US07869130B2
A line beam illustration optical system is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the line beam illustration optical system can include a first lens, emitting a beam of light incident from a light source in a first direction; a second lens, converging the beam of light, emitted in the first direction, in a second direction that is vertical to the first direction; and a third lens, forming a line beam in parallel with respect to the first direction by collimating the beam of light converged in the second direction, in the first direction. With the present invention, the line beam illustration optical system can reduce the overall length of the illustration optical system.
US07869123B2
Specimen laser-scanning microscope with raster scanning illumination and detector modules, which illuminates and detects a specimen by raster scanning. A real-time control device (device) performs synchronous reading-out with the raster scanning pixel cycle. A data port serially communicates with the device using a bidirectional high-speed data stream and with the resources via a serial, bidirectional high-speed data stream with a data conversion to/from parallel to serial. The high-speed data stream is made up of data packets with data bits and type bits and no additional header or protocol bits. The data bits contain data from/on the resources and the type bits code the type of data. Type information is stored in the resources as well as the device. The type information defines processing functions for data types coded by the type bits, and the resources and/or the device determine the data type using type bits and process data coded in the data bits.
US07869120B2
An object of the invention is to increase the beam diameter of a laser beam, and perform high-output wavelength conversion without causing crystal damage. A laser wavelength conversion device includes a laser wavelength conversion element for allowing incidence of a laser beam as a fundamental wave to convert a part of the fundamental wave laser beam into a wavelength-converted laser beam having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the fundamental wave laser beam. The laser wavelength conversion element includes a non-linear optical crystal having periodically polarization reversed portions. The polarization reversed portions are formed in such a manner that a region where a wavelength conversion efficiency is substantially uniform extends in a polarization direction of the non-linear optical crystal. The incident laser beam is converted into the wavelength-converted laser beam with the wavelength conversion efficiency.
US07869116B2
A light valve unit may include a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer disposed on opposite sides of each other with respect to a plurality of cells in which at least some of the cells include a first material and a second material. The first material may have a lower light transmissivity property than the second material and a position of the first material within a corresponding cell may be changeable responsive to application of an electric field between the first and second conductive layers. The second conductive layer may include at least two electrodes and a gap defined between the two electrodes. A portion of the light valve unit adjacent to the gap may be configured to have a transmissivity that is substantially less than transmissivity of a portion of the light valve unit adjacent to cells across which the electric field is applied, but greater than or equal to transmissivity of a portion of the light valve unit adjacent to cells across which the electric field is not applied.
US07869115B2
The present invention provides a display apparatus, comprising: a light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating a luminous flux emitted from the light source; and controller for processing video image information, which is input, and controlling the light source and the spatial light modulator, wherein the controller controls the light source and the spatial light modulator so as to perform pulse emission of the light source during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state and also controls the light source so as to modulate the pulse emission during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state.
US07869113B2
Provided is a display device using electrochromism and methods of driving the same. The display device may include an electrochromic device, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to upper electrodes of the electrochromic device, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to lower electrodes of the electrochromic device. By short-circuiting the first electrode and the second electrode, a desired pixel changes to reveal a predetermined or given color.
US07869112B2
Scanning beam systems based on a two-dimensional polygon scanner with different reflective polygon facets tilted at different tilt facet angles to use rotations of the polygon scanner to scan optical beams both horizontally and vertically on a surface which can be a display screen or a printing surface.
US07869109B2
A portable projector is disclosed. The portable projector comprises a light transmission member having first and second surfaces, a multi-type laser light source including a plurality of sub laser light sources for emitting light beams onto the first surface of the member based on an external image signal, so as to allow the light beams to be transmitted into the member, one or more optical elements supported on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the member for diffracting and reflecting the light beams incident from the multi-type laser light source into the member, and at least one multi-type scan mirror supported on one of the first and second surfaces of the member for scanning the light beams diffracted and reflected from the optical elements onto an external screen located at the outside of the member, based on an external control signal.
US07869106B2
A holographic recording method, a holographic recording apparatus, a holographic recording and reproducing method, a holographic recording and reproducing apparatus, and a holographic recording medium for recording information in an angle multiplex fashion as a hologram in a first format in which either one of signal light and reference light branched out from a laser light source is made to cross the other in a recording layer at a predetermined incidence angle and the incidence angle is changed at a predetermined angular pitch, or in a second format of higher angular selectivity, wherein the incidence angle when recording information in the second format of higher angular selectivity can be adjusted to cover an incidence angle that satisfies the Bragg's condition when recording in the first format, thereby ensuring reproduction compatibility between media of different angular selectivities.
US07869104B2
A medium feeding apparatus includes a main body, and a medium placing unit at least a part of which can be housed in the main body. The medium placing unit includes a first placing unit held by the main body in such a manner that the first placing unit is shiftable between a housed position where at least one of the first placing unit is housed in the main body and a placing position where the medium can be placed on the first placing unit, a second placing unit has a first shifting condition where the medium can be placed on the first and second placing units and a second shifting condition where the second placing unit is overlapped with the first placing unit, and an auxiliary member disposed on a boundary between the first placing unit and the second placing unit when the second placing unit is in the first shifting condition.
US07869100B2
From an amplifier circuit of a plurality of pixels each, a signal is directly output to a signal line. Even if the signal line is longer and the signal line has an increased parasitic capacitance, attenuation of the signal transmitted through the signal line can be prevented. Therefore, the dynamic range of the signal output can be expanded and the information can be output accurately.
US07869096B2
A distortion of a table which causes generation of a pseudo contour is removed. For this, there is disclosed a table creation method of creating a table for performing color separation into coloring material colors in an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of creating a color separation table of a line in which a color reproduction area of the image forming apparatus is maximized, creating a color separation table in an inner line of the color reproduction area of the image forming apparatus, performing an interpolation process based on the created color separation tables, and smoothing the table obtained by the interpolation process to create the table.
US07869090B2
A variable data pantograph is formed by receiving a variable data string and retrieving at least one character representation from a vocabulary of character representations stored in memory. The retrieved at least one character representation corresponds to the variable data string. Each of the character representations in the vocabulary is associated with a foreground region including a character shape and a background region suitably sized and arranged for encompassing the foreground region. The background region incorporates a first pattern of elements and is controlled to render a target color using a first set of color separation control data and the foreground region incorporates a second pattern of elements and is controlled to render the target color using a second set of color separation control data. The retrieved at least one character representation is assembled to form a variable data pantograph, whereby when the variable data pantograph is rendered in an original document, the foreground and background regions are similar in tone, the foreground and background regions being substantially less similar in tone in a copy of the original document to render the character visible.
US07869080B2
Outline font data showing the original outside shape having a single closed curve made up of a parenthesized outside shape portion of the parenthesized image and a connecting line portion to connect both open ends is stored. The height and line width are determined. Based on the above data, a first-size solidly shaded image is formed having the determined height and is entirely filled inside the original outside shape thereof with effective pixels of logic “1.” A second-size solidly shaded image is formed of a second size which is smaller by the line width than the first-size solidly shaded image, along the parenthesized outside shape portion. Non-equivalence operation is performed with corresponding pixels by displacing the first-size solidly shaded image and the second-size solidly shaded image by the line width along the parenthesized outside shape portion.
US07869074B2
A communications system including a host device and a peripheral device connected to the host device, wherein the host device issues commands to the peripheral device and the peripheral device executes data processing and replies to the host device, and wherein the peripheral device includes an image processing unit, a storage device a selection operating unit, and a trigger generating unit, wherein the host device transmits a first command to the peripheral device, the peripheral device transmits response information, the host device judges whether a trigger is generated in the peripheral device and transmits a second command requesting the peripheral device to transmit identification information the peripheral device transmits the response information to the host device, the host device instructs the peripheral device to read the image data from the storage device to transmit to the host device and stores the image data in a predetermined storage area thereof.
US07869070B2
A printer, as an image forming device, acquires data size of image data to be printed from the data storage device, and calculates the transfer completion time required for transferring the image data to be printed according to the acquired data size of the image data to be printed and a speed of transferring data via an external interface to be used.
US07869067B2
Apparatus and methods for automatic, computer-based image management, including reading, transfer, and storage, and to related software for acquisition, transfer, editing, processing, copying, and archiving of images by the apparatus in accord with the methods. More particularly, the invention comprises image input devices of which specific examples include digital scanners, digital media readers, and a combination of the two, and software that makes possible the complete processing and archiving of digital images with the press of a single button or the act of inserting the media in the device. The inventive processing and archiving image management hardware and software system includes non-camera digital image acquisition, data transfer, display, manipulation (including cropping, adjusting colors, and other such editing), storage, thumbnailing, printing, and electronic transmittal of processed digital image data. In addition to replicating the traditional photographic film development process for digitally acquired images in a software enablement, the inventive image management software adds substantial functional features in the context of user-friendly ease and speed of use.
US07869064B2
A printing device comprises an evaluation value determining module, a grouping process module, a recommended image designating module, and a printing process module. The evaluation value determining module determines, for each image, a first evaluation value for a prescribed evaluation item. The grouping process module performs a sorting process to sort the plurality of images into groups of similar images. The recommended image designating module designates, for each group, a recommended image from among the images belonging to the group, based on the first evaluation value. The printing process module prints the designated recommended image.
US07869052B2
A device and a method for suppressing 2nd order harmonic distortion in a Resonator Fiber Optic Gyroscope includes driving a laser to generate at least one of a plurality of counter propagating laser beams traveling through a fiber optic resonator according to a modulated signal. The modulated signal can be represented by a polynomial having two terms, and each of the two terms is suitably multiplied by a coefficient and a constant. A modulation amplitude adjuster amplifies the modulation signal by an amplification factor as it is used to drive the laser. When the amplification factor is suitably chosen to represent a square root of a ratio of the constants, the total harmonic distortion in the RFOG is minimized.
US07869042B2
In apparatus for the production and detection of fluorescence at a sample surface, the height of the apparatus above the sample surface is reduced, and loss of the emitted fluorescence due to reflection loss and light scattering is minimized. The apparatus comprises a three-dimensionally curved light reflecting surface (40) that directs light from a light source (32) transversely to its original path and focuses the light on to an illumination zone (30) at or below the sample surface. The reflecting surface (40) also collects, directs and at least partially collimates emitted fluorescence transversely to its original path and towards a detector (46).
US07869035B2
Disclosed is a sample table for a food analyzing device used for analyzing a food sample. Said sample table includes a sample holder (14) for receiving the food sample, a means for moving the sample holder (14), and a housing (12) that surrounds the moving means. The moving means and the sample holder (14) are magnetically coupled to each other such that the sample holder (14) can be moved relative to the housing (12) outside the housing (12). Also disclosed is a food analyzing device for spectroscopically analyzing food samples, said device encompassing such a sample table (10).
US07869032B2
Biosensors are disclosed which include a surface for binding to sample molecule to the biosensor in the form of a porous, thin film of dielectric material, e.g., TiO2. In one example the porous, thin film is in the form of a multitude of sub-micron sized rod-like structures (“nanorods”) projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, the biosensor is in the form of a photonic crystal biosensor. The approach of depositing a thin film of dielectric nanorods may be applied to any enhanced fluorescence biosensor surface structure, including 1-dimensional photonic crystals, 2-dimensional photonic crystals, 3-dimensional photonic crystals, surface plasmon resonance surfaces, planar waveguides, and grating-coupled waveguides. The dielectric nanorod structures can be fabricated on the surface of a biosensor by the glancing angle deposition technique (GLAD).
US07869022B2
A scatterometer has a focus sensor arranged to detect whether the target being measured is in a correct focal plane. A modulation is applied to a component of the focus sensor or the scatterometer such that a defocus as measured by the focus sensor varies according to a certain function. From knowledge of the modulation, the gain of the sensor can be calibrated.
US07869019B2
A light source estimating device includes a light receiving section for receiving visible light and invisible light radiated from a light source, and a light source estimating section for estimating a type of the light source on the basis of an intensity of the received visible light and an intensity of the received invisible light.
US07869016B2
A medical laser system and related methods of monitoring optical fibers to determine if an optical fiber cap on the optical fiber is in imminent danger of failure. The laser system includes a photodetector for converting returned light from the optical fiber cap to an electronic signal for comparison to a trigger threshold value known to be indicative imminent fiber cap failure. The returned light can be the main laser treatment wavelength, an auxiliary wavelength such as an aiming beam or infrared wavelengths generated by a temperature of the optical fiber cap. In the event the electronic signal reaches the trigger threshold value, the laser system can be temporarily shut-off or the power output can be reduced.
US07869015B2
Methods and systems for analyzing optical parameters of a selected optical fiber member are disclosed. A signal input from an optical fiber member may be selected by instructing a corresponding optical separation device. The output from the corresponding optical separation device may be combined with the outputs of other optical separation devices using an optical coupler. A measurement circuit may measure the optical parameter from the output. Proper operation of an optical separation device may be validated by a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit may provide an indication to a user or may be processed by a diagnostic processor. A processing circuit may select one of the optical separation devices in order to measure the optical parameter for a corresponding optical fiber member and consequently may instruct an adjustment circuit to cause the selected optical fiber member to conform to a desired value of the optical parameter.
US07869010B2
Methods for evaluation of fish oil, oils, omega-3 fatty acid compositions, and dietary supplements containing omega-3 essential fatty acids and other fats are provided herein. The relative purity and/or concentration of oil-containing aliquots can be determined by cooling approximately equal volumes of two or more aliquots to a temperature near or below 0 degrees Celsius. When cooled, the most opaque aliquots are the least pure. The invention also provide a method for determining whether an omega-3 fatty acid supplement is greater than 90% pure, which includes cooling the supplement to less than 0 degrees Celsius and a determining that the supplement is 90% pure if its appearance is essentially unchanged from its appearance and room temperature.
US07869007B2
A first ranging apparatus includes a synchronizing signal generator for generating a synchronizing signal at a constant interval, a light-emitting unit for emitting an intensity-modulated light in response to the synchronizing signal input thereto, a light-detecting unit for detecting a reflected light from an object irradiated with the modulated light, in response to the synchronizing signal input thereto, a calculating unit for calculating the distance up to the object based on the phase difference between the modulated light and the reflected light, and a synchronizing signal control unit for changing an arrival time of the synchronizing signal from the synchronizing signal generator at the light-detecting unit, depending on the number of times that the synchronizing signal is generated. The light-detecting unit samples the amount of the reflected light in exposure periods established at a constant cycle length with reference to a time at which the synchronizing signal is input thereto.
US07868985B2
An in-plane switching liquid crystal display device is designed in such a way that an angle defined by the lengthwise direction of a common electrode and a pixel electrode and a rubbing direction of an alignment layer is set to 10 to 20°, a cell gap d is set to 2.7 μm or smaller, the dielectric anisotropy Δ∈ of a liquid crystal constituting a liquid crystal layer is set to 8 to 20, a white voltage Vwhite to be applied to the pixel electrode when displaying white is set to 4 to 7 V, and the white voltage Vwhite (V), the dielectric anisotropy Δ∈ of the liquid crystal, the cell gap d (μm) and an interval L (μm) between the common electrode and the pixel electrode satisfy the following expression 11.8 > V white d - 0.6 × L 0.5 × Δɛ - 0.5 > 9.8 .
US07868982B2
A pixel structure of a color filtering array substrate includes a color filtering layer, a black matrix layer, and an electrode layer. The black matrix layer surrounds the color filtering layer. The electrode layer covers the color filtering layer and the black matrix layer. Besides, the electrode layer has at least one opening therein, and the opening is located above the black matrix layer.
US07868980B2
In a parallax barrier DV (Dual View) display apparatus, a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal display panel is adopted as a display device for display images. The TN liquid crystal display panel includes a pair of opposing substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, orientation films arranged to orient liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer, and electrodes arranged to independently apply electric fields to areas of the liquid crystal layer which correspond to respective pixels. The orientation films are oriented in such a manner that liquid crystal molecules in the aforesaid areas are oriented so that display directions of the pixels are parallel or substantially parallel to a viewing angle direction. This arrangement improves image separation capability in all display directions, in a DV (Dual View) display apparatus displaying different images in respective display directions, by a single display screen.
US07868979B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel to which an OCB mode is applied, and an optical compensation element which optically compensates a retardation of the liquid crystal layer in a predetermined display state in which a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. The optical compensation element includes a polarizer, a first retardation plate which is disposed between the polarizer and the liquid crystal display panel and in which discotic liquid crystal molecules are fixed in a state in which the discotic liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned along a normal direction, and a second retardation plate which is disposed between the polarizer and the first retardation plate and has wavelength dispersion characteristics which are opposite to wavelength dispersion characteristics of an in-plane retardation in the liquid crystal layer.
US07868976B2
In a transflective liquid crystal display having a transmission area and the reflection area, the transmissive electrode is connected to a switching element to control the liquid crystal layer in the transmission area, and the reflective electrode is connected to the switching element via a separate capacitor to control the liquid crystal layer in the reflection area. The separate capacitor is used to shift the reflectance in the reflection area toward a higher voltage end in order to avoid the reflectance inversion problem. In addition, an adjustment capacitor is connected between the reflective electrode and a different common line. The adjustment capacitor is used to reduce or eliminate the discrepancy between the gamma curve associated with the transmittance and the gamma curve associated with the reflectance.
US07868967B2
A light source device includes a shade that is capable of reflecting light from both of its front and back surfaces and is wider than a hot-cathode tube. The shade is disposed between the hot-cathode tube and the optical member so as to maintain a certain distance from the optical member. Light radiated from the hot-cathode tube to the optical member side is reflected by the shade, and thereby prevented from directly illuminating the optical member. Further, the shade functions as a pseudo light source wider than the hot-cathode tube due to the reflectivity of the optical member side surface of the shade, and thereby formation of lamp images can be suppressed.
US07868950B1
In a method of processing an input image, compression parameters of the input image are determined and luminance artifacts in the input image are reduced to obtain an improved luminance component of the input image, where the determined compression parameters guide the luminance artifact reduction. In addition, a chrominance noise and chrominance artifact level of the input image is estimated and a spatially-correlated chrominance noise and chrominance artifact of the input image is reduced with the improved luminance component, where the estimated chrominance noise and chrominance artifact level guide the spatially-correlated chrominance noise and chrominance artifact reduction to obtain an improved chrominance component of the input image. Moreover, an output image having the improved luminance component and the improved chrominance component is outputted.
US07868940B2
An image capture device according to the present invention includes: a display section to show a dialog box that allows the user of the device to edit character information, the dialog box including an entry option field where at least one character is proposed as an entry option and a selected character display field where characters that have been selected from those options are presented; a first operating interface that allows the user to move a first cursor, which is located in the entry option field, within the dialog box; and a second operating interface that allows the user to move a second cursor, which is located in the selected character display field, within the dialog box.
US07868936B2
A multispectral image capturing apparatus has different spectral sensitivity characteristics of at least four bands. Three primary bands of the at least four bands have spectral sensitivity characteristics of standard RGB. At least one auxiliary band of the rest of the at least four bands excluding the three primary bands has a spectral sensitivity characteristic of a narrower bandwidth than bandwidths of the RGB.
US07868934B2
This invention can appropriately control the relationship between the electronic zoom magnification and the resolution of a displayed image in electronic zoom. An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor which photo-electrically converts an image of an image sensing field formed by a photographing optical system, an extracting unit which extracts a part of the video image generated upon being photo-electrically converted by the image sensor, an adding unit which adds signals of respective pixels, the number of which corresponds to the luminance of the image sensing field, of a plurality of pixels of the image sensor, and a limiting unit which limits the extraction range of the video image extracted by the extracting unit, in accordance with the number of pixels added by the adding unit.
US07868928B2
An image processing system includes a filtering arrangement configured to receive incoming pixel information and filter at least a first portion of the information to thereby pass a second portion of the information for further processing; circuitry configured to apply a first color correction function to the incoming pixel information to thereby produce a modified first portion; circuitry configured to apply a second color correction function to the second portion to thereby produce a modified second portion; and an adder configured to combine the modified first portion to the modified second portion.
US07868927B2
The shooting, recording and playback system 100 of the present invention receives incoming light 101, stores an image shot, and then subjects the image shot to be reproduced to resolution raising processing, thereby outputting RGB images with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution (ROUT GOUT BOUT) 102. The system 100 includes a shooting section 103, a color separating section 104, an R imaging sensor section 105, a G imaging sensor section 106, a B imaging sensor section 107, an image shot storage section 108, an image shot writing section 109, a memory section 110, an image shot reading section 111, a spatial resolution upconverter section 112, a temporal resolution upconverter section 113, an output section 114, and a line recognition signal generating section 185. The system can get image data with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution without getting the camera configuration complicated and without decreasing the optical efficiency.
US07868922B2
An implementation efficient method of distinguishing between foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene includes capturing two images of nominally the same scene and storing the captured images in DCT-coded format. The first image is taken with the foreground more in focus than the background and the second image is taken with the background more in focus than the foreground. Regions of the first image are assigned as foreground or background according to whether the sum of selected higher order DCT coefficients decreases or increases for the equivalent regions of the second image.
US07868920B2
Provided are a mobile communication terminal having a function of photographing a moving picture, and a method for operating the same. The terminal includes a camera, an input unit, a video processor, and a controller. The input unit inputs a section setting command while photographing the moving picture. The video processor calculates a brightness value per frame from a video signal received from the camera, and generates moving picture data. The controller sets at least one section to the moving picture data depending on at least one of the section setting command and a variation of the brightness value, and plays the moving picture data on a per-set section basis.
US07868915B2
A photographing apparatus including a photographing unit for obtaining an image by photographing, a face detection unit for detecting a face candidate included in the image, a face component detection unit for detecting a candidate of at least one of face components included in the face candidate with respect to each of the face components, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the face candidate is a true face based on the number of face component candidates detected with respect to each of the face components.
US07868911B2
A surveillance camera capable of adjusting a position thereof, and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The surveillance camera capable of adjusting a position to photograph or capture video images of a monitored area by adaptively driving a camera part in accordance with a predetermined monitoring mode selected by an external controller, includes a pan sensor detecting a standard position of a pan motor that transversely rotates the camera part; a tilt sensor detecting a standard position of a tilt motor that perpendicularly rotates the camera part; and a control part outputting a driving control signal for driving the pan motor and/or the tilt motor, adaptively, according to the received monitoring mode selecting signal, such that standard positions of the pan motor and/or the tilt motor are detected respectively by the pan sensor and/or the tilt sensor by a certain period set according to the monitoring mode. Accordingly, positions of the pan motor and the tilt motor are adaptively initialized during the operation thereof, and therefore, position error caused by loss of driving pulse can be compensated, thereby enabling more correct monitoring work.
US07868902B1
A system and method for a row forwarding of pixel data in a 3-D graphics pipeline. Specifically, in one embodiment a data write unit capable of row forwarding in a graphics pipeline includes a first memory and logic. The first memory stores a plurality of rows of pixel information associated with a pixel. The plurality of rows of pixel information includes data related to surface characteristics of the pixel and includes a first row, e.g., a front row, and a second row, e.g., a rear row. A data write unit includes first logic for accessing a portion of the second row and for storing data accessed therein into a portion of the first row. The data write unit also comprises logic for recirculating the plurality of rows of pixel information to an upstream pipeline module for further processing thereof.
US07868900B2
A method for generating an image includes accessing data of a scan of an object, using at least one characteristic of the accessed data to delineate at least one item of interest in the data and generating a 3D visualization image wherein transparency levels for at least some pixels not representing the item of interest are set according to a first set of rules, and transparency levels for at least some pixels representing an interior portion of the item of interest are set according to a second set of rules different than the first set of rules, and at least some pixels representative of a transition area are set according to a third set of rules different than the first and second sets of rules.
US07868899B2
A texturing system for use in a three-dimensional graphics system has an input for receiving object data for an object to be textured. Encrypted texture data is obtained from a store and decrypted in a decryption unit. The decrypted texture data generates texture image data for a frame buffer from which the texture image data can be outputted for display. A method for producing a software application for using in a three-dimensional graphics system which creates instructions for a software application and static texture data for using in conjunction with the instructions is also provided. The static texture data is encrypted and provided as encrypted texture data with the software instructions. A protected software application can be distributed to a target device from a distribution device by coupling the distribution device to the target device, transferring target device identifier data from the target device to the distribution device, and using the target device identifier data in the distribution device to generate encryption definition data specific to the target device. The protected software application and encryption definition data are transferred to the target device.
US07868897B2
A method and apparatus for creating, updating, and using guest physical address (GPA) to host physical address (HPA) shadow translation tables for translating GPAs of graphics data direct memory access (DMA) requests of a computing environment implementing a virtual machine monitor to support virtual machines. The requests may be sent through a render or display path of the computing environment from one or more virtual machines, transparently with respect to the virtual machine monitor. The creating, updating, and using may be performed by a memory controller detecting entries sent to existing global and page directory tables, forking off shadow table entries from the detected entries, and translating GPAs to HPAs for the shadow table entries.
US07868896B1
Methods, systems, apparatus, and computer-readable media are provided for utilizing an alternate video buffer for console redirection in a headless computer system. According to the method, a buffer is created in the main memory of the computer that is configured to store character and attribute data for a display of the computer. When a video services software interrupt is detected, the interrupt is trapped. A determination is then made as to whether a function associated with the interrupt is for writing to a video display memory. If the function is for writing, the contents of the buffer are updated with the character or attribute information specified by the function. Data representing the updated character or attribute is then redirected to the remote computing device. If a read function is encountered, character or attribute information is retrieved from the buffer at a specified location and is returned in response to the function call.
US07868894B2
Operand multiplexor control modifier instruction in a fine grain multithreaded vector microprocessor
The present invention is generally related to the field of image processing, and more specifically to an instruction set for processing images. Vector processing may involve rearranging vector operands in one or more source registers prior to performing vector operations. Typically, rearranging of operands in source registers is done by issuing a plurality of permute instructions that require excessive usage of temporary registers. Furthermore, the permute instructions may cause dependencies between instructions executing in a pipeline, thereby adversely affecting performance. Embodiments of the invention provide a level of muxing between a register file and a vector unit that allow for rearrangement of vector operands in source registers prior to providing the operands to the vector unit, thereby obviating the need for permute instructions.
US07868889B2
A first display displays a game image which is generated by perspective transformation of a virtual three-dimensional space. A second display is provided under a touch panel to display an image of a two-dimensional plane excluding a height direction with a player character always placed in a center position. Multiple specific coordinate positions are set at predetermined positions on the touch panel, and plural pieces of motion data are prestored in association with the respective specific coordinate positions. When a player touches the touch panel, specific coordinate positions whose associated motion data is to be blended are selected according to the coordinates of the touched position. Motion data associated with selected specific coordinate positions are blended by blend ratios according to the distances from the touched position to the respective specific coordinate positions, thereby generating motion data for causing a character to take a motion.
US07868887B1
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for rendering Bézier curves using a graphics processing unit (GPU). In one embodiment, a respective set of barycentric coordinates may be assigned to each of the three vertices of a triangle. The triangle may comprise a control triangle for a quadratic Bézier curve, and the quadratic Bézier curve may be a rational quadratic Bézier curve. Each set of barycentric coordinates may comprise three values such as (1,0,0), (0,1,0) or (0,0,1). In one embodiment, the quadratic Bézier curve may be rendered using the GPU. Rendering the quadratic Bézier curve may comprise evaluating a function of the barycentric coordinates using the GPU.
US07868886B2
A method of providing a display signal, wherein digital data to be displayed has associated with it statistical values determined for pre-determined sized blocks of the digital data, comprising the steps of: determining display scaling parameters; determining from the display scaling parameters the extent to which the statistical values are suitable to use in place of some or all of the digital data when determining which data points of either the digital data and/or statistical values to display; determining the data points to display; reading the digital data and/or statistical values to be displayed; and generating the display signal from the digital data and/or statistical values.
US07868874B2
Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a position-based attribute of a finger, stylus or other object with a touchpad or other sensor having a touch-sensitive region that includes a plurality of electrodes. Modulation signals for one or more electrodes are produced as a function of any number of distinct digital codes. The modulation signals are applied to an associated at least one of the plurality of electrodes to obtain a resultant signal that is electrically affected by the position of the object. The resultant signal is demodulated using the plurality of distinct digital codes to discriminate electrical effects produced by the object. The position-based attribute of the object is then determined with respect to the plurality of electrodes from the electrical effects.
US07868864B2
A gray-scale circuit may receive pixel data to generate first set of gray-scale voltages that enable a display show the different gray-scale levels of normal images during a first time period. The gray-scale circuit may generate a second set of gray-scale voltages to enable the display show a common gray-scale level during a second time period.
US07868858B2
A pixel structure is disclosed. The pixel structure has a light-emitting device; a first scan line for transferring a first signal; a data line for transferring a data current signal; a first transistor having a gate coupled to the first scan line; a current mirror electrically connected to the light-emitting device; and a capacitor. The current mirror includes a second transistor having a gate connected to the data line and one of the source and the drain of the first transistor; and a third transistor having a gate coupled to the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor. The capacitor has two ends coupled to the gate of the third transistor and the light-emitting device respectively, where the capacitor is not coupled to the light-emitting device through the third transistor.
US07868845B2
Various embodiments of a securing ring are described along with assemblies utilizing the securing ring. A securing ring includes a curvilinear body defining an opening and having a gap that defines confronting ring ends that are separable to receive at least one curvilinear device within the opening. The curvilinear body includes an outer surface and opposing first and second side walls that define a slot therebetween. The slot is configured for receiving the curvilinear device, and the outer surface, the first wall and the second wall provide a clamping force on the curvilinear device in the slot when the confronting ring ends are drawn together, with the clamping force securing the curvilinear device within the slot. The securing apparatus further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the confronting ring ends and configured to releasably engage the confronting ring ends to secure the confronting ring ends together.
US07868844B2
An ultra-wide bandwidth antenna includes a dielectric substrate, first and second conductive elements, and a third conductive element. The dielectric substrate has opposite first and second surfaces. The first conductive element is formed on the second surface of the dielectric substrate and has a feeding point. The second conductive element is formed on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, is spaced apart from the first conductive element, and has a grounding point. The third conductive element is formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, partially overlaps the first conductive element, and is coupled electrically to the second conductive element.
US07868843B2
This invention is in the field of base station antennas for wireless communications. The present invention refers to a slim multi-band antenna array for cellular base stations, which provides a reduced width of the base station antenna and minimizes the environmental and visual impact of a network of cellular base station antennas, in particular in mobile telephony and wireless service networks. A multiband antenna array comprises a first set of radiating elements operating at a first frequency band and a second set of radiating elements operating at a second frequency band, said radiating elements being smaller than λ/2 or smaller than λ/3, being (λ) the longest operating wavelength. The ratio between the largest and the smaller of said frequency bands is smaller than 2.
US07868828B2
An antenna formed of multiple sub-arrays, each having rows of interconnected radiating elements. One row of radiating elements is shared between two sub-arrays by a coupler which isolatingly couples one row of radiating elements to each of two sub-arrays allowing the feed to the two sub-arrays to be isolatingly applied to the shared row of radiating elements while suppressing grating lobe generation and providing high sub-array isolation.
US07868826B1
A base station almanac (BSA) stores directional forward link calibration (FLC) values that correct for differences between the listed locations of base station antennas and the actual locations of the antennas. Each directional FLC value is specific to wireless signals that are transmitted from a particular base station antenna and propagate toward a particular receiving area. A mobile station operating in a receiving area measures a wireless signal from a base station antenna located outside of the receiving area to obtain a signal measurement. The location of the mobile station is determined by applying a positioning algorithm that uses the signal measurement corrected by the directional FLC value for that particular combination of base station antenna and receiving area.
US07868818B2
An antenna is provided, in combination with an associated switch array, the antenna comprising a number of antenna elements mounted above a ground plane for providing coverage over a predetermined range of angles in azimuth using a number of beams. Each of the antenna elements is connected to a switch in the switch array and the switch array is operable to connect selected pairs of the antenna elements to a signal path to thereby generate each of the different beams, at the same time connecting unselected antenna elements to ground.
US07868812B2
A system and method for providing entry-point, boundary-line, and presence intrusion detection by means of an intelligent controller process capable of driving both field alert/alarm systems and security station monitoring devices and for providing occupancy warnings and critical status alerts, one embodiment providing runway occupancy warnings and critical runway status alerts to both flight crew approaching an airfield and air traffic controllers managing ground traffic, the system including: a detection system, airfield output devices (including all FAROS, GAROS and CTAF Runway Occupancy Radio Signals (RORS)), an airfield communications network, a centralized data processing unit that contains all of the algorithms to drive light control, logging, and an optional administrative network layer that hosts a graphical user interface.
US07868811B1
A weather radar system includes an input for receiving lightning detection data and processing electronics for determining a presence of a convective cell or associated hazard. The processing electronics receive weather radar data and the lightning detection data. The weather radar data is related to radar returns. The processing electronics provide temporal or spatial filtering of the lightning detection data to provide filtered data and determine a position of the convective cell or associated hazard in response to the weather radar data and the filtered data.
US07868810B2
An amplifier circuit includes a current source that is connected between a power supply voltage and an output node and that is turned on when a switching control signal takes a first value and is turned off when the switching control signal takes a second value; a grounded voltage control current source whose amount of current is controlled by an input voltage; a cascode transistor connected between the voltage control current source and the output node; a boost amplifier connected between a gate electrode and a source electrode of the cascode transistor; and a switch that is connected between an output node of the boost amplifier and a bias voltage and that is turned on for a predetermined period of time when a value of the switching control signal is switched from the second value to the first value, to forcefully rise the boost amplifier.
US07868806B2
According to at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus may include first, second and third circuits. The first circuit receives input data and provides a plurality of first signals asserted based on the input data. The second circuit receives the plurality of first signals and provides a plurality of second signals used to select a plurality of circuit elements. The third circuit generates a control for the second circuit using a fractional data weight of the input data, the second circuit mapping the plurality of first signals to the plurality of second signals based on the control from the third circuit.
US07868801B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for look-ahead block processing in predictive delta-sigma modulators. An input signal is quantized using a predictive delta-sigma modulator by generating error prediction values for a current block of input values based on a linear combination of error prediction values from one or more previous blocks, input values of one or more previous blocks, quantized values of one or more previous blocks and the current block of input values; computing speculative error prediction values for at least one input value in the current block, wherein the speculative error prediction values are computed for a plurality of possible quantizer output values; selecting one of the speculative error prediction values based on a quantized value from the current block; and subtracting the error prediction values for the current block from the corresponding current block of input values.
US07868792B2
A high-speed, space-efficient, scalable and easily updateable data boundary hash-based structure is generated and used. The proposed boundary hash-based data structure provides minimal perfect hashing functionality while intrinsically supporting low-cost set-membership queries. In other words, in some embodiments, it provides at most one match candidate in a set of known arbitrary-length bit strings that is used to match the query.
US07868785B1
A method of symbolically representing a location of an aircraft on a display in the aircraft is disclosed. It is determined whether the aircraft is operating proximal one of a runway and a taxi-way. A range of the display is selected. Features are displayed near a location of the aircraft on the display at a first scale that corresponds to the selected range. A first symbol representing a current location of the aircraft is displayed on the display at the first scale in solid form. A second symbol representing the current location of the aircraft is displayed on the display at a second scale in non-solid form when a size of the first symbol representing the aircraft at the first scale obscures the displayed features on the display. The size of the first symbol is smaller than a size of the second symbol.
US07868781B2
In an encoder constituted from a detection part (a light-emitting part, rotating disk, and light-receiving part), which detects a signal corresponding to the state of a specimen, and calculates and stores the position information of the specimen from a signal outputted from this detection part, and a signal processing part for transmitting the stored position information to a host machine by way of serial communications, the signal processing part being constituted having: a two-way communication mode M1 for receiving command data from the host machine, and, when this command data is a two-way communication request command (commands A through C), transmitting the requested position information and the like to the host machine; a one-way communication mode M2 for transmitting the position information to the host machine by executing one-way transmission processing S105 when the command data is a one-way communication request command (command P); and a quasi one-way communication mode M3 for transmitting the position information to the host machine by executing quasi one-way transmission processing S107 when the command data is a quasi one-way communication request command (command Q).
US07868775B2
The present disclosure provides an alternative, cost-effective safety feature for on-board hydrogen storage containers incorporating a fill cycle sensor with a driver warning and shutdown system. The system monitors the number of times a hydrogen container is filled, and then takes action at a predetermined termination point. A controller monitors each time the hydrogen container is filled above 90% of the rated pressure or mass. Once the predetermined termination point of fill cycles is reached, the disclosed device/method will either disable the valve or refueling mechanism such that fuel supply to the vehicle is shutoff and the container cannot be filled again, essentially assuring the end of the life of the container.
US07868770B2
A warning device for alerting an individual of a tendency to fall asleep includes a pressurized collar adapted to fit around an individual's neck with an operable portion of the collar under the individual's chin and in close proximity thereto. A pressure sensor and an alarm are provided to sense an increase in pressure due to the individual's chin pressing against the collar and sound an alarm in response to the increase in pressure. The alarm may be audible or tactile.
US07868761B2
Embodiments of an RFID security system and method are described herein. Embodiments include an RFID security server or appliance and RFID security software. In an embodiment, the RFID security server is placed between an RFID reader and an enterprise back-end. Thus the system operates at the point where the RFID data stream leaves the RF interface and enters a physical transmission medium before any other active components on the network (such as databases, middleware, routers). The RFID security server analyzes RFID tag data (including meta-data) received from the reader in-band and detects malware and errors in the data. RFID tag data containing malware or errors is blocked from entering the enterprise back-end. Unwanted RFID tags are also identified and filtered as noise.
US07868757B2
The invention relates to a method where sleep sensor signals are obtained to a mobile communication device from sensor devices. The mobile communication device checks the sleep sensor signals for a sleep state transition, determines the type of the sleep state transition, forms control signals based on the type of the sleep state transition and sends the control signals to at least one electronic device.
US07868756B2
A zone shaping method and system. The method comprises receiving by a computing system from a sensory infrastructure transmitter attached to an object data associated with the first object. The object is located within a zone area. The computing system calculates a location within the zone area for the object. The computing system receives first environmental data associated with a first environmental condition in the zone area from a first sensor. The computing system analyzes the data, the location, and the first environmental data. The computing system generates based on results of the analysis, a first modified zone area associated with the zone area.
US07868753B2
A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.
US07868747B2
The vehicle reversing radar alarm of this invention pertains to the field of alarming device and particularly relates to a vehicle reversing radar alarm for cars. The vehicle reversing radar alarm consists of a frame mount, a camera assembly, a support means for camera, mounting holes for ultrasonic sensors, a circuit board and a rear cover. The ultrasonic sensors are mounted into the mounting holes for ultrasonic sensors arranged on the frame mount. The camera assembly is mounted into the mounting holes for camera assembly arranged on the frame mount. The support means for camera covers the camera assembly and is fixed on the frame mount by screws. There are rotation axes at both ends of the camera assembly and the camera assembly can rotate together with the rotation axes. This invention has a simple structure and a reasonable design, and it is easy to mount it and convenient to use it.
US07868744B2
A driving apparatus drives a mover arranged for feedback of a touch panel. A reference voltage generation unit generates a reference voltage having a signal waveform to be applied to the mover. A pulse modulator generates a PWM signal of which duty ratio is controlled by feedback so that a feedback voltage corresponding to a drive voltage to be applied to the mover approaches the reference voltage. A switching element of the DC/DC converter is turned ON/OFF by a PWM signal from the pulse modulator, so that an output voltage of the DC/DC converter is controlled, and a drive voltage corresponding to the output voltage is applied to the mover.
US07868736B2
Apart from authentication of an electronic key, authentication of an ID card and authentication of user authentication information are executed. When all the authentications have been successfully made, engine startup information is produced. In this manner, even if electronic key data or an electronic key device has been copied, vehicle theft can be prevented.
US07868735B2
In a vehicle door control system, a vehicle-side unit communicates with a hand-held device and detects an operation on any one of vehicle doors. When a condition for unlocking the doors is satisfied, the vehicle-side unit unlocks the doors. In addition, the vehicle-side unit also automatically opens some specific doors having an automatic door opening/closing function. Thus, the holder of the hand-held device no longer needs to issue another command to execute an operation to automatically open the specific doors. The vehicle side-unit also detects an operation on any doors and communicates with the hand-held device to automatically close and lock the doors, when the holder of the hand-held device leaves the vehicle.
US07868734B2
A system detects for the presence of an identification (ID) code associated with an object. The detected ID code is communicated to a computer and power is provided to an energy consumption device. In response to detecting that the ID code has been absent for less than a first duration, an indication of the absence of the ID code is communicated to the computer and energy is withheld from the energy consumption device. If, however, the ID code has been absent for more than the first duration and motion is detected in a field of view, an intruder indication is communicated to the computer if the presence of the ID code is not detected within a second duration. However, if motion is not detected in the field of view, power is provided or withheld from the energy consumption device as a function of an ambient temperature of an environment.
US07868731B2
A thermal overload relay is provided with an external case, and an adjustment dial with a cam inserted into an adjustment dial insertion hole provided in the external case for adjusting a settling current. A press-fitting section is provided at one of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole, and a locking section is provided at the other of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole. The press-fitting section is press-fit and retained in the locking section.
US07868728B2
An inductor embedded in a printed wiring board includes a conductor extending in the thickness direction of a printed circuit board and a magnetic body that is in contact with the conductor with no gap therebetween. For example, the magnetic body is composed of ferrite having a cylindrical tubular shape. The conductor is composed of a copper film formed by plating on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular ferrite. The inductor is inserted in the thickness direction of the printed wiring board.
US07868725B2
A conducting crossover structure for power inductors comprises a first lead frame array that includes a first feed strip, a first lead frames including first and second terminals, and first tab portions that releasably connect said first lead frames to said first feed strip.
US07868722B2
An inductor apparatus including an inductor having a core formed in a loop shape to form a hollow part, and a coil winding the core, and a supporting member having a supporting surface to support the core to face the hollow part, and a vibration preventing hole formed to correspond to the hollow part of the core.
US07868717B2
A transducer includes an acoustic track in which an acoustic wave can be propagated, the acoustic track having a transversal fundamental mode, the acoustic track being subdivided in a transversal direction into an excitation area and two peripheral areas. The transducer also includes a first outside area and a second outside area bordering the acoustic track such that the acoustic track is arranged in the transversal direction between the first and second outside area. The transducer also includes peripheral areas configured such that the longitudinal phase velocity vRB of the acoustic wave in the respective peripheral area is greater than the longitudinal phase velocity vMB of the wave in the excitation area.
US07868713B2
An exemplary impedance matching circuit (20) includes a signal processing circuit (22) and a variable resistance unit (24). The signal processing unit is configured for identifying a frequency of a signal from an external transmission line (23), generating an identification signal according to the frequency. The variable resistance unit is configured for selecting a resistance matched with an actual impedance of the transmission line.
US07868710B1
The present invention relates to a digitally-controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) circuit having control circuitry, an active core, and a pair of thermometer-coded switched-capacitor circuits (TCSCCs), each of which is coupled to the active core and to a crystal. The active core, the crystal, and the pair of TCSCCs form a DCXO, which provides an output signal having an output frequency. Each TCSCC includes multiple capacitive elements, which are selected by a respective control signal from the control circuitry to control the output frequency. The DCXO circuit may be integrated into a digital integrated circuit (IC) without need for a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and may be used with a wide range of crystal types. By using thermometer-coding, the pair of TCSCCs provides monotonic frequency tuning behavior. Further, by utilizing different types of tuning steps, the DCXO may have a wide tuning range with high resolution.
US07868705B2
In a high-frequency oscillator, a first resonance circuit and a second resonance circuit are respectively connected to a first amplifier circuit and a second amplifier circuit. A selection circuit includes a first switch circuit and a second switch circuit which selectively operate one of the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit. A grounded capacitor is connected to output sides of the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit. The grounded capacitor is commonly used by both the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit. An auxiliary grounded capacitor is connected between the first switch circuit and the first amplifier circuit. Accordingly, the grounded capacitor and the auxiliary grounded capacitor are connected to each other in parallel only when the first amplifier circuit is activated.
US07868700B2
Apparatus and method for reducing the current consumption and increasing the efficiency of a MIMO system, consisting of one or more RF power amplifiers (PAs) and that is required to provide a desired total output power level. An individual output power level which is a portion of the total output power level is determined for each PA. The load, connected to the output stage of each PA, is dynamically or statically tuned to essentially match the output impedance of its output stage, such that its dynamic or static RF load line has a slope that corresponds to the impedance required to provide this portion. Whenever a smaller output power is desired in response to reduction in the input signal to MIMO system, a reduced portion is determined for each PA and the load is further tuned, such that the dynamic/static RF load line has a slope that causes each PA to essentially remain in saturation while providing the reduced portion.
US07868698B2
A Stabilizing circuit (530) is connected to the output of a power amplifier transistor (502) in order to prevent the amplifier from being oscillating. The stabilizing circuit (530) comprises basically a resistor (536) connected in series with a capacitor (534). The stabilizing circuit may also comprise an inductor (532) connected in series to the capacitor and the resistor. The inductor may be partially or fully realised by printed conductive lines and/or bonding wires. The stabilizing circuit provides a low impedance at the transistor output across a range of operational frequencies.
US07868692B1
A power supply includes: a switching amplifier including an input and an output, the amplifier input being adapted to be powered by an electrical power source; a transformer including a primary and a secondary winding on a magnetic core, the number of winding turns being chosen to limit magnetization levels to avoid magnetic saturation while maximizing winding spacing, the transformer primary winding being in communication with the amplifier output; a rectification system in communication with the transformer secondary winding, the rectification system providing a DC power output; and a controller. The controller monitors the DC power output and adjusts the switching amplifier in response to the monitoring to provide a desired power output characteristic.
US07868686B2
Provided is a band gap constant-voltage circuit which is configured by combining a PMOS transistor, an NMOS transistor, a bipolar transistor, and a resistor, and is capable of preventing an output voltage from being stabilized at 0 V immediately after power supply fluctuation. According to the band gap constant-voltage circuit of the present invention, the back-gates of two p-type transistors (P112 and P 113) constituting a differential amplifier are each connected to a node (11) which is a power source terminal on the positive side of the differential amplifier, and a level shifter circuit is connected to the gate of each of the transistors (P112 and P113).
US07868685B2
An electric circuit device operable under a power supply includes: a circuit; a first switch connected between the power supply and the circuit; a capacitor tending to produce a first leakage current; a second switch connected between the power supply and the capacitor, the second switch producing a second leakage current when it is cut off, the second leakage current being less than the first leakage current; and a switch controller for turning on the second switch while both the first switch and the second switch are turned off, and after a first time passes for turning on the first switch.
US07868680B2
In a synchronous semiconductor device (250), an input/output control circuit is formed of a clock input I/O (260), a clock control signal input I/O (270) and a signal change detection circuit (280). The clock input I/O (260) includes a first input buffer (264) having a large threshold, a second input buffer (266) having a small threshold and an input selector (268). The signal change detection circuit (280) controls the input selector (268) so that a first input from the first input buffer (264) is normally selected and a second input from the second input buffer (266) is temporarily selected only when the signal change detection circuit (280) detects that a logic level of a clock control signal (279) is changed from a non-activated level to an activated level.
US07868677B2
A flip-flop circuit having low power consumption includes a sensing circuit, and a clock generating circuit. The flip-flop is leading edge triggered and operates on an internally generated pseudo clock signal. The sensing circuit senses a change in an input signal and an output signal of the flip-flop. The clock generating circuit generates a pseudo clock signal with a sharp rise and fall based upon an external clock signal.
US07868676B2
A driver circuit includes a pre-driver and an output driver. The pre-driver is coupled to receive an input signal and to generate first and second pre-driver output signals in response to the input signal. The output driver generates a driver output signal and includes first and second switches, a native mode transistor, and a driver output. The first switch has a first control terminal coupled to receive the first pre-driver output signal. The second switch has a second control terminal coupled to receive the second pre-driver output signal. The native mode transistor is coupled in series between the first switch and the second switch and has a third control terminal coupled to receive the voltage reference signal. The driver output is coupled between the native mode transistor and the second switch to output the driver output signal.
US07868674B2
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.
US07868668B2
A power-on detector and a method thereof are provided. The power-on detector includes four transistors, two resistors, and a comparator. The power-on detector can detect an input voltage and then determine whether the power is turned on or not. The power-on determination is substantially immune to temperature variation. The power-on detector is noise-free and stable in various temperatures.
US07868662B2
There is provided a spike noise eliminating circuit that can eliminate reliably spike noise having a predetermined pulse width or smaller and transmit and output precisely a signal having a pulse width larger than the predetermined width. Spike noise in the input signal is eliminated by: detecting a coincidence in level of the input signal and a first delay signal obtained by delaying the input signal by a maximum pulse width of noise to be eliminated as a delay amount; and sampling the input signal or a second delay signal obtained by delaying the input signal by a certain period of time based on a signal obtained as a result of detecting the coincidence in level.
US07868658B1
A circuit comprises first and second buffers, and an output buffer. The first buffer receives an input signal and provides a first buffer output signal on a first lead. The second buffer receives the input signal and provides a second buffer output signal on a second output lead. The output buffer has a first input lead coupled to the first output lead and AC coupled to the second output lead. The AC coupling communicates timing information from the second buffer to the output buffer. The first buffer applies sufficient voltage to control the first input lead of the output buffer under DC conditions.
US07868652B1
Off-die termination module for terminating memory module signal lines in a computer memory subsystem, the computer memory subsystem including a memory controller and a DIMM socket, the memory controller coupled to the DIMM socket via a memory module signal line, the off-die termination module including: an off-die termination component configured to terminate the memory module signal line upon activation; and a spring loaded notch pin implemented as part of the DIMM socket, the spring loaded notch pin configured to toggle activation of the off-die termination component in dependence upon presence of a DIMM in the DIMM socket including activating the off-die termination component upon removal of a DIMM from the DIMM socket and deactivating the off-die termination component upon installation of a DIMM in the DIMM socket.
US07868645B2
In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a single flux quantum (SFQ) signal transmission line powered by an AC power source. The AC power source supplies power to a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding receives the AC signal and the secondary winding communicates the signal to the SFQ transmission line. The transmission line can optionally include an input filter circuit for receiving the incoming SFQ pulse. The filter circuit can have a resistor and an inductor connected in parallel. In an alternative arrangement, the filter circuit can comprise of an inductor. A first Josephson junction can be connected to the filter circuit and to the secondary winding. The Josephson junction triggers in response to the incoming SFQ pulse and regenerates a pulse signal in response to a power discharge from the secondary winding.
US07868644B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) inspection apparatus and method are provided. The inspection apparatus and method are capable of automatically and accurately detecting defects of an LCD panel, and providing information of the automatically-detected defects of the LCD panel to the operator, thereby enabling the operator to easily recognize the defects.
US07868635B2
An object is to provide a probe, a probe card, and a testing device which can precisely perform a test for conductive state of a conductive wiring in, for example, a through hole or a contact hole provided in a circuit board. Provided is a probe (10) for performing a test for conductivity of a conductive wiring in a hole such as a through hole or a contact hole provided in a circuit board. The probe (10) is provided with an elastically deformable leg portion (11) and a contact portion (13) provided on a tip side of the leg portion (11) to be brought into contact with the conductive wiring (21) provided in a through hole (22). The contact portion (13) is formed to be in a shape and size so as to be prevented from entering the through hole (22).
US07868632B2
An electronic device is moved into a first position with respect to probes for making electrical contact with the device. The electronic device is then moved into a second position in which the electronic device is pressed against the probes, compressing the probes. The movement into the second position includes two components. One component of the movement tends to press the electronic device against the probes, compressing the probes and inducing a stress in the probes. The second movement tends to reduce that stress. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
US07868630B2
A probe card is disclosed which includes a body, at least one housing in the body, the housing having at least one light opening, and at least one light conditioning device in the at least one light opening in the housing. A method of forming a probe card is also disclosed which includes forming an opening in a body of the probe card, positioning a housing having a light opening in the opening in the body of the probe card and positioning at least one light conditioning device in the light opening in the housing.
US07868629B2
A system, method and structures employing proportional variable resistors suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. In an example embodiment, there is a structure (10, 20) that comprises at least one proportional variable resistor (24) suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. The structure (10,20) comprises at least a first mask (10) and a second mask (20) that when superimposed comprise at least two test pads (14, 16) and interconnects (12, 22) the resistance between (24) which can be measured.
US07868626B2
The present invention provides a burst noise canceling apparatus which can remove burst noises even in a one-time data, without the need of a large amount of memory. The device according to the present invention incorporates an analog-to-digital converter for sampling a received MR signal to convert it to digital value to output it; a FIFO for delaying the digital value by delay time before output; a burst noise detection circuit for outputting a detection pulse upon detecting the presence of a burst noise in the received MR signal; a shift register having a first output which goes to “1” for the time corresponding to a pulse width of the detection pulse after elapsed time L−B since the detection pulse is read, and a second output which goes to “1” for the time corresponding to the pulse width of the detection pulse after elapsed time L+A since the detection pulse is read; an up-and-down counter which counts up at the rising edge of the first output and counts down at the falling edge of the second output; an OR circuit for outputting “1” when a count of the up-and-down counter is not “0” as a removal instruction signal; and a data removal processing unit which forces the output of the FIFO into “0” when the removal instruction signal is being output. The device is capable of removing the burst noise even in a one-time data, without the need of a large amount of memory.
US07868622B2
Provided is a circuit for detecting power supply voltage drop having a small circuit scale. An NMOS transistor (12) generates a source voltage based on a voltage obtained by subtracting an absolute value of a threshold voltage and an overdrive voltage from a power supply voltage with reference to the power supply voltage. An NMOS transistor (17) is turned on/off based on the source voltage of the NMOS transistor (12). A PMOS transistor (15) generates a source voltage based on a voltage obtained by adding an absolute value of a threshold voltage and an overdrive voltage to a ground voltage with reference to the ground voltage. A PMOS transistor (19) is turned on/off based on the source voltage of the PMOS transistor (15).
US07868616B2
A miniaturized instrument and method of using electron spin resonance spectrometry for measuring the degradation of lubricating fluids, and the like, that includes continuously passing a sample of such fluid through a resonating RF microwave cavity resonator during the application therethrough of a uniform slowly varying uniform magnetic field that is rapidly modulated and measuring the resulting phase modulation or amplitude modulation thereof to derive an electron spin resonance signal that directly senses the molecular changes in the fluid sample resulting from fluid degradation during operation of the vehicle, such as peroxy radicals in vehicle engine oil and the like.
US07868615B2
In a method and device for suppressing residual motion artifacts, k-space is divided into a snapshot segment, an alternate sampling segment and a high frequency segment in a phase encoding direction; then phase encoding lines are respectively sampled within each of the segments; and a magnetic resonance image is reconstructed according to the phase encoding lines within k-space.
US07868609B2
A position encoder is provided for indicating the relative position between first and second relatively move members. One of the members carries a magnetic field generator which generates a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction vary with position. In a preferred embodiment, the other member carries an excitation winding, one or more sensor windings and a film of magnetizable material. The arrangement is such that the positionally varying magnetic field interacts with the film to change the mutual coupling between the excitation winding and the or each sensor winding. Excitation and processing circuitry is provided for energising the excitation winding and for processing the sensor signals to determine a value indicative of the relative position between the first and second relatively movable members.
US07868596B2
A method of controlling a DC-DC step-up converter including at least one power switch and an energy storage inductor may include comparing a converter output voltage to a first threshold and generating a first comparison flag based on the converter output voltage comparison. The method may also include comparing a voltage across the energy storage inductor to a second threshold and generating a second comparison flag based on the second energy storage inductor voltage comparison. The method may further include controlling the at least one power switch as a function of a logic state of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag, and stepwise adjusting the second threshold as a function of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag to limit a ripple on the converter output voltage.
US07868595B1
A regulator is provided. The regulator is a PWM-based switching regulator with soft-start. The regulator starts up with non-synchronously-rectified regulation. A soft-start done signal is asserted after soft-start is finished. In one embodiment, the soft-start done signal is asserted at about 150% of the soft-start time. After the soft-start done signal has been asserted, the regulator changes from non-synchronously-rectified regulation to synchronously-rectified regulation if a pre-determined period of time occurs with no zero-crossing in the inductor current. In one embodiment, the pre-determined period of time is one switching cycle. In some embodiments, the “zero-crossing” of the inductor current is slightly different from zero, such as −0.5 A.
US07868575B2
An aperture driving apparatus includes a swing unit and a stationary unit. The swing unit includes an aperture plate that partially blocks a light, a coil that constitute a voice coil motor for obtaining a driving force for driving the aperture driving plate, and a swing arm that supports the aperture plate and the coil and has a bearing portion between the aperture plate and the coil. The stationary unit includes a swing shaft that engages the bearing portion and swingably supports the swing arm about a swing axis, and a magnet and a yoke that constitute the voice coil motor together with the coil. A control unit of the aperture driving apparatus controls the swing angle of the swing arm using a closed-loop control technique. In the direction of the swing axis, the position of a center of gravity of the swing unit is substantially aligned with a position at which the driving force is applied to the coil.
US07868564B2
A linearity of a voltage change to a tuner insertion amount is verified for at least one of a plurality of tuners. Based on the voltage change linearity, individual voltage change data corresponding to respective insertion amounts are calculated for each of the plurality of tuners through a proportional calculation. A combination of auto-tuners and a combination of respective insertion amounts of the auto-tuners are determined using the individual voltage change data, and an adequacy of the determined combinations is verified through a direct three-dimensional electromagnetic field calculation. The combinations are determined on a condition that, when the individual voltage change data of nominated tuners are added together, respective voltage changes attributed to the nominated tuners are cancelled out to allow an entire voltage distribution to have substantially no change.
US07868563B2
A light emitting device drive circuit includes: a power conversion unit for receiving an input electric power and performing an electric power conversion on the input electric power in accordance with a control signal so as to generate the predetermined output current; a current detection unit for detecting an output current IL of the power conversion unit; a temperature detection unit for detecting a case internal temperature TD, which is an interior temperature of a case for accommodating the light emitting device drive circuit; a regulation unit being operable to a) detect whether a temperature TL of the light emitting device has reached a first predetermined temperature TLmax based on TD, IL, and a temperature rise coefficient α relative to IL, the temperature rise coefficient α being set in advance so that TL satisfies a relationship of TL=TD+α·IL, and b) generate a regulation signal for reducing a predetermined output current IL0 so that TL does not exceed TLmax in the event that a result of the detection indicates that TL has reached TLmax; and a control unit for controlling IL0 in accordance with the regulation signal from the regulation unit.
US07868561B2
A dimmer switch for controlling the intensity of a dimmable screw-in compact fluorescent lamp provides smooth dimming of the fluorescent lamp and prevents flickering of the lamp due to multiple re-strikes. The dimmer switch prevents multiple re-strikes by avoiding multiple firings of a controllably conductive switching device of the dimmer circuit by limiting the high-end light intensity of the fluorescent lamp. Specifically, the dimmer switch limits the length of a conduction interval of the controllably conductive switching device to less than approximately 75% of each half-cycle. The dimmer switch may include a user-accessible adjustment actuator for changing the dimmer switch between an incandescent operating mode and a screw-in compact fluorescent mode. The dimmer switch may also be operable to automatically change the dimmer switch between the incandescent operating mode and the screw-in compact fluorescent mode by detecting the occurrence of the multiple firings of the controllably conductive switching device.
US07868550B2
An MgO protective layer formed on a front substrate of a plasma display panel and a method of manufacturing the protective layer are disclosed. The protective layer is manufactured by using an MgO pellet, which is simultaneously doped with a first doping material of BeO and/or CaO among alkali earth metals and a second material selected from the group consisting of Sc2O3, Sb2O3, Er2O3, Mo2O3, and Al2O3, as a deposition source through a vacuum deposition method. The protective layer remarkably improves a discharge efficiency of the PDP and shortens a discharge delay time, so that it is applied to a signal can PDP. Also, it lowers a manufacturing cost by reducing the number of electronic components.
US07868546B2
Provided are an organic light emitting display device including a transparent moisture absorption layer formed of at least one of a metal oxide and metal salt having an average particle diameter of 100 nm or less, a binder, and a selective light absorber absorbing light of a wavelength of a specific range, and a method of manufacturing the same. The transparent absorbing layer further contains a dispersant. The organic light emitting display device including the transparent moisture absorption layer has an excellent moisture absorption capability compared to a conventional organic light emitting display device including a getter, and is transparent. Therefore, the organic light emitting display device has desired lifetime characteristics and improved color purity and contrast characteristics.
US07868543B2
The invention provides a light-emitting device, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic apparatus which can improve the emission efficiency of light, obtain uniform brightness within a display surface in high reliability, in particular, and which can suppress lowering of the emission efficiency of light due to various wiring line structures, even though a large screen is performed. In a light-emitting device having a light-emitting element in which a first electrode on a base substrate, a functional layer having a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode are sequentially deposited, the first electrode and the second electrode are reflective, and the second electrode has an opening through which light from the light-emitting layer passes.
US07868539B2
An object is to provide a highly functional and reliable light-emitting element and light-emitting device with lower power consumption and high emission efficiency. The light-emitting element has an EL layer that has a stacked structure including a light-emitting element containing an organic compound and a functional layer having separate functions between a pair of electrode layers. In the light-emitting element including the functional layer and the light-emitting element containing an organic compound, a mixed-valence compound is contained in the functional layers. When an element in a compound has a plurality of valences, this element is in a state that is referred to as a mixed-valence state and this compound is referred to as a mixed-valence compound.
US07868530B2
The disclosed subject matter includes a filament electrode that can include a filament coil connected with a pair of lead wires with confidence. It is possible for a fluorescent lamp using the filament electrode to emit light with a wider range while located in a thin tube. The filament electrode can include a pair of connecting pipes, a pair of lead wires located parallel to each other, and a filament coil including two connecting parts. Each of the two connecting parts of the filament coil can attach to respective ends of the pair of lead wires via the pair of connecting pipes via pressure bonding so as not to contact the connecting parts of the filament coil with the ends of the pair of lead wires located in the pair of connecting pipes and so as to align the structures. Thus, the filament electrode can be used even in a thin glass or quartz tube and can provide an effective heat-shield operation.
US07868525B2
An LED illuminating device includes an optical part having a light source therein, an electrical part and a heat dissipation part. The electrical part includes a rear shell and a circuit board electrically connecting with the light source. The heat dissipation part includes a hollow front shell having a rear end secured with the rear shell, a heat sink and a cooling fan arranged in the front shell. The front shell defines a plurality of first and second air holes. The heat sink includes a solid base and a plurality of fins. The light source is thermally connected with the base. An airflow produced by the cooling fan is introduced into the front shell via the first air holes. The airflow flows then towards the heat sink and finally flows out of the front shell via the second air holes.
US07868523B2
An elastic wave device has a structure that prevents cracks from being formed in a piezoelectric substrate in flip-chip bonding using a bump, that minimizes the contact resistance in a contact portion where wiring patterns are electrically connected to each other, and that improves the insertion loss. In the elastic wave device, first and second multilayer electrically conductive films are provided on a piezoelectric substrate, the first multilayer electrically conductive film defines an IDT electrode and a first wiring pattern, the second multilayer electrically conductive film defines an electrode pad to which a bump is connected and a second wiring pattern, at least one contact portion where the second wiring pattern is overlapped on the first wiring pattern so as to be electrically connected to each other is provided, a top electrically conductive film of the first multilayer electrically conductive film is a Ti film, and a bottom electrically conductive film of the second multilayer electrically conductive film is an Al-based electrically conductive film including Al or an alloy mainly containing an Al.
US07868519B2
A piezoelectric resonator that achieves stable quality and improved resonance characteristics includes an acoustic reflector portion disposed between a substrate and a vibration portion, which includes a piezoelectric thin film sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, and a plurality of low acoustic impedance layers made of a material having relatively low acoustic impedance and a plurality of high acoustic impedance layers formed made of a material having relatively high acoustic impedance, the acoustic impedance layers being disposed alternately, and adjustment layers, which are disposed between the high acoustic impedance layers and the low acoustic impedance layers on the substrate sides of the high acoustic impedance layers and which have an acoustic impedance value intermediate between that of the high acoustic impedance layers and that of the low acoustic impedance layers. The low acoustic impedance layers and the high acoustic impedance layers have compressive stresses and the adjustment layers have a tensile stress.
US07868516B2
When a mover during moving is displaced in a direction (X2 direction) perpendicular to a moving direction, between a deformation pattern portion formed in stator-side electrodes of a stator and a deformation pattern portion formed in mover-side electrodes of the mover, a restoring force trying to return the mover toward a direction (X1 direction) opposite to the X2 direction acts on the mover. This makes it possible to prevent the mover from displacement, and consequently to provide an electrostatic actuator improved in the linear movability toward the moving direction.
US07868510B2
A motor including an outside rotor having a rotor disc with plural magnets alternating polarities flush mounted in the disc, an inside stator assembly with a ring of pole pieces forming a channel to house a transversely wound stator windings, and a controller coupled with feedback electronics for monitoring a timing, speed and direction and coupling a signal to a processing unit for adjusting the drive electronics driving the phase windings. A u-shaped gap above the channel to receive the rotor disc and focus the captured magnetic flux in the pole pieces toward the magnets. In an embodiment the molded magnetic flux channel pole pieces of the inside stator are sets of molded magnetic flux channel pole pieces, each set forming a channel and corresponding to one phase of the motor; and a section of each one of the transverse windings passing through one channel, the remaining section folding back outside the set in close proximity to the outer base of the set of molded magnetic flux channel pole pieces.
US07868506B2
Flux-switching electrical machines. In particular, a flux-switching electrical machine having a stator and a rotor. The stator has permanent magnets, armature windings and excitation windings, and the rotor has no winding or permanent magnet but includes a plurality of flux-switching teeth. The stator is generally formed by a succession of elementary cells, each cell being intended to interact with only a single tooth of the rotor at a time. Each cell includes one of the permanent magnets; a first slot for at least partly housing one of the excitation windings at least; and second slots for housing one of the armature windings.
US07868502B2
A BLDC motor is provided. The BLDC motor includes a stator having a plurality of teeth formed at an inside thereof, a plurality of coils, each of the plurality of coils being wound around a corresponding tooth of the stator, a rotor located at the inside of the stator, a plurality of magnets located at an edge portion of the rotor, a plurality of magnet placement portions located on the rotor, each magnet placement portion having a first and second barrier formed at opposite ends of the magnet placement portion, the first barrier and second barrier of adjacent magnet placement portions being separated by a gap portion, each of the plurality of magnets being inserted into a corresponding magnet placement portion, and at least one of the gap portions includes a third barrier located therein. A rotor and fan motor including a plurality of barriers formed on the rotor are also provided.
US07868501B2
Annular rotor disc for, in an axially stacked disc assembly of a plurality of similar rotor discs, forming a rotor for an electric motor, in which the discs secure a plurality of axially running permanent bar magnets, of substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, distributed around the circumference of the rotor. The rotor disc has pockets for accommodating and securing the permanent bar magnets in such a way that adjoining bars form an angle to one another. The pockets for adjacent, mutually diverging permanent bar magnets, viewed in the radial direction from the centre of the rotor, delimit between them a substantially triangular disc part, which is flexibly connected to a radially inner part of the annular rotor disc only by a radically inner web portion.
US07868499B2
Disclosed herein is a spindle motor having a plurality of sealing portions. The spindle motor includes a rotor hub for rotating a recording medium mounted thereon, a rotating shaft secured to the rotor hub and supporting the rotor hub, a sleeve for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and a sealing member. The sealing member is secured to the sleeve and coupled to a bearing portion between the rotating shaft and the sleeve, and provides a rotary side sealing portion and a stationary side sealing portion between the rotor hub and the sleeve. The rotor hub has a ring-shaped inner wall facing the sealing member. The sealing member has a shape of a hollow cylinder, at least part of an outer circumferential surface of the sealing member facing the ring-shaped inner wall and at least part of an inner circumferential surface of the sealing member facing the sleeve being inclined and thus gradually tapered.
US07868494B2
A rotating rectifier includes diode subassemblies that each have an AC contact between two diodes, held in place by a spring clip or interference fit between an inner DC bus and an outer DC bus. The outer DC bus can also act as a housing and heat sink. Diodes and resistors are distributed around the rotating rectifier. Zener diodes can be included in series with the resistors to provide further protection to the diodes to ensure proper operation of the rectifier.
US07868489B2
An acceleration generator 20 includes: a moving member (21, 25) that performs a periodic translational motion along a particular straight line; a first operating part (24) that applies a first force that varies in magnitude depending on the relative position thereof with respect to the moving member to the moving member in a direction parallel to the particular straight line; and a second operating part (27) that applies a second force that varies in magnitude depending on the relative position thereof with respect to the moving member to the moving member in a direction parallel to the particular straight line. The moving member performs a translational motion in which the acceleration thereof in the positive direction and the acceleration thereof in the negative direction are asymmetric in one period.
US07868488B2
A magnetic levitation wafer stage is used to align a wafer in an exposure apparatus of photolithographic equipment. The wafer stage includes a base, a table supported on the base and whose entire top surface exhibits magnetism of a single polarity, and motors for moving the table in the X and Y directions relative to the base. Alternatively, the wafer stage includes a wafer table having a main body and a number of electromagnets disposed in an upper portion of the main body, and electronics that selectively supply current in either direction through coils of the electromagnets respectively and independently of one another. In the exposure process, the bottom surface of the substrate is provided with a magnetic substance such that the substrate exhibits magnetism of a given polarity. The substrate is delivered to and set on the table of the stage. There, the substrate is levitated by a magnetic force of repulsion between the substrate and the table. The substrate can be moved horizontally while the substrate remains levitated above the table of the stage.
US07868486B2
A power supply provides a DC voltage to power an electronic device which includes battery charging circuitry. The power supply can be selectably coupled to alternative types of power sources and converts the power received from a power source to the DC voltage. The power supply includes source determination circuitry which generates a signal indicative of the type of power source to which the power supply is coupled. The DC voltage and the power source indication signal are provided to the electronic device. In response to the power source indication signal, a controller within the electronic device controls the amount of power drawn by the device by disabling the battery charging circuitry.
US07868485B2
A pulsed power source minimizes current ripple disturbance in a main power supply by dividing the pulsed load into a plurality of pulsed sub-loads. The pulsed power source includes a plurality of pulsed load power supplies, each pulsed load power supply receiving charging power from the main power supply and providing pulsed energy to one of the plurality of pulsed sub-loads. Pulsed energy delivered to each of the plurality of pulsed sub-loads is out of phase with the other pulsed sub-loads, resulting in the input current provided by the main power supply having a reduced current ripple magnitude and increased current ripple frequency.
US07868481B2
A power supply for a contactless device having a power supply circuit configured to provide an internal power supply voltage, an emergency capacitor circuit having an emergency capacitor, configured to provide a source current during an external field pause, and a power supply regulator configured to regulate the internal power supply voltage and the source current, wherein the emergency capacitor circuit is electrically coupled in parallel with the power supply circuit.
US07868480B2
A clipper circuit for regulating an unregulated or semi-regulated output of a power supply unit. The circuit includes a gate element between the load and the input voltage from the power supply unit. The gate is activated by a comparing circuit, which turns the gate on or off based on the feedback voltage of the circuit output, compared with a reference voltage. The gate is in saturation mode during normal and heavy loading and in linear mode during light loading.
US07868479B2
Circuitry for implementation of power gating within a multimedia processing environment is described. The disclosed circuitry supports effective power management for a multimedia display processor, which may include various components that operate separately from one another. In this manner, the disclosed circuitry can support power conservation and enhanced performance within a multimedia processing environment. In some aspects, headswitch or footswitch circuitry may be implemented to selectively connect and disconnect different logic components of a multimedia display processor to a power rail depending on the operating mode of the respective logic component, e.g., depending on whether the logic component is in an active or inactive mode.
US07868474B2
A method of indexing a plurality of dice obtained from a material wafer comprising a plurality of stacked material layers, each die being obtained in a respective die position in the wafer, the method including providing a visible index on each die indicative of the respective die position, wherein providing the visible index on each die includes: forming in a first material layer of the die a reference structure adapted to defining a mapping of the wafer; and forming in a second material layer of the die a marker associated with the reference structure, a position of the marker with respect to the reference structure being adapted to provide an indication of the die position in the wafer.
US07868472B2
Integrated circuit systems with thermal dissipation enhancement features are described. In one aspect, an integrated circuit system includes a die incorporating an integrated circuit. The die has a top side and a bottom side. The top side supports an electrical signal communication metallization and a top side thermal dissipation metallization. The bottom side supports a bottom side thermal dissipation metallization.
US07868463B2
A multiple integrated circuit chip structure provides interchip communication between integrated circuit chips of the structure with no ESD protection circuits and no input/output circuitry. The interchip communication is between internal circuits of the integrated circuit chips. The multiple integrated circuit chip structure has an interchip interface circuit to selectively connect internal circuits of the integrated circuits to test interface circuits having ESD protection circuits and input/output circuitry designed to communicate with external test systems during test and burn-in procedures. The multiple interconnected integrated circuit chip structure has a first integrated circuit chip mounted to one or more second integrated circuit chips to physically and electrically connect the integrated circuit chips to one another. The first integrated circuit chips have interchip interface circuits connected each other to selectively communicate between internal circuits of the each other integrated circuit chips or test interface circuits, connected to the internal circuits of each integrated circuit chip to provide stimulus and response to said internal circuits during testing procedures. A mode selector receives a signal external to the chip to determine whether the communication is to be with one of the other connected integrated circuit chips or in single chip mode, such as with the test interface circuits. ESD protection is added to the mode selector circuitry.
US07868460B2
Provided are a semiconductor package in which bonding pads of a semiconductor chip are electrically connected to interconnection portions by wire-bonding, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes: a substrate; an interconnection portion that is disposed on the substrate and comprises conductive patterns having a first thickness and conductive patterns having a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness; at least one semiconductor chip that is mounted on the substrate and comprises a plurality of bonding pads; and a plurality of wires electrically connecting the conductive patterns and the bonding pads.
US07868454B2
A multiple integrated circuit chip structure provides interchip communication between integrated circuit chips of the structure with no ESD protection circuits and no input/output circuitry. The interchip communication is between internal circuits of the integrated circuit chips. The multiple integrated circuit chip structure has an interchip interface circuit to selectively connect internal circuits of the integrated circuits to test interface circuits having ESD protection circuits and input/output circuitry designed to communicate with external test systems during test and burn-in procedures. The multiple interconnected integrated circuit chip structure has a first integrated circuit chip mounted to one or more second integrated circuit chips to physically and electrically connect the integrated circuit chips to one another. The first integrated circuit chips have interchip interface circuits connected each other to selectively communicate between internal circuits of the each other integrated circuit chips or test interface circuits, connected to the internal circuits of each integrated circuit chip to provide stimulus and response to said internal circuits during testing procedures. A mode selector receives a signal external to the chip to determine whether the communication is to be with one of the other connected integrated circuit chips or in single chip mode, such as with the test interface circuits. ESD protection is added to the mode selector circuitry.
US07868452B2
The invention relates to an ultrathin semiconductor circuit having contact bumps and to a corresponding production method. The semiconductor circuit includes a bump supporting layer having a supporting layer thickness and having a supporting layer opening for uncovering a contact layer element being formed on the surface of a semiconductor circuit. An electrode layer is situated on the surface of the contact layer element within the opening of the bump supporting layer, on which electrode layer is formed a bump metallization for realizing the contact bump. On account of the bump supporting layer, a thickness of the semiconductor circuit can be thinned to well below 300 micrometers, with the wafer reliably being prevented from breaking. Furthermore, the moisture barrier properties of the semiconductor circuit are thereby improved.
US07868450B2
A semiconductor package includes a base plate having first and second surfaces both facing in opposite directions, and a plurality of anisotropic heat conducting members disposed in the base plate and spaced away from each other. A semiconductor element having a heat generating unit is mounted on the first surface, and the second surface is supported on a supporting member having a thermal conductivity. Each anisotropic heat conducting member has a sheet shape intersecting with the first and second surfaces, and orientates a direction of higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the base plate in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface.
US07868447B2
Warpage and twist of a solid-state image sensing apparatus is controlled, thereby preventing displacement occurring to the solid-state image sensing apparatus when it is mounted on a printed circuit board. The solid-state image sensing apparatus comprises a plurality of outer leads, and the outer leads each comprises a horizontal portion protruding in the horizontal direction from a side face of a package body for encasing a solid-state image sensing chip therein, an end portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal portion, and disposed directly below the horizontal portion, a mid portion positioned between the horizontal portion, and the end portion, a first bend formed between the horizontal portion, and the mid portion, and a second bend formed between the mid portion, and the end portion.
US07868441B2
A package-on-package (POP) secure module includes a BGA mesh cap, a first BGA package, and a second BGA package. The first BGA package includes a first integrated circuit (for example, a microcontroller that includes tamper detect logic). The second BGA package includes a second integrated circuit (for example, a memory). The second BGA package is piggy-back mounted to the first BGA package and the BGA mesh cap is piggy-back mounted to the second BGA package. A printed circuit board substrate member of the BGA mesh cap includes an embedded anti-tamper mesh. This mesh is connected in a protected manner within the module to the first integrated circuit. When the module is in use, a mesh embedded in an underlying printed circuit board is coupled to the BGA cap mesh so that both anti-tamper meshes are controlled by the tamper detect logic.
US07868433B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for forming a low stress cavity package. Particular methods may be performed with existing packaging equipment. In one such method, a leadframe laminated with adhesive film is provided. Integrated circuit dice are connected to the leadframe by reflowing solder between bond pads on the active surface of each die and the leadframe. A viscous thermosetting material is dispensed around the periphery of the active surface of each die. The thermosetting material fills gaps between the solder joint connections and the adhesive film. As a result, the thermosetting material, solder joint connections, each integrated circuit die and the adhesive film define and seal a protective cavity between the active surface of the die and the adhesive film. Portions of each die, leads, solder joint connections and adhesive film are encapsulated with a molding material that is prevented from entering the sealed cavity.
US07868430B2
This application relates to a semiconductor device comprising multiple separate leads molded in a molded structure, and a chip attached to the molded structure over at least two of the multiple separate leads.
US07868426B2
A monolithic pair of nanoscale probes, including: a substrate having a cavity that extends from a surface of the substrate into its body; a dielectric layer formed on the substrate; a pair of nanoscale probe precursors formed over the dielectric layer; a plurality of sub-monolayers of electrode material selectively atomic layer deposited over the pair of nanoscale probe precursors. The dielectric layer includes a window that extends through it to the cavity of the substrate such that a portion of the dielectric layer adjacent to the window extends over the cavity. The pair of nanoscale probe precursors includes a pair of edges facing each other across the window. These edges correspond to tips of the pair of nanoscale probes. The sub-monolayers of electrode material include the pair of edges, so that a distance between the tips of the nanoscale probes is between about 0.1 nm and about 20 nm.
US07868423B2
A structure for a semiconductor device includes an isolated MOSFET (e.g., NFET) having triple-well technology adjacent to an isolated PFET which itself is adjacent to an isolated NFET. The structure includes a substrate in which is formed a deep n-band region underneath any n-wells, p-wells and p-band regions within the substrate. One p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath the isolated p-well for the isolated MOSFET, while another p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath all of the p-wells and n-wells, including those that are part of the isolated PFET and NFET devices within the substrate. The n-wells for the isolated MOSFET are connected to the deep n-band region. The resulting structure provides for improved device isolation and reduction of noise propagating from the substrate to the FETs while maintaining the standard CMOS spacing layout spacing rules and electrical biasing characteristics both external and internal to the triple-well isolation regions.
US07868419B1
The present invention relates to using a trap-rich layer, such as a polycrystalline Silicon layer, over a semiconductor substrate to substantially immobilize a surface conduction layer at the surface of the semiconductor substrate at radio frequency (RF) frequencies. The trap-rich layer may have a high density of traps that trap carriers from the surface conduction layer. The average release time from the traps may be longer than the period of any present RF signals, thereby effectively immobilizing the surface conduction layer, which may substantially prevent capacitance and inductance changes due to the RF signals. Therefore, harmonic distortion of the RF signals may be significantly reduced or eliminated. The semiconductor substrate may be a Silicon substrate, a Gallium Arsenide substrate, or another substrate.
US07868418B2
A first main electrode is provided on one surface thereof. On the other surface thereof, a second semiconductor layer of the first conduction type and a third semiconductor layer of the second conduction type are arranged alternately along the surface. A fourth semiconductor layer of the second conduction type and a fifth semiconductor layer of the first conduction type are stacked on the surfaces of the second and third semiconductor layers. The semiconductor device further comprises a control electrode formed in a trench with an insulator interposed therebetween. The trench passes through the fourth and fifth semiconductor layers and reaches the second semiconductor layer. A sixth semiconductor layer of the first conduction type is diffused from the bottom of the trench. A second main electrode is connected to the fourth and fifth semiconductor layers.
US07868416B2
A semiconductor device has a substrate, a source region formed on the surface portion of the substrate, a first insulating layer formed on the substrate, a gate electrode formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the gate electrode, a body section connected with the source region, penetrating through the first insulating layer, the gate electrode and the second insulating layer, and containing a void, a gate insulating film surrounding the body section, and formed between the body section and the gate electrode, and a drain region connected with the body section.
US07868403B1
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device using the same device layer, dielectric layer, and conductive layer that is used to create other electrical devices in a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process.
US07868398B2
A semiconductor device, which can improve the effect of a hydrogenation treatment in case of using a GOLD structure, and a method of manufacturing thereof is provided. A gate insulating film is formed on a semiconductor layer, and a source region, a drain region, and LDD regions are formed in the semiconductor layer. A main gate is formed on the gate insulating film. A sub-gate is formed on the main gate and the gate insulating film so as to cover a part of the main gate and either the LDD regions adjacent to the source region or the drain region. An interlayer insulating film containing hydrogen is formed on the sub-gate, main gate, and gate insulating film. Subsequently, a heat treatment for hydrogenation is performed to terminate a crystal defect of the semiconductor layer with hydrogen.
US07868381B1
In a trench-gated MIS device contact is made to the gate within the trench, thereby eliminating the need to have the gate material, typically polysilicon, extend outside of the trench. This avoids the problem of stress at the upper corners of the trench. Contact between the gate metal and the polysilicon is normally made in a gate metal region that is outside the active region of the device. Various configurations for making the contact between the gate metal and the polysilicon are described, including embodiments wherein the trench is widened in the area of contact. Since the polysilicon is etched back below the top surface of the silicon throughout the device, there is normally no need for a polysilicon mask, thereby saving fabrication costs.
US07868376B2
A semiconductor storage device has a plurality of word lines formed with a predetermined interval on a semiconductor substrate, a selection transistor provided at an end portion of the plurality of word lines, a first insulating film formed so as to cover side surfaces of the word lines, a side surface of the selection transistor, and a surface of the semiconductor substrate between the word lines, a high-permittivity film formed on the first insulation film, a second insulating film formed so as to cover the upper surface of the word lines and the selection transistor, a first air-gap portion located between the word lines and surrounded by the high-permittivity film and the second insulating film, and a second air-gap portion formed via the first insulating film and the high-permittivity film at a sidewall portion, which opposes the selection transistor, of the word line adjacent to the selection transistor, an upper portion of the second air-gap portion being covered by the second insulating film.
US07868373B2
The invention relates to a flash memory device and its method of fabrication. The method includes the steps of: forming gate protection patterns over a peripheral region of a semiconductor substrate; forming a tunnel insulating film over the semiconductor substrate; forming a first conductive film over the tunnel insulating film between adjacent gate protection patterns; forming a dielectric film over the first conductive film and the gate protection patterns; etching a portion of the dielectric film in the peripheral region to expose a portion of the first conductive film between adjacent gate protection patterns; forming a second conductive film over the dielectric film and the first conductive film; and etching the second conductive film, the dielectric film, the first conductive film, the tunnel insulating film and the gate protection patterns to form a gate, wherein the gate protection patterns remain on the sidewalls of the first conductive film and the tunnel insulating film in the peripheral region.
US07868366B2
An image sensor is disclosed including a second semiconductor substrate including a metal interconnection and a second interlayer dielectric; a second via penetrating the second interlayer dielectric so that the second via is connected to the metal interconnection; a first semiconductor substrate on the second interlayer dielectric, the first semiconductor substrate having a unit pixel; a pre-metal dielectric on the first semiconductor substrate; a first via penetrating the pre-metal dielectric and the first semiconductor substrate, the first via being electrically connected to the second via; a first interlayer dielectric on the pre-metal dielectric including the first via; a metal interconnection on the first interlayer dielectric and connected to the first via and the unit pixel; a conductive barrier layer on the metal interconnection; and a color filter and a microlens on the first interlayer dielectric in each unit pixel.
US07868365B2
In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, a resetting transistor is formed. In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, an amplifying transistor is formed. The first and second active regions are respectively the same in shape in image pixel parts. The resetting transistor and the amplifying transistor are shared by the pixel parts.
US07868363B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor component arrangement and a method for producing a semiconductor component arrangement. The method comprises producing a trench transistor structure with at least one trench disposed in the semiconductor body and with at least a gate electrode disposed in the at least one trench. An electrode structure is disposed in at least one further trench and comprises an at least one electrode. The at least one trench of the transistor structure and the at least one further trench are produced by common process steps. Furthermore, the at least one electrode of the electrode structure and the gate electrode are produced by common process steps.
US07868356B2
A III-V field effect transistor comprising a semiconductor channel layer having an electrically conducting channel; an ohmic contact layer on the semiconductor channel layer, the ohmic contact layer having a recess structure disposed therethrough to the semiconductor channel layer; the bottom of the ohmic contact layer comprising an etch stop layer comprising Aluminium and Phosphorous and defining the shape of the recess at its junction with the semiconductor channel layer.
US07868350B2
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light-emitting device. The device includes a buffer layer, a first conduction type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conduction type semiconductor layer. The buffer layer comprises amorphous metal. The first conduction type semiconductor layer is on the buffer layer, and the active layer is on the first conduction type semiconductor layer. The second conduction type semiconductor layer is on the active layer.
US07868347B2
A new SMD (surface mount devices) package design for efficiently removing heat from LED Chip(s) is involved in this invention. Different from the regular SMD package, which electrical isolated materials like Alumina or AlN are used, the substrate material here is metal like Copper, Aluminum and so on. Also, different from regular design, which most time only has one LED chip inside, current design will at least have two or more LED chips (or chip groups) in one package. All chips are electrical connected via metal blocks, traces or wire-bond. This type of structure is generally fabricated via chemical etching and then filled with dielectric material inside to form a strong package. Because the thermal conductivity of the metal is much higher than the ceramics, the package thermal resistance is much lower than the ceramics based package. Also, the cost of the package is much lower than ceramics package. Moreover, emitting area in one package is much larger than the current arts.
US07868343B2
A light-emitting device includes an active region that is configured to emit light responsive to a voltage applied thereto. A first encapsulation layer at least partially encapsulates the active region and includes a matrix material and nanoparticles, which modify at least one physical property of the first encapsulation layer. A second encapsulation layer at least partially encapsulates the first encapsulation layer.
US07868339B2
An illumination device comprising a connection carrier (1), at least one light-emitting diode (10), an electrically insulating layer (3) and a fixing device (4) is specified. The connection carrier (1) has a first main area (1a) and a second main area (1b) remote from the first main area. The light-emitting diode (10) is fixed on the first main area (1a) of the connection carrier (1). The electrically insulating layer (3) is fitted to the second main area (1b) of the connection carrier (1) and projects laterally beyond the second main area (1b) of the connection carrier (1). The fixing device (4) is suitable for fixing the illumination device to a mounting area (2a) of a carrier (2), wherein the electrically insulating layer (3) is arranged between the second main area (1b) of the connection carrier (1) and the mounting area (2a) of the carrier (2). Furthermore, the fixing device (4) presses the connection carrier (1) against the mounting area (2a). The pressure exerted in this way is used to effect a fixing of the insulating layer (3) between the second main area (1b) of the connection carrier (1) and the mounting area (2a). The fixing device (4) is connected to an optical element (8), which optically influences the light generated by the light-emitting diode (10) during operation.
US07868333B2
Processes are provided for removing metal-based catalyst residues from carbon nanotubes by contacting the carbon nanotubes with an active metal agent and carbon monoxide.
US07868332B2
A light emitting diode (LED) is provided with a base substrate, a plurality of light emitting chips disposed on the upper surface of the base substrate and electrically coupled in parallel to one another, and a fluorescent material layer for covering the light emitting chips.
US07868331B2
Disclosed herein is a light-emitting device comprising a transparent or semi-transparent first substrate, a second substrate provided opposite to the first substrate, a transparent or semi-transparent first electrode provided on the first substrate, a second electrode provided on the second substrate so as to be opposite to the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer which contains a metal oxide semiconductor porous body, by the surface of which an organic light-emitting material is supported, and is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US07868323B2
In an image display device comprising a display part configured with a plurality of pixels and a peripheral integrated circuit which controls the display part, the display device is provided on a support substrate which has high durability for the impact and the bending, the pixel circuit is configured with an organic semiconductor TFT, the peripheral integrated circuit is configured with a low-temperature poly Si-TFT, this peripheral integrated circuit is provided on a support substrate of the display device being removed the support substrate when being manufactured, and the pixel circuit and the peripheral integrated circuit are connected with the same wire layer.
US07868322B2
Disclosed is a method for fabricating an organic thin film transistor by oxidation and selective reduction of an organic semiconductor material. According to the method, stability of interfaces between a semiconductor layer and source/drain electrodes of an organic thin film transistor may be guaranteed. Therefore, an organic thin film transistor fabricated by the method may exhibit improved performance characteristics, e.g., minimized or decreased contact resistance and increased charge carrier mobility.
US07868303B2
A patterning device handling apparatus for use in charged particle beam imaging is disclosed. The disclosed patterning device handling apparatus comprises a first gripping member and a second gripping member. The first gripping member is equipped with a plurality of first positioning projections, and the second gripping member is equipped with a plurality of second positioning projections. When the patterning device is held at one angle, the first positioning projections abut against one edge of the patterning device and the second positioning projections abut against the opposite edge of the patterning device. When the patterning device is held at another angle, the first positioning projections abut against two neighboring edges of the patterning device, and the second positioning projections abut against the other two neighboring edges of the patterning device. Therefore, the disclosed patterning device handling apparatus can hold the pattering device at different angles.
US07868299B2
The invention disclosed provides an improved method and apparatus for light sensing to detect bulb ignition for UV curing lamps. The light sensing apparatus is configured with adjustable sensitivity, and can be configured for use with a range of light intensity levels. The light sensing apparatus can be configured for use with multiple ultra-violet lamps in a variety of spatial configurations. The light sensing apparatus comprises a phototransistor circuit configured with adjustable sensitivity. The improved apparatus further comprises a signal conditioning circuit.
US07868296B2
A spectroscopic method and spectroscopy system therefrom for analyzing samples. A sample includes a first chemical component that has a characteristic first absorption peak is provided. The sample is irradiated in a measurement waveband proximate to the first absorption peak, and at a first and a second reference waveband where the first chemical component lacks characteristic absorption features. Reflected or transmitted detection data is obtained including a measured power proximate to the first absorption peak and first and second reference powers at the reference wavebands. A plurality of different waveband ratios are evaluated using pairs of detection data to generate a plurality of measured waveband ratio values. A parameter of the first chemical component is then determined by evaluating a multidimensional polynomial calibration equation that relates the parameter of the first chemical component to the plurality of different waveband ratios by substituting the measured waveband ratio values into the calibration relation.
US07868292B2
The invention is a device for detecting images formed by thermal infrared radiation. It uses a two dimensional array of thermally sensitive elements formed of material whose capacitance changes with temperature. Changes in capacitance of the detector elements are measured and used to form an electronic representation of the thermal infared image. The detector array can be fabricated using inexpensive materials and processes.
US07868289B2
An ion guide includes a plurality of rods, arranged about an axis that extends lengthwise from one end to the other of the guide. The rods guide ions in a guide region along and about the axis. A conductive casing surrounds the rods. The casing and the rods are geometrically arranged to produce an axial electric field along the axis. Specifically, the geometry is such that a first constant applied DC voltage (UDC), applied to the rods, and a second constant applied DC voltage (UCASE) applied to the casing, produce a voltage gradient between said casing and said axis that has a different magnitude at different positions along said axis.
US07868288B2
An enclosure includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. A deflector deflects a light emitted from a light source. A first optical system leads the light emitted from the light source to the deflector. A second optical system includes at least one optical element, and leads the light deflected by the deflector onto a surface to be scanned. The first enclosure holds the light source, the deflector, and the first optical system, and the second enclosure holds the at least one optical element included in the second optical system.
US07868281B2
An optical navigation system and method of estimating motion uses a plate with an aperture, a photodetector and an optical system for optical lift detection. The optical system is configured to direct an input light to a target surface through the aperture of the plate and to direct the input light reflected from the target surface and transmitted back through the aperture of the plate toward the photodetector to be detected by the photodetector for lift detection.
US07868280B2
Provided are an illumination sensing apparatus, a driving method thereof and a display device having the illumination sensing apparatus. The illumination sensing apparatus includes an illumination sensor unit configured to generate a sensing signal according to peripheral illumination, an illumination determination unit configured to generate an illumination signal according to the sensing signal, and an illumination judgment unit configured to output a brightness select signal using the illumination signal, wherein the illumination sensor unit controls sensitivity of sensing the peripheral illumination to be varied according to the brightness select signal. Therefore, the sensitivity of an illumination sensor is automatically controlled according to the peripheral illumination, thus improving peripheral illumination sensibility. Further, an illumination signal corresponding to the peripheral illumination is provided to a light source module to thereby control the output brightness of the light source module, which makes it possible to reduce power consumption and improve image quality.
US07868276B2
An apparatus includes a first interface configured to communicate via a first protocol, and a first holding device configured to hold an airborne vehicle. The first holding device includes a second interface configured to communicate with the first interface via the first protocol, and to communicate with the airborne vehicle via a second protocol. The apparatus includes an emulator configured to convert at least one of a communication of the first protocol into a communication of the second protocol, and a communication of the second protocol into a communication of the first protocol.
US07868275B2
A switching circuit including a plurality of heating elements (12), each connected as part of a tuned circuit (36), the tuned circuits being respectively tuned to different frequencies and connected in parallel between two common conductors (34), the circuit further including a device (20, 38, 40) for applying an oscillating signal voltage between the two common conductors, at one or more frequencies each corresponding to a tuned frequency of one of the tuned circuits.
US07868271B2
A control device for converting a control movement along a control path into a control signal has the control path corresponding to different control stages or control types. The control device has two measuring tracks with a linearly changing resistance associated with each track. In one embodiment, these measuring tracks are positioned concentric to each other in a semicircle. A voltage U, which is tapped via two opposite interconnected sliders, is applied to both measuring tracks at a junction point while the other junction point is connected to ground. If the detected values of the tapped voltages deviate from a corresponding stored value or pairs of values, there must be a fault, due to, for example a broken slider. This makes it possible to perform a test for determining the fault or a malfunctioning control device.
US07868269B2
An integrated welder, generator and hydraulic unit that includes a housing that at least partially contains components of a welder, generator and a hydraulic pump. An engine, an electric current generator, and a hydraulic pump are at least partially mounted in the housing. The electric current generator is at least partially connected to the engine to be at least partially driven thereby. The hydraulic pump can be at least partially powered by the electric current generator or the fuel powered engine during the operation of the engine. The integrated welder, generator and hydraulic unit can also include an air compressor.
US07868261B2
The present invention relates to a switch comprising a casing (1, 9), an actuator member (2, 3) pivotably mounted in the casing (1, 9) and integral with a switching control rod (10), capable of occupying a central position (A) and a rocked position (C), a pusher (5) slidably mounted in the actuator member (2, 3) in an incoming/outgoing direction substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry of the rocking, remarkable in that it further comprises a rockably mobile lock (4) on an elastic support (11), said lock (4) being distinct from the pusher (5) and capable of assuming a first position where it is interposed on the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) and a second position where it cooperates with the pusher (5) so that a thrust on the pusher (5) urges the lock (4) and allows the latter to disengage from the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) towards the rocked position (C).
US07868260B2
There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.
US07868258B2
A radio frequency (RF) module assembly includes a substrate on which a predetermined component is mounted, the substrate comprising a connection terminal, and an RF module mounted on the substrate and processing a predetermined RF signal. The RF module includes a housing forming a body, a jack receiving and transmitting a predetermined RF signal, a jack receiving part provided at the housing to allow the jack to be inserted inside the housing and received, and a terminal connected to a connection terminal of the substrate.
US07868256B2
A grommet, made of an elastic body, is externally mounted on a group of electric wires to be spanned between a car-body panel and a movable body consisting of a door or a trunk lid coupled to the car-body panel through a hinge member. The grommet has large-diameter cylindrical parts which are disposed on one and other ends thereof in a longitudinal direction thereof and have an annular locking groove respectively to be inserted into and locked to a through-hole formed through the car-body panel and a through-hole formed through the trunk lid respectively; small-diameter cylindrical parts continuous with the large-diameter cylindrical parts respectively; and a bellows-like cylindrical part provided between the small-diameter cylindrical parts with the bellows-like cylindrical part continuous with the small-diameter cylindrical parts.
US07868251B2
An electric cable assembly may include an electric cable and a conductive contact. The electric cable has a conductive core, an inner insulation jacket surrounding the conductive core, a conductive layer surrounding the inner insulation jacket, and an outer insulation jacket surrounding the conductive layer. The conductive contact is injection molded around the conductive layer at a prepared section of the electric cable so that the conductive contact can conduct electric current from the conductive layer.
US07868249B2
This invention comprises deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal substrates which can be heat treated following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation an interconnection substrate structure is produced in a continuous roll-to-roll fashion. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials since it does not have to endure high temperature exposure. Cells comprising the metal foil supported photovoltaic junctions are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure. Conductive interconnections are deposited to complete the array. The conductive interconnections can be accomplished with a separately prepared interconnection component. The interconnected array is produced using continuous roll-to-roll processing which avoids the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve electrical interconnections among arrays of photovoltaic cells.
US07868242B2
A thermoelectric conversion module includes a tubular element unit having a plurality of ring-like thermoelectric elements coaxially arranged with air as an insulator sandwiched inbetween. The ring-like thermoelectric element is covered approximately entirely with electrodes at its outer circumference surface and inner circumference surface, respectively, and generates electricity by temperature difference between the outer circumference surface and the inner circumference surface. A lead wire electrically connects the electrode covered on the outer circumference surface of one ring-like thermoelectric element among the plurality of ring-like thermoelectric elements to the electrode covered on the inner circumference surface of another ring-like thermoelectric element adjacent to the one ring-like thermoelectric element. A doubled cylindrical support unit 41 includes a SUS tube whose outer circumference surface supports the tubular element unit and a SUS tube whose inner circumference surface supports the tubular element unit.
US07868233B1
A novel maize variety designated PHH7E and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHH7E with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHH7E through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHH7E or a trait conversion of PHH7E with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHH7E, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHH7E and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07868227B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US07868226B2
A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-6 and 11, particularly SEQ ID NO: 3. The nucleotide sequence encodes at least a corresponding amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12-17 and 26. The nucleic acid sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences regulate the flavonoid pathway, and more particularly they regulate the proanthocynanidin biosynthetic pathway and proanthocynanidin biosynthesis in a plant. One embodiment relates to methods of producing transformed plants comprising introducing into a cell of a plant a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1-6 and 11, particularly SEQ ID NO: 3 and regenerating a transformed plant from the transformed cell. Another embodiment relates to a host plant cell comprising at least one of the nucleic acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-6 and 11.
US07868224B2
Compositions and methods for suppressing the shade-avoidance response of plants and improving plant yield are provided. Compositions of the invention include an early flowering 3 (ELF3) maize gene, the promoter for this gene, an Arabidopsis basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (bHLH-041), and fragments and variants thereof. The ELF3 promoter sequence is useful for driving expression of polynucleotides of interest in a plant. The ELF3 and bHLH-041 sequences of the invention, or variants and fragments thereof, are provided in expression cassettes for use in manipulating expression of the ELF3 and bHLH-041 genes. By increasing expression of ELF3 and/or suppressing expression of bHLH-041, the methods of the invention provide for altered response of a plant to light quality and suppression of the high-density-invoked survival mode of development. The invention thus provides methods for growing crop plants at high population densities for yield enhancement. Transformed plants having the altered shade-avoidance phenotype of the invention, and seeds of said plants, are also provided.
US07868215B2
A process for producing cumene is provided which comprises the step of contacting benzene and propylene under at least partial liquid phase alkylating conditions with a particulate molecular sieve alkylation catalyst, wherein the particles of said alkylation catalyst have a surface to volume ratio of about 80 to less than 200 inch−1.
US07868212B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing 1,2-propanediol by reacting glycerol, which has a purity of at least 95 wt %, with hydrogen at a hydrogen pressure from 20 to 100 bar and a temperature from 180 to 240° C. in the presence of a catalyst, which comprises 20 to 60 wt % of copper oxide, 30 to 70 wt % of zinc oxide and 1 to 10 wt % manganese oxide in an autoclave.
US07868211B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing enriched isopulegol by crystallization from a melt comprising isopulegol. The invention relates specifically to a process for preparing enantiomerically enriched n-isopulegol proceeding from optically active isopulegol having a relatively low enantiomeric excess by crystallization from the melt. The invention further relates to a process for preparing menthol proceeding from enantiomerically and/or diastereomerically enriched n-isopulegol prepared by crystallization from the melt.
US07868209B2
Provided is a new and improved process for preparing a borated alkaline earth metal toluene sulfonate salt.
US07868207B2
The present invention provides a process for producing 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide or a salt thereof, the process comprising reacting 1-cyano-3-octylguanidine or a salt thereof, with 3,4-dichlorobenzylamine or a salt thereof, in an ester-based organic solvent. According to the present invention, the reaction can be carried out at a low temperature using general-purpose equipment, and 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide or a salt thereof can be produced in a high yield by a safe and easy process.
US07868206B2
A compound represented by the formula (I) is used as an active ingredient in a medicament for treatment or prevention of infectious diseases caused by protozoa or bacterium. X represents halogen, Z represents —(CH2)m— wherein m is an integer of 1-5, and R represents one of the following (i)-(v): (i) hydrogen n represents an integer of 0-5, R1's independently represent hydrogen, halogen, alkoxy having 1-5 carbon atoms or alkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms. R2's independently represent hydrogen, halogen, alkoxy having 1-5 carbon atoms or alkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms. (iv) alkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms, (v) hydroxyalkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms.
US07868204B2
The invention relates to the inhibition of histone deacetylase. The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymatic activity. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions.
US07868194B2
A process is described for preparing, exclusively by chemical way, 21-hydroxy steroids having progestinic activity, said process having a high stereochemical control at C-21 position.
US07868187B2
The present invention relates to processes of producing glutamic acid compounds, for example, monatin, which are useful as, for example, production intermediates for sweetener or pharmaceutical products.
US07868186B2
An electronic device comprising a polymer comprising at least one type of repeat unit comprising at least one type of an optionally substituted indolocarbazole moiety and at least one divalent linkage.
US07868180B2
The invention provides a process for the preparation of a sartan derivative of formula (I) (formula as filed in paper form) (I) wherein the substituents have the meaning indicated in the description, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising reacting 2-cyanophenylboronic acid or a derivative thereof with a p-halobenzyl-1H-imidazole derivative of formula (VI), (formula as filed in paper form) (VI) wherein (part of formula as filed in paper form), X, Y, R1 and R2 are as defined above, and Z is I, Br or Cl, in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and an inorganic or organic base. The invention also provides new intermediates of formula (V), (formula as filed in paper form) (V) wherein M is an alkali metal or an NR4R5R6R7 group; and of formula (II) (formula as filed in paper form) (II).
US07868163B2
The invention relates to novel adenyl dinucleotides which are isomers of the dinucleotide Ap2A, having formulae (I) and (II). The dinucleotides of the invention have antitumour activity, particularly against tumours of haematological origin, such as for example leukaemias and lymphomas. The invention further relates to the use of such dinucleotides as antitumour medicaments. Finally, the invention relates to an enzymatic method for preparing the dinucleotides of formulae (I) and (II) and to an enzymatic assay method for the dinucleotide of formula (I) which is based on its complete conversion to NAD+.
US07868160B2
The present invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of an anti-apoptotic gene, comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 25 nucleotides in length and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of an apoptotic gene, such as a Bcl gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of an anti-apoptotic gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of an anti-apoptotic gene in a cell.
US07868155B2
The present invention is directed to promoter sequences and promoter control elements, polynucleotide constructs comprising the promoters and control elements, and methods of identifying the promoters, control elements, or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the present promoters or promoter control elements to modulate transcript levels.
US07868152B2
The invention provides anti-sulfotyrosine specific antibodies capable of detecting and isolating polypeptides that are tyrosine-sulfated. The sulfotyrosine antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention may be used to discriminate between the non-sulfated and sulfated forms of such proteins, using any number of immunological assays, such ELISAs, immunoblots, Western Blots, immunoprecipitations, and the like. Using a phage-display system, single chain antibodies (scFvs) were generated and screened against tyrosine-sulfated synthetic peptide antigens, resulting in the isolation of scFvs that specifically recognize sulfotyrosine-containing peptides and/or demonstrate sulfotyrosine-specific binding in tyrosine sulfated proteins. The VH and VL genes from one such sulfotyrosine-specific scFv were employed to generate a full length, sulfotyrosine-specific immunoglobulin.
US07868150B2
The invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a novel family of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors.
US07868146B2
The present invention relates to a thread preparation process from silk proteins including an apparatus which is appropriate for performing the method. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the threads obtained therewith as well as the use thereof. The invention uses a diffusion unit leading to the production of high-quality silk threads with high yield.
US07868134B2
Compositions and methods relating to antibodies that specifically bind to TGF-beta binding proteins are provided. These methods and compositions relate to altering bone mineral density by interfering with the interaction between a TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin and a TGF-beta superfamily member, particularly a bone morphogenic protein. Increasing bone mineral density has uses in diseases and conditions in which low bone mineral density typifies the condition, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fractures.
US07868133B2
The invention provides peptides and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. The invention further provides therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of apoptosis associated disorders.
US07868119B2
A coating composition comprises a fluoroelastomer composition and a diluent solvent consisting of a perfluoroalkyl-substituted aromatic compound and a perfluoro organic compound, the fluoroelastomer composition comprising (A) a linear perfluoropolyether compound, (B) a fluorinated organohydrogensiloxane, (C) a platinum catalyst, and (D) an organopolysiloxane containing an SiH group and an epoxy or trialkoxysilyl group. The composition cures into a fluoroelastomer having excellent characteristics and achieves a firm adhesion to a broad range of substrates by brief heating at relatively low temperatures.
US07868116B2
High-molecular-weight siloxane polymers are prepared in a multi-step process wherein an Si—H functional linear siloxane containing silanol groups is reacted with a hydrosilylatable organic compound, and the product is then condensed.
US07868108B2
The present invention relates to transition metal compounds of the formula (I), a process for preparing polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of at least one olefin in the presence of at least one olefin in the presence of at least one of the catalyst systems according to the invention and the use of the ligand systems according to the invention for preparing transition metal compounds.
US07868099B2
This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a dendrimer of a rubbery polymer comprising: (a) reacting a lithium terminated rubbery polymer with a halogenated tin containing compound to produce a polymer which is terminated with halogenated tin moieties, wherein the halogenated tin containing compound is of the structural formula: wherein X represents a halogen atom, wherein Z1 groups can be the same or different and are selected from alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein x represents an integer from 1 to 20, wherein the molar ratio of the lithium terminated rubbery polymer to halogen atoms in the halogenated tin containing compound is within the range of 2:n to (n−1):n, wherein n represents the number of halogen atoms that are bonded directly to tin atoms in the halogenated tin containing compound; (b) reacting the polymer which is terminated with halogenated tin moieties with a molar excess of a tertiary alcohol to produce a polymer which is terminated with hydroxy tin moieties; and (c) allowing the polymer which is terminated with the hydroxy tin moieties to couple under conditions sufficient to produce a dendrimer of the rubbery polymer.
US07868094B2
A foamable crosslinkable composition particularly useful as a foamed adhesive or coating.
US07868089B2
The invention provides a thermoplastic polymer composition which has both excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, and also has flexibility and excellent processability. The present invention is a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a fluororesin (A) and non-fluorine-containing cured rubber (B), wherein the fluororesin (A) comprises a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer (a), and the non-fluorine-containing cured rubber (B) is at least one kind of rubber (b) which is at least partially crosslinked.
US07868077B1
An athletic training shoe weighted insert including a metallic powder filled thermoplastic elastomer is formed. A method of manufacturing the athletic training shoe weighted insert with a desired softness or durometer and a desired specific gravity includes the steps of selecting a metallic powder filler, with a desired specific gravity, and a thermoplastic elastomer, and a plasticizer that will produce the desired softness of the weighted insert. The method includes a compounding step of combining the thermoplastic elastomer, metallic powder and plasticizer into a pelletized compound with a desired quantity or percentage of the metallic powder filler to bring the specific gravity to the desired level and to achieve the desired softness. In a preferred embodiment the pelletized compound is then formed into the finished insert by use of the plastic injection molding process.
US07868073B2
A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber composition containing 100 parts by weight of a diene-based rubber, 1 to 30 parts by weight of an ester-based plasticizer having a saturated cyclic structure of the formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 independently indicate a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C18 organic group and 40 to 120 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler and a pneumatic tire using the same.
US07868070B2
A thermoplastic molding composition that features improved thermal stability and a relatively low maximum rate of decomposition in the event of fire is disclosed. The composition contains an aromatic polycarbonate and/or polyester carbonate, and a modified layered compound, the modification with organic polymer by means of a solvent-free melt process. Optional additional components include an impact modifier, a thermoplastic (co)copolymer, and a phosphorus compound.
US07868067B2
One aspect of the current invention is a halogen containing epoxy composition and a method of producing the same. A functional halogen group, fluorine in one case, is incorporated into an epoxy coating by using a functionalized amine curing agent in small amounts. Functionalized amine curing agents are cheaper and easier to produce from small amine precursors when compared to the cost and complexity of functionalizing bulky epoxy resins. Amine curing agents are incorporated into a cured epoxy network. However, many functional groups will affect the reactivity of the curing reaction due to electronegativity effects. By using small amounts of functionalized amines with a large amount of non-functionalized agent, the effect is small and in the case of migration, it can be advantageous for tribological, mechanical and other properties of epoxies and epoxy-containing materials. Additionally, in stratified coatings, it is advantageous to use smaller functionalized amine molecules that can migrate more quickly into the composition before the composition becomes fully cured.
US07868063B2
Disclosed is a powdered polymeric lubricant having a multi-layer structure as a processing aid capable of being used to improve processability of a vinyl chloride resin, and a manufacturing method thereof. The powdered polymeric lubricant having multi-layer structure according to the present invention has an excellent ability to prevent its adhesion to a metal surface upon its processing so as to give a long-term workability to extrusion, calendaring, blow molding, injection molding, etc., when a small amount of the powder of the present invention is mixed with a vinyl chloride resin. Accordingly, the present invention provides a powdered polymeric lubricant capable of controlling compatibility with the vinyl chloride resin and minimizing the adhesive property to a metal surface of a processing machine when a vinyl chloride resin is processed with a polymer including a silicone-based polymer.
US07868060B2
Provided is an aqueous ink with high storage stability and scratch resistance at such a high level that the coloring material of an image is not scraped off even when lightly touched with a sharp product. The aqueous ink includes a water-insoluble coloring material and plural polymers. The plural polymers include a polymer A which relatively contributes to dispersion of the water-insoluble coloring material and a polymer B which does not relatively contribute to the dispersion of the water-insoluble coloring material compared to the polymer A. The polymer A includes a block copolymer having an acid value of 120 mgKOH/g to 180 mgKOH/g and having an ethylene oxide group as a nonionic group. The polymer B has an acid value of 150 mgKOH/g or less and a hydrogen bond parameter (δh) of the polymer obtained by solubility parameters of monomers constituting the polymer of 1.0 cal0.5/cm1.5 or more and 3.2 cal0.5/cm1.5 or less.
US07868048B2
Heavy oil emulsions, comprising decant oils and No. 6, No. 5 and No. 4 oils, and water are stabilized by adding certain saccharide-based esters. Preferably, the saccharide-based esters are naturally-occurring saccharide esters such as gallotannins, saponin, red gum, and the like.
US07868046B2
The present invention relates to novel (2R)-2-phenylpropanamides bearing a 4-sulfonylamino substituent on the 4 position of the phenyl group and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, which are used as inhibitors of the chemotaxis of polymorphonucleate and mononucleate cells, and which are useful in the treatment of various ELR+CXC chemokine-mediated disorders. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment and control of specific CXCR2 dependent pathologies such as BOS, COPD, angiogenesis and melanoma.
US07868038B2
The present invention relates to thiophene containing compounds of formula (I) wherein m, n, p, q, r, s, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the description. Included also are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.
US07868035B2
A compound comprising or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein X and Y are described herein.
US07868032B2
The present invention provides prostamide receptor antagonist compounds that may be represented by the general formula I wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 are as defined in the specification.
US07868025B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising synergistic amounts of a compound of the formula (I) wherein X, E, R, A and Z are as defined herein, and at least one fungicidal active compound as defined herein. The compositions of the present invention find use as pesticides.
US07868021B2
Compounds having the general structure: which are effective antimicrobial agents.
US07868012B2
The invention relates to novel sulfamic acid amides and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects including pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of those compounds and especially their use as endothelin receptor antagonists.
US07868011B2
The present invention provides methods for suppressing autoimmunity in a patient in need of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus by administering to the patient an effective amount of methyl 4-(Adenin-9-yl)-2-hydroxybutanoate or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the claimed methods include co-administering an effective amount of an immunosuppressant.
US07868009B2
The present invention is related to N-hydroxyamide derivatives of Formula (I): and use thereof in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and fibrosis, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and pulmonary fibrosis.
US07868003B2
The invention relates to substituted 4-phenyltetrahydroisoquinolines of formula I wherein R1-R8, N, W, X and Z are defined herein. These compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, hypertension, disorders of the central nervous system and the like.
US07867997B2
A δ-crystalline form of ivabradine hydrochloride of formula (I): characterised by its powder X-ray diffraction data. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful as bradycardics.
US07867995B2
A βd-Crystalline form of ivabradine hydrochloride of formula (I): characterised by its powder X-ray diffraction data. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful as bradycardics.
US07867989B2
This invention is directed to a novel method for the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme and thus treating diabetes, viral infections, fungal infections, autoimmune function disorders and obesity using compounds derived as lichen metabolites; more specifically, this includes the therapeutic applications of methylorsellinate (2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoate, Compound I), methyl-β-orinolcarboxylate (2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate, Compound II) and zeorin (6,22-hopanediol, Compound III).
US07867982B2
The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.
US07867981B2
A method for treating fungal infections in a mammal that includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising substantially pure amphotericin B and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Amphotericin BHP is associated with decreased toxicity in mammals and cells measured by cell viability and expression of cytokine markers. Thus, this method allows for reduced adverse reactions when using amphotericin B products.
US07867980B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide compounds of formula (I) or their pharmacologically acceptable salts or solvates wherein A represents aryl while R1 represents a five- or six-membered monocyclic heterocyclic group, or A represents a four- to six-membered monocyclic heterocyclic group while R1 represents aryl or a five- or six-membered monocyclic heterocyclic group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or C1-6 alkyl; R3 represents C1-6 alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl-C1-4 alkyl; R4, R5, and R6 represent a hydrogen atom; R7 represents C1-6 alkyl; and m is 1 to 3. The compounds are novel lincosamide derivatives that have a potent activity against resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Further, the compounds are usable as antimicrobial agents and are useful for preventing or treating bacterial infectious diseases.
US07867975B2
Endostatin compositions capable of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, inhibiting angiogenesis and causing tumor regression are described. Specifically, amino acid sequences of endostatin proteins and nucleic acid sequences coding for endostatin proteins are provided.
US07867958B2
A method for reducing friction coefficients and wear between lubricated surfaces. The method includes providing an amount of an oil-soluble or oil-dispersible component selected from the group consisting of a photo-crosslinkable poly(2-cinnamoyloxyalkyl acrylate) core and a diblock acrylate copolymer corona in a fully formulated lubricant composition containing a base oil of lubricating viscosity. The lubricant composition containing the component is applied to a surface to be lubricated.
US07867928B2
A composite sandwich panel a first facing and a second facing over a core layer, the first and second facings having at least one fiberglass layer between an inner and an outer graphite layer.
US07867925B2
The main object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing efficiently a pattern formed structure which has a surface having a property-varied pattern and can be used to manufacture a color filter or the like. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a pattern formed structure, comprising: a patterning substrate preparing process of preparing a patterning substrate having a base material and a property variable layer which is formed on the base material and has a property variable by action of a photocatalyst based on irradiation with energy; and an energy radiating process of arranging a photocatalyst containing layer side substrate having a base body and a photocatalyst containing layer comprising at least the photocatalyst, and the patterning substrate so as to keep a given interval between the photocatalyst containing layer and the property variable layer, and then radiating energy onto the resultant at an intensity of 0.1 to 10 mW/cm2, thereby forming a property variable pattern in which the property of the property variable layer is varied.
US07867920B2
There is provided a method for modifying a high-k dielectric thin film provided on the surface of an object using a metal organic compound material. The method includes a preparation process for providing the object with the high-k dielectric thin film formed on the surface thereof, and a modification process for applying UV rays to the highly dielectric thin film in an inert gas atmosphere while maintaining the object at a predetermined temperature to modify the high-k dielectric thin film. According to the above constitution, the carbon component can be eliminated from the high-k dielectric thin film, and the whole material can be thermally shrunk to improve the density, whereby the occurrence of defects can be prevented and the film density can be improved to enhance the specific permittivity and thus to provide a high level of electric properties.
US07867913B2
A method for fabricating a fine pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming a first photoresist over a substrate where an etch target layer is formed, doping at least one impurity selected from group III elements and group V elements, of the periodic table, into the first photoresist, forming a photoresist pattern over the first photoresist, performing a dry etching process using the photoresist pattern to expose the first photoresist, etching the first photoresist by an oxygen-based dry etching to form a first photoresist pattern where a doped region is oxidized, and etching the etch target layer using the first photoresist pattern as an etch barrier.
US07867911B2
A method for forming a pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming an etch target layer, forming a hard mask over the etch target layer, the hard mask including a multiple-layer stack structure comprising a bottom layer, a transformed layer, and an upper layer, wherein the transformed layer is formed by transforming a surface of the bottom layer. The hard mask and the etch target layer are etched.
US07867904B2
A system for processing a semiconductor substrate is provided. The system includes a mainframe having a plurality of modules attached thereto. The modules include processing modules, storage modules, and transport mechanisms. The processing modules may include combinatorial processing modules and conventional processing modules, such as surface preparation, thermal treatment, etch and deposition modules. In one embodiment, at least one of the modules stores multiple masks. The multiple masks enable in-situ variation of spatial location and geometry across a sequence of processes and/or multiple layers of a substrate to be processed in another one of the modules. A method for processing a substrate is also provided.
US07867902B2
In a method of forming a contact structure, a first insulation layer including a first contact hole is formed on a substrate. A metal layer including tungsten is formed to fill the first contact hole. A planarization process is performed on the metal layer until the first insulation layer is exposed to form a first contact. A second contact is grown from the first contact. The second contact is formed without performing a photolithography process and an etching process to prevent misalignments.
US07867896B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for forming tantalum nitride materials on a substrate by employing an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method includes heating a tantalum precursor within an ampoule to a predetermined temperature to form a tantalum precursor gas and sequentially exposing a substrate to the tantalum precursor gas and a nitrogen precursor to form a tantalum nitride material. Thereafter, a nucleation layer and a bulk layer may be deposited on the substrate. In one example, a radical nitrogen compound may be formed from the nitrogen precursor during a plasma-enhanced ALD process. A nitrogen precursor may include nitrogen or ammonia. In another example, a metal-organic tantalum precursor may be used during the deposition process.
US07867886B2
A method, in a complementary metal oxide semiconductor fabrication process, of creating a layered housing containing a micro-electromechanical system device, the method comprising the steps of providing a cavity in at least one layer of the housing, the cavity being accessible through via holes in a layer of insulating material deposited thereon, and the layer of insulating material being covered by a thin film layer of conductive material. The method further comprises the step of hydrophobically treating at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity. Finally the method comprises the steps of submerging the wafer in an electroplating solution and electroplating a conductive layer onto the thin film layer of conductive material such that the cavity remains free of electroplating solution.
US07867882B2
A method of manufacturing an SiC semiconductor device includes the steps of ion implanting a dopant at least in a part of a surface of an SiC single crystal, forming an Si film on the surface of the ion-implanted SiC single crystal, and heating the SiC single crystal on which the Si film is formed to a temperature not less than a melting temperature of the Si film.
US07867880B2
The present invention provides metal precursors for low temperature deposition. The metal precursors include a metal ring compound including at least one metal as one of a plurality of elements forming a ring. Methods of forming a metal thin layer and manufacturing a phase change memory device including use of the metal precursors is also provided.
US07867879B2
A method for dividing a semiconductor substrate involves providing a semiconductor substrate. At least one separating trench is produced at a front side of the semiconductor substrate. A layer is produced at least at the bottom of the at least one separating trench. The semiconductor substrate is thinned at a rear side of the semiconductor substrate at least as far as the layer at the bottom of the at least one separating trench. The layer is severed in order to divide the semiconductor substrate into individual pieces.
US07867878B2
Stacked semiconductor chips are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method including a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first substrate includes an array of first connection elements on the first surface of the first substrate. A second substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second substrate includes an array of second connection elements on the first surface of the second substrate. The first connection elements is attached to the second connection elements; and is thinning at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate after the attachment of the first connection elements to the second connection elements.
US07867872B2
A semiconductor device is manufactured by defining a groove in a semiconductor substrate, where the groove includes an upper portion and a lower portion, among other steps. A sacrificial layer is then formed to selectively fill the lower portion of the groove. Impurity ions are implanted into the semiconductor substrate while the lower portion of the groove is filled with the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed, and a gate is formed on the groove. In the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, impurities can be doped at a uniform concentration in the channel area of the semiconductor device.
US07867867B2
Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device include forming an NMOS transistor on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first interlayer dielectric layer on the NMOS transistor, and dehydrogenating the first interlayer dielectric layer. Dehydrogenating the first interlayer dielectric layer may change a stress of the first interlayer dielectric layer. In particular, the first interlayer dielectric layer may have a tensile stress of 200 MPa or more after dehydrogenization. Semiconductor devices including dehydrogenated interlayer dielectric layers are also provided.
US07867863B2
A transistor structure includes a semiconductor substrate with a first surface, a diffusion region at the first surface of the substrate, a sacrificial gate formed on the diffusion region, and insulating side walls formed adjacent to the sacrificial gate. A metal gate is formed by etching out the sacrificial gate and filling in the space between the insulating side walls with gate metals. Silicided source and drain contacts are formed over the diffusion region between the side walls of two adjacent aluminum gates. One or more oxide layers are formed over the substrate. Vias are formed in the oxide layers by plasma etching to expose the silicided source and drain contacts, which simultaneously oxidizes the aluminum gate metal. A first metal is selectively formed over the silicided contact by electroless deposition, but does not deposit on the oxidized aluminum gate.
US07867857B2
An improved coupling stability between the source region and the source electrode of the transistor is achieved. In the method for manufacturing the MOSFET, the p-type base region is formed in a semiconductor layer, and after the p-type base region is formed in the surface portion of the n+ type source region, the higher concentration source region extending from the side edge of the n+ type source region to the lateral side of the n+ type source region is formed in the surface portion of the p-type base region. Then, the source electrode coupled to the higher concentration source region is formed. This allows providing an improved coupling stability between the source electrode and the source region when a misalignment is occurred in the location for forming the source electrode during the formation of the source electrode to be coupled to the first source region.
US07867856B2
A semiconductor device includes an element isolation region formed in a semiconductor substrate, an active region surrounded by the element isolation region, and a gate electrode formed in one direction to cross the active region. The semiconductor substrate includes two gate trenches formed in parallel to a major axis direction of the active region in the active region, and a fin-shaped part which is located between the two gate trenches. The gate electrode is buried in the two gate trenches and formed on the fin-shaped part. The fin-shaped part serves as a channel region. A fin field effect transistor in which a width of the channel region is smaller than a gate length is thereby obtained.
US07867853B2
There are provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which is capable of narrowing only the width of a Fin channel while maintaining the widths of source and drain regions, and a semiconductor device. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is a method of manufacturing a Fin type transistor, including: forming STI region 2 with use of mask layer 8 formed over silicon substrate 1 as a mask; narrowing mask layer 8 by wet etching to form narrowed mask layer 8a; forming stopper oxide film 16 over a surface of narrowed mask layer 8a, depositing polysilicon 17 over an entire surface and then forming anti-reflective film 18 and photoresist 19; forming an opening at photoresist 19 in a portion corresponding to a word line portion, removing anti-reflective film 18 and polysilicon 17 in that portion to expose narrowed mask layer 8a and then removing photoresist 19; and forming Fin channel 30 by etching portions of silicon substrate 1 which lie on opposite sides of and below narrowed mask layer 8a with narrowed mask layer 8a as a mask.
US07867845B2
A transistor gate forming method includes forming a metal layer within a line opening and forming a fill layer within the opening over the metal layer. The fill layer is substantially selectively etchable with respect to the metal layer. A transistor structure includes a line opening, a dielectric layer within the opening, a metal layer over the dielectric layer within the opening, and a fill layer over the metal layer within the opening. The metal layer/fill layer combination exhibits less intrinsic less than would otherwise exist if the fill layer were replaced by an increased thickness of the metal layer. The inventions apply at least to 3-D transistor structures.
US07867844B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming charge storage transistor gates and standard FET gates in which common processing is utilized for fabrication of at least some portions of the different types of gates. FET and charge storage transistor gate stacks may be formed. The gate stacks may each include a gate material, an insulative material, and a sacrificial material. The sacrificial material is removed from the FET and charge storage transistor gate stacks. The insulative material of the FET gate stacks is etched through. A conductive material is formed over the FET gate stacks and over the charge storage transistor gate stacks. The conductive material physically contacts the gate material of the FET gate stacks, and is separated from the gate material of the charge storage transistor gate stacks by the insulative material remaining in the charge storage transistor gate stacks. Some embodiments include gate structures.
US07867839B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a p-type, silicon germanium (SiGe), high-k dielectric-metal gate, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (PFET) having an optimal threshold voltage (Vt), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device that includes the PFET and methods of forming both the PFET alone and the CMOS device. The embodiments incorporate negatively charged ions (e.g., fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), etc.) into the high-k gate dielectric material of the PFET only so as to selectively adjust the negative Vt of the PFET (i.e., so as to reduce the negative Vt of the PFET).
US07867832B2
A semiconductor fuse and methods of making the same. The fuse includes a fuse element and a compressive stress liner that reduces the electro-migration resistance of the fuse element. The method includes forming a substrate, forming a trench feature in the substrate, depositing fuse material in the trench feature, depositing compressive stress liner material over the fuse material, and patterning the compressive stress liner material.
US07867824B2
Methods of fabricating a tiled transducer array are disclosed. Embodiments of the methods include fabricating a wafer comprising a plurality of transducers, dicing the wafer to form individual transducers, testing the individual transducers to identify a plurality of known good transducers, preparing a substrate having a front side and a backside wherein the backside of the substrate comprises a plurality of connectors, positioning the plurality of known good transducers on the front side of the substrate and aligning the plurality of transducers in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to form a transducer array, and electrically coupling the connectors on the substrate to the plurality of known good transducers, wherein the connectors are arranged such that each of the plurality of known good transducers may be electrically coupled to an electronic device disposed on the backside of the substrate, through a respective one or more of the plurality of connectors.
US07867818B2
Methods and apparatuses to provide a stacked-die device comprised of stacked sub-packages. For one embodiment of the invention, each sub-package has interconnections formed on the die-side of the substrate for interconnecting to another sub-package. The dies and associated wires are protected by an encapsulant leaving an upper portion of each interconnection exposed. For one embodiment of the invention the encapsulant is a stencil-printable encapsulant and the upper portion of the interconnection is exposed by use of a patterned stencil during application of the encapsulant.
US07867816B2
Provided is a method and system for designing an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, the substrate being formed to include at least one die. The method includes providing at least portions of IC power and a grounding function on a metal 2 substrate layer and utilizing all of a metal 3 substrate layer for the grounding function. Portions of the metal 2 layer and a metal 4 layer are utilized for the IC power, wherein all of the IC power is centralized underneath the die.
US07867815B2
A memory device comprising a first pan-shaped electrode having a side wall with a top side, a second pan-shaped electrode having a side wall with a top side and an insulating wall between the first side wall and the second side wall. The insulating wall has a thickness between the first and second side walls near the respective top sides. A bridge of memory material crosses the insulating wall, and defines an inter-electrode path between the first and second electrodes across the insulating wall. An array of such memory cells is provided. The bridges of memory material have sub-lithographic dimensions.
US07867807B2
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of obtaining a photoelectric converting device which can sufficiently maintain airtightness of a housing space for photocathode without degradation of the characteristics of the photocathode. In accordance with the manufacturing method, on the side wall end face of a lower frame and a bonding portion of an upper frame forming an envelope of the photoelectric converting device, a multilayered metal film of chromium and nickel is formed. In a vacuum space decompressed to a predetermined degree of vacuum and having a temperature not more than the melting point of indium, these upper and lower frames introduced therein are brought into close contact with each other with a predetermined pressure while sandwiching indium wire members, and accordingly, an envelope having a housing space whose airtightness is sufficiently maintained is obtained.
US07867803B2
A Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy step of growing a light emitting layer section 24, composed of a first Group III-V compound semiconductor, epitaxially on a single crystal growth substrate 1 by Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy, and a Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxial Growth step of growing a current spreading layer 7 on the light emitting layer section 24 epitaxially by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxial Growth Method, are conducted in this order. Then, the current spreading layer 7 is grown, having a low-rate growth layer 7a positioned close to the light emitting layer side and then a high-rate growth layer 7b, having a growth rate of the low-rate growth layer 7a lower than that of the high-rate growth layer 7b, so as to provide a method of fabricating a light emitting device capable of preventing hillock occurrence while forming the thick current spreading layer.
US07867797B2
In a method of fabricating organic light emitting diode display, a planarization layer is annealed, cured, provided with an ashing treatment, and surface-treated to reduce roughness of the planarization layer. Therefore, it is possible to improve reduce problems such as a decrease in reflectivity and variation of color coordinates of the organic light emitting diode display due to the roughness of the planarization layer.
US07867786B2
The present invention describes a method including: providing a substrate; forming an underlying layer over the substrate; heating the substrate; forming a ferroelectric layer over the underlying layer, the ferroelectric layer having a thickness below a critical thickness, the underlying layer having a smaller lattice constant than the ferroelectric layer; cooling the substrate to room temperature; and inducing a compressive strain in the ferroelectric layer.
US07867784B2
The present invention relates to a chromatography ligand defined by the following formula (I) R1—R2—N(R3)—R4—R5 wherein R1 is a substituted or non-substituted phenyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 0-4 carbon atoms; R3 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-3 carbon atoms; R4 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-5 carbon atoms; and R5 is OH or H. The invention also comprises a separation matrix, comprising the described ligands coupled to a porous support, such as particles or a membrane. The ligand and matrix according to the invention is useful for purification of biomolecules or organic compounds, such as proteins, polypeptides, DNA etc. An advantageous use according to the invention is the purification of antibodies.
US07867781B2
The invention relates to a method for quantitatively or qualitatively detecting an analyte in a sample, with the sample being incubated, for the purpose of avoiding, diminishing and/or detecting the high-dose hook effect, with an analyte-specific binding partner R1, which is associated with a solid phase, an analyte-specific binding partner R2, which is associated with a label L1, and an analyte-specific binding partner R3, which is associated with a label L2, and the L1-dependent measurement signal being determined either at a different time from the L2-dependent or L1 plus L2-dependent measurement signal or using a different measurement method.
US07867776B2
Methods and apparatuses for priming sample substrates such as DNA sipper chips are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a priming system that is suitable for priming a substrate which has a plurality of wells and at least one channel includes a base unit and a top unit. The base unit is arranged to accommodate, or support, the substrate. The top unit, which is substantially physically separate from the base unit, fits over the substrate when the substrate is held by the base unit. The top unit includes an adapter portion that interfaces with the substrate. Included in the adapter portion is a first cavity that is used to facilitate pressurizing a first well of the substrate when the adapter portion is interfaced with the substrate such that the first cavity is aligned with the first well.
US07867766B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the kinetic parameters of a catalyst powder, which include the reaction rate constants, active site concentration and intraparticle diffusivity. The measurement of the active site concentration selectively measures just the active sites and not the entire exposed atom concentration. The apparatus and method use surface concentrations less than 50% and larger than 1% the total active site concentration and a dynamic pulsed flow to avoid including weak adsorption sites not involved in the catalysis. The measurement is more accurate because (1) it uses a reactant gas and non-steady state adsorption at temperatures near to reaction temperatures, and (2) it uses the chemical kinetics expressions to extract the measured active site concentration to perform the measurement so as to count just those sites actually active for that reactant. This is better than the prior art methods that measure an entire surface atom concentration under non-dynamic conditions because the latter is not necessarily the same as the active site concentration in the chemical kinetics expression. The intraparticle diffusivity measured by the apparatus and method is the effective gas diffusivity in a porous powder, and this is useful as a characterization of the tortuosity of the porous powder.
US07867763B2
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
US07867760B2
A bioscrubber for purifying dirty gas has a circulated scrubbing liquid which contains water and microorganisms for degradation of the substances to be separated off from the dirty gas. The gas enters at an inlet, moves through a mass-transfer zone, where it undergoes a phase change from the gas phase to the liquid phase, and the clean gas exits through an outlet. The system has a device for irrigating the mass-transfer zone with the scrubbing liquid, and a tank for collecting the scrubbing liquid and for activating the microorganisms. The bioscrubber has particularly high separation rates and particularly low risk of blockage because, in at least one mass-transfer zone of the bioscrubber, there may be provided a package of adjacent vertical tubes and a cleaning device for cleaning the tubes. A mass-transfer zone can be formed by a spray tower.
US07867758B2
A bioluminogenic assay system including: providing a bioluminogenic substrate incorporating a beta-lactam antibiotic, a bioluminescence initiating compound, and a chemical linkage joining the beta-lactam antibiotic to the bioluminescence initiating compound; exposing the bioluminogenic substrate to a beta-lactamase enzyme that catalyzes the release of the bioluminescence initiating compound from the bioluminogenic substrate; co-exposing the bioluminogenic substrate to a bioluminescence indicator reaction that employs the bioluminescence initiating compound as a substrate; and detecting a light from the bioluminescence indicator reaction as a measure of the activity of the beta-lactamase enzyme.
US07867757B2
The present invention relates to a microfabricated reaction chamber system and a method of fluid transport. The system may be used, for example, in a method of carrying out a nucleic acid sequence amplification and detection process on a nucleic acid sample. The microfabricated chamber system comprises an inlet port and/or an outlet port and a variable volume chamber in fluid communication with said port(s), wherein altering the volume of the variable volume chamber effects and/or restricts flow of a fluid sample to and/or from said port(s).
US07867754B1
Method and device for detection of analytes, particularly biohazards. A microarray containing immobilized sensing molecules captures complementary analytes on a redundant patterned substrate. Pattern analysis is performed using a computer algorithm.
US07867739B2
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.
US07867738B2
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.
US07867715B2
The invention relates to an in vitro method of evaluating the immunological activity of a vaccine preparation in the form of a mixture of a molecular antigen and a carrier, wherein the mixture comprises a liquid phase and a solid phase, to which at least a part of the antigen is attached, the method comprising the steps of i) subjecting the vaccine to one or more measurements; and ii) using the measurement results to evaluate the immunological activity of the vaccine.
US07867709B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting cancer through identification of genes exhibiting characteristic behavior in the cases of cancer such as anaplastic thyroid cancer. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer which comprises detecting canceration of a specimen using the amplification of a gene of the p12 region of chromosome 8 in the specimen as an indicator.
US07867705B2
The present specification provides, inter alia, methods of using Wnt and FZD proteins, genes, FZD and Wnt-specific antibodies and probes in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and for screening test compounds for an ability to treat cancer. Also disclosed are compounds useful for treating cancer such as liver cancer.
US07867700B2
A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.
US07867697B2
A positive photosensitive composition comprises: (A) 5 to 20 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray; and (B) 100 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one fluorine atom-containing resin having a group that increases a solubility of the resin in an alkaline developer by the action of an acid.
US07867694B2
A device for microfluidic control comprising a regulator that is moveable in a conduit where the regulator is a composite polymer formed from a composite mixture comprising a polymerizable precursor and a particulate filler.
US07867690B2
(1) A polymer compound for photoresist compositions which is high in storage stability and small swelling at the development and (2) a compound which is a raw material for such a polymer compound are provided; and (3) a photoresist composition with improved LWR containing the subject polymer compound are further provided. In detail, [1] a tertiary alcohol derivative represented by the following general formula (1) is provided. (In the formula, wherein R1 represents a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; W represents a linear alkylene group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms or a cyclic alkylene group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; n represents 0 or 1; and p represents 1 or 2.)
US07867685B2
An image forming method, including charging a photoreceptor with a charger contacting thereto; irradiating the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image thereon; developing the electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image on the photoreceptor; transferring the toner image onto a recording material directly or through an intermediate transferer; and fixing the toner image on the recording material, wherein the toner includes a binder resin; a colorant; a composition having a low softening point; and an external additive, and wherein a surface resistivity Rse [Ω] of the charger and a volume resistivity Rsw [Ω·cm] of the composition having a low softening point satisfy the following relationship: 0.8×10−1Rse
US07867678B2
A toner composition for fixing onto a receiver in conjunction with non-contact fuser capable of fusing one or more layers of toner on the receiver such that one or more toner layers reach a fusing temperature above a glass transition temperature. One or more cooling finish rollers are located downstream from the non-contact fuser to lower the toner temperature.
US07867669B2
A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 5 microns, are made by laser micromachining and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte.
US07867661B2
A fuel cell system and a method for scavenging it are provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel gas passage, an oxidant gas passage, a communicating passage, a communicating valve, a monitoring device, a valve controller, a scavenging device and a computing device. The monitoring device monitors a state transition of the fuel cell after a termination of power generation. The valve controller opens the communicating valve when a signal indicative of the state transition meets a predetermined criterion. The scavenging device includes a first scavenging device for the oxidant gas passage, and a second scavenging device for the fuel gas passage. The computing device computes an amount of the oxidant gas required for scavenging according to a system shut off time. The scavenging device conducts scavenging with the amount of the oxidant gas obtained by the computing device.
US07867660B2
In the fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, the diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly includes an electrode part having one surface in contact with the electrode catalytic layer and the other surface facing the separator and a non-electric-power generating part around the electrode part having one surface in contact with the solid polymer electrolytic membrane and the other surface facing the separator. The non-electric-power generating part includes a hydrophilic part near an outlet of the fluid passage of the reaction gas, and a hydrophobic layer formed on the hydrophilic part and exposed to the fluid passage to discharge water generated in generating an electric power.
US07867657B2
In a rechargeable non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using positive electrodes, negative electrodes and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution, additives to the electrolytic solution are used in combination, preferably in combination of at least two compounds selected from o-terphenyl, triphenylene, cyclohexylbenzene and biphenyl, and thus there are provided batteries excellent in safety and storage characteristics.
US07867648B2
A method is provided for making a supported catalyst comprising nanostructured elements which comprise microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles, where the method comprises step a) of vacuum deposition of material from at least a first carbon target in the presence of nitrogen and step b) of vacuum deposition of material from a second target comprising at least one transition metal, the second target comprising no precious metals. In one embodiment, step a) is carried out prior to step b). In another embodiment, steps a) and b) are carried out simultaneously. Typically the deposition steps are carried out in the absence of oxygen. Typically, the transition metal is iron or cobalt, and most typically iron. The present disclosure also provides a supported catalyst comprising nanostructured elements which comprise microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles made according to the present method. The present disclosure also provides a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprising the present supported catalyst.
US07867647B2
In a hydrogen generation device according to the invention, PSR reformers have a heat capacity smaller than that of the other PSR reformers. Therefore, the temperature of the catalyst reaches to a reforming-start temperature more quickly in the PSR reformers than in the other PSR reformers. When the hydrogen generation device is started and the reforming reaction is carried out, the mixture of gasoline vapor and water vapor is selectively and preferentially supplied to the PSR reformers so that the reforming reaction is carried out in the PSR reformers.
US07867646B2
A thermostat is provided with a closure member that encloses at least one battery received within the thermostat housing. The thermostat includes a thermostat housing having at least one compartment in the housing adapted to receive at least one battery therein, and a retaining portion. The thermostat further includes a closure member pivotally secured to the thermostat housing, which is slidable relative to the thermostat housing between an open position in which the closure member freely pivots relative to the housing to permit access to the at least one compartment for replacement of a battery therein, and a latched position in which a latching portion on the closure member slidably engages the retaining portion on the thermostat housing to secure the closure member in a latched position.
US07867643B2
A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of unit batteries, each including a protective circuit for protecting the unit battery, and a battery management system electrically connected to the unit battery. Each unit battery further includes a molding part for covering the protective circuit, and a positive terminal and a negative terminal to be connected to each of the protective circuit, and which protrude outward from each molding part. A secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode group having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a case for accommodating the electrode group, a cap assembly for sealing the case, a protective circuit electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a molding part for covering the protective circuit, and a positive terminal and a negative terminal electrically connected to the protective circuit.
US07867636B2
A ZnO-based transparent conductive film is produced by growing ZnO doped with a group III element oxide on a substrate and has a region with a crystal structure in which a c-axis grows along a plurality of different directions. The transparent conductive film produced by growing ZnO doped with a group III element oxide on a substrate has a ZnO (002) rocking curve full width at half maximum of about 13.5° or more. ZnO is doped with a group III element oxide so that the ratio of the group III element oxide in the transparent conductive film is about 7% to about 40% by weight. The transparent conductive film is formed on the substrate with a SiNx thin film provided therebetween. The transparent conductive film is formed on the substrate by a thin film formation method with a bias voltage applied to the substrate.
US07867634B2
A ITO layer structure, which is composed of the ITO as the outermost layer and the first anti-reflected layer on the specific side of the transparent substrate, furthermore, the second anti-reflected layer is formed on the opposite side of substrate, can improve the total transmittance.
US07867632B2
Objects of the invention are to provide a compound of a single molecular species having excellent hole injection/transport property suitable for highly efficient and highly durable organic EL device and excellent amorphousness, and provide a highly efficient and highly durable organic EL device using the compound. This invention relates to an arylamine compound having a molecular weight of 1,500 to 6,000 represented by the following general formula (1), and to an organic electroluminescence device having a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein the compound is used as a constituting material of the at least one organic layer: wherein X represents a single bond, CH or CH2, or N or NH; Ar1 and Ar2 are respectively the same and each represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group, biphenylene group, or terphenylene group; R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represents an aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be substituted by a diarylamine group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine partial structure, and the aryl group at the terminal may be substituted, by repetition, by a diarylamino group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine-like partial structure; m represents an integer of 0 to 2; and n represents 0 or 1.
US07867629B2
A specific derivative of heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom and an organic electroluminescence device comprising the compound. An organic electroluminescence device comprising at least one of organic compound layers including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, wherein said at least one of the organic compound layers comprises the derivative of the heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom as a sole component or as mixed component. The organic electroluminescence device achieves elevation of luminance and excellent efficiency of light emission, and also achieves long lifetime by an improvement of an electrode adhesion.
US07867621B2
An overlay of patterned metal foil above a substrate to be protected supports development of localized coronas after a lightning strike. The localized coronas transport energy of a lightning strike above the substrate's surface with limited removal of metal foil from the lightning strike attachment point. A first polymer film underlies patterned metal foil. A topcoat overlies the patterned metal foil. An adhesive, underlying the first polymer film affixes the lightning diverter overlay to the substrate. If desired, semiconductor particulates may be dispersed throughout the second polymer film to contribute to instantaneous generation of localized coronas. Also, an ink layer may be provided between the patterned metal foil and the topcoat or on the exterior, if desired, for aesthetic and/or anti-static purposes.
US07867609B2
A method for forming the crosslinkable thermal interface materials disclosed herein comprises a) providing at least one saturated rubber compound, b) providing at least one amine resin, c) crosslinking the at least one saturated rubber compound and the at least one amine resin to form a crosslinked rubber-resin mixture, d) adding at least one thermally conductive filler to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture, and e) adding a wetting agent to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture. This method can also further comprise adding at least one phase change material to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture. The contemplated thermal interface material can be provided as a dispensable liquid paste, a gel, a tape, or a film. Applications of the contemplated thermal interface materials described herein comprise incorporating the materials into a layered material, an electronic component or a finished electronic product.
US07867606B2
Transparent, electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use, wherein the layer is based on at least one compound of the formula 1 wherein the substituents are as defined.
US07867605B2
Composite laminate interlayers for adhering a glass laminate comprising two sheets of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) between layers of plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) adhesive layers, wherein the two PET layers provide increased stiffness for the laminate without sacrificing the optical clarity of the laminate.
US07867594B2
An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having edge to edge uniform flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either image recording, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, a reinforcing support layer, and an elastomeric surface ply. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.
US07867593B2
A roll sheet has a release paper as a base sheet. A recording paper is attached to the release paper via an adhesive layer so that the recording paper can be peeled off from the release paper. First and second peel-away areas are formed on both side edges of the roll sheet in the widthwise direction thereof by peeling off both widthwise edges of the recording paper from the release paper to allow the release paper to be exposed at the both side edges of the roll sheet. Sensor marks are printed on the release paper as being entirely shifted from the peel-away areas. This ensures that the roll sheet has a uniform thickness over the entire area of each sensor mark, thereby ensuring that each sensor mark has uniformities in its reflectivity and transmittance with respect to incident light.
US07867592B2
Methods, compositions and devices, including electroosmotic pumps, comprising coated porous surfaces
Methods are disclosed for modifying at least a portion of a porous polymeric surface. Such methods include contacting the porous polymeric surface with at least one polyelectrolyte, resulting in the physical adsorption of at least one polyelectrolyte onto the porous polymeric surface to form a charge modified surface. Such coated surfaces may be part of a device or apparatus, including electroosmotic pumps.
US07867590B2
A label including a main section forming a blank label section and including a fluorescent signal section on the blank label section. The label is adapted to have an indicium subsequently printed on the blank label section by a printing device without the fluorescent signal section substantially interfering with reading of the indicium on the label.
US07867585B2
A support for image recording material, comprising a base paper and thermoplastic resin layers formed on both faces of the base paper, wherein: a formation index of the base paper is 60 or more; a surface of the base paper, at least on a side where an image recording layer is formed, has a center surface average roughness SRa of 0.70 μm or less when measured with a cut-off condition of within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, and a center surface average roughness SRa of 0.80 μm or less when measured with a cut-off condition of within the range of 1 to 3 mm; and the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer, at least on the side where the image recording layer is formed, is 35 to 60 μm.
US07867573B2
The present invention relates to methods of forming an aqueous coating on a plastic sheet surface for vehicle interior equipment, comprising the steps of: coating the plastic sheet with a primary composition, the primary composition comprising chlorinated aqueous olefin resin; baking the resulting plastic sheet; coating the baked sheet with a secondary composition, the secondary composition comprising aliphatic urethane; and baking the resulting plastic sheet.
US07867566B2
A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.
US07867564B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a metal plating method by a simple process, for example, on resins on which plating has been heretofore impossible. The metal plating method involves surface treating an article to be plated with a liquid prepared by mixing or reacting in advance an organic acid salt of a silane coupling agent containing an azole in a molecule, for example, a coupling agent which is an equimolar reaction product of imidazole and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and a noble metal compound, and then conducting electroless plating thereon.
US07867561B2
A circuit pattern forming method includes a first ejection step of ejecting large droplets of a circuit pattern forming liquid onto a substrate, by causing a liquid ejection head to scan the substrate, to form first dots of the liquid on the substrate with gaps between the first dots, a second ejection step of ejecting, from the liquid ejection head, before the first dots formed on the substrate solidify, and while the liquid ejection head is caused to scan the substrate in the first ejection step, a small droplet, which is smaller in size than the large droplets, to form a second dot of the liquid between the first dots of the liquid on the substrate and, thereby to form a liquid circuit pattern by mixing the first dots and the second dot together, and a fixing step of solidifying the liquid circuit pattern to form a circuit pattern on the substrate.
US07867560B2
A method for performing a vapor deposition process is described. The vapor deposition process involves the deposition of a thin film, such as a ruthenium (Ru), rhenium (Re) or rhodium (Rh) film, on a substrate using a solid-phase or liquid-phase precursor. The method facilitates the initiation of gas lines to supply dilution gas(es), carrier gas(es) and precursor vapor to the deposition system, the pre-heating and heating of the substrate, the pre-conditioning of the film precursor vaporization system, and the flow stabilization of the carrier gas(es) and the precursor vapor, for example.
US07867553B2
A cathode includes a foil current collector including a coating containing iron disulfide on one side that covers less than 100% of the side.
US07867552B2
Methods can be adapted for design of a sensitive monolayer for detection of hydrogen sulphide at room temperature with SAW/BAW devices. The sensitive monolayer can be synthesized based on chemical compounds, which belongs to a class of thiacalix[n]arenas, mercapto halides, mercapto alcohols and chloromethylated thiacalix[n]arenas. The sensitive monolayer can be directly immobilized or anchored at the surface of a piezoelectric quartz substrate in a covalently bonded manner by means of direct printing process. The piezoelectric quartz substrate can be activated in basic medium or in acid medium before the immobilization of the sensitive monolayer in order to increase the population of OH groups. Thus, the synthesized sensitive monolayer exhibits a high site density, fast response and long-term stability for H2S sensing.
US07867551B2
A method of forming a doped Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer for solar cells by reacting a partially reacted precursor layer with a dopant structure. The precursor layer including Group IB, Group IIIA and Group VIA materials such as Cu, Ga, In and Se are deposited on a base and partially reacted. After the dopant structure is formed on the partially reacted precursor layer, the dopant structure and partially reacted precursor layer is fully reacted. The dopant structure includes a dopant material such as Na.
US07867548B2
A solution is provided that includes a non-aqueous organic solvent within which a solute has been dissolved. A thermal-fluid ejection mechanism is provided that has fluid-ejection nozzles and that is capable of thermally ejecting the solution. A device medium is provided that has a three-dimensional surface on which the solution is to be ejected. The fluid-ejection nozzles of the thermal fluid-ejection mechanism are controlled to eject the solution onto the three-dimensional surface of the device medium in accordance with a desired pattern.
US07867546B2
A non-fat or low-fat food and beverage product having low calories is provided. The product offers a flavor, body and fat's texture. The food and beverage product includes a fat-like texture substance containing inulin as a main ingredient and polyglutamic acid.
US07867545B2
The present invention relates to a homogeneous solid matrix composition containing vegetable proteins, lecithin and at least one ingestible bioactive compound which is at least partially insoluble in an aqueous medium.
US07867543B2
This invention discloses a method for making rice bran flour by treating rice bran under high pressure and high temperature for a long period of time in two separate steps, the method comprising: husking and grinding the rice, then collecting the rice bran; inactivating the lipase of the rice bran; treating the rice bran under high pressure and high temperature; drying and screening the rice bran; treating the rice bran flour so obtained under high pressure and high temperature again; and cooling the rice bran. Said rice bran flour made from said method is effective in lowering glycosylated hemoglobin and increasing insulin of diabetes mellitus patients.
US07867521B2
The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods suitable for cleansing the colon before colonoscopy. The compositions include a phosphate salt and a flavorant that includes aspartame and a citrate. The kits include the previously mentioned compositions and also may include suitable containers, packaging, relief wipes, and instructions for use. The methods may include administering orally to a subject an aqueous preparation including monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate, aspartame, and citric acid.
US07867520B2
A taste improving agent containing as an active ingredient a whey mineral satisfying all the criteria (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) below: (a) an ash content in an solid portion of the whey mineral is 25 to 75% by mass; (b) a calcium content in a solid portion of the whey mineral is less than 2% by mass; (c) a calcium content in an ash portion of the whey mineral is less than 5% by mass; (d) a lactic acid content in a solid portion of the whey mineral is 1.0% by mass or more; and (e) a pH of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% by mass of a solid portion of the whey mineral is 6.0 to 7.5.
US07867514B2
Disclosed is a method for stabilizing a solid pharmaceutical preparation containing a pharmacological substance and sodium lauryl sulfate, the method comprising incorporating into the preparation at least one member selected from the group consisting of neutral salts, basic salts and basic substances. The preparation containing sodium lauryl sulfate prepared by the method of the invention has superior performance, including high storage stability, suppression of discoloration and deterioration, and prevention of change in its properties, such as the dissolution rate of pharmacological substance from the preparation.
US07867508B1
Provided are compositions and methods useful for the non-addictive treatment and prevention of upper respiratory conditions in man and animals, e.g., allergic, non-allergic and mixed rhinitis in man or pharyngitis and IAD in horses. Compositions of the invention comprise effective amounts of a suitable nasal decongestant; a suitable corticosteroid; and a suitable anticholinergic agent. The compositions and methods provided are especially useful for long term use in patients with mixed rhinitis and substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of rhinitis medicamentosa. The compositions and methods of treatment provided also eliminate the risk of adverse sequella seen from therapeutic regimens which employ systemic use of decongestants. The compositions provided can further comprise a suitable aromatic and/or a suitable antihistamine and can also comprise optional suitable antimicrobials, cytokine modulators, leukotriene antagonists, cromolyn sodium, or a suitable NDAID agent.
US07867505B2
A cosmetic composition is provided comprising (a) metal oxide particles; and (b) greater than 1.7% by weight of the cosmetic composition of cross-linked organopolysiloxane elastomer, wherein organo-functionalised silicone fibrils are bonded to and extend away from the surface of the metal oxide particles.
US07867499B2
The present invention relates to novel uses of a construct consisting of virus-like particle (VLP) structure chemically coupled to a fragment of the Aβ-1-42 peptide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (hereinafter CONSTRUCT), in particular to dosage regimens, modes of and dosage forms for the administration of a CONSTRUCT for the treatment of patients suffering from dementia, in particular dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
US07867496B2
The disclosure relates to methods of ameliorating nephrotoxic side effects of immunosuppressive agents whose immunosuppressive activity is mediated via upregulation of TGF-β such as, for example, cyclosporine (CsA). The disclosure provides treatment modalities for use in patients that require immunosuppression, e.g., patients at risk of transplant rejection or having an autoimmune disease. In the methods of the invention, a TGF-β antagonist, e.g., an anti-TGF-β antibody, is administered to a patient treated with an immunosuppressive agent. Such a TGF-β antagonist is administered in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to alleviate the nephrotoxic effects of the immunosuppressive agent without substantially interfering with immunosuppressive activity of the agent.
US07867495B2
The present invention provides recombinant antigen-binding regions, antibodies and functional fragments thereof that are specific for GM-CSF, which plays an integral role in various disorders or conditions. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat, for example, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for further investigating the role of GM-CSF in the progression of various disorders. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with instructions for use.
US07867494B2
The present invention relates to novel human antibodies specifically directed against human immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE). The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating asthma, in particular allergic asthma, as well as other IgE-mediated disorders including allergic rhinitis and food allergies.
US07867493B2
PRLR-specific antibodies are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibody, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing and treating cancer.
US07867479B2
Various exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are disclosed. An exemplary composition or formulation includes methyl anthranilate, fatty acid and an amine such as, but not limited to, monoethanolamine or triethanolamine. Such an exemplary composition is optionally an emulsion. An exemplary method applies an exemplary compound to an insect nest. Such an exemplary compound may be in a composition or formulation. Exemplary compounds optionally include semiochemicals of insects, plants and/or animals. Other exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are also disclosed.
US07867474B2
A series of crystalline layered and microporous compositions have been prepared. Compositions that have a layered structure and are identified as UZM-13, UZM-17 and UZM-19. Upon calcination at a temperature of about 400° C. to about 600° C., these compositions form a microporous crystalline zeolite with a three dimensional framework which has been identified as UZM-25. A process for preparing all these compositions and processes for using these compositions are also disclosed.
US07867471B2
A process of producing a ceramic powder including providing a plurality of precursor materials in solution, wherein each of the plurality of precursor materials in solution further comprises at least one constituent ionic species of a ceramic powder, combining the plurality of precursor materials in solution with an onium dicarboxylate precipitant solution to cause co-precipitation of the ceramic powder precursor in a combined solution; and separating the ceramic powder precursor from the combined solution. The process may further include calcining the ceramic powder precursor.
US07867467B2
The invention relates to carbon chemistry and is embodied in the form of a nanodiamond comprising 90.0-98.0 mass % carbon, 0.1-5.0 mass % hydrogen, 1.5-3.0 mass % nitrogen and 0.1-4.5 mass % oxygen, wherein the carbon is contained in the form a diamond cubic modification and in a roentgen-amorphous phase at a ratio of (82-95):(18-5) in terms of a carbon mass, respectively. The inventive method for producing said material consisting in detonating in a closed space of a carbon-inert gas medium a carbon-containing oxygen-deficient explosive material which is placed in a condensed phase envelop containing a reducing agent at a quantitative ratio between said reducing agent mass in the condensed envelop and the mass of the used carbon-containing explosive material equal to or greater than 0.01:1 and in chemically purifying by treating detonation products with a 2-40% aqua nitric acid jointly with a compressed air oxygen at a temperature ranging from 200 to 280° C. and a pressure of 5-15 MPa.
US07867451B2
A sample suction apparatus includes: first through third members; a drive source; and a suction needle provided on the third member. The drive source reduces a distance between the first member and the third member to perform: a first action of shifting the first member toward the third member to contact the first member with a portion of a specimen vessel; a second action of shifting the second member together with the third member toward the first member to contact the second member with another portion of the specimen vessel so that the specimen vessel is sandwiched between the first and second members; and a third action of shifting the third member toward the first member to bring the third member close to the second member so that the suction needle is inserted in the specimen vessel.
US07867437B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder and a method of manufacturing a sheet film to be inserted into a high-pressure hydrogen tank for a fuel cell vehicle by mixing the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder with a binder and compressing the mixture. The method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder includes: forming Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder using Ni-doped TiO2 powder as a starting material; and drying the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder in the temperature range of 60 to 200° C. for 2 to 24 hours.
US07867431B2
Prior to molding, an initial position of at least one movable reference mark, provided in the vicinity of an object of manufacture, is measured by a first position measuring means, and the initial position of the movable reference mark is measured by a second position measuring means provided in a processing means. During the course of molding, measurement of a position of the movable reference mark is carried out by the first position measuring means and the second position measuring means. Then, based on the initial position of the movable reference mark prior to molding and the position of the movable reference mark measured by the first and second position measuring means during the course of molding, an optical beam irradiating position of an optical beam and a processing position of the processing means are corrected.
US07867429B2
A process is provided for bending a board in synthetic material filled with more than 20% by weight of alumina trihydrate in a methyl methacrylate matrix: a section of the board is heated so that it can be bent; the section to be bent is bent while holding the convex upper surface of the board such that it does not become elongated. Also provided are a device for implementing such a process, and a bent board obtained by such a process.
US07867419B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a solid core formed of a rubber composition and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, which method includes the steps of treating a surface of the core with a solution containing a halogenated isocyanuric acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and covering the treated core with a cover material. The invention also provides a golf ball obtained by such a method. Golf balls obtained by this method have a good feel and a good scuff resistance, and also have a high durability to impact.
US07867406B2
Patterned magnetic recording media and associated methods of fabrication are described. The patterned magnetic recording media includes a perpendicular magnetic recording layer that is patterned into a plurality of discrete magnetic islands. The patterned magnetic recording media also includes an exchange bridge structure formed from magnetic material that connects the islands of the perpendicular magnetic recording layer. Connecting the islands with magnetic material increases exchange coupling between the islands, which makes the islands more magnetically stable.
US07867405B2
A process for producing a multiplicity of microfluidic arrangements from a plate-shaped composite structure and an atomiser which is provided with such nozzle arrangements is proposed. Each arrangement has a groove structure which forms flow channels and the dimensions of which are in the micrometer range. The lines for optional subsequent mechanical separation of bridging groove structures are joined to each other and are partly or completely filled with a filling medium before mechanical machining. The medium is selected so that it is not removed from the groove structures either by the mechanical machining or by aids used during mechanical machining. Afterwards, however, the filling medium is removed from the groove structures by suitable measures. The groove structures are thereby prevented from becoming blocked due to mechanical contaminants.
US07867404B2
A method for removing an undesirable material from an electronic or electrical component and introducing a desirable material in place of the undesirable material. The method can include the replacement of a leaded material found on the component with a no-lead material to meet governmental directives including those of the European Union.
US07867398B2
A method and apparatus for reducing the footprint of chemical/mechanical/biological wastewater treatment facilities employing sulfur dioxide disinfection and chemical dewatering of solids in conjunction with an environmental biological systems for treating the separated treated wastewater.
US07867395B2
A method and apparatus for a backwash system for cleaning an underwater intake filter assembly is disclosed. The backwash system includes an underwater tank coupled on one end to a source of compressed fluid and on the other end to the intake screen assembly. The backwash system includes a U-shaped release conduit that is adapted to release a predetermined quantity of fluid to the intake screen in order to clean the filter assembly of waterborne debris.
US07867388B2
A contaminated fluid recovery apparatus includes a sludge removal mechanism having a dirty tank, a conveyor, and a magnetic drum which is arranged in the fluid circulating section. The contaminated fluid recovery apparatus is provided with an overflow tank. The overflow tank has a function to keep a fluid surface of the dirty tank in a position higher than the fluid circulating section and the magnetic drum. The magnetic drum is located horizontally between a lower portion and an upper portion of the conveyor. The conveyor scrapes out chips deposited on a bottom portion of the dirty tank toward an exit section. A scraping member, which is in contact with the magnetic drum, drops sludge attracted to the magnetic drum toward the lower portion of the conveyor.
US07867384B2
A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.
US07867383B2
A process for catalytic hydrocarbon recombination is disclosed, in which catalytic hydrocarbons are fractionated at fractionators to fractionate a gasoline fraction and a diesel fuel fraction, an intermediate fraction is drawn; the intermediate fraction or the mixture of the intermediate fraction and the gasoline fraction are treated for aromatic hydrocarbon extraction to get aromatic hydrocarbon fraction and non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction; the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the high octane number gasoline fraction obtained are blended with gasoline fraction to increase the octane number of the gasoline; the non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the diesel fuel fraction obtained are blended with the diesel fuel fraction to increase the diesel fuel output and the cetane number of the diesel fuel. In comparison with the prior art, the recombination process of the present invention has low limitation to the raw material, low capital cost, low operation cost, and increases the types of the products.
US07867376B2
A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.
US07867375B2
A method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble in an aqueous liquid is provided comprising providing a sensor positioned within a measuring chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the concentration of a gaseous component dissolved in a liquid, the sensor comprising a sensitive region; setting a gas partial pressure at the sensor, wherein the gas partial pressure differs from an expected value of the gas partial pressure of the gaseous component of a liquid to be measured; exposing the sensor to the liquid to be measured; resting the liquid until standstill is attained; recording a signal from the sensor as a function of time until the signal becomes constant; and detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble from the variation of the signal over time. The gas bubble, if present, is in at least partial contact with the sensitive region of the sensor.
US07867374B2
An apparatus and method of electrochemical machining utilizes a computer controlled static array of electrically insulated cathode sections to selectively and individually energize the electrodes for the purpose of shaping the surface of a part. The tightly clustered array of electrodes can be formed by individual wires as an example. The waste reaction products may be managed so as to improve machining accuracy. The electrodes can be composed of materials capable of generating an oxide layer or that resist electrolytic dissolution to combat the problem of crossover erosion in closely spaced conditions. An alternative approach to remedy crossover erosion is to extend the reach of insulation into the gap space between tool and part.
US07867369B2
A biosensor having multiple electrical functionalities located both within and outside of the measurement zone in which a fluid sample is interrogated. Incredibly small and complex electrical patterns with high quality edges provide electrical functionalities in the biosensor and also provide the electrical wiring for the various other electrical devices provided in the inventive biosensor. In addition to a measurement zone with multiple and various electrical functionalities, biosensors of the present invention may be provided with a user interface zone, a digital device zone and/or a power generation zone. The inventive biosensors offer improved ease of use and performance, and decrease the computational burden and associated cost of the instruments that read the biosensors by adding accurate yet cost-effective functionalities to the biosensors themselves.
US07867364B2
A doctor assembly is disclosed for use in a paper-making machine. The doctor assembly includes a doctor blade holder into which a doctor blade may be inserted and the doctor blade holder includes a pressure plate, pressure adjustment system, a support tray, and a bracket in accordance with an embodiment. The pressure plate is for supporting and aligning the doctor blade in a cross machine direction for application to a machine roll. The pressure adjustment system is for adjusting the pressure applied to the machine roll by the doctor blade, said pressure adjustment means including at least one fluid reservoir having a wall that contacts the pressure plate. The support tray for supporting the at least one fluid reservoir, and the support tray includes at least one bracket alignment feature. The bracket is attached to the support tray for pivotal attachment to the pressure plate. The bracket includes at least one tray alignment feature that is coupled to the bracket alignment feature of the support tray to provide proper alignment of the bracket with respect to the support tray.
US07867362B2
Wet wipes are made from a highly-textured basesheet of cellulose papermaking fibers bonded together with a permanent wet strength agent. The resulting wet wipes can have high wet bulk, good wet strength and can be easily dispensed and fully-opened with one hand.
US07867359B2
Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.
US07867357B2
The present invention relates to a polymer composition for peroxide bleaching of a cellulosic fiber material, said composition being in the form of a stable aqueous polymer solution obtained by bringing in an aqueous medium a first polymer (A) comprising a partly or totally acidic homopolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or maleic acid, or a copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, into contact with a second polymer (B) comprising a polylactone of a poly-alfa-hydroxyacrylic acid in solid form or as a moist powder or as a slurry, said polymer solution having a pH of at most 5. The invention also relates to peroxide bleaching processes.
US07867355B2
A plasma probe assembly for use in a plasma processing chamber is provided. A semiconductor probe element with a probe surface at a first end of the semiconductor probe element is provided. An electrical connector is electrically connected to the semiconductor probe element. An electrically insulating sleeve surrounds at least part of the probe element. An adjustment device is connected to the semiconductor probe so that the probe surface is coplanar with an interior chamber surface of the plasma processing chamber.
US07867349B2
A thick film green sheet slurry, a production method of thick film green sheet slurry, a production method of a thick film green sheet, a thick film green sheet and a production method of an electronic device are provided; by which coating of a relatively thick film becomes possible, a sheet formed after coating has excellent cutting property (strength capable of being cut), and a sheet having high air permeability, excellent handleability and a high adhesive force can be formed. In the present invention, a thick film green sheet slurry comprises a ceramic powder, a binder resin including a butyral based resin as the main component, and a solvent: wherein the solvent includes a good solvent for letting the binder resin dissolved well therein and a poor solvent having lower solubility to the binder resin comparing with that of the good solvent; and the poor solvent is included in a range of 30 to 60 wt % with respect to the entire solvent. The good solvent is alcohol, and the poor solvent may be toluene, xylene, mineral spirit, benzyl acetate, solvent naphtha, etc.
US07867347B2
The present invention relates to a laminator and a method for controlling the heating rollers of the laminator. In the preheating stage, the rotational directions of the heating rollers are reverse to those during the heating and pressing operation. As a consequence, the article fails to be transported across the region between the heating rollers before the heating and pressing operation is performed.
US07867345B2
A manufacturing method of a thin component is characterized by heating a thin component, and thereafter, while sizing with molds and using molds as cooling media, performing one of quenching and isothermal transformation processes on thin component. Thus, a manufacturing method of a thin component without warping or deformation in heat treatment with even and high hardness, a bearing ring, a thrust needle roller bearing, a manufacturing method of a rolling bearing ring, a rolling bearing ring, and a rolling bearing can be obtained.
US07867336B2
Vibrators, each comprising an electric motor having an eccentric weight on its rotating shaft, are adhesively secured to the bottoms of the wastewater holding tanks of a recreational vehicle, to aid in flushing the tanks by dislodging solid debris from the inside walls and bottoms of the tanks and from the electrodes of the liquid level sensors in the tanks.
US07867334B2
A silicon casting apparatus for producing polycrystal silicon ingot by heating a silicon melt (8) held in a mold (4) from above by a heater (3) and cooling it from below while changing the heat exchange area of a heat exchange region (HE), defined between a pedestal (5) having the mold (4) placed thereon and a bottom cooling member (6), in such a manner as to keep pace with the rise of the solid-liquid interface of the silicon melt (8), thereby causing unidirectional solidification upward along the mold (4); and a method of producing polycrystal silicon ingot using such apparatus. According to this production method, the temperature gradient given to the silicon melt (8) can be maintained at constant by adjusting the heat exchange area, so that polycrystal silicon ingot having good characteristics can be produced with good reproducibility.
US07867328B2
An inkjet ink composition includes water and effective amounts of one or more of: derivatized 2-pyrrolidinones; glycerol polyoxyethyl ethers; diols; or combinations thereof. The inkjet ink composition also includes an effective amount of functionalized nanocrystals.
US07867320B2
The present invention relates to a dual feed and dual vacuum four bed VPSA process for selectively adsorbing a component from a feed stream, e.g., nitrogen from air, to produce an oxygen-enriched gas stream using a multi-port indexing drum valve, a system comprising a multi-port indexing drum valve and method for operating such a system.
US07867315B2
The invention provides a hard-particle powder for sintered body, which contains, by mass %, 2% to 3.5% of Si, 6% to 10% of Cr, 20% to 35% of Mo, 0.01% to 0.5% of REM, and the remainder being Co and unavoidable impurities. The invention further provides a sintered body obtained through a mixing step of mixing the above-mentioned hard-particle powder for sintered body with a pure iron powder and a graphite powder to obtain a powder mixture, a forming step of compacting the powder mixture to obtain a compact, and a sintering step of sintering the compact. The hard-particle powder according to the invention has the effect of giving a sintered body having improved wear resistance without substantially impairing powder characteristics and sintering characteristics. Additionally, the sintered body according to the invention has the effect of having excellent wear resistance.
US07867313B2
The invention concerns a process for the production of a porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body that includes an aluminum oxide layer at the surface of the pores and passages of the porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body. The invention further concerns a porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body which has pores of a mean pore size in the range of between 0.1 urn and 50 μm and an aluminum oxide layer at the surface of the open pores and passages.
US07867293B1
A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell is described. A separator sheet segregating the anode from direct contact with the cathode is folded back upon itself along a crease with an upper portion at least partially sealed to a lower portion along an aligned peripheral edge to form an envelope. A first envelope portion houses the cathode having an uncovered portion of the cathode current collector spaced from the crease and a second envelope portion houses the anode. The first envelope portion is sealed to the second envelope portion through uncovered perforations of the cathode current collector to lock the anode aligned with the cathode. The anode and cathode are then wound into a jellyroll electrode assembly housed in a cylindrical casing and activated with an electrolyte.
US07867291B2
A solid electrolytic capacitor that is capable of withstanding laser welding without a significant deterioration in its electrical performance is provided. The capacitor contains an anode body, dielectric layer overlying the anode body, and a solid organic electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. Furthermore, the capacitor of the present invention also employs a light reflective layer that overlies the solid organic electrolyte layer. The present inventors have discovered that such a light reflective layer may help reflect any light that inadvertently travels toward the capacitor element during laser welding. This results in reduced contact of the solid organic electrolyte with the laser and thus minimizes defects in the electrolyte that would have otherwise been formed by carbonization. The resultant laser-welded capacitor is therefore characterized by such performance characteristics as relatively low ESR and low leakage currents.
US07867274B2
A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
US07867271B2
A catheter assembly is provided having an inner member and an outer member extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner member and the outer member having a coaxial configuration and dimensioned for relative axial movement. The outer member may include an anti rotation member adapted to engage with a longitudinal slot formed on the inner member so as to maintain rotational alignment between inner member and outer member. The inner member can be made with a proximal portion made from a tubing such as hypotubing or a coil tubing. The inner member also may be made with a proximal portion made with a support mandrel. A coil tubing can be utilized to form the guide wire receiving member which is attached to the inner member.
US07867270B2
A multi-port stent graft delivery device (2) has an annular access lumen (26) between a delivery catheter (24) and a main sheath (6), at least one indwelling access sheath (28, 30) within the access lumen, and an indwelling guide wire (36, 38) within the or each access sheath and a stent graft (16) retained in the delivery device. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate stabilization of the access sheath during cathertization of a side branch and deployment of a side arm covered or uncovered stent therein through the advanced access sheath. A manifold associated (4) with a handle provides a plurality of access ports (41, 43). A docking balloon may also be used.
US07867267B2
A stent delivery system deploys a stent having an inner periphery that defines an interior space extending lengthwise along at least a part of the stent and comprising at least one segment having relatively low column strength. The stent delivery system comprises a stabilizer which is disposed within the stent interior space and has a surface element adapted to engage the stent inner periphery in a region containing the low-column-strength segment. The surface element may comprise a sleeve or a coating having a high friction surface adapted to transmit adequate shear force to the stent to move the stent relative to the outer sheath upon deployment. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface element can include at least one radial protuberance. The protuberances may comprise rings of various cross-sections, axial lengths, or space sizes therebetween, or may be in the form of discrete barbs, bumps, or inflatable knobs arranged in a ringed configuration or helical pattern about the stabilizer. The stabilizer may also comprise an inner core and a heat-moldable compression sleeve surrounding the inner core, the heat-moldable compression sleeve having an outer surface comprising a plurality of protuberances defined by a thermal imprint of the stent inner periphery on the compression sleeve outer surface. A method for delivering a stent using a stent delivery system as described herein is also disclosed, as is a method for loading a stent and stabilizer having a heat-moldable compression sleeve into a stent delivery system.
US07867266B2
A system and method uses both a heart-lung machine (HLM) and a catheter and/or pad to reach a target temperature for, e.g., cardiac bypass surgery. At or about the target temperature, temperature control of the catheter/pad is suspended and patient temperature controlled using only the HLM.
US07867253B2
A suture retention hub is provided. It includes a base configured to moveably hold a handle within at least a portion of the base. The base has an aperture which extends through the base. The hub also includes a handle configured to moveably fit into the portion of the base. The handle has an aperture formed therethough as well. When a suture is positioned in the apertures and the base and handle are positioned such that the apertures are substantially in an axial alignment, the suture moves readily through the apertures in the hub. Then the base and handle are positioned such that the apertures are not in a substantial axial alignment, the suture is frictionally crimped and it is prevented from moving through the hub.
US07867250B2
Devices are provided for closing septal defects such as PFOs. The devices generally include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and a flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members.
US07867247B2
A method for embolic protection during treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is provided. The method comprises disposing an embolic protection device in an undeployed state in the body vessel. The device comprises a basket with a set of struts extending from a distal end to a proximal end of the basket, the struts being arranged to define an opening at the distal end, the basket having an expanded state and a collapsed state. A core wire with a distal end and a proximal end is able to reciprocate through the opening at the distal end of the basket. A filter bag is attached only at the distal end of the core wire, the filter bag being located distally to the distal end of the basket when in the collapsed state. The method further comprises moving the core wire relative to the basket to expand the basket and the filter bag in a deployed state downstream from the stenotic lesion to capture emboli during treatment of the stenotic lesion.
US07867245B2
Venous filters having at least two struts (110) each having a connected end and a non-connected end, wherein each of the struts includes a strut portion and an anchor portion (116), and wherein the strut portion and the anchor portion are attached via an electrolytically active thread (221, 222); and a head (118) that connects the connected ends of the struts, wherein the strut portion can be separated from the anchor portion at least in part by the application of an electrical current. The invention also includes a venous filter having at least two struts, wherein each of the struts includes a temperature sensitive portion and an anchor portion; wherein the anchor portion is separated from the temperature sensitive portion at least in part by changing the temperature around at least the temperature sensitive portion. Also included is a venous filter having a web (650) of dissolvable material; and at least two anchors (618), wherein the at least two anchors are configured to retain the web within a mammalian blood vessel.
US07867237B2
A surgical instrument for revising/removing an artificial disc or removing/replacing a core of an artificial disc includes a pair of tips, each tip having a pair of tines and a stop defining a proximal end of each tine. The stop of at least one tip is abutted against an interior surface of an implanted endplate of an artificial disc, whereby tines of the tip can support the artificial disc. The tip is separated from another, opposing tip, whereby opposing implanted endplates, each of which is supported by pairs of tines of a tip, are separated, thereby distracting vertebrae between which the endplates are implanted. Upon distracting the disc space, the core can be revised or removed from between the endplates of the artificial disc. Following core removal, the endplates of the artificial disc are revised (repositioned), removed or replaced.
US07867232B2
The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.
US07867227B2
An apparatus for bipolar radio frequency ablation of heart tissue includes a flexible epicardial lead having an interior surface along a portion thereof comprising an electrically conductive surface to be placed in contact with tissue to be ablated. Additionally, the epicardial lead includes an integral fastener disposed proximate a distal end thereof and a sliding lock collar having an aperture therein through which said epicardial lead passes. A complementary fastener may be secured thereto for engaging the fastener of said epicardial lead, thereby securing said lead in place around tissue to be ablated. The apparatus further includes an endocardial ablating lead placed in the left atrial chamber via transfemoral insertion for conduction of radio frequency energy between the ablating lead and the ablating surface of the epicardial lead.
US07867226B2
An electrosurgical needle includes a body having at least one conductive element in the form of a needle that is surrounded by an insulation layer except at a conductor tip portion of the conductive element. The conductor tip portion and insulation layer each have unique geometric shapes and composition of the parts to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The electrosurgical needle electrode is configured to concentrate the flow of electrosurgical energy at the tip region.
US07867224B2
A laser system has a laser source generating a laser beam, wherein the laser source is adapted for medical removal of body tissue by the laser beam within a predetermined treatment contour. A guide frame in the shape of the treatment contour is provided. A scanner is provided for completely scanning a base surface of the guide frame with the laser beam, wherein the scanner is arranged between the laser source and the guide frame in a path of the laser beam.
US07867223B2
A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.
US07867218B1
A steerable three dimensional catheter to engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a patient includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a patient in whom the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior or left lateral interior surface of the ascending aorta of the patient. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two differently directed angles.
US07867217B2
A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
US07867209B2
There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.
US07867201B2
The invention concerns an anti-stick device for a bent injection needle.The device is composed of a wall formed by articulated panels (1, 2, 3) including a base panel (1), a needle-holding panel (2), and a covering panel (3). The base panel (1) has two opposite lateral branches (1b, 1d) which are pre-curved to facilitate their application on the skin, and two other opposite lateral branches (1c, 1e) capable of being bent at will for pressing them onto the skin. The two other panels have curvatures to match the curvature of the pre-curved branches when they are folded down onto the base panel.Application to feeding an implanted chamber.
US07867196B1
A pump includes a pumping chamber having an inlet, an assembly of a rotating hub and blades disposed in the pumping chamber, a connection to a fluid source and a connection to an air source. According to one embodiment, at least one conduit relieves pressure on the assembly by conducting fluid. According to another embodiment, the blades each have a radially outer edge with a shape minimizing friction between the radially outer edge and an inner surface of the pumping chamber. Methods for providing fluid are also provided.
US07867192B2
Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices.
US07867183B2
Embodiments of the knee brace disclosed herein provide a combination of external ligament support and/or relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis with patellofemoral support. The brace includes a rigid frame and a flexible strap configured to extend across the wearer's patella to provide anterior loading thereto. The strap is operatively secured at either end to components of the rigid frame, thereby providing maximum leverage for applying force to the wearer's patella. In some embodiments, the strap includes a removable and adjustable buttress for directly contacting the wearer's patella. The patellar strap provides dynamic loading to the patella through the wearer's range of motion for relief of patellofemoral dysfunction, such as patellar shift, subluxation and dislocation, and malalignments such as patella alta, patella baja, tilt and glide. In some embodiments, a conversion kit is provided for converting a rigid brace frame into a knee brace capable of providing patellofemoral support to a wearer's knee. The kit includes at least a patellar strap and at least one tab for securing the strap to the rigid frame.
US07867177B2
A method for etiologic diagnosis of somatic dysfunctions of a patient and a therapeutic method for correction of said somatic dysfunctions, comprising the steps of identifying the presence of at least one body asymmetry or anomalous spatial arrangement while the patient is looking ahead in an erect position with relaxed shoulders; identifying at least one dynamic muscle which shows hyper-tonicity with respect to a corresponding contralateral muscle while the patient is in said position; identifying at least one peripheral receptor related to said muscular hyper-tonicity; and performing an exteroceptive, pressoceptive, and/or proprioceptive stimulation of at least one peripheral receptor identified as related to patient's somatic dysfunctions.
US07867176B2
A guidewire navigable through body vessels of a human subject for delivery of a catheter or the like is provided. The guidewire has a tube which receives a corewire that protrudes beyond a distal portion of the tube. The protruding portion of the corewire is surrounded by a spring and shapeable into a curve or arc. The cross-sectional shape of the spring may be varied in order to promote bending flexibility and curvature or to favor curvature of a chosen type. The corewire is axially movable with respect to the tube, which compresses or stretches the spring to change the stiffness of the spring. The tube has a proximal portion comprised of a relatively rigid material, such as stainless steel, while a distal portion is comprised of a more flexible material, such as a nitinol.
US07867173B2
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable hand piece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. A straw stacking assembly is automatically positioned by the reusable hand piece to retract multiple samples with a single probe insertion as well as giving a visual indication to the surgeon of the number of samples that have been taken.
US07867159B2
A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.
US07867156B2
An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout.
US07867153B2
A gymnastic machine (1) includes a first frame (10), a first support member (22) carried by the first frame (10) by means of a guiding device (20) to be movable along at least one given direction (D), the first support member (22) being shaped to be interfaced with a first body region of a user and a bearing member (30) being rotatably supported by the first frame (10) around an axis (32) transverse to the given direction (D), the bearing member (30) being shaped to be interfaced to a second body region.
US07867150B2
A resistance apparatus of a pendulum mechanism of an exercise equipment, wherein the pendulum of the pendulum mechanism creates an expected coupled swing action responsive to the reciprocating movement done by a certain exercise equipment when subject to the action of a force, thereby providing a proper inertia movement and a gravity load action. A resistance adjuster having a telescopic rod is pivotally coupled between the pendulum and the base frame of the exercise equipment for providing a proper exercise resistance.
US07867147B2
A positioning apparatus for a foldable running machine includes a base, a running platform, and a folding assembly. The running platform is pivotally connected to the base. The folding assembly is connected to the running platform and includes at least one slide guide rail, at least one cylinder, and at least one rod. The cylinder is slidably coupled to the slide guide rail, wherein both the cylinder and the slide guide rail are parallel to the extending direction of the running platform. The rod is pivotally connected to the cylinder and pivotally connected to the base.
US07867140B2
A device for conditioning the balance and motor co-ordination of a user (2) comprises a system (3) for acquisition of information relative to the kinematics of at least one part (4) of the body of the user (2), a processing interface (9) connected to the acquisition system (3) to encode the information in a signal, a pair of earphones (12, 13) operating between the processing interface (9) and the user (2), to feed the user the signal suitably defined by a stereophonic sound which can be transmitted in an audio channel.
US07867135B2
A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
US07867133B2
A method for controlling an engine and a supplemental torque apparatus of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. During a transient gear change where the engine temporarily encounters a low load and low speed operating condition, the system increases loading on the engine via the supplemental torque apparatus so that a cylinder can continue auto-ignition combustion.
US07867131B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.
US07867130B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US07867123B2
A drive apparatus for an extruder includes a speed reduction mechanism unit and an output distributing mechanism unit separated from each other. The speed reduction mechanism unit is a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism including a hollow gear connected in mesh with a main input shaft through a plurality of gears giving a selectively variable speed change ratio and located on the outer periphery, a supporting shaft of a sun gear which constitutes an auxiliary input shaft, and a planetary frame of planetary gears which constitutes an output shaft, wherein the speed reduction mechanism unit and the output distributing mechanism unit are connected to each other by only an output shaft joint, and the main motor or auxiliary motor is selected by a switching lever to widen the running range of the motors.
US07867118B2
A bicycle front derailleur includes a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member includes a fixing body and a projection part fixedly coupled together. The fixing body includes a fastening portion with a seat tube reference plane that aligns with a longitudinal center axis of a seat tube when coupled thereto. The projection part has a projecting surface offset axially from the fixing body toward a smallest front chain ring of a bicycle front crankset. The projecting surface has an overall vertical height lying substantially in a single plane measured in a direction parallel to the seat tube reference plane that is greater than 10 millimeters in an area between the seat tube reference plane and 23 millimeters measured perpendicularly and forwardly from the seat tube reference plane.
US07867103B2
A putting system with a putter substrate and modules that detachably couple to the putter substrate to form a putter head is disclosed. The modules detect, determine, measure and/or monitor alignment and/or tempo of the putter head. Modules include displays and/or audio outputs that provide visual and/or audio representations of the alignment and/or the tempo of the putter head. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the system includes a target module for generating alignment signals that are received by a positioning module with a built-in receiver unit. Preferably, the transmitter unit includes an array of infrared transmitters and the receiver unit includes an array of infrared detectors. In operation the positioning module is configured to detect, determine, measure and/or monitor angular alignment of the putter head with respect to the target module based on intensities of the alignment signals received at each of the infrared detectors. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention the system includes weight modules with a range of weights and weight balances.
US07867087B2
With a game implemented by the present game program, characters will be selected when a command means is placed into contact with a character. In addition, the movement direction of the command means will be identified when moved on the monitor. Then, the characters selected by the selection means will be moved in the movement direction of the command means. When this occurs, the movement state of the characters will be displayed on a monitor.
US07867086B2
A video game adapter interface apparatus has a user input device and an associated video display. The user selects a distinguishable visual image representation for association into a video game's audiovisual presentation, such as where that user is identified. For example, color, size graphics or shape can be used to distinguish users. In one embodiment a digitized image of each user's face is used as the distinguishable representation. Alternatively, the user can create an original image or select one of a predetermined set of visual images as the user's identification for use in the video game audiovisual presentation. In a preferred video game embodiment, the video game adapter interface system is coupled to a video game system and a storage card containing User Images. The video game adapter interface system then integrates a selected User Image from the Storage Card into the video game's audiovisual presentation, and can also integrate the User Image into the video game play. For non-User Image video game software and for non-video game and audiovisual presentations, an Intercept Adapter Interface Systems permits the integration of User Images into the audiovisual presentation in place of and/or in addition to predefined character images otherwise present in the audiovisual presentation.
US07867085B2
A gaming machine system comprises a plurality of multimedia output devices, including audio, visual, and/or tactile devices strategically mounted around a casino. The multimedia devices may be used to present celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations throughout the casino when a player achieves a winning outcome. The celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations increase the overall level of stimuli in the casino, thereby helping to create a celebratory atmosphere. In some embodiments, the celebratory multimedia stimuli are communicated to certain gaming machines in the casino based on a triggering event that occurred at a remote gaming machine. The gaming machines may be the same type and/or brand, or they may be different types and/or brands such that the same celebratory stimuli are used to promote multiple types and/or brands of gaming machines. The celebratory stimuli may also be customized specifically for a gaming machine, a player(s), or a casino.
US07867067B2
A clamp assembly for a shrimp processing machine includes a center bracket and first and second clamps. The center bracket defines a support surface for supporting a shrimp. The first and second clamps are mounted relative to the center bracket and movable between an open position and a closed position. The first clamp includes a first jaw including a first engaging surface for engaging a first side shell portion of the shrimp in the closed position. The second clamp includes a second jaw including a second engaging surface for engaging a second side shell portion of the shrimp in the closed position. Additionally, a shoulder extends from the second jaw away from support surface of the center bracket for applying a force to the shell when the second clamp moves toward the closed position to roll the shrimp toward the first clamp and tear the shrimp shell.
US07867066B2
A polishing pad having a novel structure, which is applicable to highly accurate various polishing process, such as a CMP process, is provided. An annular rear plane groove (22) extending in a circumferential direction is formed on a rear plane (20) of the polishing pad.
US07867053B2
To provide a bright and highly reliable light-emitting device. An anode (102), an EL layer (103), a cathode (104), and an auxiliary electrode (105) are formed sequentially in lamination on a reflecting electrode (101). Further, the anode (102), the cathode (104), and the auxiliary electrode (105) are either transparent or semi-transparent with respect to visible radiation. In such a structure, lights generated in the EL layer (103) are almost all irradiated to the side of the cathode (104), whereby an effect light emitting area of a pixel is drastically enhanced.
US07867042B2
An electrical connector assembly is described which has an electrical connector housing and a TPA. The electrical connector housing has terminal receiving cavities with openings which access the cavities. Latching projections are located within the openings. A TPA is insertable into the electrical connector housing and has latching which cooperates with the latching projections.
US07867030B2
The invention concerns an electronic module for converting electrical voltage that is intended to supply a light source, which comprises: a horizontal printed circuit card; at least one top connector fixed to the top face of the printed circuit card; an electromagnetic shielding jacket fixed to the connector; characterised in that the jacket comprises a bottom fixing lug that extends horizontally so as to be pressed on the top face of the printed circuit card, the connector being fixed to the card by means of the fixing lug.
US07867027B2
A coaxial cable connector includes: a pair of first crimp pieces; and a pair of second crimp pieces. Into the pair of first crimp pieces, an insulating inner sheath and at least a part of a braided wire, which are exposed from an insulating outer sheath, are inserted. The pair of second crimp pieces are located on outsides of the pair of first crimp pieces, and are crimped so as to surround the pair of first crimp pieces. Moreover, the pair of first crimp pieces are formed into a shape that is along inner walls of the pair of second crimp pieces.
US07867024B2
For fastening a coupling (1) formed from one plug-in part (2) and one sliding part (4) to a carrier part, a retaining arrangement (9) constructed of at least one side part (10, 11) from each opposite side is proposed. Each of the side parts (10, 11) has a spring arm (20) to which a bracket (23) is attached that grips the shaped collar (6) of the plug-in part (2) from behind in such a way that the collar (6), after pushing in the plug-in part (2) from the entry side (14), is in contact with a termination rib (24). Thus the plug-in part (2) is left fixed on the carrier part without both parts (2, 4) of the coupling (1) having to be plugged together when the sliding part (4) is slid.
US07867017B1
A connector insertion sensing structure includes an electrically insulative housing having an insertion hole for the insertion of an external modular plug and a vertical front mounting groove located on the front wall at one lateral side of the insertion, a metal sensing terminal mounted in the vertical front mounting groove and having a contact portion suspending in the insertion hole and a bottom bonding tip for bonding to an external circuit board, and a metal shield surrounding the electrically insulative housing and having a metal actuation terminal backwardly extended from the front panel thereof and suspending in the insertion hole and movable by an inserted external modular plug to press a pressure tip thereof on the contact portion of the metal terminal in producing a signal indicative of the insertion of the external modular plug.
US07867011B2
A connector assembly is disclosed, comprising a first connector and a second connector matable with each other along a first direction. The first connector comprises a first insulator and first lock portions. The first lock portions are made of metal and are attached to the first insulator. Each of the first lock portions is formed with an engaged hole piercing the first lock portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second connector comprises a second insulator and a second lock portion. The second lock portion is provided with engaging portions. The second insulator holds the second lock portion with the engaging portions movable along the second direction. The engaging portions of the second lock portion are positioned within the engaged portions of the first lock portions, respectively, under a mating state of the first connector with the second connector, so that the mating state is locked.
US07867007B2
An electrical contact for electrically connecting with a pin of an electrical package, includes a base portion as a planar board-like, a first and a second mating fingers jointly configuring a room for receiving the pin, and a flexible arm being inclined relative to the base portion and connecting with the base portion and one of the first with the second mating fingers.
US07867005B2
An IC socket (100) for receiving an IC package includes a socket body for carrying the IC package, a plurality of contacts (3) received in the socket body for electrical connection with the IC package, a driving member (5) mounted upon the socket body, and at least one latch device (19) driven by the driving member (5) to shift between a closed position and an opened position. The driving member (5) is able to be operated between an upper position and a lower position. The latch device (19) has a movable pressing member (194) engaging with a spring member (1943) and pressing the IC package toward the socket body. The position of pressing member (194) is adjusted in a vertical direction by abutting against the IC package.
US07867004B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of electrical contacts and a stiffener device surrounding housing. A load plate is mounted to one end of the stiffener device and a lever is rotatably mounted to the other end of the stiffener device. The stiffener device includes an insulative frame for cost saving and a number of metal auxiliary members for increasing intensity.
US07866999B2
A connector has an ejection mechanism operable to eject a card having a notch along a length direction, at least one contact, a housing for holding the at least one contact, and a cover for covering the housing. The ejection mechanism includes a movable unit that is movable between a holding position, at which the movable unit is located when the card has been inserted in the connector, and an ejecting position, at which the movable unit is located when the card has been ejected from the connector, along the length direction during insertion and ejection of the card. The movable unit includes a lock portion movable along a width direction perpendicular to the length direction as well as along the length direction when the movable unit moves along the length direction. The lock portion is located within the notch of the card to prevent ejection of the card when the movable unit is located at the holding position. The cover and the housing define a cavity that can receive at least part of the card and an opening for allowing the card to be inserted into the cavity. The connector also has a width-direction movement regulator configured to prevent the lock portion from moving in the width direction when the movable unit is located at the holding position.
US07866993B2
The present invention provides a connector capable of preventing contacts from being touched by fingers or things through an opening of a connector housing, and of thereby improving connection reliability. A plug connector comprising a connector housing and PCB having contacts contained in the connector housing with a contacting surface exposed at one end and which functions as an interface capable of transmitting electric signal or light signal by being fitted to a receptacle connector to connect respective contacts to each other, characterized in that a shutter is provided as a part of a bottom wall of the connector housing to be freely opened or closed at a position covering the contacts formed in PCB, and that, before fitting of the connector, the shutter is in a closed state, and during and after fitting of the connector, the shutter is in a opened state.
US07866986B2
A conductive contact unit includes plate-like conductive contacts for electrically connecting different circuitries. Each conductive contact includes a first contacting element to be brought in physical contact with one circuitry, a second contacting element to be brought in physical contact with another circuitry, an elastic element, between the first contacting element and the second contacting element, a first connecting element that connects the elastic element and the first contacting element, and a second connecting element that connects the elastic element and the second contacting element and that has an opening. The conductive contact unit also includes a conductive contact holder including first guiding grooves and second guiding grooves facing the first guiding grooves. The conductive contact holder holds the conductive contacts with both longitudinal outside ends of each conductive contact being slidably engaged with the first and the second guiding grooves.
US07866981B2
An anchoring arrangement is provided for anchoring a dental prosthesis to a patient. The arrangement can comprise an implant, a sleeve, and a fastening screw. The implant can comprise a coronal portion and an apical portion. The apical portion can be configured to extend from within a jaw bone and into a zygoma. The coronal portion can include a substantially planar surface extending transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the apical portion and a threaded aperture. The threaded aperture can extend from the substantially planar surface into the implant transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the apical end of the implant. The sleeve can comprise an end portion configured to mate with the substantially planar surface of the implant. The fastening screw can be disposed through the sleeve and fastened to the threaded aperture.
US07866979B2
A dental drill system and method for drilling a socket to a predetermined depth and diameter which is sized to receive an implant includes a first drill bit with a first bit diameter, a second drill bit with a second bit diameter, wherein the second bit diameter is greater than the first bit diameter. A stop collar is provided which includes a body with a first bore formed through the body. The first bore is adapted to receive the first drill bit. A second bore is formed coaxial with the first bore and extends a portion less than an entire length of the body, wherein the second bore is greater than the first bore and adapted to receive the second drill bit.
US07866977B2
The subject of the invention is a rotary tube (1), in particular for a rotary tubular kiln for the production of activated charcoal, according to the invention the rotary tube (1) being provided on its outside with at least one reinforcing element (8) for stabilizing the rotary tube (1) in the operating state. As a result, the rotary tube (1) exposed under operating conditions to high temperatures and consequently easily deformable is stabilized in its cross section and/or in its longitudinal direction, depending on the arrangement of the reinforcing element. In particular, the rotary tube (1), for example when it is used for the production of activated charcoal, with the accompanying high operating temperatures, is equipped with efficient resistance to pronounced pressure fluctuations occurring due to the method employed and is therefore also suitable, in particular, for carrying out processes under reduced or increased pressure.
US07866976B2
Mold clamping mechanism of an injection molding machine with a movable platen (10), a fixed platen (12) and a support section (9) connected to the movable platen (10) through connecting links, wherein, when clamping force is applied via the connecting links, a force is transmitted to the front face (9A) of the support section (9), wherein at least one recess (25) is arranged between the front face (9A) and the back face (9B) of the support section (9), which is formed in such a manner that those regions of the front face (9A) of the support section (9) to which the force (FH) is transferred are evenly deformed when force is applied.
US07866968B2
Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner utilizing an inversion sleeve assembly with an installation apparatus having at least one selectively operable rigid gland. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve portion of an absorbable material secured in an apparatus with an inversion boot fitted at the distal end with an inlet port for inversion and/or curing fluid. The sleeve assembly and apparatus are particularly well suited for inverting with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose using an apparatus with two glands. The installation sleeve is the same dimension as the liner to be installed and is reusable thereby substantially reducing the set up time to install using the dual gland apparatus. Preferably, the flexible sleeve is a length of dry cured in place liner inverted on to itself to expose two impregnable surfaces. The sleeve may have a built in fluid inlet port for use with a dual gland apparatus.
US07866959B2
An electronic system, an apparatus for cooling an electronic system, an electronics cooling apparatus, and associated method use a clutch to operate a cooling fan. An electronics cooling fan for usage in cooling an electronic system comprises a clutch that disengages upon failure wherein the electronics cooling fan is configured to freewheel upon disengagement of the clutch.
US07866958B2
A solar powered personal fan with a much broader spectrum of both portable and fixed operating applications whereas prior art is application specific. This device also provides a plurality of fixed and portable power supplies. A solar panel, rechargeable battery pack or home charger can all be used as a power supply to operate the present invention.
US07866947B2
A turbine component includes a coolant passage and a plurality of trip members that extend within the coolant passage. Each of the plurality of trip members includes an orientation relative to an expected flow direction through the coolant passage. At least three of the trip members have orientations that are different from each other. For example, the orientations of the trip members progressively transition along the length of the coolant passage.
US07866934B2
A loading device can be mounted quickly and easily to a roll-off vehicle by mounting a yoke assembly to the frame of the roll-off vehicle. The yoke assembly includes a pair of attaching potions which extend from the vehicle, and each of the attaching portions is provided with an opening. A pair of hydraulically actuated hooks are pivotally mounted on the loading device. The loading device is pulled onto the roll-off vehicle so that the hooks are adjacent the attaching portions of the yoke assembly. The hooks are then pivoted to extend through the openings in the attaching portions so that the hooks are secured to the attaching portions.
US07866933B2
A trailer includes a coupling to attach the trailer to a tractor, and a frame attached to the coupling. The frame is positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer has road wheels for long-haul transportation over road systems. The trailer frame can be positioned about the container by laterally expanding and retracting, pivoting about a horizontal axis, and pivoting about a vertical axis.
US07866919B2
A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed.
US07866915B2
A covering (10), for an access aperture, comprises a pair (11, 12) of cover plates, of unequal sizes, that are positionable one adjacent the other along a line of juxtaposition (14) to define a generally rectangular covering. The line of juxtaposition (14) extends from one side (24) of the generally rectangular covering to another (26) and is spaced from the diagonal (27) of the rectangular covering that it is proximate.
US07866909B2
The cable locking system is a two-part device that locks a cable-like strap or other flexible or rigid member with an enlarged end into place by using an opposing arrangement of keyhole-shaped apertures bored into two rigid parts.The cable locking system requires no extra hardware to secure the connection, and can be retrofitted to fit virtually any size support system in numerous applications.The cable locking system can be installed quickly and easily without a need for tools, extra labor, or supporting equipment. In the case of a suspension bridge, the suspension parts can be pre-manufactured and assembled, then quickly and easily connected to complete the structure.The cable locking system makes the construction of a suspension bridge or other hoisting device as well as many kinds of structures simple and straightforward, with fewer parts that can potentially fail. The cable locking system can also easily be disassembled.
US07866908B2
An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid is associated with a dispenser assembly which is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is manually operated due to moveable engagement with the head portion as it travels along the path of travel. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from.
US07866907B2
A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface.
US07866903B2
A printer for performing a printing operation on a printing medium, includes an optical sensor, operable to detect the printing medium; an emission intensity adjuster, operable to adjust emission intensity of a light-emitting element included in the optical sensor; and an output monitor, operable to monitor an output voltage of the optical sensor so as to control the emission intensity adjuster to adjust the emission intensity.
US07866901B2
A lens barrel capable of being reduced in length in a collapsed position. Barrier members have an opening/closing operation plane that openably/closably covers the front face of an image-taking lens. A barrier drive mechanism causes the barrier members to perform opening/closing operation. A lens holding member has a holding portion that holds the image-taking lens and a guide portion that guides the image-taking lens in the optical axis direction. A lens drive mechanism causes the lens holding member to move forward or backward in the optical axis direction. A stroke area of the guide portion of the lens holding member is set to overlap the opening/closing operation plane of the barrier members in the optical axis direction.
US07866896B2
A connector module for interfacing electrical or optical connectors to electrical systems such as an audio/visual signal processing board. The module includes a housing defining at least first and second faces, at least the second face being less than about one square inch in area. There is a first electrical or optical connector at the first face, and a second electrical connector at the second face, in which the second electrical connector is a pin connector.
US07866892B2
A rotator for a head tube of a bicycle has a mounting bracket, a rotating collar and a holding ring. The mounting bracket is mounted around the head tube and has a mounting ring and two legs. The mounting ring is mounted around the head tube and has a mounting channel, a kerf, an annular flange and a holding groove. The legs are oppositely mounted on the mounting ring. The rotating collar is rotatably mounted around the mounting bracket and has a chamber, an upper through hole, a lower through hole, a mounting channel and multiple balls. The holding ring is mounted in the mounting ring of the mounting bracket and has an engaging groove. The engaging groove engages the annular flange on the mounting ring.
US07866885B2
A film bag that forms a sealed film package, with bag surfaces made of an at least two-layered composite film that has a heat-sealable polyolefin inner layer and a non-sealable outer layer. There is at least one carrying handle made of a heat-sealable film. The bag surfaces have window-like openings spaced away from the edges of the film bag, which are covered by film tabs on the inside of the bag. The film tabs are sealed by a heat-sealable first side to the layer of the bag surfaces on the inside of the bag, and each is joined to it by a sealing seam that surrounds the associated opening as an air-tight closure. Each of the ends of the at least one carrying handle is sealed in the region of the openings to the heat-sealable first side of the film tabs covering the openings.
US07866874B2
The present invention discloses a backlight module having replaceable light apparatus. The backlight module includes the replaceable light apparatus, a back plate and a frame body. The replaceable light apparatus includes a light control circuit, a securing device and conducting wires. The light control circuit is adapted to a frame body and a back plate of the backlight module. Additionally, the light control circuit has a plurality of light sources, a first end portion and a second end portion. The securing device has a supporting housing which has a position protrusion and a clamping portion for supporting the first end portion of the light control circuit along a first direction (X) and a third direction (Z). The clamping portion clamps the first end portion of the light control circuit along a second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z).
US07866870B2
A backlight assembly which can reduce manufacturing costs and enhance display quality of a liquid crystal display (“LCD”). The backlight assembly includes: a light source emitting light; and a light guide plate (“LGP”) including an incident surface on which light emitted from the light source is incident, a top surface which adjoins the incident surface, and a bottom surface which adjoins the incident surface, faces the top surface, and includes a plurality of lower prisms separated from one another and flat portions interposed between the lower prisms, wherein each of the lower prisms includes a first surface and a second surface which are adjacent to each other, the first surface including a plurality of oblique planes having different positive slopes, the second surface having a negative slope, and where the slope forms an angle with a line normal to the incident surface.
US07866867B2
A backlighting optical fiber consists essentially of an optical fiber with an axially recess disposed along the inner wall; a reflector set into said axially recess, said reflector includes a reflecting surface disposed on the inner side of said reflector, to reflect the incident light toward the opposite direction of said reflector and emitting outwardly. A backlight module formed therefrom comprises a plurality of said optical fibers parallel arranged on a plane surface of a substrate and a LCD display device includes said backlight module and a LCD display.
US07866864B2
A guiding structure includes a base and a guiding unit. The base has an opening, and an inner wall of the base, facing the opening, is formed with at least one first guiding element and at least one first restricting element disposed adjacent to the first guiding element. The guiding unit is inserted into the opening and has at least one second guiding element and at least one second restricting element. The second guiding element is correspondingly coupled to or separated from the first restricting element by deforming, bending, rotating or displacing. The first guiding element is disposed corresponding to the second guiding element.
US07866858B2
An assembly for the illuminated display of a logo (12) in a motor vehicle includes a support (14) and at least one light source (24) which is arranged behind or adjacent to the support (14). The logo (12) can be represented by means of an emblem (10), particularly an opaque emblem.
US07866833B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for projecting images to prevent the distortion of images when images are projected on a colored projection screen. The apparatus includes a device characteristic storage unit storing criterion projection characteristic information obtained when white light, black light and colored light are projected onto a criterion projection screen, a first image converter to convert received images into processed images by reflecting criterion projection characteristic information to received images, an image characteristic obtaining unit to obtain object projection characteristic information by projecting white light and black light onto an object projection screen, an image improvement unit to convert processed images into improved images by reflecting object projection characteristic information to processed images, and a second image converter to convert improved images into output images by reflecting criterion projection characteristic information and object projection characteristic information to improved images.
US07866831B2
An image projector realizing image projection with high image quality by reducing speckle noise. An image projector comprising a coherent light source, a collimation lens for transforming coherent light emitted from the coherent light source into coherent parallel light, and a projection optical system for projecting coherent parallel light is further provided with a reflection element for reflecting the coherent parallel light and capable of oscillating in parallel with the direction normal to the reflection plane, and a reflection element drive means for causing oscillatory motion of the reflection element.
US07866830B2
An illumination device includes: a light source section emitting coherent light; and a phase modulation section onto which the coherent light emitted from the light source section is incident, modulating the phase of the coherent light, forming a phase modulation pattern, varying the phase of the coherent light while generating a diffracted light in accordance with the phase modulation pattern, thereby scanning the light onto at least a part of a region of a projection surface.
US07866829B2
An optical diaphragm for adjusting an amount of an incident light beam, includes: light shielding vanes that are configured movably, and move to change an opening area enabling a passage of the light beam, thereby adjusting the amount of the light beam; an electromagnetic actuator including a coil through which a current passes, and a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic flux, moves with respect to the coil by an electromagnetic force due to an interaction between the current passing through the coil and the magnetic flux, and is connected to the light shielding vanes to move the light shielding vanes; and a position detector including: a magnetic element that outputs a predetermined voltage in accordance with intensity of a magnetic field from the permanent magnet; and an output characteristics corrector that obtains a predetermined correction parameter, and corrects output characteristics of the magnetic element based on the correction parameter.
US07866825B2
A blind (10) for a projector includes a bracket (20) mounted to the projector, and a folded fin (30) fixed on the bracket and covering a hot air vent of the projector. The folded fin includes a plurality of parallel fins (32) and a plurality of upper and lower tabs (34, 36) interconnecting the fins. Each of the fins defines an angle of 135 degrees with a plane defined by the lower tabs. Furthermore, a projection of each of the fins on the plane defined by the lower tabs overlaps a part of a corresponding adjacent fin. Thus, the blind can prevent a light leakage from the projector, while allow a heated airflow to be expelled out of the projector simultaneously.
US07866824B2
A sealed lamp device may include a discharge lamp burner; a concave mirror opened to a front direction and reflecting radiation light of the discharge lamp burner to the opened side, an optical axis of the concave mirror being aligned with an optical axis of the discharge lamp burner; a hollow casing structure having an opening section in a front side, to which the concave mirror opened out; and a front plate closing the opening section of the hollow casing structure and emitting the radiation light. The hollow casing structure may be made wider than an opening width of the concave mirror, so as to increase a sealed volume occupied by the discharge lamp burner.
US07866823B2
An image projection apparatus is disclosed which is capable of correcting defocusing due to changes of the temperature of a projection lens, which are caused by various factors. The image projection apparatus includes an image-forming element which is illuminated with light from a light source, a projection lens which includes a focus lens and projects light from the image-forming element onto a projection surface, plural temperature detectors which are provided at positions different from each other in the image projection apparatus. The apparatus further includes a controller which controls the position of the focus lens on the basis of the detection results by the plural temperature detectors.
US07866807B2
An ink set for ink jet recording, an ink for ink jet recording and an ink jet recording method capable of suppressing bleeding and the interference between discharged droplets to form high-quality images can be achieved by an ink set for ink jet recording, having plurality of liquids containing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, wherein the first liquid has an oil-soluble polymer dissolved therein, and at least one of a plurality of the liquids contains a polymerizable compound, as well as by an ink jet image recording method which uses the ink set and applying the first and second liquids simultaneously onto a recording medium, or first applying one of the liquids and then the other onto a recording medium such that the two liquids contact each other to form an image.
US07866795B2
A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrode and an actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry, the drive circuitry including the electrode for connection to the actuator; (b) forming a wall of insulating material over the electrode; (c) defining a via in the wall, the via revealing the electrode; (d) filling the via with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide a connector post; (e) forming at least part of the actuator over the connector post, thereby providing electrical connection between the actuator and the electrode.
US07866793B2
A printhead assembly includes a printhead, in turn, including a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. A nozzle guard is formed from hydrophobic photoresist and is mounted to the printhead. The nozzle guard defines a plurality of channels located in register with respective nozzles so that droplets of ink from the nozzles can be bounced off internal walls of the channels during printing.
US07866779B2
Printing is performed at a full resolution using a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles arranged on a printhead. Printing is performed at less than the full resolution using the first set of nozzles less any nozzles in the first set of nozzles that have been determined to be defective. The second set of nozzles is not used for printing at less than the full resolution except for a subset of nozzles in the second set of nozzles that are used to replace nozzles from the first set of nozzles that have been determined to be defective.
US07866778B2
A printhead module comprising a plurality of rows, each of the rows comprising a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, wherein the printhead module includes at least first and second rows configured to print ink of a similar type or color, and being configured such that, in the event a nozzle in the first row is faulty, a corresponding nozzle in the second row prints an ink dot at a position on print media at or adjacent a position where the faulty nozzle would otherwise have printed it.
US07866768B2
A storage assembly of a type including at least two modules which can be solidly connected to one another. Each of said modules is equipped with structure for accessing at least one storage space, a closure mechanism and a mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another. The at least one module includes structure for locking the mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another and the closure mechanism for closing off access to at least one module.
US07866765B2
For the assembly of a spring-type brake cylinder, a rear cylinder is provided with a preloaded spring, with a rear piston and with an intermediate flange. Then, a front cylinder, in which a front piston with an actuating rod for a brake element of the braking system is movably arranged, is fixed to the rear cylinder, so that the rear cylinder and the front cylinder are in contact with one another by means of a sliding rod passing through the intermediate flange. As a result, the front piston is displaceable by the rear piston.
US07866764B2
A hydraulic control unit of an electronically controlled hydraulic brake system has a housing (49) accommodating a pump (35) and at least one low-pressure accumulator. The low-pressure accumulator is positioned in a location at a lower height than the cam cavity (51) of the pump (35), and a drainage bore (53) connects the cam cavity (51) with the spring chamber (68) of at least one of the low-pressure accumulators. This allows the drainage of brake fluid from the cam cavity (51) into the spring chamber (68) solely by way of gravity. Thus this measure eliminates the risk of damage to the pump motor in the event that ambient water penetrates the cam cavity (51), which might flush brake fluid from the cam cavity 51 into the housing (49) of the pump motor.
US07866761B2
A braking system for vehicles, including at least one first brake circuit, and at least one second brake circuit, in which the at least one first brake circuit and the at least one second brake circuit each have an electrical control circuit, which respectively has an electronic control unit and its own power supply device, and brake actuating devices which are activatable by the electronic control units, at least one of the brake actuating devices being activatable by more than one of the electronic control units, in which the brake circuits are electrically activatable via a foot brake valve, and the foot brake valve has two electrical braking transmitter devices which are each connected to the electronic control units so that they are DC-isolated.
US07866754B2
A headrest for a vehicle seat has a tubular stay to be attached to a seatback and a connector to be connected to an end of the stay. The stay includes a shaft hole, an attachment hole, and a notched surface. The attachment hole penetrates from an outer surface of the stay to the shaft hole in the radial direction. The notched surface is circumferentially adjacent to the attachment hole and is substantially orthogonal to the attachment hole. The connector includes a cantilevered locking strip to be inserted into the shaft hole while being resiliently deformed. The locking strip includes a projection. The projection fits in the attachment hole by being resiliently restored. And the projection includes an extending portion being wider than the circumferential width of the attaching hole and extending over the notched surface by being resiliently restored.
US07866753B2
In a vehicle seat reclining device, within a predetermined angle range, the movement of every pawl in a direction towards engagement with an internal toothed portion is surely restricted to avoid any undesired contact between the pawls and the internal toothed portion. A transmitting structure for transmitting and converting the rotational action of the cam to the movement actions of the main pawl and the sub pawl as provided. Further provided are first and second restricting structures holding the main pawl under disengagement state between the external toothed portion and the internal toothed portion within the predetermined angle range. Within a predetermined frontward tilting angle range, the sub pawl is retained to be in disengagement state between the external toothed portion of the sub pawl and the internal toothed portion by the transmitting structure and the second restricting structure.
US07866752B1
The invention relates to a vehicle seat, particularly an air passenger seat, comprising the following: a seat frame (10) having a number of seat dividers (12, 14, 16, 18); a number of seat backs, each being coupled to the seat frame between two seat dividers and whose position can be adjusted relative to the seat dividers by means of an adjusting device, and; a number of seat parts, which are each fastened to the seat frame between the seat dividers (12, 14, 16, 18) and of which at least one can be pivoted into an approximately vertical position. The invention is characterized in that the adjusting device has a lever device (28) and a spring element (38) for the seat back belonging to the pivotal seat part, and they are situated on one of the seat dividers, which limit the pivotal seat part, whereby being located on the side oriented toward the seat part. In addition, the lever device (28) is pivotally connected to the seat divider, a first lever arm (36) of the lever device is connected to the spring element (38), and a second lever arm (32) of the lever device is connected to the seat back.
US07866748B2
Child seat for motor vehicles with a seat shell and backrest, at the upper end of which a head support (10) with lateral wings (11) projecting towards the front is disposed. The inclination of the head support (10), at least of a headrest (12) disposed between the two lateral wings (11) of the same, can be adjusted relative to the backrest (arrows 13, 14), in particular, between an upright, waking position “W” extending approximately parallel to the backrest and a resting or sleeping position “S” inclined towards the rear.
US07866742B2
A head rest adjustment system for a furniture member includes a back support member rotatable with respect to a base member. A head rest assembly is connected to the back support member. An adjustment lever rotates the head rest assembly. An actuation link is connected at a first end to the head rest assembly and at a second end to the adjustment lever. Rotating the adjustment lever displaces the actuation link to rotate the head rest assembly to a plurality of support positions. A back support member axis of rotation is spatially separated from an adjustment lever axis of rotation. Rotating the back support member with respect to the base member can independently operate to displace the actuation link to rotate the head rest assembly without rotation of the adjustment lever.
US07866740B2
An RV roof frame and cover system protects an RV during storage. The system comprises a roof frame and a cover. The frame has a ridge pole member having two sets of rafter members extending downwardly therefrom. The rafter members are attached at their lower ends to one of two horizontal members which can be moved towards and apart from one another to adjust the width of the frame. The rafter members are rotatably attached to both the ridge pole member and the lower horizontal member. The horizontal members are tied to one another by tie beam members which have an adjustable length to accommodate the movement of the horizontal members towards and away from one another. The tie beam members may be provided on legs which extend downwardly from the horizontal members.
US07866738B2
A vehicle body structure comprising: first and second members each having a hat-shaped cross section including a main wall, first and second side walls extending from the main wall; an opposing area in which the opening, first side wall and second side wall of the first member are opposed to and jointed to the opening, first side wall and second side wall of the second member, respectively, with a joint surface defined therebetween; and a non-opposing area in which one of the first and second members is shifted parallel to the joint surface, so that the first side wall of the first member is opposed to and jointed to the second side wall of the second member.
US07866727B2
A sealing strip for side windows on motor vehicles, which is arranged between a retractable, frameless, front side window and a retractable, frameless, rear side window. The sealing strip reaches from the door line as far as a roof frame of the motor vehicle. A movable locking member is fitted to the sealing strip and, in a closed state, engages with a locking counterpart arranged on the roof frame.
US07866726B2
A convertible top assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear panel, a front panel and a pair of outer side panels. The front panel is movably coupled to the rear panel and movable relative to the rear panel between an extended position extending between the rear panel and a windshield header of the vehicle and a retracted position stacked with the rear panel. The outer side panels are movably coupled to the rear panel for movement between a use position extending outwardly from opposite sides of the rear panel and a stowed position disposed inwardly from the use position. The convertible top assembly further includes a linkage operatively connecting the front panel and outer side panels so as to cause movement of the outer side panels between the use position and the stowed position in response to movement of the front panel between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively.
US07866724B2
A visor for a vehicle includes a core portion configured to interface with a pivot rod to allow the visor to be moved between a storage position and a use position. A single core portion includes structure configured to receive a slideable spring assembly for mounting the visor core to the pivot rod in an extendable and retractable manner. The visor core structure is also configured to receive a fixed spring assembly to mount the visor core to the pivot rod in a non-extendable and non-retractable manner.
US07866718B2
A paperboard lifting device can be mounted to a plate, support form, work surface or other member of a material conveyance system. When a sheet or web of material travels over the paperboard lifting device, it can provide a margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material.
US07866714B2
An exterior door handle for a motor vehicle, including an electromechanical locking system and a manually actuated handle part that can perform a lifting movement in order to open a door lock. The lifting movement of the handle part is subdivided, a device generating an increased actuation resistance and a switch electrically opening the door lock at the end of a first lifting distance. The handle part can travel an additional lifting distance beyond the first lifting distance in case the electric power supply is interrupted or the electric locking system breaks down, the additional lifting distance mechanically opening the door lock.
US07866699B2
A steering assembly has a bracket fixed to a vehicle and a bracket carriage displaceably arranged on the bracket. The assembly can be reliably collapsed in the event of an accident and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The bracket carriage is attached to the bracket by way of an attachment embodied in one piece with the bracket and/or the bracket carriage.
US07866698B2
The invention relates to a steering wheel adjusting mechanism (2) for motor vehicles (4) comprising a pivotally to the vehicle (4) attached supporting arm (8), and a pivotally to the supporting arm (8) attached steering shaft housing unit (12), where at least one locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to both the vehicle (4) and the steering shaft housing unit (12), which locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is compressible with clamping means (18) in order to lock the steering shaft housing unit (12) relative to the vehicle (4). Optionally, the supporting arm (8) is pivotally attached to a to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening part (20). Optionally, the locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening unit (22). Optionally, the fastening part (20) and the fastening unit (22) are integrated with each other to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable steering wheel adjusting bracket (24).
US07866692B2
A gas generator for a vehicle passenger protection device. The gas generator includes a combustion chamber in which a gas-generating charge is arranged. A conical deposition chamber is provided that has a first wall, within which a plurality of gas through-holes are formed, and at least one second wall which extends at an angle from the first wall and within which at least one blow-off hole is formed. Gas generated inside the combustion chamber enters the deposition chamber through the gas through-holes and leaves the deposition chamber through the at least one blow-off hole.
US07866688B2
An airbag module for a motor vehicle, the modeling including an airbag, that may be inflated with gas to protect a person, and a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner. The protective envelope is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film. The protective film comprises a gas-tight weakened region, along which the protective film tears open when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation. The weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film.
US07866686B2
A collapsible wheelbarrow includes a rigid front bracket, a wheel rotatably secured to the front bracket, and first and second handle arms pivotably attached to the front bracket. The first and second handle arms are laterally pivotable about first and second pivot axes respectively. The first and second pivot axes are each spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the wheel. Preferably a clamping device removably applies a clamping force between the first and second handle arms and clamps a rigid tray between the first and second handle arms. The tray is preferably interconnected with the first and second handle arms to permit relative movement in a lateral direction and to prevent relative movement in a forward rearward direction. Preferably, the front bracket has spaced apart upper and lower walls and the first and second handle arms extend between the upper and lower walls.
US07866682B2
A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.
US07866679B1
The trash can cart apparatus provides a frame which selectively encloses two separate trash cans, allowing a user to use different sizes of trash cans, selectively. Each individually pivoted keeper is u-shaped and selectively covers each can. Each keeper further comprises a screen to prevent access to trash can lids, especially by animals, each keeper positionably lockable, and requiring the latch mechanism to be manually released prior to pivot. Each can if fully secured by frame and keepers only. The multiple lower laterals provide that any can is supported by at least two laterals. The apparatus needs only two wheels. The wheels are positioned at the lower front and the pivoting handle at the upper front. A user need only grasp the handle to pivot the mass of the apparatus, along with any trash cans.
US07866678B2
A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
US07866666B2
A hybrid processing system improves the reliability of multifeed detection even when plural different types of media are processed together without increasing the cost or size of the hybrid processing device due to increased performance, and without incurring a drop in throughput. In addition to image data captured from the processed media by an internal image reader, the hybrid processing device 1 also sends data for confirming multifeeding to the host computer 30. This multifeed confirmation data includes the result from a first multifeed detection process, the result from a second multifeed detection process, the paper length data detected by a paper length detection means 9, and the paper thickness data detected by a paper thickness detection means 65. The host computer 30 uses the image data and the multifeed confirmation data received from the hybrid processing device 1 to independently detect multifeeding, and thereby enables more reliable multifeed detection.
US07866663B2
A method for sensing a paper skew adapted for a device having a paper feeding mechanism is provided. The device has a feed sensor which is fixed at a start position of paper feeding; and, a position sensor which moves in a direction perpendicular to a direction of paper feeding and passes through a first and a second positions. The first position is the intersection of a moving path of the position sensor and a line. The feed sensor is on the line, and the line is parallel to the direction of paper feeding. The method includes the device having a first distance; moving the position sensor to the second position; feeding a work paper into the device; obtaining a second distance which is a moving distance of the work paper fed; and determining whether the work paper is skewed or not according to the difference between the first and the second distances.
US07866647B2
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a pair of sheet feeding rollers for receiving the sheet supplied from an image forming apparatus and conveying it to the downstream side, a stand-by tray for receiving the delivered sheet and an assist arm arranged at the sheet delivery side of the pair of sheet feeding rollers and adapted to turn. The assist arm turns, utilizing the rotary force of a motor that is adapted to rotate both forwardly and backwardly, so as to press the rear end of the sheet delivered from the pair of sheet feeding rollers against the stand-by tray when the motor is driven backwardly.
US07866644B2
A sheet folding apparatus, including: a stacker configured to stack a plurality of sheets; a first folding roller configured to rotate around a first axis; a second folding roller configured to rotate around a second axis which is parallel with the first axis and biased to the first folding roller separably to make a nip together with the first folding roller therebetween; a blade unit configured to push a surface of the plurality of sheets, stacked by the stacker, into the nip; a stationary support configured to support the blade unit linearly movable to avoid deviating from a common tangential direction of the first folding roller and the second folding roller at the nip to a first folding roller side; and a movable support relatively movable against the blade unit, configured to bias the blade unit to the first folding roller side deviatably from the common tangential direction to a second folding roller side.
