invention is to provide a technique which optimizes a gate resistor of a bias circuit to thereby make it possible to greatly improve a distortion characteristic of a power amplifier. A bias circuit used as for biasing the gate of a final-stage power transistor is included in a power amplifier provided in a communication mobile system. In the bias circuit, an inductance and a resistor are series-connected between a power supply voltage and the gate of the power transistor. The resistance value of the resistor is set to approximately the same order as an input impedance of the power transistor. When the input impedance of the power transistor is about 10Ω or so, for example, the resistor is set to about a few Ω to about 100Ω. Thus, the gain of the power transistor at a low-frequency band can greatly be suppressed.
US07868696B2
Method and system for a highly efficient power amplifier utilizing dynamic baising and predistortion
Aspects of a method and system for a highly efficient power amplifier (PA) utilizing dynamic biasing and predistortion are presented. Aspects of the system may include a processor that enables computation of a value of a variable bias component of a bias current based on a bias slope value and an amplitude of an envelope input signal. The processor may enable computation of a value of the bias current based on the selected constant bias current component value and the variable bias current component value. A PA may enable generation of an output signal in response to a generated baseband signal by utilizing the bias current to amplify an amplifier input signal. The bias current may be generated based on the envelope input signal. A feedback signal may be generated based on the output signal, which may be used to predistort a subsequent baseband signal.
US07868695B2
A differential amplifier circuit at the input stage is configured with a twin differential type having a first differential amplifier circuit (11) and a second differential amplifier circuit (12), respective outputs of which are received by a first and a second source-grounded amplifier (M5, M10). The second source-grounded amplifier (M10) is connected to a current mirror circuit (M11, M12), which is driven by the drain current of the second source-grounded amplifier (M10). With this configuration, the dynamic range for the upper half portion of an alternating signal output from an output terminal (OUT) is determined by the current supply capability of the first source-grounded amplifier (M5) and the dynamic range for the lower half portion is determined by the current supply capability of the second source-grounded amplifier (M10). This eliminates the need of a constant current circuit of a large current for generating a signal having lower half portion in which the waveform distortion is improved.
US07868684B2
A semiconductor device includes a voltage step-up circuit and a control circuit. The voltage step-up circuit includes at least a first capacitor and a second capacitor which generate an internal power supply voltage. The control circuit controls the voltage step-up circuit. The control circuit connects the first and second capacitors in series to perform a first voltage step-up operation and connects the first and second capacitors in parallel to perform a second voltage step-up operation. The voltage step-up circuit generates a first stepped-up voltage in the first voltage step-up operation and generates a second stepped-up voltage in the second voltage step-up operation. The circuit area of the voltage step-up circuit with a plurality of stepped-up levels is reduced.
US07868678B2
Embodiments related to configurable differential lines are disclosed herein.
US07868675B2
A delay locked loop (DLL) of a semiconductor device has a relatively small area and low current consumption while having a function of correcting a duty ratio. The semiconductor device includes a split unit configured to receive and split a reference clock to output a first clock corresponding to a first edge of the reference clock and a second clock corresponding to a second edge, a voltage generation unit configured to generate a first voltage corresponding to a duty ratio of the first clock and a second voltage corresponding to a duty ratio of the second clock, a voltage comparison unit configured to compare levels of the first and second voltages with each other, and a clock delay unit configured to receive one of the first and second clocks to delay the received clock of which delay amount is determined in response to an output signal of the voltage comparison unit.
US07868671B2
A delay locked loop may include a period locked loop portion. The period locked loop portion may include a delay. The delay may include an even number of delay cells dependently connected in the form of a ring configured to generate an even number of delay clock signals. Transition of at least one delay clock signal of the even number of delay clock signals is configured to be controlled in response to an activated one first selecting signal of an even number of first selecting signals, and transition of the remaining clock signals is configured to occur in response to the at least one delay clock signal.
US07868660B2
A dual-wire communications bus circuit, compatible with existing two-wire bus protocols, includes a first and second part of the communications bus circuit to couple to a communications bus. The bus has a first line for carrying data signals from a master device to one or more slave devices and a second line to carry a clock signal between the devices. A pullup resistor is located in each part of the communications bus circuit; the pullup resistor in the first part couples to the first line of the communications bus and the pullup resistor in the second part couples to the second line of the communications bus. To improve data throughput and reduce noise, an active pullup device, working in conjunction with the pullup resistor, is located in each part of the communications bus circuit, providing a high logic level on at least one of the communications bus lines.
US07868659B2
The invention relates to an I/O buffer with twice the supply voltage tolerance using normal supply voltage devices. The I/O buffer of the invention includes a driver, a first level converter, a gate-controlled circuit and a dynamic source output stage. Signals of the I/O buffer are classified into a first voltage range and a second voltage range. The first voltage range is zero to the normal supply voltage, and the second voltage range is the normal supply voltage to twice the supply voltage. Therefore, the voltage between any two terminals of any of the transistors in the I/O buffer does not exceed the normal supply voltage so that the I/O buffer of the invention can transmit and receive signals with a voltage swing twice as high as the normal power supply voltage using normal supply voltage devices and without gate-oxide reliability problems.
US07868656B2
An apparatus for controlling a hot plug bus slot on a bus has an input for receiving a set of float signals (i.e., the set may have one or more float signals), and a driver having an output electrically couplable with the bus. The apparatus also has float logic operatively coupled with the input. The float logic is responsive to the set of float signals to cause the output to float at a high impedance in response to receipt of the set of float signals.
US07868655B2
Configurable time-borrowing flip-flops are provided for circuits such as programmable logic devices. The flip-flops may be based on a configurable delay circuit and two latches or may be based on a configurable pulse generation circuit and a single latch. In designs based on two latches, a first and a second latch are arranged in series. A clock signal is delayed using a configurable delay circuit. Programmable memory elements that have been loaded with configuration data may be used to adjust how much delay is produced by the configurable delay circuit. The delayed version of the clock signal is provided to a clock input associated with the first latch. The second latch has a clock input that receives the clock signal without delay. In designs based on a single latch, a configurable pulse generation circuit receives a clock signal for the flip-flop and generates a corresponding clock pulse for the latch.
US07868650B2
A termination control circuit for a global input/output line includes a speed determination unit configured to output a termination enable signal which is activated in response to a frequency of an external clock signal and CAS latency information; and a pulse generation unit configured to output a driving signal for driving a termination circuit for the global input/output line in response to a termination control signal and the termination enable signal.
US07868648B2
An on-die termination (ODT) circuit may include an ODT synchronous buffer and/or an ODT gate. The ODT synchronous buffer may be configured to generate a synchronous ODT command from an external ODT command in synchronization with a first clock signal delay-locked to an external clock signal. The ODT gate may be configured to generate signals for controlling ODT based on a second clock signal delay-locked to the external clock signal and the synchronous ODT command. The synchronous ODT command may be generated in a disabled period of the second clock signal.
US07868647B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of pads configured to receive a plurality of external signals, an internal circuit configured to perform a predetermined internal operation in response to one of the external signals that is inputted through one of the plurality of pads, and a signal transferring unit configured to receive the external signal, output the external signal to an internal circuit an output signal during a normal mode, and output a fixed signal regardless of changes in the external signal to the internal circuit in a test mode.
US07868643B2
An integrated circuit device comprises a first transistor having a gate coupled to an output of a first operational amplifier, a second transistor having a threshold voltage proportional to a threshold voltage of the first transistor, the second transistor having a gate coupled to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier, an output of the second operational amplifier coupled to an inverting input of the first operational amplifier, a first resistor coupled between the second transistor gate and the inverting input of the second operational amplifier, and a second resistor coupled between the output of the second operational amplifier and the inverting input of the second operational amplifier, a ratio of the second resistor to the first resistor selected based upon a ratio of a production distribution of a transistor source voltage offset to a production distribution of a transistor threshold voltage mismatch.
US07868640B2
A method and test circuit provide measurements to aid in the understanding of time-varying threshold voltage changes such as negative bias temperature instability and positive bias temperature instability. In order to provide accurate measurements during an early stage in the threshold variation, a current generating circuit is integrated on a substrate with the device under test, which may be a device selected from among an array of devices. The current generating circuit may be a current mirror that responds to an externally-supplied current provided by a test system. A voltage source circuit may be included to hold the drain-source voltage of the transistor constant, although not required. A stress is applied prior to the measurement phase, which may include a controllable relaxation period after the stress is removed.
US07868639B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing loopback testing of integrated circuits (“ICs”). In an embodiment of the invention, an IC can be tested on an undiced wafer by coupling a wireless transmitter of the IC to a wireless receiver of the IC. Core circuitry of the IC can be controlled to cause the transmitter to send at least one signal to the receiver. Upon receipt of the at least one signal, the receiver can send a signal to the core circuitry, which can determine, and possibly record, whether the transmission and receipt were successful. The invention advantageously facilitates efficient testing of unpackaged ICs at the wafer level.
US07868624B2
An approach is provided for correcting the feedback from electrical measurement converters to the device under test in the case of measurements in the high-frequency and/or microwave range. At least three measurements are implemented with respectively different input impedances of the measurement converter, and that the feedback-free measured value is then calculated from these.
US07868623B2
A detection circuit includes a detection terminal to which an alternating current signal from a physical quantity transducer is input, a detection current/voltage conversion amplifier circuit that converts the alternating current signal input through the detection terminal into a voltage signal, an evaluation terminal that supplies an evaluation voltage signal to the detection current/voltage conversion amplifier circuit, an input resistor that has a given resistance ratio with respect to a feedback resistor; and a switch circuit of the detection circuit provided in a signal path that connects the evaluation terminal and an input node of the detection current/voltage conversion amplifier circuit.
US07868620B2
The disclosure is related to detecting an electrostatic charge at a data storage device. The electrostatic charge can be detected and a data integrity management process can be implemented. In a particular embodiment, a method includes monitoring an electronic device having a data storage medium for an electrostatic event. The method also includes selectively performing a data integrity management process on the data storage medium when the electrostatic event is detected.
US07868612B2
In a magnetic sensor module, using die-bond resin as a joining material, a Z-axis magnetic sensor is mounted onto a substrate having a wire formed on its principal surface. The Z-axis magnetic sensor having electrode pads formed on its bottom surface is tilted by 90 degrees and mounted onto the substrate. Therefore, the electrode pads are positioned at a side surface thereof. A joining material accommodation area which the die-bond resin can fill is provided at the surface of the Z-axis magnetic sensor opposing the principal surface of the substrate. This joining material accommodation area has a grooved structure. At the surface of the Z-axis magnetic sensor opposing the principal surface of the substrate, the grooved structure is provided at an end portion near the wire formed on the substrate.
US07868607B2
A method is presented where the phase trace is offset for each sweep such that the first point is always at zero degrees. The resulting traces are then averaged. The average reduces the noise in the phase trace and results in a less noisy group delay trace.
US07868606B2
Improved process variation sensors and techniques are disclosed, wherein both global and local variations associated with transistors on an integrated circuit can be monitored. For example, respective circuits for sensing a global process variation, a local process variation between neighboring negative-channel type transistors, and a local process variation between neighboring positive-channel type transistors are disclosed. Further, in one example, a method for sensing a process variation associated with transistors on an integrated circuit includes providing at least one process variation sensor on the integrated circuit, the process variation sensor comprising a sensing portion including one or more transistors and a loading and amplification portion including one or more transistors, and operating the one or more transistors of the sensing portion and the one or more transistors of the loading and amplification portion in a subthreshold region of transistor operation such that when a threshold voltage of at least one of the transistors changes, a process variation is sensed.
US07868603B2
A feed-forward correction circuit in a PWM controller adjusts an error signal inversely with respect to a supply voltage for a switching voltage regulator to quickly compensate for changes or transients in the supply voltage. The adjusted error signal is provided to a PWM comparator to control a duty cycle of an output signal. The switching voltage regulator can be a DC-to-DC converter or a DC-to-AC converter, and the output signal is used to generate one or more driving signals to control semiconductor switches in the switching voltage regulator. The feed-forward correction circuit uses an offset compensation technique or a translinear circuit to maintain a substantially inverse product relationship between the supply voltage and the duty cycle of the output signal, thereby reducing overshoots and undershoots in a regulated output voltage of the switching voltage regulator.
US07868601B1
A system and method are disclosed for controlling a regulator circuit that outputs a plurality of radio frequency power amplifier bias voltages. A feedback loop is connected to the regulator circuit from the plurality of bias voltages that are output from the regulator circuit. The feedback loop comprises a demultiplexer circuit and a multiplexer circuit that are connected to the regulator circuit. The demultiplexer circuit and the multiplexer circuit each receive an enable signal and provide a feedback signal to the regulator circuit from the bias voltage that is associated with the received enable signal. The invention allows the regulator circuit to be configured as needed to provide different values of radio frequency power amplifier bias voltages.
US07868590B2
An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, MP3 player, audio component, battery charger, radio/charger, MP3 player/radio, MP3 player/charger, or MP3 player/radio/charger. The electrical component includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported by the housing. In some aspects, the electrical component is an audio component and the electrical circuit is an audio circuit. In other aspects, the electrical component is a battery charger and the electrical circuit is a charging circuit. In further aspects, the electrical component is an MP3 player and the electrical circuit is a MP3 circuit. In yet further aspects, the electrical component is an combination of any or all of a radio, battery charger, and MP3 player and the electrical component can include any combination or all of the audio, radio, and MP3 circuits. A battery may be connectable to the housing and electrically connectable the electrical circuit.
US07868588B2
A battery charging system which includes a main housing with a main chamber defined by a base, an end panel mounted on each end of the base, and a cover enclosing the end panels. At least one battery charging connector is connected to the housing. A power supply is connected to the at least one battery charging connector, where the power supply provides a battery charging electrical power to the at least one battery charging connector. The power supply has at least one heat generating electrical device. A tunnel is formed at least partially within the main chamber and extends between the end panels in the main chamber. At least one heat generating electrical device at least partially extends into the tunnel to be exposed to air in the tunnel to cool the heat generating electrical device.
US07868587B2
An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit 10, having a primary coil 12 and an electrical drive unit 14 which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device 30, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil 32 which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit 16 causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit 18 takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period. In dependence upon said one or more energy decay measures, the control unit controls the electrical drive unit so as to restrict or stop inductive power transfer from the primary unit.
US07868585B2
A wireless charging device which locates a portable electronic device for efficient charging while providing a secure, stable and usable platform for the portable electronic device.
US07868577B2
In order to simultaneously realize an improvement in disturbance suppression force of an electric motor control apparatus and vibration suppression of a load machine, a velocity control circuit receives a velocity command signal as a target value of velocity of an electric motor and a corrected velocity signal, obtained by correcting a velocity signal with a velocity correction signal, and outputs a torque command signal specifying target torque of the electric motor driving the load machine. A vibration suppression circuit outputs a velocity correction signal, based on an acceleration signal, indicating acceleration of the load machine. A transfer function from the acceleration signal to the torque command signal is obtained by multiplying a transfer function from a position signal, indicating position of the electric motor to the torque command signal, by a proportion characteristic having a specified gain and integration characteristic.
US07868552B2
A short arc lamp comprises a body portion made from an insulating material and having a curved reflective surface, in which a concave discharge space is formed; a pair of cathode and anode disposed at a focal point of the reflective surface with a gap; a support member connected to the cathode; and an electric supply ring connected to the support member, wherein a heat release member is provided on the anode or the support member or when a heat capacity of the cathode is A and that of the support member is B, a relationship of A and B is B/A>2.8.
US07868547B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the determination of analyte characteristics based upon binding properties using mass analysis and differential labeling reagents.
US07868545B2
It is made possible to provide a low-cost highly reliable display device which does not lose the flexibility of itself and which can transmit the allowable range of the flexibility to the user. A display device includes: a display part having a display face and being flexible; and a restriction part having a plurality of first convex parts to restrict a bending quantity of the display part.
US07868542B2
Provided is a light-emitting apparatus which can improve the light extraction efficiency without adversely influencing a functional layer of a light-emitting device and which includes a substrate; a light-emitting device formed on the substrate, the light-emitting device including: a first electrode formed on the substrate; an insulating member covering a periphery of the first electrode; and a functional layer formed on an exposed portion of the first electrode and including an emission layer; and a second electrode formed on the functional layer and the insulating member, in which a periodic structure is formed on a surface of the insulating member opposite to a substrate side, and an optical waveguide is formed between a bottom portion of the periodic structure and the first electrode or between the bottom portion of the periodic structure and the substrate.
US07868541B2
Provided is a white light emitting organic electroluminescent device, which includes a transparent substrate, a first element, and a second element, wherein the first element includes a first anode, a first element organic layer, and a reflective cathode sequentially disposed on a first substrate of the transparent substrate, and wherein the second element includes a second anode, a second element organic layer, and a transparent or translucent cathode sequentially disposed on a second surface of the transparent substrate.
US07868537B2
A light-emitting diode has a first electrode, a second electrode and a light-emitting layer. A receptor layer of an ion receptor has an affinity for ions of a first charge and is positioned between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer. A further layer includes immobile ions of a second charge and is positioned between the second electrode and light-emitting layer. The immobile ions initially have attached counterions of the first charge that move towards the receptor layer upon application of an electric field for capture by the receptor layer. Upon capture of the counterions, a concentration of immobilized ions of the first charge is formed at the first electrode yielding an ion gradient for injection of electrons and holes resulting in emission of light.
US07868531B2
A method for preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bundles for use in field emission devices (FEDs) includes forming a plurality of carbon nanotubes on a substrate, contacting the carbon nanotubes with a polymer composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, and removing at least a portion of the solvent so as to form a solid composition from the carbon nanotubes and the polymer to form a carbon nanotube bundle having a base with a periphery, and an elevated central region where, along the periphery of the base, the carbon nanotubes slope toward the central region.
US07868521B2
A method of fabricating a case accommodating a piezoelectric vibrating piece therein in a piezoelectric oscillator including the piezoelectric vibrating piece, including the steps of: applying deep drawing to a conductive plate member to shape the plate member in a nearly cylindrical shape with a bottom; pressing an inner surface of a bottom part of the plate member by a punch for step drawing while an outer surface of the bottom part is being abutted against a surface including an opening of a hole of a die having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom part, whereby a projecting portion is formed on the outer surface of the bottom part; and cutting the plate member having the projecting portion at a predetermined position on the opening side thereof, whereby a case in a nearly cylindrical shape with a bottom having the projecting portion is obtained.
US07868517B2
A Lamb wave resonator includes a piezoelectric layer, and a first electrode against a first face of the piezoelectric layer. The first electrode includes fingers and a contact arm, with each finger including a first side in contact with the contact arm and two other sides parallel to one another. Portions of the piezoelectric layer are at least partially etched between the two fingers to form a recess. The fingers are spaced apart from one another by a distance W calculated according to the following equation: W = n · va lateral f , with n ∈ N where, valateral is an acoustic propagation speed of Lamb waves, n is an order of a resonance mode of the Lamb waves, f is a resonance frequency of the Lamb wave resonator.
US07868509B2
It is an object to obtain a highly efficient and low-cost single-phase motor and a hermetic compressor employing the motor by producing the motor in a form that allows a proper material layout, with securing a magnetic path of a coreback of a stator iron core. According to the present invention, in a single-phase motor having a stator including a stator iron core formed by laminating a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets and provided with a slot and single-phase two-pole distributed windings composed of a main winding and an auxiliary winding contained in the slot, and a rotor placed through a gap on an inner circumference of the stator, at least five notches each having a roughly straight lined shape are provided on an outer circumference of the stator iron core, so that a quadrangle is formed by straight lines including four notches out of the at least five notches.
US07868507B2
A rotating electrical machine stator comprising an annular cylindrical body including axial grooves, and at least one phase winding including corrugated turns of wire, the phase winding comprising a first outer half-phase and a second inner half-phase which are radially superimposed, the first outer half-phase including outer leading-out wires projecting from the radial walls of the body and the second inner half-phase including outer leading-out wires projecting from the radial walls of the body. The invention is characterized in that for each phase winding, the wire length of each turn of the inner half-phase is greater than the wire length of each turn of the outer half-phase. The invention also concerns a phase winding designed to be mounted in such a rotor.
US07868493B2
A motor includes a base, a stator mounted to the base, a rotor rotatably coupled to the base, and a balancing member. The rotor includes a permanent magnet having a first magnetically conductive face with a first width in a radial direction. The balancing member includes an upper surface facing the permanent magnet. A magnetically conductive section is formed between the upper surface and the first magnetically conductive face. The balancing member further includes a magnetically attracting portion in the magnetically conductive section. The magnetically attracting portion includes a second magnetically conductive face having a second width in the radial direction. The second width is not greater than the first width. A magnetically attracting spacing is formed between the first and second magnetically conductive faces and in a range of 0.2-1.5 mm.
US07868492B2
A flexure for an electromagnetic nano-positioning linear actuator having a support and an actuating body, the flexure comprising: a first resilient end for attaching to the support; a second resilient end for attaching to the actuating body; and a substantially rigid intermediate portion located between the first resilient end and the second resilient end.
US07868490B2
When currents are applied to driving coils, electromagnetic forces are generated between the currents and magnetic fluxes passing through gaps, a shaft member is swung in one direction, and a tilt angle of a mirror (controlled object) changes relative to a support center point. Electromotive forces generated in detection coils when the magnetic fluxes pass through the detection coils are given as feedback signals to a control unit. The control unit generates currents on the basis of the feedback signals, and applies the currents to the driving coils. By detecting the velocity of the mirror during swinging with the detection coils, the structure of the actuator can be simplified. Further, the responsivity can be increased, and the tilt angle of the mirror can be detected with high accuracy.
US07868476B2
A system generating electrical power from wind includes a cowling to capture wind and directs it into a tubular housing. At least one fixed helical vane can be integrated into the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral, adapted to further direct the captured wind into a spiraled air flow and focus the wind directly onto electrical generator fan blades located near an exhaust of the system. A generator cone can be mounted at the front of the generator or fan blades facing air passing through the tubular housing. As air passes over the generator cone it can experience compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the air, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed air passes through the blades and exits the system's exhaust. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications.
US07868466B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: a first step of interposing a thermosetting anisotropic conductive material between a substrate and a semiconductor chip; a second step in which pressure and heat are applied between the semiconductor chip and the substrate, an interconnect pattern and electrodes are electrically connected, and the anisotropic conductive material is spreading out beyond the semiconductor chip and is cured in the region of contact with the semiconductor chip; and a third step in which the region of the anisotropic conductive material other than the region of contact with the semiconductor chip is heated.
US07868455B2
An integrated circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; and a metallization layer over the semiconductor substrate. The metallization layer includes a conductive line; a low-k dielectric region adjacent and horizontally spaced apart from the conductive line by a space; and a filler dielectric material filling at least a portion of the space, wherein the filler dielectric material and the low-k dielectric region are formed of different materials. The integrated circuit structure further includes a capping layer over and adjoining the filler dielectric material and the low-k dielectric region. The filler dielectric material has a dielectric constant (k value) less than a k value of the capping layer.
US07868453B2
Structure and methods of making the structures. The structures include a structure, comprising: an organic dielectric passivation layer extending over a substrate; an electrically conductive current spreading pad on a top surface of the organic dielectric passivation layer; an electrically conductive solder bump pad comprising one or more layers on a top surface of the current spreading pad; and an electrically conductive solder bump containing tin, the solder bump on a top surface of the solder bump pad, the current spreading pad comprising one or more layers, at least one of the one or more layers consisting of a material that will not form an intermetallic with tin or at least one of the one or more layers is a material that is a diffusion barrier to tin and adjacent to the solder bump pad.
US07868451B2
A resin sealing semiconductor device (2) having a structure in which a portion to be sealed of components including a plurality of chip mounting board, a semiconductor chip mounted to a front surface of each chip mounting board, and a plurality of leads provided correspondingly to each chip mounting board is embedded in resin molded portions (41 and 42) molded into a generally plate shape, and outer lead portions of the plurality of leads (16 and 17) are led out in line from a side surface at one end in a width direction of the resin molded portions, and back surfaces as exposed surfaces (11u1 to 11w1 and 12u1 to 12w1) of each chip mounting board are placed on one surfaces of the resin molded portions (41 and 42), wherein a plurality of positioning protrusions (50) are provided on one surfaces of the resin molded portions (41 and 42), and a protrusion height of the positioning protrusions is set so that a gap to be filled with insulating resin is formed between each part of the exposed surface of each chip mounting board and a radiator plate when the positioning protrusions (50) are abutted against the radiator plate.
US07868448B2
A modularly constructed electrical component having a module substrate, preferably, of Si, and having one or more preferably un-housed chips placed on the module substrate while being electrically connected thereto and each joined to the module substrate, e.g., by direct wafer bonding. A recess is provided in the module substrate so that a closed hollow space is formed when the chip is joined to the module substrate. The hollow space is not formed by a protective cap, which surrounds the chip and, with the module substrate, closes it on all sides. Rather it is formed by the joining of opposing contact areas of the chip underside and of the upper side of the module substrate. The component can be economically produced because it does not require a protective cap for creating the hollow space. The component has a higher yield than monolithic integration of the functional units.
US07868443B2
A vertical stack type multi-chip package is provided having improved reliability by increasing the grounding performance and preventing the decrease in reliability of the multi-chip package from moisture penetration into a lower semiconductor chip. The vertical stack type multi-chip package comprises an organic substrate having a printed circuit pattern on which a semiconductor chip is mounted. A first semiconductor chip is mounted on a die bonding region of the organic substrate and is electrically connected to the organic substrate through a first wire. A metal stiffener is formed on the first semiconductor chip and connected to the organic substrate by a first ground unit around the first semiconductor chip. An encapsulant is used to seal the first semiconductor chip below the metal stiffener. A second semiconductor chip, which is larger in size than that the first semiconductor chip, is mounted on the metal stiffener and connected by a second ground unit. The second semiconductor chip is connected to the organic substrate by a second wire. A mold resin seals the second semiconductor chip and a solder ball is bonded to a solder ball pad below the organic substrate.
US07868442B2
A layered chip package includes a plurality of layer portions stacked, each layer portion including a semiconductor chip having a first surface with a device formed thereon and a second surface opposite thereto. The plurality of layer portions include at least a pair of layer portions disposed such that the first surfaces of the respective semiconductor chips face toward each other. A manufacturing method for the layered chip package includes the steps of: fabricating a layered substructure by stacking a plurality of substructures each including a plurality of layer portions corresponding to the plurality of layer portions of the layered chip package; and fabricating a plurality of layered chip packages by using the layered substructure. The step of fabricating the layered substructure includes: fabricating a first and a second pre-polishing substructure each having a first surface and a second surface; bonding the pre-polishing substructures to each other such that their respective first surfaces face toward each other; and forming a first and a second substructure by polishing the second surfaces.
US07868438B2
Multi-chip package includes first through Nth semiconductor chips, each of which includes an input/output pad, an input/output driver coupled to the input/output pad, and an internal circuit. Each of the first through Nth semiconductor chips includes an internal pad for coupling the internal input/output driver and the internal circuit. The internal pads of the first through Nth semiconductor chips are coupled to each other such as via a common pad installed at a substrate. The input/output pad of the first semiconductor chip directly receives an input/output signal transmitted via a corresponding pin of the multi-chip package. The second through Nth semiconductor chips indirectly receive the input/output signal via the internal pads coupled to each other. The multi-chip package can improve signal compatibility by maintaining a parasitic load of a pin to at least the level of a single chip, when a signal is transmitted to the pin at high speed. Also, when a signal that is not necessarily transmitted at high speed is applied to a pin, semiconductor chips can be packaged according to the preexisting methods.
US07868436B2
A semiconductor device includes an insulator substrate mounted on a base plate, the insulator substrate having an upper electrode, semiconductor chips mounted on the insulator substrate, external terminals for establishing external electrical connections of the semiconductor device, wires for establishing electrical connections among the external terminals, the upper electrode and the semiconductor chips, a case accommodating the insulator substrate, the semiconductor chips, the external terminals and the wires which are sealed by a sealing material filled in the case, a lid for protecting an upper part of the sealing material, and an insulative low electrification covering fitted on each wire, the low electrification covering having a lesser tendency to produce an electric charge buildup than the sealing material.
US07868429B2
The micro-sensor for a micro image pick-up device includes a flexible circuit board and a circuit substrate. The flexible circuit board has an opening exposing an end of a plurality of metal wires. An image sensing device that electrically connected to a plurality of printed wires disposed on the circuit substrate. The circuit substrate is disposed at the opening of the flexible circuit board. The plurality of printed wires on the circuit substrate corresponds to and contacts the end of the plurality of metal wires exposed out of the flexible circuit board. With the design of the flexible circuit board, the steps of forming a plurality of wiring ducts on the circuit substrate and electrically connecting the printed wires of the circuit substrate by a plurality of connecting lines for transferring signals can be omitted.
US07868425B2
Provided is a technology capable of suppressing a reduction in electron mobility in a channel region formed in a strained silicon layer. A p type strained silicon layer is formed over a p type silicon-germanium layer formed over a semiconductor substrate. The p type strained layer has a thickness adjusted to be thicker than the critical film thickness at which no misfit dislocation occurs. Accordingly, misfit dislocations occur in the vicinity of the interface between the p type strained silicon layer and p type silicon-germanium layer. At a position which is below the end of a gate electrode and at which misfit dislocations occur, the impurity concentration of the n type strained silicon layer and n type silicon-germanium layer is 1×1019 cm−3 or less.
US07868424B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (11) and a semiconductor body (12) comprising a vertical bipolar transistor with an emitter region, a base region and a collector region (1, 2, 3) of, respectively, a first conductivity type, a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type and the first conductivity type, wherein the collector region (3) comprises a first sub-region (3A) bordering the base region (2) and a second sub-region (3B) bordering the first sub-region (3A) which has a lower doping concentration than the second sub-region (3B), and the transistor is provided with a gate electrode (5) which laterally borders the first sub-region (3A) and by means of which the first sub-region (3A) may be depleted. According to the invention the collector region (3) borders the surface of the semiconductor body (12), while the emitter region (1) is recessed in the semiconductor body (12), and the collector region (3) forms part of a mesa structure (6) formed at the surface of the semiconductor body (12). Such a device (10) has very favorable properties at high frequencies and high voltages and, moreover, is easy to manufacture. In a preferred embodiment the collector (3) comprises a nanowire (30) forming the mesa structure (6).
US07868421B2
Analog capacitors, and methods of fabricating the same, include a lower electrode having a lower conductive layer, a capacitor dielectric layer on the lower conductive layer, and an upper electrode on the capacitor dielectric layer to be opposite to the lower electrode, wherein the upper electrode includes at least an upper conductive layer in contact with the capacitor dielectric layer, wherein the upper conductive layer has a resistivity higher than that of the lower conductive layer.
US07868411B2
Provided are semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same. In the semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same, different insulating patterns are disposed around a cell gate pattern and a peripheral gate pattern to impose different heat budgets around the cell gate pattern and the peripheral gate pattern. For this purpose, a semiconductor substrate having a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region is prepared. First and second cell gate patterns are disposed in the cell array region. A peripheral gate pattern is disposed in the peripheral circuit region to be adjacent to the second cell gate pattern. Buried insulating patterns are disposed around the first and second cell gate patterns. Planarization insulating patterns are disposed around the peripheral gate pattern.
US07868408B2
A semiconductor photodetector device (PD1) comprises a multilayer structure (LS1) and a glass substrate (1) optically transparent to incident light. The multilayer structure includes an etching stop layer (2), an n-type high-concentration carrier layer (3), an n-type light-absorbing layer (5), and an n-type cap layer (7) which are laminated. A photodetecting region (9) is formed near a first main face (101) of the multilayer structure, whereas a first electrode (21) is provided on the first main face. A second electrode (27) and a third electrode (31) are provided on a second main face (102). A film (10) covering the photodetecting region and first electrode is formed on the first main face. A glass substrate (1) is secured to the front face (10a) of this film.
US07868407B2
There is disclosed a substrate comprising at least an organic film, an antireflection silicone resin film over the organic film, and a photoresist film over the antireflection silicone resin film, wherein the antireflection silicone resin film includes a lower silicone resin film and an upper silicone resin film which has lower silicon content than the lower silicone resin film. There can be provided a substrate comprising at least an organic film, an antireflection silicone resin film over the organic film, and a photoresist film over the antireflection silicone resin film, in which the antireflection silicone resin film has both excellent resist compatibility and high etching resistance at the time of etching the organic film, whereby a pattern can be formed with higher precision.
US07868396B2
A power semiconductor component includes a drift zone in a semiconductor body, a component junction and a compensation zone. The component junction is disposed between the drift zone and a further component zone, which is configured such that when a blocking voltage is applied to the component junction, a space charge zone forms extending generally in a first direction in the drift zone. The compensation zone is disposed adjacent to the drift zone in a second direction and includes at least one high-dielectric material having a temperature-dependent dielectric constant. The temperature dependence of the compensation zone varies in the second direction.
US07868395B2
A semiconductor device includes a fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a gate electrode section formed in a widthwise direction of the semiconductor layer with a gate insulation film interposed therebetween, the gate electrode section including a plurality of electrode materials having different work functions and stacked one another, and a channel section formed adjacent to the gate insulation film in the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor device further includes source and drain regions formed adjacent to the channel section.
US07868392B2
Integrated circuit comprising doped zones (3 to 8) formed in a substrate (1, 2), forming a parasitic thyristor structure with two parasitic bipolar transistors (T1, T2), the integrated circuit comprising two metallizations (16, 19) interconnecting each of the two corresponding doped zones (4, 5; 6, 7) of the integrated circuit, to reduce the base resistances (RP−, RP−) of the two bipolar transistors, at least one of the metallizations (16, 19) performed to reduce the base resistances (RN−, RP−) of the two bipolar transistors, being connected to a power supply metallization (15, 16) in the integrated circuit, entirely through the substrate (1, 2).
US07868391B2
A 3-D (Three Dimensional) inverter having a single gate electrode. The single gate electrode has a first gate dielectric between the gate electrode and a body of a first FET (Field Effect transistor) of a first doping type, the first FET having first source/drain regions in a semiconductor substrate, or in a well in the semiconductor substrate. The single gate electrode has a second gate dielectric between the gate electrode and a body of a second FET of opposite doping to the first FET. Second source/drain regions of the second FET are formed from epitaxial layers grown over the first source/drain regions.
US07868389B2
One or more impurities may be incorporated within a metal-containing layer of a metal-containing gate electrode to modify the work function of the metal-containing gate electrode of a transistor can affect the threshold voltage of the transistor. In one embodiment, the impurity can be used in a p-channel transistor to allow the work function of a metal-containing gate electrode to be closer to the valence band for silicon. In another embodiment, the impurity can be used in an n-channel transistor to allow the work function of a metal-containing gate electrode to be closer to the conduction band for silicon. In a particular embodiment, a boron-containing species is implanted into a metal-containing layer within the metal-containing gate electrode within a p-channel transistor, so that the metal-containing gate electrode has a work function closer to the valence band for silicon as compared to the metal-containing gate electrode without the boron-containing species.
US07868383B2
An integrated circuit (IC) device including a substrate, a plurality of device layers formed over the substrate, and a plurality of multi-level revision (MLR) structures that generate a revision code indicative of device revisions. Each MLR group structure includes a number of MLR cells and includes a parity circuit having a number of inputs coupled to the outputs of the MLR cells and having an output to generate a corresponding bit of the revision code. The MLR cells in each MLR group structure are assigned to different device layers, and each device layer is assigned to one MLR cell in each MLR group structure. Each revision code bit is controllable by any MLR cell in the corresponding MLR group structure.
US07868380B2
A fin field effect transistor (fin FET) is formed using a bulk silicon substrate and sufficiently guarantees a top channel length formed under a gate, by forming a recess having a predetermined depth in a fin active region and then by forming the gate in an upper part of the recess. A device isolation film is formed to define a non-active region and a fin active region in a predetermined region of the substrate. In a portion of the device isolation film a first recess is formed, and in a portion of the fin active region a second recess having a depth shallower than the first recess is formed. A gate insulation layer is formed within the second recess, and a gate is formed in an upper part of the second recess. A source/drain region is formed in the fin active region of both sides of a gate electrode.
US07868372B2
A method for forming a depletion-mode single-poly electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a floating region and a control region. Then, an isolation deep well and a deep well are formed in the floating region and the control region of the substrate respectively. A well region is formed in the isolation deep well simultaneously with forming an isolation well region between the isolation deep well and the deep well in the substrate. A depletion doped region and a cell implant region are formed at the well region of the substrate and the deep well of the substrate respectively. A floating gate structure is formed across over the floating region and the control region. An implantation process is performed to form a source/drain region and a heavily doped region in the depletion doped region and the cell implant region respectively.
US07868370B2
A nonvolatile memory integrated circuit has a semiconductor substrate and a nonvolatile memory device on the semiconductor substrate. The device has a transistor and a capacitor on the semiconductor substrate, and a shared floating gate connecting the gate regions of the transistor and the capacitor. The transistor has at least a doping region defining the source and drain regions, as well as three other doping regions overlapping the source and drain regions. Also disclosed are a nonvolatile memory circuit with multiple such nonvolatile memory device, and methods for making the nonvolatile memory circuit with one or more such nonvolatile memory devices.
US07868357B2
A gate driver-on-array structure for using in a display panel including first conductive patterns, semiconductor patterns, second conductive patterns, third conductive patterns, first electrode line, and first connectors is provided. The first conductive patterns, the second conductive patterns, the semiconductor patterns and the third conductive patterns together form a plurality of thin film transistors. The first electrode line is located at a side of the first conductive patterns and spaced from the first conductive patterns by a first distance. The first connectors are connected to the corresponding first conductive patterns and the first electrode line.
US07868355B2
A hetero field effect transistor includes: a main semiconductor region including a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer formed thereon to allow a generation of a two-dimensional carrier gas layer of a first conductive type on a heterojunction interface therebetween; a source electrode formed on the main semiconductor region; a drain electrode formed on the main semiconductor region and separated from the source electrode; a third semiconductor layer of a second conductive type different from the first conductive type, the third semiconductor layer being formed on the second semiconductor layer and located between the source electrode and the drain electrode; and a gate electrode formed on the third semiconductor layer. A concave portion is formed in an upper surface of the second semiconductor layer at a region immediately below the gate electrode.
US07868354B2
GaN-based heterojunction field effect transistor (HFET) sensors are provided with engineered, functional surfaces that act as pseudo-gates, modifying the drain current upon analyte capture. In some embodiments, devices for sensing nitric oxide (NO) species in a NO-containing fluid are provided which comprise a semiconductor structure that includes a pair of separated GaN layers and an AlGaN layer interposed between and in contact with the GaN layers. Source and drain contact regions are formed on one of the GaN layers, and an exposed GaN gate region is formed between the source and drain contact regions for contact with the NO-containing fluid. The semiconductor structure most preferably is formed on a suitable substrate (e.g., SiC). An insulating layer may be provided so as to cover the semiconductor structure. The insulating layer will have a window formed therein so as to maintain exposure of the GaN gate region and thereby allow the gate region to contact the NO-containing fluid. Electrical contact pads are preferably provided in some embodiments so as to be in electrical contact with the source and drain contact regions, respectively. Electrical leads may thus be connected to the contact pads. According to other embodiments, the NO detection device will include a metalloporphyrin adsorbed on the GaN gate region.
US07868353B2
A monolithic switching device including a main semiconductor region configured to provide a current-carrying channel as in the form of two-dimensional electron gas. Disposed symmetrically on a surface of the main semiconductor region are two main electrodes to be coupled to an electric circuit for switching control, two gate electrodes for individually controlling current flow between the main electrodes through the current-carrying channel, and two diode-forming electrodes electrically connected respectively to the two main electrodes. The device operates in either Switch On Mode, Switch Off Mode, Negative Current Mode, or Positive Current Mode depending upon voltages applied to the two gate electrodes.
US07868344B2
A nitride semiconductor LED comprises a substrate; an n-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the substrate; an active layer formed on a predetermined region of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer; a p-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the active layer; a p-electrode formed on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer; and an n-electrode formed on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer in which the active layer is not formed. The p-electrode and n-electrode are formed to have such a multilayer structure that an ohmic contact layer, a compound layer containing aluminum or silver, and a degradation preventing layer are sequentially laminated.
US07868338B2
A liquid crystal display array board includes a plurality of gate wiring lines formed on a substrate and a plurality of data wiring lines crossing the plurality of gate wiring lines, a plurality of thin film transistors formed in areas defined by crossings of the gate wiring lines and the data wiring lines, a plurality of storage capacitor first electrodes that run parallel to the gate wiring lines and patterned to have concavo-convex patterns, a plurality of storage capacitor second electrodes integrated with the drain electrodes of the thin film transistors and formed on the storage capacitor first electrodes, and a plurality of pixel electrodes electrically connected to the drain electrodes.
US07868330B2
An organic electro luminescence display device having a plurality of anode electrodes which are disposed in parallel to a substrate, formed of a transparent conductive material and electrically separated from each other; a first conductive light shielding pattern formed along a first side of each of the anode electrodes; and a second conductive light shielding pattern formed along a second side of each of the anode electrodes.
US07868326B2
A novel field-effect transistor is provided which employs an amorphous oxide. In an embodiment of the present invention, the transistor comprises an amorphous oxide layer containing electron carrier at a concentration less than 1×10−18/cm3, and the gate-insulating layer is comprised of a first layer being in contact with the amorphous oxide and a second layer different from the first layer.
US07868324B2
By doping an organic compound functioning as an electron donor (hereinafter referred to as donor molecules) into an organic compound layer contacting a cathode, donor levels can be formed between respective LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) levels between the cathode and the organic compound layer, and therefore electrons can be injected from the cathode, and transmission of the injected electrons can be performed with good efficiency. Further, there are no problems such as excessive energy loss, deterioration of the organic compound layer itself, and the like accompanying electron movement, and therefore an increase in the electron injecting characteristics and a decrease in the driver voltage can both be achieved without depending on the work function of the cathode material.
US07868315B2
A phase change memory device including plural memory cells is disclosed. Each of the memory cells includes memory transistors and phase change film portions formed above or below the memory transistors. The phase change film portions correspond to the respective memory transistors respectively. Vias are provided in order to connect each of the memory transistor in parallel to each of the phase change film portions in each of the memory cells. The vias connect the memory cells in series to one another.
US07868314B2
A phase change memory device and fabricating method are provided. A disk-shaped phase change layer is buried within the insulating material. A center via and ring via are formed by a lithography. The center via is located in the center of the phase change layer and passes through the phase change layer, and the ring via takes the center via as a center. A heating electrode within the center via performs Joule heating of the phase change layer, and the contact area between the phase change layer and the heating electrode is reduced by controlling the thickness of the phase change layer. Furthermore, a second electrode within the ring via dissipates the heat transmitted to the contact interface between the phase change layers, so as to avoid transmitting the heat to the etching boundary at the periphery of the phase change layer.
US07868311B2
A phase change memory and method for fabricating the same are provided. The phase change memory element includes: a substrate; rectangle-shaped dielectric patterns formed on the substrate and parallel with each other; electric conductive patterns partially covering a first sidewall and the top surface of the dielectric pattern and the substrate to expose the first sidewall and a second sidewall of the dielectric pattern, wherein the electric conductive patterns covering the same dielectric pattern are apart from each other; a phase change spacer formed on the substrate and directly in contact with the exposed first and second sidewalls of the dielectric patterns, wherein the two adjacent electric conductive patterns covering the same dielectric pattern are electrically connected by the phase change spacer; and a dielectric layer formed on the substrate.
US07868309B2
In a radiation detecting system including a first electrode which is imparted with a positive bias and permeable to a recording electromagnetic wave carrying thereon image information, a recording photoconductive layer which generates electric charges in response to receipt of projection of the recording electromagnetic wave, an organic polymer layer provided between the first electrode and the recording photoconductive layer, and a second electrode which is provided on the side of the recording photoconductive layer opposite to a side where the first electrode is provided and being for recording the image information by storing electric charges generated in the recording photoconductive layer upon projection of the recording electromagnetic wave, the organic polymer layer includes a hole blocking material.
US07868308B2
A fine pattern which includes servo patterns, each constituted by servo elements, and groove patterns, each for separating adjacent data tracks, is formed on a substrate applied with a resist and placed on a rotation stage by scanning an electron beam on the substrate. While rotating the substrate in one direction, the electron beam is scanned so as to completely fill servo elements corresponding to a plurality of tracks one by one during one rotation of the substrate by X-Y deflecting the electron beam and vibrating back and forth in the radius direction. Each groove pattern is set as a line-up of a plurality of groove elements divided at a predetermined angle, and groove elements corresponding to the plurality of tracks following the writing of the servo elements are sequentially written by deflection scanning the electron beam largely in a circumferential direction during the same rotation.
US07868307B2
A charged particle beam exposure apparatus for transferring a pattern onto a surface of a target, comprising a beam generator comprising a plurality of n changed particle sources, substantially in one plane, each source adapted for generating a charged particle beam, a first aperture array, comprising a plurality of groups of apertures, each group of apertures aligned with one source, for splitting each beam up into a plurality of beamlets m, thus resulting in a total of n×m beamlets, and a deflector array, comprising a plurality of groups of deflectors, each group of deflectors aligned with one source and one group of apertures, each deflector in a group aligned with an aperture of the corresponding group, and each group of deflectors operable for asserting a collimating influence on its corresponding beam.
US07868305B2
A technique for ion beam angle spread control is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for ion beam angle spread control. The method may comprise directing one or more ion beams at a substrate surface at two or more different incident angles, thereby exposing the substrate surface to a controlled spread of ion beam incident angles.
US07868304B2
A method for removal of deposition on a radiation collector of a lithographic apparatus includes providing a gas barrier to an end of a radiation collector, thereby providing a radiation collector enclosure volume; providing a gas to the enclosure volume, the gas selected from a halogen containing gas and a hydrogen containing gas; and removing at least part of the deposition from the radiation collector. A lithographic apparatus includes a radiation collector; a circumferential hull enclosing the radiation collector; a gas barrier at an end of the radiation collector, thereby providing a radiation collector enclosure volume. The radiation collector is enclosed by the circumferential hull and the gas barrier. An inlet provides a gas to the radiation collector enclosure volume and an outlet removes a gas from the radiation collector enclosure volume.
US07868302B2
A particle based optical diode having at least two cavities or at least two regions of a single cavity, wherein the regions contain different types of particles.
US07868291B2
The condition of a glazing panel (2) is investigated using a viewing device (1) to view an illuminating electromagnetic radiation profile at a target zone. Data relating to the viewed radiation profile is compared to datum data, to produce an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone.
US07868290B2
A material processing system for processing a work piece is provided. The material processing is effected by supplying a reactive gas and energetic radiation for activation of the reactive gas to a surrounding of a location of the work piece to be processed. The radiation is preferably provided by an electron microscope. An objective lens of the electron microscope is preferably disposed between a detector of the electron microscope and the work piece. A gas supply arrangement of the material processing system comprises a valve disposed spaced apart from the processing location, a gas volume between the valve and a location of emergence of the reaction gas being small. The gas supply arrangement further comprises a temperature-adjusted, especially cooled reservoir for accommodating a starting material for the reactive gas.
US07868285B2
An array-type light receiving device includes a first light collector, a second light collector configured to receive light collected by the first light collector, and a light receiver configured to receive light collected by the second light collector. The first light collector has a spherical shape, the second light collector has a high refractive index portion and a low refractive index portion, and the high refractive index portion has one of a cylindrical shape and a polygonal prismatic shape.
US07868283B2
A physical-quantity detection device includes at least two semiconductor substrates exchanging a pixel signal read from a pixel-array section including pixels, disposed in a two-dimensional matrix, for converting a physical quantity given from outside into an electrical signal. The two semiconductor substrates have a plurality of terminals connected in parallel and arranged with duplicate pitches with each other in the same direction as a row direction of the pixel-array section, one of the semiconductor substrates transmits the pixel signal to the other of the semiconductor substrates in parallel through the terminals connected in parallel, and the other of the semiconductor substrates scans the transmitted pixel signal to input the signal to a next stage circuit.
US07868273B2
In order to make it possible to direct sufficient microwave energy at a target with an electronic device which is to be interfered with or to be destroyed, the beams (7) from at least two antenna arrays (10) are focused on an effective area (8) in the vicinity of that target, preferably from a vehicle (3) which is equipped with these arrays (10). For effective super-imposition of the emitted microwave energy (7) in the emission direction of in each case one of the arrays (10), the use of an arc for discharging the capacitance (43) of the resonator via its spark gap (13) is observed, and is recorded quasi-continuously optoelectronically. The electrode separation of the spark gap (13) or the fluid pressure of the dielectric in the vicinity of the spark gap (13) is then varied by control elements such that all of the spark gaps (13) in an array (10) ignite virtually at the same time, so that their discharge current pulses which lead to the emission of the microwave energy (7) start virtually in phase.
US07868272B2
In an external heating type induction heating device in which a magnetic field producing means is arranged in the outer circumferential portion of a heating roller 1, two heat generating layers, namely a conductive shaft 1a and a surface heat generating layer 1c, are provided in the heating roller 1, and the surface heat generating layer 1c is formed having a thickness through which passes a portion of an alternating magnetic field, and the conductive shaft 1a at a center of the heating roller 1 is heated by a portion of the alternating magnetic field produced by the magnetic field producing means passing through the surface heat generating layer 1c to link to the conductive shaft 1a present at the center of the roller, thereby preventing a drop in a surface temperature of the heating roller 1.
US07868270B2
A temperature control method is used for controlling a temperature of a hot plate, so that a measured temperature of the hot plate conforms to a target temperature thereof, in a heat processing apparatus for performing a heat process on a substrate placed on the hot plate, which is used in a coating/developing system for applying a resist coating onto the substrate to form a resist film and then performing development on the resist film after light exposure. The method includes acquiring adjustment data necessary for adjusting a reaching time defined by a time period for increasing the temperature of the substrate from a first temperature around an initial temperature to a second temperature around the target temperature; and adjusting the target temperature by use of the adjustment data thus acquired, after starting the process on the substrate.
US07868268B1
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves there through. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shockwaves. The method includes applying a liquid energy-absorbing overlay, which is resistant to erosion and dissolution by the transparent water overlay and which is resistant to drying to a portion of the surface of the solid material and then applying a transparent overlay to the coated portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave. Advantageously, at least a portion of the unspent energy-absorbing overlay can be reused in situ at a further laser treatment location and/or recovered for later use.
US07868265B2
An electrode wire for wire electric discharge machining includes a binary alloy of copper and zinc. The electrode wire is manufactured by hot-extruding an alloy including copper and zinc at a predetermined ratio and then cold-drawing and annealing the hot-extruded alloy, and α phase crystals and β′ phase crystals uniformly exist.
US07868264B2
A system and method are disclosed for sorting mail pieces that may include both standard and higher class mail. The mail pieces are for delivery to various addresses, and the present invention postpones delivery to some addresses if those addresses are receiving insufficient mail. According to this method, data is collected about each mail piece, and that data for each mail piece is associated with a respective holder that holds the mail piece. Mail is withheld from immediate delivery if the collected data associated with the holder indicates that the mail piece is standard class having a non-immediate delivery deadline, provided that the collected data associated with other holders indicates that there are no other pieces having the same address and having either a higher class or an immediate delivery date.
US07868241B2
A synthesizer 10 is configured such that when a PC 30 is connected thereto, the synthesizer 10 accepts selection of a tone used for sound generation from among a tone included in an internal tone generation unit 16 and a tone included in a tone generation module 312 provided by the external PC 30, and causes the PC 30 to enable the function of the tone generation module 312, downloads an edit operation accepting program corresponding to the tone generation module 312 from a UI control program memory 315 of the PC 30, and executes the downloaded edit operation accepting program to thereby realize a function of editing data of the tone included in the tone generation module 312, the data being stored in the PC 30, when the tone included in the tone generation module 312 of the PC 30 is selected.
US07868239B2
Method for providing an overview of pieces of music, comprising: providing at least two pieces of music; determining at least two sections of said pieces of music, wherein one of said sections is determined from one of said pieces of music and another of said sections is determined from another of said pieces of music; and arranging said sections in a sequence.
US07868235B2
A bridge system for connection to the instrument body of a stringed instrument, the bridge system including at least one bridge piece configured to contact at least one string of the stringed instrument and a ramp-shaped height and tone adjustment bar between the bridge piece and the instrument body. An adjustment mechanism translates the bridge piece with respect to the height and tone adjustment bar to raise and lower the string and to provide contact between the bridge piece and the height and tone adjustment bar.
US07868220B2
Degradation of phosphate esters, particularly neurotoxins and pesticides, is performed using metallocene derivatives, more particularly molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. A metallocene derivative is hydrolyzed and then reacted with a phosphate ester. The preferred metallocene derivatives are molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. The phosphate esters can include, but are not limited to, VX, VE, VG, VM, GB, GD, GA, GF, parathion, paraoxon, triazophos, oxydemeton-methyl, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl, representing both chemical warfare agents as well as pesticides and insecticides.
US07868216B2
A process for producing high purity propylene comprises: a step for dimerizing ethylene to 1-butene; a step for hydroisomerizing 1-butene to 2-butenes; and a step for metathesis of 2-butenes by ethylene. Advantageously, the ethylene used to produce the 1-butene and ethylene for metathesis derive from a steam cracking unit. To increase propylene production, the process can use a steam cracking or FCC C4cut as an additional butene source.
US07868202B2
The object of the invention is to provide a method for producing (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylic acid by gas phase catalytic oxidation reaction, which can perform smooth temperature control of the heat medium, can prevent hot spot effectively and can be handled easily, and an apparatus.The invention are a method for producing (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylic acid by carrying out gas phase catalytic oxidation reaction of propane, propylene, isobutylene or (meth)acrolein with an oxygen-containing gas using an inorganic salt as a reaction temperature adjusting heat medium, characterized in that the material of a gland packing member which seals body part of a regulating valve arranged on a heat medium feeder and controlling supply and circulation velocity of the heat medium and a rotation axis that interfits to the body part, in such a manner that they can perform sliding, is a mica-based material, and a production apparatus.
US07868198B2
A multi-functional silsesquioxane, method of making the same, and coatings incorporating the same, including a polyhedral silsesquioxane including at least one first face and at least one second face that is spaced apart from the at least one first face; at least one first functionality bonded to the at least one first face; and at least one second functionality different from the first functionality, and being bonded to the at least one second face. In one particular respect, silica for the silsesquioxane may be derived from rice hull ash via an octa(tetramethylammonium)silsesquioxane octaanion.
US07868189B2
An organic dye used in a dye-sensitized solar cell is described, having general formula (1): D-Sp1-Ch-Sp2-Acc-Y (1) wherein the groups D, Ch, Acc and Y are conjugate with each other, the group D is a donor group, the group Ch is a chromophore rendering low HOMO-LUMO gap or a polyaromatic chromophore, the group Acc is an acceptor group, the group Y is an anchoring group, and each of Sp1 and Sp2 represents a single bond or a spacer group allowing conjugation between the groups D and Ch or between the groups Ch and Acc.
US07868179B2
The invention relates to novel thiazolylbiphenylamides of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the disclosure, to a process for preparing these compounds and to their use for controlling unwanted micro-organisms.
US07868175B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, n, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, W, and A are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US07868169B2
Provided is a crystalline rosuvastatin intermediate and processes for preparation thereof.
US07868168B2
Increasing the molecular length of xanthan polymer makes a higher viscosity xanthan composition. Xanthan with higher specific viscosity characteristics provides more viscosity at equivalent concentration in food, industrial and oilfield applications. Methods for increasing the viscosity of xanthan include inducing particular key genes and increasing copy number of particular key genes.
US07868167B2
The production of a diutan polysaccharide exhibiting increased viscosity properties as compared with previously produced polysaccharide of the same type of repeating units. Such an improved diutan polysaccharide is produced through the generation of a derivative of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 53159 that harbors a multicopy broad-host-range plasmid into which genes for biosynthesis of diutan polysaccharide have been cloned. The plasmid provides the capability within the host Sphingomonas strain to produce multiple copies of genes for such polysaccharide synthesis. In such a manner, a method of not just increased production of the target diutan polysaccharide, but also production of a diutan polysaccharide of improved physical properties (of the aforementioned higher viscosity) thereof is provided. Such a diutan polysaccharide has proven particularly useful as a possible viscosifier in oilfield applications and within cement materials. The inventive methods of production of such an improved diutan polysaccharide, as well as the novel cloned genes required to produce the improved diutan within such a method, are also encompassed within this invention. Additionally, the novel engineered Sphingomonas strain including the needed DNA sequence is encompassed within this invention.
US07868165B2
A process for the isolation of low-molecular weight aminoglycan compound of formula I made up of alternating glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine units; from a hitherto unexploited natural source of waste egg shells; which process comprises the steps of: wherein M may be at one or more instances Na, Ca, K, Mg: and n is an integer between 20 and 40: (a) pre-preparation of the waste egg-shells for extraction of the embryonic low molecular weight aminoglycan compound of formula I using a polar organic solvent in water; (b) extraction of the low molecular weight aminoglycan compound of formula I as its water soluble salt using an aqueous polar salt solution; (c) isolation of a purified low molecular weight aminoglycan compound of formula I by gel formation out of the aqueous salt mixture by using a polar organic solvent followed by filtration or centrifuging; (d) stabilization of the isolated aminoglycan extract by sequential introduction of organic oils into a semi-dried gel to form the aminoglycan compound of formula I.
US07868162B2
The present invention provides protonated compounds having antiviral and antimicrobial activity. The invention also provides antimicrobial compositions comprising protonated compounds of the invention. The protonated compounds of the invention provide efficacious antimicrobial activity against resistant strains of bacteria and opportunistic fungi. The invention also provides antiviral compositions comprising compounds of the invention. Viruses that may be treated by compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, HIV, HSV, CMV, HBV, HCV and influenza virus.
US07868161B2
A method of detecting a target nucleic acid is disclosed, the method comprising detecting the presence of a fluorescent covalent crosslinked product from non-fluorescent precursors. The fluorescent covalent crosslinked product comprises a novel fluorophore structure. Also described are methods of synthesizing probe molecules that can form fluorescent covalent crosslinked products with nucleic acid targets and arrays comprising such probes.
US07868158B2
The present invention relates to regulation of antigen presentation by cytokine signaling regulators in antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells. The invention provides methods of modulating antigen presentation through modulation of cytokine signaling regulators, such as SOCS (SOCS1-7, CIS), SHP (SHP-1 and SHP-2) or PIAS (PIAS1, PIAS3, PIASx and PIASy). The present invention provides vaccines and therapies in which antigen presentation is enhanced through modulation of cytokine signaling regulators. The present invention also provides a mechanism to break self tolerance in tumor vaccination methods that rely on presentation of self tumor antigens.
US07868157B2
The invention provides a novel class of fluorescent compounds. Also provided are conjugates of the fluorescent compounds, methods of using the fluorescent compounds and their conjugates as well as kits including the fluorescent compounds and their conjugates.
US07868156B2
The present invention relates to novel seed specific promoter regions. The present invention further provide methods of producing proteins and other products of interest and methods of controlling expression of nucleic acid sequences of interest using the seed specific promoter regions. The present invention also provides methods of identifying and isolating novel seed specific promoters.
US07868154B2
The present invention relates to the promoter of interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), to its preparation and use.
US07868153B2
After-cooking darkening is a gray-black discoloration of the potato tuber, formed after cooking by the oxidation of an iron-chlorogenic acid complex. Cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid. The full-length c4h gene was cloned and sequenced from both genomic DNA and cDNA of Russet Burbank tuber tissue by PCR and 5′ and 3′ RACE. The gene expression levels of c4h were examined by Northern hybridization, relative quantitative RT-PCR and real time quantitative RT-PCR in potato cultivars and wide selection of diploid clones varying in susceptibility to after-cooking darkening. Results suggest that there is a relationship between the levels of c4h gene expression and the degree of after-cooking darkening in potato tubers. The inhibition of C4H gene expression and over expression of C4H expression were also examined. The successful inhibition of the gene expression will lead to the reduced biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid, reducing the susceptibility of after-cooking darkening. The successful overexpression of the C4H gene will lead to the increase in the chlorogenic acid in plant tissues, gaining the resistance to diseases. In addition, due to the natural antioxidant activity of chlorogenic acid, overexpression of C4H gene will lead to its over production in plant tissues, such as potato tubers.
US07868135B2
The present invention provides derivatives of lipopeptide antibiotics that display antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, methods and compounds for synthesizing such antimicrobial derivatives and analogues, and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections.
US07868126B2
Process for producing polyester, polyester produced using said process, and polyester molded product
This invention provides a polyester and a polyester molded product, which, while maintaining color tone, transparency, and thermal stability, can realize a high polycondensation rate, are less likely to cause the production of polycondensation catalyst-derived undesired materials, and can simultaneously meet both quality and cost effectiveness requirements, which can exhibit the characteristic features, for example, in the fields of ultrafine fibers, high transparent films for optical use, or ultrahigh transparent molded products. These advantages can be realized by using, in the production of a polyester in the presence of an aluminum compound-containing polyester polycondensation catalyst, an aluminum compound having an absorbance of not more than 0.0132 as measured in the form of an aqueous aluminum compound solution, prepared by dissolving the aluminum compound in pure water to give a concentration of 2.7 g/liter in terms of the amount of aluminum element, under conditions of cell length 1 cm and wavelength 680 nm.
US07868125B2
A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming polyester polymer particles from a polyester polymer melt; (b) quenching at least a portion of the particles, (c) drying at least a portion of the particles, (d) crystallizing at least a portion of the particles, (e) annealing at least a portion of the particles. At all points during and between steps (b) through (e), the average bulk temperature of the particles is maintained above 165° C.
US07868109B2
A curable resin composition is provided which has an appropriate viscosity suitable for encapsulating a light-emitting device. The cured product of the curable resin composition has a refractive index equal to or larger than that of epoxy resins, is excellent in heat resistance and light resistance, and has thermal stress relaxation properties. The curable resin composition contains a high refractive index acrylic-based monomer having a refractive index of 1.52 or more and a non-polymerizable carbazole, and further contains a polymerizable carbazole in accordance with need. An acrylate or methacrylate having a fluorene skeleton, a bisphenol-A skeleton, a biphenyl skeleton, a naphthalene skeleton, or an anthracene skeleton is used as the high refractive index acrylic-based monomer.
US07868105B2
Provided is a method of preparing a cyclic olefin polymer by addition polymerization of a cyclic olefin monomer, the method including contacting a metal catalyst complex represented by Formula 1 below with a cyclic olefin monomer represented by Formula 2 below: [M(L1)x(L′2)y(L3)z]a[Ani]b
US07868096B2
A process for producing thermoplastic vulcanizates, the process comprising (i) dynamically vulcanizing a rubber with a curative in a first stage, where the rubber is within a blend that includes the rubber, a thermoplastic resin, and the curative, where said step of dynamically vulcanizing occurs at a temperature at or above the melting point of the thermoplastic resin, where said step of dynamically vulcanizing employs a peroxide curative, and where said rubber includes polymeric units deriving from 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, (ii) continuing said step of dynamically vulcanizing to cause phase inversion of the blend to thereby convert the thermoplastic resin into a continuous phase, (iii) maintaining the blend at or above the melting point of the thermoplastic resin after the phase inversion, and (iv) introducing molten thermoplastic resin into the blend in a second stage, where said step of introducing molten thermoplastic resin occurs after phase inversion but before the blend is cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic resin.
US07868087B2
The present invention relates to synthetic methods for grafting hydrophilic chains onto polymers, particularly hydrophobic polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and chlorinated polypropylene (cPP). Resulting polymers include comb polymers which can have a microphase-separated structure of hydrophilic domains provided by the hydrophilic chains. Articles prepared from these comb polymers, particularly derived from PVDF, include membranes for water filtration in which the hydrophilic domains provide a pathway for water transport. PVC can be plasticized by grafting the PVC with hydrophilic chains. In addition, such articles, particularly articles having biomedical applications, can display anti-thrombogenic properties.
US07868085B2
An aqueous dispersion comprising a reaction product of trimellitic anhydride and a polyol, wherein the molar ratio of trimellitic anhydride to polyol in the reaction product ranges from 1:2 to 1:4, and wherein the reaction product is further reacted with an anhydride to form another reaction product. A method of making a resin comprising the reaction product described above is also disclosed.
US07868083B2
A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.
US07868071B2
Cationic thermosetting resins and especially resins having azetidinium functional groups, such as polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resins, are stabilized against premature gelation by the addition of (1) a low molecular weight, non-aldehyde, non-ionic, water soluble organic stabilizing compound (preferably one that is reactive with the cationic moiety), preferably in combination with (2) a water soluble, inorganic complexing metal salt.
US07868069B2
A shaped article (e.g., a porous material, and a spherical particle) comprising (A) a resin component is produced by kneading the resin component (A) (e.g., a thermoplastic resin) and a water-soluble auxiliary component (B) to prepare a dispersed composition, and eluting the auxiliary component (B) from the dispersed composition. The auxiliary component (B) may comprise 100 parts by weight of an oligosaccharide (B1) and 0.5 to 100 parts by weight of a water-soluble plasticizing component (B2) for plasticizing the oligosaccharide. The oligosaccharide (B1) may comprise a tetrasaccharide. The plasticizing component (B2) may comprise a saccharide or a sugar alcohol. Use of the dispersed composition ensures to form a shaped article having a given shape industrially with advantage even in the case of using a wide variety of resin components.
US07868066B2
Aqueous dispersions and coatings comprising modified epoxy resins comprising the reaction product of rosin and a dienophile, further reacted with an epoxy resin, are disclosed.
US07868065B2
A production process of colored resin powder, comprising a coloring step of mixing 0.5 to 40% by mass of a colorant (b1) with 99.5 to 60% by mass of a non-phthalic acid plasticizer (b2) to prepare a colored paste (B) and adding and mixing the colored paste (B) into a powdery thermoplastic polyurethane-urea resin (A), wherein the amounts of the colorant (b1) and the plasticizer (b2) contained in the colored paste (B) added to the powdery thermoplastic polyurethane-urea resin (A) are 0.1 to 5 parts by mass and 1 to 20 parts by mass, respectively, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic polyurethane-urea resin. According to the production process, there can be provided colored resin powder, which is free from color mottling (color unevenness) on its surface and does not cause smearing of a molded product due to separation and falling of the colorant upon a molding process or the like.
US07868061B2
A puncture sealing agent for a tire is disclosed that has a rubber latex, an adhesive agent, and an anti-freezing agent, wherein glycerin, potassium acetate or a solution of glycerin and potassium acetate is used as the anti-freezing agent.
US07868056B2
Anti-fouling cationically crosslinkable varnish compositions and support substrates coated therewith
Silicone compositions particularly useful for the production of anti-fouling varnishes for application to support substrates, these providing an anti-fouling varnish for textiles covered with silicone elastomers which is economical, adhesive, non-slip and glossy; the subject varnishes comprise a crosslinkable silicone composition containing, per 100 parts by weight: 1, at least 80 parts by weight of: (1.1), 2., 0.1 to 10 parts of weight of: (1.2), 3., 0 to 10 parts by weight of at least one polydimethylisiloxane (PDMS) acrylate or epoxide, 4., 0 to 10 parts by weight of at least one silylated compound which includes at least one ultrafine filler, 7., 0 to 10 parts by weight of at least one thickener, and 8., 0 to 10 parts by weigh of at least one additional functional additive.
US07868055B2
Aqueous UV-hardenable dispersions are provided, as well as their use for the production of coating agents, in particular coatings for ligneous substrates. The dispersions comprise the reaction product of a) one or more polyisocyanates of which at least one polyisocyanate is an oligomeric polyisocyanate of hexamethylene diisocyanate with urethane, biuret, iminooxadiazindione and/or isocyanurate structural units, b) one or more monohydroxy-functional compounds containing (meth)acryloyl groups, c) at least one component c1), which has a hydrophilising effect on the basis of incorporated (potentially) ionic groups and comprises at least one further isocyanate-reactive group and/or at least one component c2) which contains non-ionically hydrophilically acting groups and comprises at least one further isocyanate-reactive group, d) one or more difunctional and/or polyfunctional amines or hydroxyamines as chain extender, and e) optionally other monomeric, oligomeric and/or polymeric substances, which may optionally also contain further unsaturated groups.
US07868033B2
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for stabilizing transthyretin and for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of transthyretin mediated diseases. In one embodiment, the compounds are benzoxazoles and related compounds.
US07868029B2
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6-aminobenzothiazoles (5a) from cyclohexanes (2a) and cyclohexanones (3a) as intermediate.
US07868020B2
Disclosed herein is a compound of the formula (I):(I). Therapeutic methods, compositions and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US07868014B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I) which are useful for treating conditions associated with mGluR3 receptors, such as depression, schizophrenia and migraine, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US07868007B2
The invention relates to the triazolopyridine carboxamide derivatives of general formula (I): Wherein X, A, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention further relates to preparation methods and therapeutic use thereof.
US07868006B2
The present application discloses a compound, or enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, racemates or prodrug of said compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters of said compound, or of said prodrug, said compound having the general structure shown in Formula 1: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or ester thereof, wherein the various moieties are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method of treating chemokine mediated diseases, such as, palliative therapy, curative therapy, prophylactic therapy of certain diseases and conditions such as inflammatory diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, psoriasis), autoimmune diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), graft rejection (non-limiting example(s) include, allograft rejection, xenograft rejection), infectious diseases (e.g, tuberculoid leprosy), fixed drug eruptions, cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, ophthalmic inflammation, type I diabetes, viral meningitis and tumors using a compound of Formula 1.
US07867990B2
The present invention relates to steroid hormone products, such as oral contraceptive products, including at least one steroid active ingredient mixed with an excipient and having improved dissolution and release rate properties. The invention further relates to methods for making such steroid hormone products, wherein a mixture of the hormone and the excipient is subjected to sufficient mechanical energy to form a powder blend wherein the hormone is stabilized by the excipient in substantially non-crystalline form.
US07867988B2
A method of inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation or cytokine production in a subject, comprising administering a compound disclosed herein to the subject, is provided. The compound can be administered systemically, locally, or a combination thereof. For example, the compound can be locally delivered from a temporary device or an implant, such as a vascular prosthesis.
US07867986B2
A composition for transdermal administration resulting from an admixture includes: a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent that includes a corresponding steroid and a steroid derivative; and a carrier for the pharmaceutically active agent. The steroid and the corresponding steroid derivative are present in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10 steroid: corresponding steroid derivative. In a preferred embodiment ratio is 6:1 to 1:6. In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding steroid derivative is a steroid ester. In another preferred embodiment, the carrier is a polymer that includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
US07867976B2
Epitopic fragments of Nogo, including Nogo 45-66, elicit a specific and strong T cell response, and a B cell response. T cells reactive to Nogo antigens are capable of ameliorating ongoing disease, which may be induced with other antigens. The present invention provides compositions and methods for the identification and use of Nogo epitopic fragments in the treatment of immune related disease.
US07867972B2
The invention provides fusion proteins comprising an exendin-4 fused to a transferrin (Tf) via a polypeptide linker, as well as corresponding nucleic acid molecules, vectors, host cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also provides the use of the exendin-4/Tf fusion proteins for treatment of Type II diabetes, obesity, and to reduce body weight.
US07867967B2
A mixture article for cleaning superficially-adhered substances consists of colloid material (25 wt %-60 wt %), resin (10 wt %-20 wt %), abrasive powders (15 wt %-30 wt %), stabilizer, fibers, and natural turpentine that are bonded together to form a mixture article having high density and high binding, cohesive and adhesive capacities as well wherein the natural turpentine has the property that can greatly reduce the manufacturing temperature in the processing of the mixture article and lower the emission of exhaust to fit to environmental protection benefit thereby. The abrasive powders are utilized to boost the suction power between the mixture article and a working surface so as to shovel up substances adhered onto the working surface thereon. Besides, the colloid material and the resin are equipped with the adhesion property to viscously grip the substances bonded onto the working surface so as to remove them there-from for cleaning purpose.
US07867964B2
Intricately shaped toilet bars with specific compositions and plasticity properties can be advantageously manufactured via three dimensional cutting. Such cut bars are characterized by specific surface profiles and topographic features. Intricately shaped toilet bars with a wide range of formulations for enhanced skin treatment can be thus economically and reliably manufactured.
US07867961B2
To provide a wash composition comprising an N-long-chain-acyl amino acid and/or its salt, especially an N-long-chain-acyl neutral amino acid and/or its salt and hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and excellent in foam properties, washing power and feeling upon use, and to provide cosmetics containing the same. A wash composition comprises (A) an N-long-chain-acyl amino acid and/or its salt, especially an N-long-chain-acyl neutral amino acid and/or its salt and (B) hydroxypropyl starch phosphate. Further, it comprises (C) a fatty acid to improve foaming speed, and (D) an acyl acidic amino acid ester to improve moist feeling after drying.
US07867948B2
Physiological strengthening agents in the form of nutritional supplements, feed additives or in cosmetic preparations in the non-medicinal field of application, as well as plant stimulating agents is the use of guanidine compounds of the general formula (I) or their salts, especially creatinol, creatinol-O-phosphate or one of their salts with aspartic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid or phosphoric acid. R1 and R2 can be organic or inorganic compounds, such as, phosphate, sulfate, acetyl, formyl, methyl, ethyl or propyl. The compounds are as nutritional supplements for, e.g., human being in the fields of education, sports, reconvalescence or geriatrics They can also be used as animal feed additives.
US07867933B2
Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.
US07867929B2
The invention relates to a method of assembling structures and a component for use in such assemblies. The component is an electrically insulant, compressible impermeable cloth. It is formed by impregnating an electrically insulant woven fiber with a sealant, and curing to form the cloth. Structures, such as airframe structures, may be assembled by positioning the cloth between a substructure and an outer skin on at least part of a sub-structure, and then assembling the outer skin to the sub-structure with the cloth located between the substructure and the outer skin. This provides a greater impermeability and insulation across the structural joint. During assemble the cloth may also be compressed, allowing skin panels to be fixed to the substructure within close tolerances, and allowing steps between adjacent panels to be substantially reduced.
US07867914B2
An apparatus and method for forming an integrated barrier layer on a substrate is described. The integrated barrier layer comprises at least a first refractory metal layer and a second refractory metal layer. The integrated barrier layer is formed using a dual-mode deposition process comprising a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) step and a cyclical deposition step. The dual-mode deposition process may be performed in a single process chamber.
US07867912B2
A method of manufacturing semiconductor structures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first mask is provided above a substrate. The first mask includes first mask lines extending along a first axis. A second mask is provided above the first mask. The second mask includes second mask lines extending along a second axis that intersects the first axis. At least one of the first and second masks is formed by a pitch fragmentation method. Structures may be formed in the substrate, wherein the first and the second mask are effective as a combined mask. The structures may be equally spaced at a pitch in the range of a minimum lithographic feature size for repetitive line structures.
US07867910B2
The invention generally relates to semiconductor device processing, and more particularly to methods of accessing semiconductor circuits from the backside using ion-beam and gas-etch to mill deep vias through full-thickness silicon. A method includes creating a pocket in a material to be etched, and performing an isotropic etch of the material by flowing a reactive gas into the pocket and directing a focused ion beam into the pocket.
US07867901B2
A method for forming silicide in a semiconductor device includes simultaneously performing a cleaning process and an etching process to remove a silicide metal layer if an excessive delay in time lapses after forming the silicide metal layer. This may prevent the occurrence of liquid marks due to an oxidation reaction at an interface of the semiconductor substrate in contact with the silicide metal layer, thereby preventing silicide defects due to the excessive delay.
US07867892B2
The present invention relates a packaging carrier with high heat dissipation for packaging a chip, comprising: a carrier body, an interfacial metal layer, at least one diamond-like carbon thin film, a plated layer, and an electrode layer. Herein, the packaging carrier further comprises through holes. The present invention further discloses a method for manufacturing the aforementioned packaging carrier, comprising: providing a carrier body; forming an interfacial metal layer on the upper surface of the carrier body; forming a diamond-like carbon thin film on the interfacial metal layer; forming a plated layer on the diamond-like carbon thin film; forming an electrode layer on the lower surface of the carrier body; and forming through holes extending through all or part of the aforementioned elements. The present invention uses a diamond-like carbon thin film and through holes for heat dissipation in three dimensions to improve heat dissipation of an electronic device.
US07867891B2
Embodiments of apparatus and methods for forming dual metal interconnects are described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07867887B2
The present invention provides bond pads structures between semiconductor integrated circuits and the chip package with enhanced resistance to fracture and improved reliability. Mismatch in the coefficient of temperature expansion (CTE) among the materials used in bond structures induces stress and shear on them that may result in fractures within the back end dielectric stacks and cause reliability problems of the packaging. By placing multiple metal pads which are connected to the bond pad through multiple metal via, the adhesion between the bond pads and the back end dielectric stacks is enhanced.
US07867885B2
A nanometer-scale post structure and a method for forming the same are disclosed. More particularly, a post structure, a light emitting device using the structure, and a method for forming the same, which is capable of forming a nanometer-scale post structure having a repetitive pattern by using an etching process, are disclosed. The method includes forming unit patterns on a substrate by use of a first material, growing a wet-etchable second material on the substrate formed with the unit patterns, and wet etching the substrate having the grown second material.
US07867881B2
A method for manufacturing a nitride semiconductor substrate including the steps of: forming a nitride semiconductor layer on a sapphire substrate, and manufacturing a freestanding nitride semiconductor substrate by using the nitride semiconductor layer separated from the sapphire substrate, wherein variability of inclinations of the C-axes, being a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of inclination of the C-axes in a radially-outward direction at each point on a front surface of the sapphire substrate is 0.3° or more and 1° or less.
US07867874B2
A hermetically sealed package includes a lid (14) hermetically bonded to a wafer or substrate (12), with a chamber therebetween defined by a recess (16) in the lid. A circuit device (26) such as MEMS device is provided within the chamber on the substrate. A plurality of vias (41-46) are provided through the substrate, and each have a structure which facilitates a hermetic seal of a suitable level between opposite sides of the substrate. The vias provide electrical communication from externally of the assembly to the device disposed in the chamber.
US07867869B2
The present invention provides a novel capacitor element, laminated thin-film device, and circuit wherein the capacitance dependency on voltage can be appropriately adjusted, and a technology for manufacturing such a capacitor element and laminated thin-film device. In the capacitor element that comprises a pair of electrode layers and a dielectric layer disposed between the electrode layers, a well region where an ion is implanted is disposed in the dielectric layer, and the C-V curve between the electrode layers is shifted or shifted and expanded in at least one direction of the plus direction and minus direction with respect to the voltage axis.
US07867866B2
An SOI FET device with improved floating body is proposed. Control of the body potential is accomplished by having a body doping concentration next to the source electrode higher than the body doping concentration next to the drain electrode. The high source-side dopant concentration leads to elevated forward leakage current between the source electrode and the body, which leakage current effectively locks the body potential to the source electrode potential. Furthermore, having the source-to-body junction capacitance larger than the drain-to-body junction capacitance has additional advantages in device operation. The device has no structure fabricated for the purpose of electrically connecting the body potential to other elements of the device.
US07867858B2
A method includes forming a first transistor having a first gate dielectric thickness and a first source/drain extension depth, a second transistor having a second gate dielectric thickness and the first source/drain extension depth, and a third transistor having the second gate dielectric thickness and a second source/drain extension depth. The second source/drain extension depth is greater than the first source/drain extension depth. The second gate dielectric thickness is greater than the first gate dielectric thickness. The first transistor is used in a logic circuit. The third transistor is used in an I/O circuit. The second transistor is made without extra processing steps and is better than either the first or third transistor for coupling a power supply terminal to the logic circuit in a power-up mode and decoupling the power supply terminal from the logic circuit in a power-down mode.
US07867855B2
A high-voltage field-effect device contains an extended drain or “drift” region having a plurality of JFET regions separated by portions of the drift region. Each of the JFET regions is filled with material of an opposite conductivity type to that of the drift region, and at least two sides of each JFET region is lined with an oxide layer. In one group of embodiments the JFET regions extend from the surface of an epitaxial layer to an interface between the epitaxial layer and an underlying substrate, and the walls of each JFET region are lined with an oxide layer. When the device is blocking a voltage in the off condition, the semiconductor material inside the JFET regions and in the drift region that separates the JFET regions is depleted. This improves the voltage-blocking ability of the device while conserving chip area. The oxide layer prevents dopant from the JFET regions from diffusing into the drift region and allowing the JFET regions to be accurately located in the drift region.
US07867851B2
The invention includes methods of forming field effect transistors. In one implementation, the invention encompasses a method of forming a field effect transistor on a substrate, where the field effect transistor comprises a pair of conductively doped source/drain regions, a channel region received intermediate the pair of source/drain regions, and a transistor gate received operably proximate the channel region. Such implementation includes conducting a dopant activation anneal of the pair of source/drain regions prior to depositing material from which a conductive portion of the transistor gate is made. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US07867850B2
A non-volatile memory cell uses a resonant tunnel barrier that has an amorphous silicon and/or amorphous germanium layer between two layers of either HfSiON or LaAlO3. A charge trapping layer is formed over the tunnel barrier. A high-k charge blocking layer is formed over the charge trapping layer. A control gate is formed over the charge blocking layer. Another embodiment forms a floating gate over the tunnel barrier that is comprised of two oxide layers with an amorphous layer of silicon and/or germanium between the oxide layers.
US07867847B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a dielectric film having a high permittivity. An embodiment of the present invention is a method of manufacturing, on a substrate, a dielectric film including a metallic oxynitride containing an element A made of Hf or a mixture of Hf and Zr, an element B made of Al, and N and O. The manufacturing method includes: a step of forming a metallic oxynitride whose mole fractions of the element A, the element B, and N expressed as B/(A+B+N) has a range of 0.015≦(B/A+B+N))≦0.095 and N/(A+B+N) has a range of 0.045≦(N/(A+B+N)) and a mole fraction O/A of the element A and O has a range expressed as 1.0<(O/A)<2.0, and having a noncrystalline structure; and a step of performing an annealing treatment at 700° C. or higher on the metallic oxynitride having a noncrystalline structure to form a metallic oxynitride including a crystalline phase with a cubical crystal incorporation percentage of 80% or higher.
US07867840B2
In a semiconductor substrate in a first section, a channel region having an impurity concentration peak in an interior of the semiconductor substrate is formed, and in the semiconductor substrate in a second section and a third section, channel regions having an impurity concentration peak at a position close to a surface of the substrate are formed. Then, extension regions are formed in the first section, the second section and the third section. After that, the substrate is thermally treated to eliminate defects produced in the extension regions. Then, using gate electrodes and side-wall spacers as a mask, source/drain regions are formed in the first section, the second section and the third section.
US07867838B2
To provide a highly reliable semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, where defects such as a short between a gate electrode layer and a semiconductor layer and a leakage current, which would otherwise be caused due to a coverage defect of the semiconductor layer with an insulating layer, can be prevented. In order to form a plurality of semiconductor elements over an insulating surface, a semiconductor layer is not separated into a plurality of island-shape semiconductor layers, but instead, element isolation regions, which electrically insulate a plurality of element regions functioning as semiconductor elements, are formed in one semiconductor layer, i.e., a first element isolation region with high resistance and a second element isolation region which has a contact with the element region and has a conductivity type opposite to that of the source and drain regions of the element region.
US07867836B2
A method for manufacturing a junction semiconductor device having a drain region including a low-resistance layer of a first conductive type formed on one surface of a semiconductor crystal, a source region including a low-resistance layer of a first conductive type formed on the other surface of the semiconductor crystal, a gate region of a second conductive type formed on the periphery of the source region, a high-resistance layer of a first conductive type between the source region and the drain region, and a recombination-inhibiting semiconductor layer of a second conductive type provided in the vicinity of the surface of the semiconductor crystal between the gate region and the source region.
US07867831B2
Manufacturing method of flash memory device comprising gate columns penetrating through a cell stack
A flash memory device includes a substrate, a cell stack having a semiconductor layer, in which junction areas for setting areas therebetween to channel areas are formed in a shape of a stripe, and an interlayer isolation layer for insulating the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer and the interlayer isolation layer are repeatedly stacked. The flash memory device further includes an array of gate columns penetrating through the cell stack, perpendicular to the substrate and cutting through the junction areas to dispose the junction areas at both sides thereof, and a trap layered stack introduced into an interface between the gate column and the cell stack to store charge.
US07867829B2
There is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing method which prevents cracking of an overcoat during polishing process, and a semiconductor wafer and a semiconductor device which have an overcoat free from cracking. A plurality of divided overcoats 10 are formed on each chip 3 in a chip region 2 and on each unavailable chip pattern in an unavailable region in the periphery of the chips 3 on the surface of a semiconductor wafer 1, and the semiconductor wafer 1 is mounted upside down on a table with an intervening film so that the back surface of the semiconductor wafer 1 is polished.
US07867825B2
A semiconductor die and a related method of processing a semiconductor wafer are disclosed in which a first interlayer insulator having a recess region of varying configuration and defining a scribe line is associated with at least one protective layer formed with a characterizing inclined side surface.
US07867823B2
A method for fabricating an IC package that includes depositing conductive adhesive bodies on the leads, and then adhering the electrodes of an IC device to the so disposed conductive adhesive bodies.
US07867821B1
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system including: providing a package substrate; mounting a first integrated circuit die, having through silicon vias, on the package substrate; coupling cylindrical studs to the package substrate adjacent to the first integrated circuit die; and mounting a second integrated circuit die, having through silicon vias, on the first integrated circuit die and the cylindrical studs for forming an electrical connection among the second integrated circuit die, the first integrated circuit die, the package substrate, or a combination thereof.
US07867814B2
A resistance memory element having a pair of electrodes and an insulating film sandwiched between a pair of electrodes includes a plurality of cylindrical electrodes of a cylindrical structure of carbon formed in a region of at least one of the pair of electrodes, which is in contact with the insulating film. Thus, the position of the filament-shaped current path which contributes to the resistance states of the resistance memory element can be controlled by the positions and the density of the cylindrical electrodes.
US07867809B2
A one-step diffusion method for fabricating a differential doped solar cell is described. The one-step diffusion method includes the following step. First, a substrate is provided. A doping control layer is formed on the substrate. The doping control layer includes a plurality of openings therein. A doping process is conducted on the substrate to form heavy doping regions under the openings of the doping control layer and light doping regions on the other portion of the substrate
US07867796B2
A method for fabricating an LCD includes: providing a substrate with a thin film transistor (ITT) part defined thereon; forming a metallic film for a gate electrode on the substrate; etching the metallic film through a first printing process to form a gate electrode; sequentially forming a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a metallic film for source and drain electrodes on the substrate; selectively etching the metallic film for source and drain electrodes, the semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer through a second printing process to form a gate insulating layer pattern, a preliminary active pattern and a metallic film pattern which are sequentially stacked such that the gate insulating layer pattern is over-etched from the side of the preliminary active pattern; forming an insulating layer on the substrate with the metallic film pattern; etching the insulating layer to expose the metallic film pattern; forming a transparent conductive film on the metallic film pattern and a remaining insulating film; and selectively etching the transparent conductive film, the metallic film pattern, the preliminary active pattern to form an active pattern, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode connected with the drain electrode.
US07867793B2
A light emitting diode (LED) is fabricated using an underfill layer that is deposited on either the LED or the submount prior to mounting the LED to a submount. The deposition of the underfill layer prior to mounting the LED to the submount provides for a more uniform and void free support, and increases underfill material options to permit improved thermal characteristics. The underfill layer may be used as support for the thin and brittle LED layers during the removal of the growth substrate prior to mounting the LED to the submount. Additionally, the underfill layer may be patterned to and/or polished back so that only the contact areas of the LED and/or submount are exposed. The patterns in the underfill may also be used as a guide to assist in the singulating of the devices.
US07867787B2
Methods and associated structures of forming microelectronic devices are described. Those methods may include forming a first layer of magnetic material and at least one via structure disposed in a first dielectric layer, forming a second dielectric layer disposed on the first magnetic layer, forming at least one conductive structure disposed in the second dielectric layer, forming a third layer of dielectric material disposed on the conductive structure, forming a second layer of magnetic material disposed in the third layer of dielectric material and in the second layer of dielectric material, wherein the first and second layers of the magnetic material are coupled to one another.
US07867777B2
A sample carrier comprising a frame and one or more sample tube receiving structures pivotally connected to the frame. Each sample tube receiving structure includes a bottom member adapted to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a top member having a plurality of aligned apertures sized to receive sample tubes therethrough. The sample tube receiving structures can be releasably locked relative to a support wall of the frame, thereby substantially immobilizing sample tubes that are held by the sample carrier.
US07867774B2
Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.
US07867762B2
Climate control unit with an interior section containing a storage space and with a closable access opening to the storage section whereby at least one part of the interior section is separated and sealed against the rest of the interior section thus forming a separate germ-proof section. The division takes place at least in part by a membrane that is permeable for water vapor and gas but impermeable for microorganisms.
US07867750B2
The present invention relates to a method for remediating fuel oxygenate-contaminated soil, sediment or groundwater comprising combining at least one natural microorganism source with at least one methoxylated phenolic compound under anaerobic conditions. The invention also relates to a method for increasing the rate of remediation of fuel oxygenate-contaminated soil.
US07867746B2
The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant exhibits altered properties, in particular reduced capability of cleaving a substrate close to the branching point, and improved substrate specificity and/or improved specific activity relative to the parent alpha-amylase.
US07867744B2
The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US07867742B2
A glucose dehydrogenase having high substrate specificity can be produced at a low cost by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Burkholderia. The glucose dehydrogenase is isolated from the medium and/or cells of the microorganism. The glucose dehydrogenase isolated from the genus Burkholderia is not affected by oxygen dissolved in a measurement sample and, in particular, has superior thermal stability.
US07867737B2
A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst.
US07867734B2
An anti-glypican 3 antibody with modified sugar chains, more specifically, an anti-glypican 3 antibody lacking fucose is provided. The anti-glypican 3 antibody with modified sugar chains of the present invention may be produced by a process comprising introducing a nucleic acid encoding an anti-glypican 3 antibody into host cells with reduced fucose addition capability, such as YB2/0 cells and cells lacking a fucose transporter. The anti-glypican 3 antibody with modified sugar chains of the present invention has a high level of cytotoxic activity and therefore is useful as a cell growth inhibitor such as an anticancer agent.
US07867730B2
Disclosed are a novel Hansenula polymorpha gene coding for α-1,6-mannosyltransferase initiating outer chain elongation, an H. polymorpha mutant strain having a deficiency in the gene, and a process for producing a recombinant glycoprotein using such a mutant strain.
US07867728B2
The glucose content of blood can be determined by contacting a blood sample with a test strip containing a glucose dehydrogenase dependent on PQQ (or derivatives or isomers) thereof as a co-factor, a tetrazolium salt indicator, but in the absence of a mediator.
US07867726B2
A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.
US07867722B2
A pretreatment agent for a sample to be subjected to Limulus assay comprising an alkali metal sulfate and/or an alkaline earth metal sulfate wherein the sulfate(s) has a final concentration of 20 mM or more when the sulfate(s) is allowed to contact with the sample, or an alkali metal halide and/or an alkaline earth metal halide wherein the halide(s) has a final concentration of from 0.4 M to 1.2 M or less when the halide(s) is allowed to contact with the sample, or a kit for Limulus assay reagent comprising thereof as a composing article.
US07867710B2
A specific, non-synonymous SNP in the Prnp gene encoding the bovine prion protein affects the susceptibility of bovine animals to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Depending on the number of octapeptide repeat units present in the Prnp gene, the position of the SNP is either nucleotide 631 of exon 3 (codon 211) when the Prnp gene comprises six octapeptide repeat region sequences, nucleotide 607 of exon 3 (codon 203) when the Prnp gene comprises five octapeptide repeat region sequences, or nucleotide 655 of exon 3 (codon 219) when the Prnp gene comprises seven octapeptide repeat region sequences. Alleles of the bovine Prnp wherein the SNP at these positions is lysine (K) at the corresponding amino acids (i.e., 211, 203 or 219) in the bovine prion protein are all indicative of increased susceptibility to BSE in comparison to alleles which encode glutamic acid (E) at the same position. This SNP may be used as a marker for selecting bovines susceptible to BSE for disposal and/or removal from breeding, the human food and animal feed supplies.
US07867707B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting analytes in a sample comprising the steps of providing a solid support, providing capture probes being bound or capable of binding to the solid support, which capture probes are also capable of binding to the analytes, thus concentrating the analytes on the solid support, providing detection probes which are capable of binding to the analytes, contacting the sample with the detection probes, the solid support and the capture probes, and detecting through use of confocal observation the analytes which are bound to the detection probes.
US07867706B2
Use of helper probes in dipstick assays is described. In a dipstick assay to test for the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample solution, the sample solution is contacted with the contact end of the dipstick to cause the sample solution to move by capillary action to a capture zone of the dipstick at which target nucleic acid is captured. The target nucleic acid may be captured at the capture zone by a capture probe capable of hybridising to the target nucleic acid. A labelled detection probe capable of hybridising to the target nucleic acid may be used to detect the target nucleic acid at the capture zone. A helper probe may be used to enhance the binding of the capture and/or detection probe to the target nucleic acid, thereby improving the sensitivity of target nucleic acid detection. Dipsticks and kits are also described.
US07867702B2
The present invention provides a method for identifying the presence of a protein inhibitor of a target protein in a sample, comprising the steps of a) contacting said sample with a cell, wherein said cell contains i) an inducible lethal overactivity mutation in a gene affecting the target protein; and ii) a mutation in a second gene, wherein the activity of the target protein is essential to the cell and the mutation in the second gene functionally compensates for any reduction in the activity of the target protein; b) inducing the lethal overactivity mutation; and subsequently c) assessing protein inhibition by comparing the degree of survival of the cell in the presence and the absence of said sample. Also provided are cells for use in said method.
US07867701B2
A method is described for the amplification of nucleic acids, in which the segments to be amplified are first hybridized with at least two primer oligonucleotides that have two domains, wherein the sequence-specific domain found at the 3-end hybridizes to the segment to be amplified, while the generic domain found at the 5-end does not hybridize. Then an amplification reaction is conducted by means of a polymerase and subsequently a labeled primer oligonucleotide, which binds to the generic domain of the first primer, is hybridized to the amplificate which is formed. In the last step, the sequence of the amplificate is investigated.
US07867680B2
A non-magnetic toner including a binder resin including a first resin, a second resin, a third resin; a colorant; and a wax, wherein the first resin is a hybrid resin including an amorphous condensation polymerization unit and a radical polymerization unit in its molecular frame, and the second and third resins are non-hybrid resins including condensation polymerization units, wherein each of the first, second and third resins has a glass transition temperature (Tg) and a softening point (Tm) satisfying the following relationships: Tg of first resin
US07867679B2
The present invention is toner particle that includes a binder resin and nonionic organic polymer particles. The particle has porosity.
US07867671B2
A photo-mask that includes a first light shielding region which is narrow and elongated, and a second light shielding region which is wider and more elongated than the first light shielding region and is away from the first light shielding region. A phase shifter part and a non-phase shifter part are provided adjacently to both sides of the first light shielding region. Two phase shifter parts or two non-phase shifter parts are respectively provided adjacently to both sides of the second light shielding part.
US07867666B2
An oxygen-containing gas flow field for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from an oxygen-containing gas supply passage to an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is formed on a first metal plate. The oxygen-containing gas flow field includes oxygen-containing gas flow grooves as serpentine flow grooves having two turn regions T1, T2. The oxygen-containing gas flow grooves have substantially the same length. The oxygen-containing gas flow grooves are connected to an inlet buffer and an outlet buffer at opposite ends. The inlet buffer and the outlet buffer have a substantially triangular shape, and are substantially symmetrical with each other.
US07867654B2
The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lithium-transition metal compound as a positive electrode active material that is capable of intercalating and deintercalating a lithium ion and is represented by Li1+aNixCOyMzO2 (wherein M is at least one element selected from Mn, Al, Ti, Zr, Nb, B, Mg and Mo; and 0≦a≦0.3, 0.1≦x≦1, 0≦y≦0.5, 0≦z≦0.9, a+x+y+z=1), and carbon as a negative electrode active material that is capable of intercalating and deintercalating a lithium ion and is added with a powder of a compound having an imide bond. In the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention, by incorporating a compound having an imide bond, the initial efficiency of the negative electrode is lowered, so that at a low state of charge of 20% or less, an increasing rate of the IV resistance value becomes small. With such a constitution, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which a change in the IV resistance value at a low state of charge is suppressed, which is excellent in output properties and regeneration properties, and which is suitable for an electric vehicle (EV) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), for example, can be provided.
US07867652B2
A method for preparing a metal-polymer laminate packaging material, a method for preparing a metal-polymer laminated electrochemical cell package, and an electrochemical cell package, wherein adhesion of the polymer to the metal sheet used in the packaging material and/or hydrophobicity of the metal sheet are improved. In accordance with the invention, the metal sheet is subjected to a surface treatment and thereafter coated with a polymer to form a metal-polymer laminate packaging material. Exemplary surface treatments include chromate or phosphate conversion coatings, anodization, or chemically cleaning the metal sheet with a caustic solution and/or an acidic solution.
US07867644B2
In a secondary battery, for providing a structure which can enable a welding operation even when a gap is formed between a current collecting plate and a winding assembly, recessed portions are formed in a positive current collecting plate. The recessed portions are disposed opposite to the winding assembly. A laser beam is irradiated to welding protrusions located between the recessed portions to melt the welding protrusions. Here, since the end surface of a positive electrode foil is uneven in height, the positive electrode foil does not contact the positive current collecting plate necessarily. The welding operation is performed by heating, melting, and dropping the welding protrusions by the use of a YAG laser under the welding condition of a laser power of 900 W and a welding speed 2 m/min.
US07867641B2
A solar energy power supply system includes a solar battery, an electrolyte supply device, an electrolyte recycling device, a hydrogen recycling device, a fuel cell, a heating device and a power management device. Electric power generation is accomplished by first activating the electrolyte supply device to inject electrolyte into the solar battery. The electrolyte is a compound of water and a photo catalyst. The solar battery receives light or heat to generate electric power. Water vapor and hydrogen are generated and recycled through the electrolyte recycling device and the hydrogen recycling device. When the light or heat is not available the recycled hydrogen gas is delivered to the fuel cell to continuously generate the electric power or the heating device provides heat to the solar battery to continuously generate electric power. Electric current generated by the solar battery and fuel cell is controlled by the power management device to comply with electric power specification for final usage.
US07867639B2
An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.
US07867633B2
The invention provides coatings to achieve the best accommodation of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties desired in high performance and reliable glass molding and forming tools. The substrate material can be any ordinary die or tool material such as cast iron, stainless steel, platinum, tungsten carbide and silicon. A simple coating architecture consisting of a titanium adhesion layer and a Ni—Al—N or Ti—B—C—N working layer is provided. A NiAl working layer can meet the requirements of wear resistance in which abrasive and/or erosive wear is relatively low, while a Ti—B—C—N working layer is sufficient for processes operating at relatively low temperature or in vacuum or a protective environment. The coating architectures, from the coating/substrate interface to the outer most surface of the coating include an inner adhesion layer, an outer working layer and, optionally, one or more functionally graded material layers. The invention also provides methods of making these coatings.
US07867626B2
A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), at least one of titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo), at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of the at least one rare earth element.
US07867624B2
The invention relates to a component having a coating system, which comprises at least one bonding coat applied directly onto the component and at least one thermal barrier coat formed on the bonding coat, the bonding coat comprising from 22 to 36 wt. % Cr, from 15 to 30 wt. % Ni, at most 55 ppm Al, and Fe as a basis.
US07867623B2
Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids, the polymeric particles being coated with at least one surfactant and with at least one solvent, are produced and used for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles.
US07867622B2
To provide: a coated wood composite having surface properties such as transparency, smoothness, gloss, uniformity, and depth, and excellent in various physical properties such as durability and strength; and a method for producing such a coated wood composite efficiently and easily. A coated wood composite produced by placing an unsaturated polyester resin composition on a decorative veneer and heat-pressing the decorative veneer and the composition placed thereon to mold the composite, wherein the unsaturated polyester resin composition comprises: an unsaturated polyester; a polymerizable monomer; and an isocyanate component essentially including an aliphatic diisocyanate.
US07867617B2
The present invention is directed to a melamine containing coating composition curable at ambient temperatures and suitable for coating plastic substrates. The present invention is also directed to a process for coating plastic substrates with a melamine containing coating composition curable at ambient temperatures.
US07867616B2
Electrochromic (EC) glass having carbon single-walled nanotubes as the electrodes (SWNTs) is disclosed. Methods and processes for preparing EC glass having SWNTs are also disclosed. The SWNTs, synthesized by any one of the art methods, are deposited on the glass to provide a transparent and electrically conductive substrate for use in EC glass.
US07867611B2
A biomedical sensor is disclosed that includes a conductive material for coupling to monitoring equipment, and a composite. The composite includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material. The composite has a first side that is coupled to the conductive material and has a second side that is positionable with respect to a subject to be monitored. The polar material exhibits molecular compatibility with the polymeric material such that the polar material neither blooms to a surface of the polymeric material nor crystallizes within the polymeric material.
US07867610B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet has a high adhesiveness and an excellent terminal peeling resistance as well as exhibits extremely small diffusing amounts of formaldehyde and toluene. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet contains at least a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a water-dispersion type acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a water-dispersion type acrylic polymer and a tackifying resin-containing emulsion, wherein a diffusing amount of formaldehyde is less than 3 μg/m3 and a diffusing amount of toluene is 10 μg/g or less. As the tackifying resin-containing emulsion, a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using substantially no organic solvents or a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using a material other than aromatic hydrocarbon-based organic solvents can be suitably employed.
US07867607B2
A polyolefin fiber includes 0.2 to 5.0 wt % of hydrophilic additive, and 0.05 to 3.00 wt % of titanium dioxide (TiO2). The polyolefin fiber may further include 0.2 to 1.0 wt % of spin finish provided on a surface thereof. The polyolefin fiber is spun to have a circular section, a modified cross-section including an X-shaped section, a Y-shaped section, a deltaic section, an oval section, a diamond section, a bladebone-shaped section, and a combined section thereof, or a combined section of the circular section and the modified cross-section. A method of producing a polyolefin fiber includes (a) melt extruding a composition which contains 93 to 99 wt % of polyolefin resin, 0.2 to 5.0 wt % of hydrophilic additive, and 0.05 to 3.00 wt % of any one titanium dioxide (TiO2) of rutile titanium dioxide, anatase titanium dioxide, and brookite titanium dioxide at 240 to 300° C. and performing winding at a spin speed of 500 to 2,000 mpm to produce a undrawn yarn, and (b) drawing the undrawn yarn at a draw ratio of 1.0 to 5.0, crimping the drawn yarn to 5.5 to 9.0 ea/cm by using a crimper, attaching 0.2 to 1.0 wt % of spin finish to a surface of the fiber by spraying or dipping, heat setting the spin finish at 100 to 130° C. for 3 to 10 min, and cutting the resulting polyolefin fiber to predetermined lengths.
US07867603B2
The invention relates to a toner receiver member comprising a base, at least one tie layer adjacent to said base, and at least one toner receiver layer adjacent said at least one tie layer on the side opposite to the base, wherein said at least one toner receiver layer comprises a layer of branched polyester or a mixture of styrene acrylate copolymer with an ethylene methacrylate copolymer or with a low density polyethylene.
US07867599B1
A floor mat assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The panel is flexible to allow the panel to be rolled up during storage. A perimeter wall is attached to the top side. The perimeter wall abuts and is coextensive with the perimeter edge. A depression is defined within an area bounded by the perimeter wall. A cushioning material is positioned in the depression and covering the top side of the panel. The cushioning material is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The perimeter wall has a plurality of tool receiving wells therein that extends into an upper surface of the perimeter wall.
US07867591B2
Pressure-sensitive tape for closing, sealing, and gluing joints, in particular in housing construction, and in particular joints in corners and edges, with a backing on the tape side, an adhesive coating of at least a portion of the backing on the tape bottom side, and a removable protective film for the adhesive coating on the tape bottom side. In at least one edge area the tape has at least on perforation area where at least the backing is perforated, and the tape has at least one expansion reserve.
US07867579B2
The present invention provides a method for forming a carbon protective film and a method for producing a magnetic recording medium, that decreases the generation of particles in a plasma CVD apparatus thereby improving flatness of the surface of a carbon protective film, and also can manufacture a magnetic recording medium having high recording density and excellent recording/reproducing characteristics; a magnetic recording medium; and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus using the magnetic recording medium.
US07867575B2
A method for producing a thermal barrier coating/environmental barrier coating system on a silicon containing material substrate includes applying an environmental barrier coating (EBC) over the silicon containing material substrate; and applying a thermal barrier coating (TBC) over the EBC. The thermal barrier coating includes a compound having a primary constituent portion and a stabilizer portion stabilizing said primary constituent. The primary constituent portion of the thermal barrier coating includes hafnia present in an amount of at least about 5 mol % of the primary constituent and the stabilizer portion of said thermal barrier coating includes at least one metal oxide comprised of cations with a +2 or +3 valence present in the amount of about 10 to about 40 mol % of the thermal barrier coating.
US07867571B2
The aim of the invention is to produce a textile surface (1), one side of which exhibits hydrophilic properties and the other side hydrophobic properties, whose overall cross-section is hydrophilic. To achieve this, a paste (11) consisting of a viscous emulsion or dispersion of paraffin, polysiloxane and/or fluorine compounds is applied to one side. The layer that has been formed by the first paste (11) is then stabilized by means of a drying process (4) and a second paste (12), consisting of a hydrophilic polymer is subsequently applied to the other side of the textile surface (1), said paste being stabilized by an additional drying process (5). Said steps provide a textile surface (1), which can be produced simply and cost-effectively, is extremely comfortable to wear and which ensures that moisture is immediately absorbed on the hydrophilic side, dispersed over a large area and rapidly removed, whereas the hydrophobic side of said textile surface (1) repels water.
US07867568B2
The invention provides a continuous pultrusion process for producing structural profiles wherein a) one or more textile sheets are impregnated with a resin composition comprising a combination of (i) at least one epoxy resin which is a tri- or tetrafunctional epoxy resin and (ii) a curing agent system comprising at least two types of reactive groups of different reactivity b) the impregnated textile sheets are subjected to heat to cause a partial reaction between the at least one epoxy resin and the curing agent system, so that the viscosity of the resin composition is increased, and c) the partially reacted impregnated resin composition is gelled using heat and/or pressure.
US07867567B2
In an aspect of the coating method according to the present invention, the lower limit decompression degree PS1 at which a seam trouble occurs is obtained from the formula of the viscocapillary model. According to the aspect of the present invention, coating is performed by setting the Pb so as to satisfy PS1
US07867563B2
The present invention is a method of mounting a plurality of components on a substrate. This component mounting method comprises the steps of (a) to (f): (a) preparing the substrate; (b) preparing a first liquid; (c) preparing a component-containing liquid containing the components and a second liquid, wherein the first liquid is insoluble in the second liquid and has a higher wettability than the second liquid with respect to the surfaces of the components, first regions, and a line having a shorter width than a minimum length of each of the components; (d) disposing the first liquid in the first regions and the line; (e) moving a squeegee for supplying a component-containing liquid to the substrate, relative to the substrate over the line from one edge to the other edge of the substrate to bring the component-containing liquid into contact with the first liquid disposed in the first regions; and (f) removing the first liquid and the second liquid from the substrate to dispose the components in the first regions.
US07867559B2
This invention provides a photoresist coating liquid supplying apparatus and a photoresist coating liquid supplying method, for supplying a photoresist coating liquid having a low particle content to a photoresist coating apparatus, and a photoresist coating apparatus using such a photoresist coating liquid supplying apparatus, which can realize coating without causing significant defects in a cost-effective manner.The photoresist coating liquid supplying apparatus comprises a buffer vessel for a photoresist coating liquid, a circulation filtering apparatus for drawing a part of the coating liquid from the buffer vessel, filtering the coating liquid, and then returning the filtered coating liquid to the buffer vessel, and a pipe for supplying the coating liquid from the buffer vessel or the circulation apparatus to a coating apparatus. The photoresist coating liquid supplying method uses the photoresist coating liquid supplying apparatus. The photoresist coating apparatus comprises a combination of the coating liquid supplying apparatus with a slit coating apparatus.
US07867557B2
Method for producing a nanoparticle comprised of core, first shell and second shell semiconductor materials. Effecting conversion of a core precursor composition comprising separate first and second precursor species to the core material and then depositing said first and second shells. The conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticle core. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least two of the core, first shell and second shell materials incorporate ions from groups 12 and 15, 14 and 16, or 11, 13 and 16 of the periodic table. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which the second shell material incorporates at least two different group 12 ions and group 16 ions. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least one of the core, first and second semiconductor materials incorporates group 11, 13 and 16 ions and the other semiconductor material does not incorporate group 11, 13 and 16 ions.
US07867554B2
Boron nitride coated fibers, and composite articles comprising such fibers, are described herein. These fibers can be desized and coated in one continuous process, without requiring purging in between processing steps. The fibers may be heated up in an ammonia atmosphere, and then be contacted with a reaction mixture, which comprises a boron source and a nitrogen source. Once coated, the fibers may be utilized in a ceramic matrix composite.
US07867542B2
An aqueous non-flammable release composition for use in food preparation comprising water; de-oiled, powdered lecithin; and less than about 10% oil. The de-oiled, powdered lecithin is water miscible which facilitates the use of less or no oil in a release composition, and allows the use of a non-flammable propellant. The non-flammable release composition may be applied to cooking utensils, such as baking and frying pans, and especially grills and the like, in order to prevent or inhibit food from sticking during cooking and to facilitate cleaning; which may be safely applied while a utensil, pan, or grill is hot; near an open flame or heating element; or while food is being cooked.
US07867540B2
An aroma composition comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)furanone, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)furanone, 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)furanone, a sulfur-containing analogue of any of the foregoing, and any combination, thereof; a second component selected from the group consisting of 2-furanmethanethiol, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 5-methyl-2-furanmethanthiol, and any combination, thereof; and a third component selected from the group consisting of 2-(1-mercaptoethyl)furan, 2-furanethanethiol, bis-(2-furfuryl) disulfide, a furanthiol disulfide, and any combination, thereof. The aroma composition can further include at least one alkylamine or benzylamine and/or a compound selected from the group consisting of hexenol, 1,5-octadien-3-one, methylthiopropionaldehyde, 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, butanoic acid, 2 and 3-methyl butanoic acid, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan, dimethyltetrasulfide, 4-hydroxy-2-ethyl-5-methyl-3-(2H)furanone, m-cresol, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2-(5H)furanone, and any combination thereof.
US07867536B2
A method for producing an edible product in the form of an elongated sausage having first and second ends. The methodology involves: removing an inner core from the elongated sausage such that, after the inner core is removed therefrom, the sausage defines a blind bore extending along a major length of the sausage, with the blind bore having one end opening to an exterior of the elongated sausage. The process further involves: inserting a specialty filling into the open end of the blind bore until the specialty filling substantially fills the length of the blind bore and such that the filled meat sausage offers multistaged flavor along the length thereof and then, closing the open end of the blind bore with a lengthwise portion of the inner core removed from the sausage or from an inner core of a previously cored sausage.
US07867525B2
Disclosed are powders or extracts of plant leaves with anti-obesity effects and anti-obesity foods comprising them, and more particularly, anti-obesity food compositions comprising powders or extracts of one or more selected from group consisting of persimmon (Diospyros KakI Thunb.) leaves, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) leaves, Chinese matrimony vine (Lycium chinense) leaves, endive (Cichorium endivia) leaves, and ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also disclosed are compositions comprising plant extracts or powders to reduce the weight of animals or humans, and more particularly, boiling water extracts of persimmon leaves, buckwheat leaves and Chinese matrimony vine leaves and persimmon leaf powder, buckwheat leaf powder and Chinese matrimony vine leaf powder were prepared and administered to animals or humans to confirm the effects of reduction of their weight and then health foods comprising the extracts or powders are produced.
US07867523B2
A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of colds and influenza. The pharmaceutical composition is a mixture of: acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, arabinogalactan, vitamin C, zinc, olive leaf extract, resveratrol and elderberry extract.
US07867519B2
A method for modifying the properties of a fibrin matrix relative to growth and ingrowth of cells, wherein for forming the fibrin matrix a fibrinogen is used consisting of a selected fibrinogen variant or a fibrinogen enriched or depleted in a selected fibrinogen variant. In particular, the use of high-molecular weight (HMW) fibrinogen leads to a fibrin having accelerated angiogenesis properties, while the use of low-molecular weight (LMW and/or LMW′) fibrinogen leads to fibrin having decelerated angiogenesis properties. The use of HMW fibrinogen when setting up angiogenesis tests results in that the tests require less time. Fibrin sealants on the basis of HMW fibrinogen can be used for burns, to promote wound healing or to inhibit scar tissue. Fibrin sealants on the basis of LMW or LMW′ fibrinogen are useful to inhibit adhesions and tumor growth, for instance after surgical operations.
US07867518B2
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition for the controlled release of relatively toxic active compounds, in particular for bioactive proteins from the class of interferons. The composition comprises a biodegradable block copolymer constructed from poly(ethylene glycol) terephthalate (PEGT) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). The composition is provided in the form of injectable microparticles, of an injectable liquid which may have self-gelling properties, or of a solid implant. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical kit comprising the composition, methods for preparing the composition, and the pharmaceutical uses relating thereto.
US07867500B2
The invention provides a new glucocorticoid receptor coactivator named STAMP (Steroid receptor coactivator-1 and Transcription intermediary factor-2 Associated Modulatory Protein) that can modulate transcription of glucocorticoid-, progesterone-, mineralocorticoid- and androgen-responsive genes. The invention also provides antibodies that can bind STAMP and modulate its activity. In addition, the invention provides antisense, ribozyme and siRNA STAMP nucleic acids that can modulate the expression of STAMP. Also provided are compositions and methods for modulating glucocorticoid-responsive gene expression and for treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
US07867498B2
The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.
US07867497B2
The present invention is directed to particular human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections. In particular, these antibodies may neutralize RSV. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing monoclonal antibodies.
US07867489B2
A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US07867478B2
The present disclosure relates to reducing compositions comprising, in an aqueous medium, at least one compound for reducing keratin, ammonia, and at least one mesomorphic phase present in an amount of at least 10% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition. The mesomorphic phase generally comprises nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than or equal to 10. The present disclosure also relates to the process for preparing the compositions, and to a process for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair using the reducing compositions, as well as multi-compartment kits for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair, wherein at least one compartment contains the reducing composition.
US07867477B2
In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.
US07867476B2
The invention consists of assay methods, assay kits and antibodies for detecting the polypeptide fragments of dystrophin protein cleavage by enteroviral protease 2A as a result of an enteroviral infection in the heart. The presence of dystrophin cleavage products in the myocytes or blood of a subject is diagnostic for enteroviral infection and myocarditis resulting therefrom.
US07867466B2
Means for a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material 1 containing an AlN crystal 150 mainly comprising AlN, and a production method thereof. In production, a molten aluminum layer is formed on an AlN substrate 11 with at least its surface comprising AlN in an atmosphere of a non-oxidizing gas, and the molten aluminum layer is then heated in an atmosphere of N2 gas to form an AlN crystal 150 which mainly comprises an AlN layer 125. The means are also a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material having an AlN crystal and an Al gradient layer, and a production method thereof. In production, a heating step of forming a molten aluminum layer 15 on the AlN layer 125 and heating it in an atmosphere of N2 gas is repeated at least twice or more. At this time, the amount of the N2 gas dissolved in the molten aluminum layer is decreased as the heating step is repeated.
US07867465B2
Systems and methods for producing ammonia. Nitrogen and hydrogen can be supplied to a reaction zone disposed inside an inner shell. The inner shell can be disposed inside an outer shell such that a space is formed therebetween. The reaction zone can include at least one catalyst bed in indirect heat exchange with the space. The nitrogen and hydrogen can be reacted in the reaction zone in the presence of at least one catalyst to form an effluent comprising ammonia. The effluent can be recovered from the inner shell and cooled to provide a cooled effluent stream. A cooling fluid can be provided to the outer shell such that the cooling fluid flows through at least a portion of the space and is in fluid communication with the exterior of the inner shell. At least a portion of the cooled effluent can provide at least a portion of the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid can then be recovered from the outer shell as an ammonia product.
US07867461B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a cerium oxide powder for a CMP slurry and a method of preparing a CMP slurry using the same, and more particularly, to a method of preparing a cerium oxide powder for a CMP slurry and a method of preparing a CMP slurry using the same in which the specific surface area of the powder is increased by preparing a cerium precursor, and then decomposing and calcinating the prepared cerium precursor. The pore distribution is controlled to increase the chemical contact area between a polished film and a polishing material, thereby reducing polishing time while the physical strength of powder is decreased, which remarkably reduces scratches on a polished film.
US07867460B2
Systems and methods for producing ammonia. The system can include a first shell having two or more discrete catalyst beds disposed therein, a second shell disposed about the first shell, a first heat exchanger disposed external to the first shell and in fluid communication therewith, a second heat exchanger disposed external to the second shell and in fluid communication therewith, and a flow path disposed within the first shell. A first portion can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst to provide an ammonia effluent. The heat of reaction from the ammonia effluent can be exchanged within the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The heated second portion of the feed gas can be introduced to the first shell and can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst.
US07867448B2
The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.
US07867447B2
A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample. In particular, the use of the second antibody prevents interference by platelet-associated aggregates in the scoring procedures.
US07867446B2
Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
US07867445B1
An explosives tester that can be used anywhere as a screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are provided. A heater is provided for receiving the first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers.
US07867443B2
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic staining or other processing of a biological sample on a slide, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system. Further provided is a method of antigen retrieval, the method comprising contacting, within a heated processing tank of an automated staining apparatus, at least one biological sample with at least one composition for antigen retrieval comprising at least one chelating agent, at least one detergent and at least 50% by volume of at least one liquid that facilitates antigen retrieval.
US07867442B2
A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).
US07867439B2
In a first embodiment the invention relates to a process for producing a dispersoid-strengthened material, comprising the steps of: (i) providing metal particles, wherein the metal is selected from platinum group metals, gold, silver, nickel and copper, as well as alloys thereof; (ii) mixing the metal particles with a precursor compound of the dispersoid and solvent; (iii) removing the solvent, so as to obtain metal particles provided with precursor compound; and (iv) compacting the metal particles provided with precursor compound in order to obtain the dispersoid-strengthened material, wherein the precursor compound is converted into the dispersoid during the compacting operation. In a second embodiment the invention relates to a process for producing a dispersoid-strengthened material, comprising the steps of: (i) providing metal particles, wherein the metal is selected from platinum group metals, gold, silver, nickel and copper, as well as alloys thereof, and wherein the metal particles are produced by mechanical processes selected from machining, milling, turning and filing; (ii) mixing the metal particles with a dispersoid or a precursor compound of the dispersoid, as well as solvent; removing the solvent; and compacting the metal particles obtained in step (iii) in order to obtain the dispersoid-strengthened material.
US07867436B2
A process for recycling composite materials includes the steps of feeding a quantity of composite material composed of at least one polymer and aluminum into at least one first reactor; heating the composite material in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the at least one polymer and form a hydrocarbon by-product and aluminum in the at least one first reactor; feeding the aluminum free of the at least one polymer into a second reactor; and heating the aluminum in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to melt the aluminum in the second reactor.
US07867435B2
A catheter inflatable member forming mold can include first and second frames that mate to define a mold cavity, the mold cavity defining a main cavity portion and a bulge cavity portion, the mold cavity being sized to receive an elongated tube member therein. The mold can also include a pin member with a head portion positioned in the mold cavity, the pin member extending into the mold cavity, the head portion of the pin member being moveable in a first direction to contact and move the tube member towards the bulge cavity portion of the mold cavity during molding.
US07867434B2
A particularly small eyedropper or the like is provided, which has a construction such that, when a body thereof is squeezed, an introduction hole thereof can be easily closed to compress air in a space between an inner layer and an outer layer thereof even in the absence of a check valve in the introduction hole, and defectiveness of the introduction hole can be easily checked. To this end, a test hole (19) communicating with an introduction hole (17) via a space between an outer layer bottle (1) and an inner layer bag (16) is provided in an outer layer mouth portion (4). The test hole (19) is closed by the inner layer bag (16) and an inside plug (21) fitted in the mouth portion (4). Further, the introduction hole (17) is provided in a middle portion of a body which is pressed by a finger when the bottle is squeezed. The introduction hole (17) is closed by the finger.
US07867432B2
A building material which comprises cement, cellulose fibers and admixtures is used in the fabrication of bricks, panels or other building products. The manufacture of this building material is accomplished by adding water, paper, a water repellant composed of calcium stearate, and a sodium silicate to act as a fire retardant material. The mixture is then thickened with cement and a second batch of concrete admixtures including a superplasticizer composed of a polyester polyacrylic polyol and an air entraining resin or surfactant to create an air entrained, viscous material for inserting in a mold or extruding through a press to form load bearing and insulating building materials. The resulting product can be formed into blocks or panels and the panels can be coated with polyurethane/polyurea coating to be bullet and blast resistant.
US07867425B2
A plastic closure includes a shell having a base wall with a skirt for securement to a container finish and a lip that extends radially inwardly from the skirt at a position adjacent to and spaced from the base wall. A liner is compression molded in situ against the base wall, and between the base wall and the lip. The lip has a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages that extend through the lip for venting air during compression molding of the liner.
US07867424B2
A method for the production of a steering wheel with a multi-colored foam surrounding includes the following steps: formation of a first foam surrounding (12) by surrounding a steering wheel skeleton in a first mold with a first foam, the first foam in solidified state having a first color; covering of particular regions of the first foam surrounding (12); and formation of a second foam surrounding (14) by introducing a second foam into a second mold, the second foam in solidified state having a second color different from the first color.
US07867422B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a binder sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a reactive composite sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material.
US07867420B2
A process for the production of a container of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding is provided, in which during shaping of the container within a multi-part tool, the container is provided with at least one connection element (3) which passes through the wall of the container. The connection element (3) according to the invention, is of a two-part structure, wherein a part is in the form of a removal cutting element (11). The cutting element (11) serves as a penetration tip for piercing the wall of the container while still in the plastic condition.
US07867415B2
Used in a method of this invention is a die clamping unit, which comprises a tie bar movably attached to a stationary platen, a halfnut positioning servomotor which advances and retreats to the tie bar, a halfnut which is provided on a movable platen and fixes the movable platen and the tie bar together by engaging the tie bar, an engaging mechanism which engages the halfnut with the tie bar, a hydraulic die clamping cylinder which presses the stationary platen and the movable platen, and a control device which controls the halfnut positioning servomotor and the hydraulic cylinder. The control device drives the halfnut positioning servomotor to remove a clearance between the halfnut and an engaging groove of the tie bar before a die clamping process carried out by the hydraulic cylinder.
US07867414B2
A method of manufacturing a birefringent film includes stretching a polymer film in a widthwise direction while at the same time shrinking the same in a lengthwise direction so as to satisfy the relational expression: (1/STD)1/2≦SMD<1, in which the length in the widthwise direction and the length in the lengthwise direction, of the polymer film before being stretched are respectively designated as 1, and STD represents a change ratio of the length in the widthwise direction of the polymer film due to stretching and SMD represents a change ratio of the length in the lengthwise direction of the polymer film due to shrinking, and make the stretched polymer film have an Nz coefficient of 0.9-1.1. This method achieves manufacturing of a birefringent film with a high production efficiency, while omitting the bowing phenomenon when manufacturing a birefringent film by stretching a polymer film in the widthwise direction, thereby limiting unevenness in birefringence, retardation and orientation angle and hence producing excellent optical characteristics, as well as achieving successive lamination when laminating with a polarizing film.
US07867412B2
A composition for retarding water loss and/or heat loss from a body of water comprises a polyoxyethylene ether having the general structure of R—(OCH2CH2)nOH where R is an alkyl group or mixture of alkyl groups, and n is the average number of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene glycol segment, wherein R is lauryl alcohol and n is 2. The composition can be delivered as a neat liquid, solution, or dispersion in a solvent or carrier, without additional dispersants or spreading agents, and without hazardous or flammable solvents. Embodiments may include a thickening agent to stabilize the dispersion until use. Preservatives, colorants and fragrance can be added. The range for delivery of the composition in dilution is from about 0.1% to about 90% by weight in one embodiment, and from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight, and from about 1% to about 20% by weight in other embodiments.
US07867403B2
The present invention provides a method for processing a photolithographic substrate, comprising the placement of the photolithographic substrate on a support member in a chamber wherein the photolithographic substrate has an initial temperature of about zero degrees Celsius to about fifty degrees Celsius. A heat transfer fluid is introduced into the chamber to cool the photolithographic substrate to a target temperature of less than about zero degrees Celsius to less than about minus forty degrees Celsius. The cooled photolithographic substrate is subjected to a plasma process before the temperature of the cooled photolithographic substrate reaches the initial temperature.
US07867397B2
The invention concerns a method for purifying wastewater loaded with organic matter, said method including: a step of contacting wastewater with a biological culture containing a purifying biomass and a step of separating performed by filtration through organic or inorganic membranes. The invention is characterized in that at least part of the biological culture is subjected to an oxidative stress step enabling a liquor to be obtained by the action of at least one oxidizing agent used in small amount so as to preserve the biological activity of the purifying biomass while modifying the microbial floc to make it denser.
US07867387B2
A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that a filter cartridge is present to safe-guard against damage to fuel injectors, associated fuel components, etc. and engine malfunctions. Fuel flow to the engine is prevented altogether or permitted in an amount insufficient to allow engine operation if a filter cartridge is not installed, and an appropriately designed filter cartridge is required to be used in order to permit sufficient fuel flow for engine operation. In one embodiment, a flow restriction valve is provided that includes a ball.
US07867385B2
Compositions and methods are provided for separating bitumen from oil sands in an efficient and environmentally acceptable manner, and for recovering residual bitumen from existing tailings ponds.
US07867373B2
Disclosed is a method for the continuous production of aluminum from alumina including a first step of converting alumina (Al2O3) into aluminum sulfide (Al2S3) and a second step of separation of aluminum from aluminum sulfide in a separating reactor. Wherein in the first step in a conversion reactor alumina is dissolved in a molten salt to form a melt and a sulfur containing gas is fed through the melt whereby the sulfur containing gas acts as a reagent to convert at least part of the alumina into aluminum sulfide and at least part of the melt is used in the second step. Further the invention relates to an apparatus for operating the method.
US07867370B2
A gas sensor element has a solid electrolyte body of oxygen ionic conductivity, a target gas electrode and a reference gas electrode formed on both surfaces of the solid electrolyte body, respectively, a porous diffusion resistance layer, and a catalyst support trap layer. The porous diffusion resistance layer covers the target gas electrode and through which target gases to be measured are passing. The catalyst support trap layer is formed on the outer surface of the porous diffusion resistance layer and supports noble metal catalyst. In the gas sensor element, the noble metal catalyst is made of platinum, rhodium, palladium supported in the catalyst support trap layer. In particular, an addition amount of palladium in the total amount of the noble metal catalyst is within a range of 2 to 65 wt %.
US07867368B2
A plating apparatus has a tubular electrode (16) placed in a hollow section (12) of work (11). The tubular electrode (16) has a through-hole (16a) formed in the longitudinal direction. A circular tube-like gap (S1) in which a plating liquid (17) flows is formed between the tubular electrode placed in the hollow section and an inner peripheral wall (14) of the hollow section. The plating liquid flows spirally from the lower end of the gap to the upper end by action of a vortex producing flow path (29) communicating to the lower end of the gap. The plating liquid having reached the upper end circulates through the through-hole of the tubular electrode.
US07867360B2
Polysulphide produced by oxidizing white liquor includes both active and inactive components. “Active” polysulphide is the only component that increases pulp yield. The amount of active polysulphide formed when manganese oxides are used as catalysts in the generating process is increased by adding a co-catalyst. Adding bismuth compounds and, in particular, bismuth oxide as a co-catalyst increases the total amount of polysulphide formed with all the manganese oxides and increases the amount of active polysulphide produced particularly when using the lower manganese oxides. The co-catalyst also increases the number of cycles in which the most active catalyst, manganese dioxide, can participate before losing efficiency. Other elements in the same group and adjacent groups in the periodic table are active but these other elements are more soluble than bismuth and are toxic.
US07867354B2
It is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing a combined optical film that includes opposing the end faces of a plurality of optical films to one another and can narrow the gap between the opposed end faces. A method for producing a combined optical film comprising a plurality of optical films each having at least one end face at which the optical films are opposed to one another, comprising the steps of: (1) opposing the end faces of the optical films to one another with a gap provided therebetween; (2) bonding a first seal material to the opposed portions of the optical films on a first side of each optical film to join the optical films; (3) bending the joined opposed portions of the optical films such that the joined opposed portions become concave on a second side of each optical film where the first seal material is not bonded and such that the gap is narrowed on the second side; (4) bonding a second seal material to the opposed portions on the second side, while the joined optical films are bent such that the gap is narrowed on the second side; and (5) cancelling the bending of the joined optical films to make them flat.
US07867350B2
The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated, resulting in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns.
US07867348B2
The present invention aims at providing a non-woven fabric having high-density regions and low-density regions dispersed horizontally, so as not to prevent liquid transfer from a surface sheet to an absorbent body and not to diffuse a liquid less during transfer, a manufacturing method thereof, and a disposable diaper made therefrom. The non-woven fabric 5 includes a plurality of high-density regions 11 and a plurality of low-density regions 12 dispersedly formed in a planar direction thereof. The high-density regions 11 are formed dominantly on at least one side of the non-woven fabric 5, and the low-density regions 12 are formed communicating both sides thereof.
US07867343B2
In a rare earth magnet, an added heavy rare earth element RH such as Dy is effectively used without any waste, so as to effectively improve the coercive force. First, a molten alloy of a material alloy for an R-T-Q rare earth magnet (R is a rare earth element, T is a transition metal element, and Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, C, N, Al, Si, and P), the rare earth element R containing at least one kind of element RL selected from the group consisting of Nd and Pr and at least one kind of element RH selected from the group consisting of Dy Tb, and Ho is prepared. The molten alloy is quenched, so as to produce a solidified alloy. Thereafter, a thermal treatment in which the rapidly solidified alloy is held in a temperature range of 400° C. or higher and lower than 800° C. for a period of not shorter than 5 minutes nor longer than 12 hours is performed. By the thermal treatment, the element RH can be moved from the grain boundary phase to the main phase, so that the coercive force is increased.
US07867342B1
A method and device for cleaning cymbals in which a cymbal is secured to a rotatable device, the rotatable device is rotated, and a cleaning agent is applied to the rotating cymbal after which an abrasive member is translated radially over the surface of the rotating cymbal thereby cleaning the cymbal. The device for cleaning a cymbal has a housing and a rotatable motor therein. The motor has an upstanding threaded shaft onto which a cymbal is secured with a cooperating threaded fastener. A regulator controls the speed of rotation. As the cymbal rotates within the housing, the cleaning agent is applied and an abrasive member is translated radially over the surface of the rotating cymbal.
US07867341B2
A dishwasher includes a tub, a fluid circulation assembly, and a water flow blocking mechanism. The assembly includes a pump, which is in flow communication with a lower spray arm via a water passage and at least one other spray arm via a conduit. The water flow blocking mechanism includes a water flow blocking device, a magnet, and a magnet positioning device. The water flow blocking device is normally positioned in a pocket in the conduit. The magnet positioning device is configured to move the magnet from a first position to a second position. When the magnet is in the first position, the water flow blocking device is maintained in the pocket by magnetic forces from the magnet. When the magnet is in the second position, the water flow blocking device is not retained in the pocket by magnetic forces of the magnet.
US07867330B2
The present invention relates to a metal treatment composition including Tin (II) Chloride and processed montmorillonite clay. The addition of Tin (II) Chloride to the composition provides Tin for forming a ceramic-metal layer on the surfaces of the friction pair. Tin (II) Chloride provides Chlorine ions for forming Chloric films for protecting juvenile surfaces which form in the friction zone. The clay is heated and pulverized to produce a powder comprising both particles having crystalline layer structure and salts and oxides. The layered crystalline structure of the clay contains slip planes that transversely shift when tangential pressure from the friction pair is applied thereby lubricating the friction pair. The salts and oxides contribute to the formation of the ceramic-metal layer.
US07867327B2
There is provided an ink set for ink jet recording, which can realize lightfastness and waterfastness and, at the same time, can realize good images, especially images having a good hue. The ink set for ink jet recording comprises a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition, wherein the cyan ink composition comprises as a colorant at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 and C.I. Pigment Blue 15:4, the magenta ink composition comprises as a colorant at least one pigment selected from group consisting of C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. Pigment Red 209, and C.I. Pigment Violet 19, and the yellow ink composition comprises as a colorant C.I. Pigment Yellow 213.
US07867319B2
A filled epoxy tubesheet comprises an epoxy filled with a metal, such as aluminum flakes. Embodiments of the filled epoxy tubesheets can bend due to stress on the surface rather than crack. Embodiments of the filled epoxy tubesheet can be used to improve Air Separation Module performance by reducing or eliminating leakage through crack in the tubesheet.
US07867309B2
In a steam-water separator, horizontal slits are formed on the outer side of the curving direction of the curved part and at a location between the curved part of the riser and the swirl vane.
US07867306B2
A cyclonic separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic separating unit including at least one first cyclone, a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream of the first cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel, and a third cyclonic separating unit located downstream of the second cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of third cyclones arranged in parallel. The number of second cyclones is higher than the number of first cyclones and the number of third cyclones is higher than the number of second cyclones, providing an apparatus which achieves a higher separation efficiency than known separation apparatus.
US07867304B2
The invention relates to a method for cleaning the filter of a vacuum cleaner which has a dirt collecting container with a suction inlet, to which a suction tube is connected, the dirt collecting container being connected to at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction line, and at least one closing valve closing an external air inlet, via which the suction line is connected to an external air supply, in which method, for cleaning the filter, the closing valve is opened and the side of the filter that is oriented away from the dirt collecting container is impinged upon by external air. To develop the method further in such a way that all the filters present can be flowed through by suction air during suction operation, but suction operation does not have to be noticeably interrupted for filter cleaning, it is proposed according to the invention that, by opening the closing valve, the negative pressure that forms within the suction tube at a distance of 3 cm from the suction inlet, on connecting a standard suction tube, is lowered for at least 10 ms and at most 150 ms to values of less than 40% of the value forming when the closing valves are closed. The invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner for carrying out the method.
US07867302B2
A method of facilitating abrasive article manufacturing includes providing a rapid tooling system to a consumer and providing a cartridge to the consumer. The cartridge has a cartridge body, a first binder and first abrasive particles. The cartridge is configured to operate as part of the rapid tooling system and is operable to deposit the first binder and the first abrasive particles in successive patterned layers to form an abrasive structure.
US07867301B2
A pre-reformer comprises a non-electrically conducting gas tight duct and an electrically conducting wire arranged in the duct. The electrically conducting wire is electrically isolated from the duct. The duct has an inlet for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel at a first end and an outlet for supplying a pre-reformed hydrocarbon fuel at a second end. At least the inner surface of the duct is chemically inert with respect to the hydrocarbon fuel. An electrical power supply is electrically connected to the electrically conducting wire and a control means controls the supply of electrical current through the electrically conducting wire to provide thermal decomposition of higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon fuel. The performer reduces coking in associated fuel cells and other parts of a fuel cell system.
US07867297B2
A reactor comprising, a low-temperature reaction part which causes reaction of a reactant, a high-temperature reaction part which causes reaction of the reactant at higher temperature than that of the low-temperature reaction part, a high-temperature reaction part heating element which heats high-temperature reaction part, and a wire which is connected to the high-temperature reaction part heating element and is wired to the low-temperature reaction part.
US07867290B2
Methods are provided to suitably impregnate low surface energy separator materials with polar electrolyte in an electrolytic capacitor. Backfilling methods overcome the high contact angles exhibited by polar electrolytes on porous hydrophobic separators, forcing the electrolyte into the separator pores, thereby sufficiently impregnating the separator disposed between two electrodes within the capacitor assembly. Methods enable use of separators sans surfactant or surface modifications to improve wetting.
US07867289B2
A method of preparing a depilatory composition includes placing a quantity of sucrose into a heating vessel. Vinegar and citric acid are added into the heating vessel in the respective amounts of about 30 to 35% and 2.0 to 2.5% of the quantity of sucrose. The sucrose, vinegar and citric acid are stirred to create a mixture. The mixture is heated to about 230 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture is diluted with water in an amount of 2.0 to 2.5% of the quantity of sucrose. The diluted mixture is cooled to form a soft was a room temperature once the temperature of the diluted mixture reaches about 230 degrees Fahrenheit.
US07867287B2
A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which a number of finger prostheses are articulated. Each of the finger prostheses are movable relative to the chassis and toward one another about at least one swiveling axis via a drive that is connected to the finger prostheses by a force transmission unit.
US07867282B2
A modular implant system includes a set of anatomically-designed diaphyseal fitting and filling modular implant components and adapters for connection to another implant component such as a modular articular component, a segmental component or an intercalary component. The other end of each diaphyseal component is a tapered porous surface. The tapered porous surface is received with a tapered bore in the bone diaphysis that is prepared to match the size and shape of the tapered porous surface. The diaphyseal implant is easy to insert and remove, does not bind before fully seating, and is designed to prevent stress shielding. The diaphyseal sleeve eliminates the long lever arm created when fixation occurs only at the tip of the stem, and should therefore eliminate related stem loosening.
US07867281B2
An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing surface, in particular a hip prosthesis comprising a spherical bearing member, a femoral stem, and a modular neck configured for interposition between the spherical bearing member and the stem, together with an acetabular implant having a concave bearing surface configured for articulation with the spherical bearing member. One of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a soft metal bearing surface, the soft metal bearing surface having a hardness of at least about 20 Rc, while the other one of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a hard metal bearing surface, the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc.
US07867276B2
The implant includes two side walls resting against the vertebral end-plates and an intermediate wall joining the supporting walls. The implant can be deformed for insertion between the vertebrae to be treated to restore the attenuated mobility of the vertebrae, and includes mounting elements mounting on the vertebrae. The side walls have a curved shape, whose convexity is oriented towards the outside of the implant; the intermediate wall has a curved shape, whose convexity is oriented towards the outside of the implant such that it does not form any pronounced angles with the supporting side walls. The supporting side walls and the intermediate wall, have a partially oval shape; and the mounting elements are configured such that the implant can be mounted on the vertebrae.
US07867260B2
A plate for stabilizing distal radius fractures, comprising a longitudinal shaft with an adjacent distal, anatomically preformed plate part, with the envelope of the plate part having an essentially triangular shape, and threaded bores with longitudinal axes arranged in both the shaft and the distal plate part and being cone-like at least at the distal plate end, which extend in a predominately non-parallel manner in the distal plate part, and wherein a bend is formed between the shaft and the plate part.
US07867259B2
The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
US07867246B2
An apparatus for use in a therapeutic medical procedure that may include an elongate sheath having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate sheath having a first lumen having a first cross-sectional area running from an first opening at the distal end to a first point proximal the distal end and a second lumen fluidly connected to the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal end at or proximal the first point and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, the second lumen having a portion running generally along the elongate axis; and an elongate member having a first portion having a third cross-sectional area, a proximal end and a distal end and having a therapeutic device disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end, the therapeutic device having a first configuration having a fourth cross-sectional area, wherein the elongate member is disposed in the first and second lumens and the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, wherein when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, the elongate sheath has a second opening proximate and proximal the distal protection device and a third opening proximal the second opening in which the elongate member is partially disposed, and wherein the second opening is in fluid communication with the third opening when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen.
US07867240B2
A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.
US07867231B2
A femoral intramedullary rod system capable of treating a variety of femoral bone fractures using a uniform intramedullary rod design. The system generally comprising an intramedullary rod defining an opening having an upper surface and a transverse member including a bone engaging portion and a connection portion defining a thru-hole with the nail sized to pass therethrough. A pin is selectively coupled to the transverse member to rigidly assemble the transverse member to the nail when the nail is passed through the thru-hole and the pin is received within the opening. In an alternative design, an epiphyseal stabilizer is joined to the nail by a locking member.
US07867229B2
According to the present invention, a high-frequency treatment apparatus includes: an electrode assembly electrically connected to the high-frequency generating unit for generating a high-frequency current, the assembly having at the distal end thereof a current-applying electrode for discharging the high-frequency current, the proximal end of the current-applying electrode being covered with a first insulating member; an insertion section receiving the electrode assembly such that the electrode assembly is movable in predetermined directions, the insertion section being located on the return side of the high-frequency current applied from the current-applying electrode; a liquid supply unit for supplying an irrigation liquid to the vicinity of the current-applying electrode; and a second insulating member for covering a predetermined area on the surface of base part of the current-applying electrode, the base part being exposed from the distal end of the first insulating member.
US07867221B2
A medical device and displacement-based over-pressurization mechanism (OPM) for use with the same. The OPM may be positioned in or along a refill passageway of the device. It may include a valve plunger having a portion in biased, abutting contact with a reservoir surface that moves as the reservoir volume changes. The reservoir surface may move between a full position and a refill position. The OPM is preferably configured to close and occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir and reservoir surface reach the full position, e.g., before reaching an overfill position. A sensor may also be provided to detect a position of the valve plunger.
US07867215B2
A fluid transfer device for use in an infusion system having a first end and a second end for coupling to an injection port of the infusion system. The device further includes at least a first member, a hollow needle attached to the first member, and a second member telescopically displaceable in relation to the first member, allowing the hollow needle to penetrate a flexible barrier member sealing the injection port thereby creating a fluid passage into the infusion system. The first end has a connecting portion for attachment to a drug bottle containing a fixed dose of a medical substance, and the second end has a flexible membrane able to be pressed against the flexible barrier member with a pressure sufficient to create a double-membrane sealing around the hollow needle.
US07867211B2
A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
US07867210B2
In a disposable absorbent article structured such that an article body is composed of at least a top sheet arrange in a front face side, a back sheet arranged in a back face side and an absorber interposed between both of top sheet and back sheet, and a feces pocket is provided in a hip contact portion of the article body, wherein an opening portion of the feces pocket is covered with a mesh sheet.
US07867205B2
Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. Some methods relate to delivering an implant within an eye, and involve providing an elongate guide device, such as, a flexible guide member or a guide wire. A distal end of the guide device can be advanced into an anterior chamber of an eye, or through at least a portion of a site of resistance along a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, or from an anterior chamber of the eye to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The implant is advanced along the guide device toward the guide device distal end, and is positioned to conduct aqueous humor between the anterior chamber and the physiologic outflow pathway.
US07867203B2
A valve that is adapted to control the flow rate of fluid flow from an implantable pump or other fluid delivery device is provided. In general, the valve includes a multi-lumen member that is adapted to receive fluid-flow therethrough, and a restrictor member that is coupled to the multi-lumen member such that the restrictor member is effective to selectively restrict at least a portion of one or more lumens in the multi-lumen member to thereby adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the multi-lumen member. The valve can be built into an implantable drug pump to control fluid flow exiting the pump, or alternatively the valve can disposed within a catheter or otherwise coupled to an outlet port in an implantable drug pump to control the flow rate of fluid exiting the drug pump.
US07867202B2
A threaded rod for an injection device, wherein the rod includes a thread on an external surface, the thread supporting or carrying, at least partially, engaging elements and/or teeth. In one embodiment, the present invention encompasses a dosing mechanism for an injection device, including a rotational defining element which enables a threaded rod to be rotated in one direction, rotation being blocked or prevented in the counter direction by at least one blocking element which co-operates with a thread of the threaded rod, wherein the thread carries, supports or has associated teeth and/or engaging elements. In one embodiment, the present invention encompasses an injection device including at least one engaging element which co-operates with a blocking element associated with a threaded rod, whereby the threaded rod is rotatable in one direction in relation to the injection device, rotation in the opposite direction being prevented.
US07867199B2
The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises a needle unit comprising a needle hub and a carrier body, and a cannula housing. The cannula housing and the needle hub are releasably connected and when they are connected, the insertion needle is placed inside the cannula. The carrier body guides the movement relative to the set housing between a retracted and an advanced position. When released the needle unit and the cannula housing are forced by a spring unit to an advanced position where the needle and cannula are placed subcutaneously. One object of the invention is to provide a disposable inserter for an infusion set which inserter is easy and safe for the user to handle during use and to dispose of after use.
US07867194B2
An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.
US07867193B2
An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time, which includes a hollow member that defines at least one lumen for facilitating a unidirectional recirculating flow of a therapeutic fluid through the lumen. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The apparatus also includes a pump, for example a single unidirectional pump, to control the flow rate of the therapeutic fluid through the hollow member, and an interface member in communication with at least one lumen of the hollow member. The device thus allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.
US07867186B2
Intraocular implants and delivery instruments are disclosed for treating ophthalmic conditions and ocular disorders, such as glaucoma. The implants are configured to extend between the anterior chamber of the eye and a fluid outflow path or physiologic outflow pathway, such as Schlemm's canal, of the eye for enhancing outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber so as to reduce intraocular pressure. The implants can have features for anchoring the implant into Schlemm's canal as well as preventing the walls of Schlemm's canal from closing the outlet of the implants. The delivery instruments can be steerable so as to make implantation easier. Additionally, the instruments can be configured to hold a plurality of implants so that multiple implants can be implanted through one incision without removing the instrument from the incision between serial implantations.
US07867181B2
A neck support/brace for protecting a neck has a flexible collar with a top wall, bottom wall, sidewalls and sectional walls disposed therebetween that form compartments therein. A plurality of cells are disposed within the compartment. Each of the fluid cells have a valve element disposed therein. When the pressure acting upon the cells is below a threshold pressure, fluid or air flows through the valve element to allow movement of the neck. Alternatively when the pressure on the cells is above the threshold pressure the valve element closes preventing fluid or air flow out of the fluid cell thus causing the cell to stay inflated and provide resistance to a neck movement.
US07867175B2
A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.
US07867171B2
Methods of determining gastro-intestinal conditions by performing a succession of breath tests or others tests, particularly for determining the gastric emptying or gastric accomodation condition of a subject. Methods of performing successive gastric emptying tests with different test meals are also presented, enabling the gastric accommodation to be determined. The effects of different test means on the results is presented. Novel substrates for use in such tests are suggested, including the use of micro-encapsulation. Breath tests for the detection of bacterial overgrowth, lactose intolerance and combinations thereof are presented.
US07867164B2
A wound retractor system comprises a retractor having a distal ring 91 and a retracting sleeve 4 extending from the ring. An insertion tool 120 has a distal groove 122 to hold the ring for insertion of the ring through a small incision 90 in the abdominal wall 97. The retractor may be used for retracting an incision to receive an instrument therethrough. A seal or valve may be mounted to the retractor through which an instrument can pass.
US07867163B2
A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.
US07867161B2
An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
US07867160B2
Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.
US07867158B2
The invention relates to a device for separating impurities from the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a filter insert on the bottom and a centrifuge thereabove that is provided with a rotor which is driven by means of penetrating lubricating oil. The filter insert and the centrifuge are disposed on top of each other in a common two piece housing that is closed during operation of the device and encompasses a removable top screw cap and a fixed bottom housing part. A removable intermediate lid is positioned between the filter insert and the centrifuge within the housing. The centrifuge, the intermediate lid, and the filter insert can be removed from the housing in the open state thereof. Furthermore, the screw cap and the intermediate lid of the device are provided with detachable connecting members which engage with each other and transmit axial tractive forces or axial tractive and compressive forces.
US07867155B2
A roller for a web-processing machine, the roller having a support core, which is braced in the region of both its ends via a respective bearing arrangement, and an outer covering, which in its axially central region is mounted in a radially fixed manner in relation to the support core and in the region of its two ends is braced in a radially displaceable manner in relation to the support core by a respective additional bearing arrangement, whereby the outer covering is displaceable in the region of its two ends respectively by an actuator arranged within the outer covering, the actuator being adjustable and including two inter-mounted eccentrics to which is assigned respectively one pivoting device, whereby the two pivoting devices are controllable such that the size of the resulting eccentricity and the position of the resulting eccentricity are adjustable preferably separately from each other.
US07867143B2
The invention is related to climbing trees. Climbing trees are used for a variety of purposes—cats and other pets and small or slightly older children can derive a lot of pleasure from activities in a climbing tree. Using a specially designed bracket the shape of the climbing tree can be expanded and changed in an almost unlimited range of combinations. The climbing tree can be adapted to the physical aspects of its surroundings. These make the climbing tree exceedingly useful and practical. The new invention consists of different types of brackets to be secured to the columns and where the brackets are the link to new imaginative additions to the climbing tree. The invention can fulfil claims in which the column can have any shape imaginable—e.g. square, triangular—such that the brackets are simply physically shaped to suit that of the column.
US07867142B2
A method and system for providing a sound source suitable for an exercise state of a user by recognizing the exercise state of the user by measuring heart rate and exercise speed of the user. The method includes: determining a standard heart rate; measuring a heart rate of a user; measuring an exercise speed of the user; comparing the measured heart rate and the standard heart rate; when a difference between the both heart rates is more than a predetermined value, generating compensated exercise speed information based on the difference and the measured exercise speed; and replaying a sound source according to the compensated exercise speed information. According to the exercise state management method, heart rate suitable for the type, intensity, or time of exercise selected by the user and a sound source suitable for exercise speed are provided, thereby improving satisfaction and effectiveness of the exercise.
US07867141B2
A physical activity measuring system analyzes analyzing body motions of a user to accurately determine the exercise intensity. The system includes a portable device which is adapted to be carried by the user and is equipped with a body sensor and an indicator for indication of the exercise intensity. The body sensor senses the user's body motions to give corresponding motion strength. The portable device has a processor which constitutes an exercise calculator which has a predetermined relationship between a default standard deviation of the motion strength and an exercise intensity scale. The exercise intensity calculator collects a time series data of the motion strengths within a predetermined first time frame, obtains a standard deviation of thus collected motion strengths, and converting the standard deviation into an instant exercise intensity within the intensity scale in accordance with the predetermined relationship. The standard deviation with regard to the motion strengths can be well concordant with the exercise intensity, and therefore gives the accurate exercise intensity on a real-time basis.
US07867137B2
A method for operating a motor vehicle drivetrain with at least an automatic transmission and a drive motor. The automatic transmission includes at least five shift elements to transmit torque and/or power. In each of the forward and reverse gears, at least three shift elements are engaged and the remaining shift elements are disengaged. Two consecutive gearshifts are carried out through selection of the five shift elements. During a first gearshift, implemented as a multiple gearshift, a subsequent second gearshift, implemented as either a single or multiple gearshift, is prepared. During the first gearshift, a first shift element is disengaged, a second shift element is engaged, a third shift element is prepared for disengagement in a subsequent second gearshift and a fourth shift element is prepared for engagement. Further, during the first gearshift and the subsequent second gearshift, a fifth shift element is retained in at least a substantially engaged state.
US07867126B2
A differential case for a vehicle and a differential device for a vehicle supplying sufficiently lubrication oil to a gear peripheral portion as a supported portion of a pinion gear in order to prevent a bonding of the gear peripheral portion of the pinion gear. The differential case or the differential device for the vehicle comprises a pair of pinion gear supporting portions (10, 11) supporting slidably a pair of pinion gears (3, 4), and a lubrication oil introducing portion (7, 8) provided around a peripheral portion of the pair of pinion gears (3, 4) to introduce lubrication oil into a clearance between sliding faces of the pair of pinion gears (3, 4) and pinion gear supporting faces (10a, 11a, 10b, 11b) of the pair of pinion gear supporting portions (10, 11).
US07867119B2
The invention relates to a transmission system in which the crankshaft (V) of a combustion engine (M) is coupled via a transmission device using flexible links, particularly of the belt type, to a shaft (1) of an alternator-starter (ATD), characterized in that it has a two-state coupling device, the states being a first state corresponding to a phase for starting the engine, in which the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) drives the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) with a first transmission ratio, and a second state in which the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) drives the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) with a second transmission ratio, and in that the first transmission ratio is higher than the second transmission ratio.
US07867117B2
A clutching mechanism (20) for a cultivating tiller. The tiller has an engine (16) mounted on a frame (12) with a rotatable output shaft (40), a rotatable working shaft (22), and a transmission (18) operatively connecting to the working shaft, the transmission having a rotatable transmission shaft (42) coaxially aligned with the output shaft of the engine. The clutching mechanism includes an upper half pulley (52) attached to the output shaft, and a lower half pulley (54) attached to the transmission shaft, wherein the upper half pulley and lower half pulley are coaxially positioned in a facing but non-contacting relationship such that the upper half pulley is able to freely rotate with respect to the lower half pulley. The clutching mechanism also includes a belt (62) positioned between the upper half pulley and the lower half pulley, and a tensioning assembly (70) configured to selectively tension the belt so that the belt transmits rotation of the upper half pulley to the lower half pulley.
US07867115B2
Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.
US07867104B2
Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g-cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g-cm2, or even at least 12,000 g-cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g-cm2, or even at least 25,000 g-cm2 or at least 28,000 g-cm2.
US07867100B2
A riding device includes one or more cranks rotatably attached to a base, and a rider support supported on a carrier and movable relative to the base for supporting a rider, the carrier has a front portion for swinging relative to the base and a rear portion pivotally coupled to the cranks for moving cyclically relative to the base and for allowing the carrier to be moved in an elliptical and reciprocating action relative to the base by the crank device, and the rider support is supported on the carrier and moved in concert with the rider support for supporting the rider, and the carrier and the rider support may be moved relative to the base in an elliptical and reciprocating action by the rider.
US07867098B2
A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.
US07867094B1
An application is described for facilitating the modification of an underlying computer game by players and developers; the development and testing of game modifications via a publishing infrastructure; the sharing and playing of game modifications and the marketing of available game modifications. Users subscribe to the application or are charged a fee to access individual content and partake in these game modification processes across a network infrastructure.
US07867091B2
A multiplayer gaming system that is usable by a number of participating players to play a multiplayer game, comprises a plurality of player stations, each player station enabling a respective participating player to place a wager on an outcome of the multiplayer game and to play a separate instance of a same single-player game having a plurality of possible results, and an application web server communicable with each one of the plurality of player stations.The application web server is operable to determine an outcome of the multiplayer game as a function of the combined results of the separate instances of the single-player game played at the plurality of player stations. The outcome of the multiplayer game is either a favourable outcome if one or more participating players are determined by the application web server as being a winner of the multiplayer game, or an unfavourable outcome in which none of the participating players is determined as being a winner.A single turn of the multiplayer game includes at least one turn of an instance of the single-player game at each one of the plurality of player stations in use by a participating player. The application web server determines an outcome of a turn of the multiplayer game only after completion of at least one turn of an instance of the single-player game for each participating player, respectively, and awards a prize to the winning player when the outcome of the turn of the multiplayer game is a favourable outcome.
US07867083B2
In a method of operating an authentication server, where the authentication server operatively coupled to a network, a request to determine whether a person is allowed to play a game on a gaming system may be received from a computer via the network. The request may include biometric data associated with the person. The received biometric data may be compared with data in a database that includes biometric data of persons allowed to play games on the gaming system. It may be determined whether the person is allowed to play a game on the gaming system based on the comparison of the received biometric data with the data in the database. A message may be transmitted to the computer via the network that indicates whether the person is allowed to play a game on the gaming system. Additionally, it may be determined whether a gaming unit on which the person desires to play a game is in a permitted location for playing the game. A message may be transmitted to the computer via the network that indicates whether the gaming unit on which the person desires to play a game is in a permitted location.
US07867081B2
Uncarded play can be monitored by a gaming device or network to target incentives aimed at achieving player tracking system enrollment. A player is permitted to begin gaming device play. The player's play is monitored for triggering events suggesting a player's value to the casino and prompting notification of join-up incentives to the player. The player can be solicited to enroll and can be awarded join-up incentives following enrollment.
US07867080B2
Techniques for providing a streak game are described. A streak wager on a streak game is received and a representation of the streak wager is displayed. The streak game is made up of a number of consecutive main games and a selected outcome for each main game. An outcome of a main game is received. Whether the received outcome is the same as the selected outcome for the main game associated with the streak game is determined. The number of received consecutive outcomes that are the same as the selected outcomes for the main game associated with the streak game is tracked. If more than one streak game is in play at the same time, the streak games are each individually tracked. A new streak wager can be placed at any time, such that one streak wager need not be completed before a new streak wager is received.
US07867075B2
Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display.
US07867074B2
A gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device including several groups displayed by a display device and at least one component associated with each group. Several selections are displayed by the display device having multiple components of the groups associated with the selections. A player completes a group and receives a prize for that group when the player picks selections and generates each component associated with a group.
US07867073B2
A method is provided for facilitating a game of video poker, where a payout may be determined based on aspects of both an initial hand, and a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a ranking of an initial hand and a ranking of a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and absent from a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in a final hand and absent from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and present in a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a probability of generating a final hand from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on an order of cards within an initial hand, final hand, and/or within a set of replacement cards drawn to complete a final hand.
US07867070B2
A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction.
US07867065B2
The present invention is based on a hand-held power tool with a housing (12), an oscillating body (18) provided for oscillation relative to the housing (12), and connecting means (22) which fasten the oscillating body (18) to the housing (12).It is provided that the connecting means (22) include a receiving part (26) which can be installed in the housing (12) and an oscillating element (28) which is separate from the receiving part (26) and is provided for deformation.
US07867038B2
An electrical connector is provided comprising a female member and a male member configured such that the female member is inhibited from being electrically coupled to the male member if the electrical coupling would reverse the polarity of the electrical connector. The female member may comprise a first and second chamber. The male member may comprise a first and second extension. The first and second chambers may be configured to insertably accommodate the first and second extensions. The female member may comprise one or more resilient members providing a pressing force to bias at least a portion of a male electrode against at least a portion of a corresponding female electrode. Alternatively, the cover of the male electrode in the first and second extensions may comprise a resilient member.
US07867036B2
A plug converter for changing the electrical pin configuration of an appliance plug has an enclosure with a base and a cover. On the base are connector pins having a first electrical pin configuration for connecting the enclosure to an electrical outlet. Within the enclosure are electrical connectors for connection with an appliance plug having a second electrical pin configuration. The electrical connectors are electrically connected to the connector pins. A support structure is provided adjacent an opening in the enclosure for supporting an appliance plug connected with the electrical connectors.
US07867034B1
A card insertion slot in the card connector through which two types of cards, large and small cards, can be selectively installed in a card accommodation space include first and second guideways in corresponding to the sizes of the cards. The card connector includes first and second contacts, a lock bracket configured to detect the width of the large card, an actuator configured to be rotatable, and a partition member including a partition plate configured to be movable. When the large card is inserted into the card connector, the lock bracket is moved from the first position to the second position. When the large card is further fed into the card connector, the actuator is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the partition plate is moved from the first position to the second position.
US07867033B2
A branch connector located at a position where a branch line is connectedly branched from a main line constituting a communication circuit, comprising: inside a connector housing thereof, one or a plurality of bus bars each having a joint part long and narrow and a plurality of electric wire connection terminal parts projected by spacing said electric wire connection terminal parts at a certain interval from said joint part in a longitudinal direction thereof; a plurality of cylindrical insulation parts each having a hollow portion through which one of said electric wire connection terminal parts is inserted; and a plurality of filter materials each of which is made of a conductive magnetic material and fitted on one of said cylindrical insulation parts to prevent each of said filter materials and said corresponding electric wire connection terminal part from contacting each other.
US07867031B2
A high speed connector with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames that are assembled together to form a block of connector units. Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to define within the pair of columns, a serpentine pattern of ground shields that cooperate to act as a single “pseudo” shield within each pair of columns.
US07867025B2
A cable connector for a coaxial cable includes at one end a basket with circumferentially spaced fingers extending generally axially toward the other end of the cable connector. The fingers define a cavity that is positioned in surrounding relation to a inner conductive pin. Disposed in the cavity is a cylindrical collar which engages an inner wall of the fingers, along a substantial portion of their length, so as to bias them radially outwardly and prevent stresses that may otherwise occur when the fingers are inserted into the inner conductor of a coaxial cable.
US07867023B2
The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and to header systems having such connectors. In one embodiment an electrical connector also known as a header can have two aligning and locating pegs for cooperating with alignment holes of the housing of a control module to accurately and precisely position header in a respective bay of the control module. The pegs of each header can have either unique cross-sectional shapes which can be reflected in respective alignment holes of housing, or can be uniquely positioned on the header which positioning is matched on the holes of the housing to permit each header to be accurately and precisely seated along the x-axis and the y-axis in only one bay and in only a desired front back orientation, or both. In this fashion, the terminals of the header, including its pins, are in position to engage openings in a PCB or other connector. The pegs can also include ribs to capture the housing and prevent vertical or z-axis movement of the header relative to the housing. Retaining the desired vertical position can result in precise placement of the terminals along the z-axis for engagement with respective PCB. Each header can include a trough system to receive overflow of adhesive used to secure the header to the housing.
US07867018B2
An apparatus for accommodating and making electrical contact with a luminous means, which contains a glass vessel, a luminous means base and contact pins for supplying power, in a spotlight, which contains a luminous means holder for accommodating the luminous means base with plug-type sockets for accommodating the contact pins of the luminous means, is provided. The luminous means holder has a device for monitoring the connection between the luminous means base and the luminous means holder. The monitoring device comprises a device for detecting the relative position of at least one part of the luminous means base in relation to the luminous means holder when the luminous means base is inserted into the luminous holder.
US07867016B2
The present invention relates to an electrical press-in contact, particularly press-in pin contact, for transmitting electric current and/or electrical signals, comprising a press-in section and a mounting section which are mechanically coupled with each other via a relief section, and the relief section comprises a compensating portion and a stop portion, wherein the compensating portion allows a coupled relative movement of the press-in section and the mounting section, and the stop portion blocks a movement of press-in section and mounting section towards each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical or electronic module or a printed circuit board comprising an electrical press-in contact according to the invention.
US07867015B1
A strain relief device for protecting a power cord includes a tubular base member defining a lumen adapted to accommodate a power cord. The lumen includes a trailing lumen, a leading lumen, and an annular recess formed between the trailing and leading lumens. The leading lumen has flat, tapered sidewalls. A tapered cylindrical plug is sized to snugly fit within the leading lumen and has a protruding annular rim at its narrow end. The diameter of the protruding annular rim is about equal to the diameter of the annular recess so that the rim snaps into the recess when the plug is inserted into the leading lumen. The plug is disposed in encircling relation to the power cord prior to insertion of the plug. Pulling on the power cord increases the compression of the plug about the cord due to the common taper of the plug and the leading lumen.
