US07929198B2
An electro-optic display includes a “matrix” for confining moving elements of the display (e.g., rotating or twisting elements). The matrix (or at least the viewable portions thereof) may have a high reflectivity, comparable to that of white paper. This results in an overall “whiter” or brighter display. The matrix may include channels to facilitate inter-cell fluid transport and high-density element packing. In some cases, the matrix elements provide a hexagonal arrangement of cells for holding the rotating elements. The rotating elements of the display may be electrically and optically anisotropic hemispherically coated spheres. The hemispherical coating typically provides the necessary charge to create electrical anisotropy.
US07929197B2
Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer.
US07929188B2
A color gamut data creating device includes a locating unit, and an extracting unit. The locating unit locates characteristic points based on the measurement points on a target plane. The extracting unit extracts at least three vertices of a color gamut from among the characteristic points. The at least three vertices satisfy the conditions that a first point, which is any one of the at least three vertices, is located within a reference distance from a second point adjacent to the first point from among the at least three vertices, and that all cross products that are calculated by a vector from the first point to the second point and vectors from the first point to any characteristic points that are located within the reference distance from the first point have the same sign.
US07929184B2
Leakage of communication information concerning facsimile communication is prevented. A facsimile server manages communication information concerning facsimile communication. An image processing apparatus connects itself to the facsimile server to acquire communication information. Only a part of communication information is displayed, and a user selects a transmission destination. The image processing apparatus sends the designated transmission destination and image data to the facsimile server and requests facsimile communication. The facsimile server sends image data to the designated transmission destination.
US07929182B2
It enables a user to confirm an already designated area without changing layers. Image data of plural layers is generated on a same image, and an image area being a target of editing is designated on the image data of each layer. Then, if the image area of one layer is designated, a CRT controller causes a CRT to display the image area of each layer designated before the image area of the one layer is designated, in a predetermined display method different from a display method for the designated image area of the one layer.
US07929181B2
A poor recording detection device includes an illumination unit which applies illumination light to a recording medium after recording on the recording medium and a camera unit which picks up an image recorded on the recording medium to which the illumination light is applied and outputs detected information. A poor recording determination unit outputs reference detection information obtained by detecting a reference recording image by the camera unit after recording the reference recording data on the recording medium as input recording data, generates correction information by comparing the reference detection information with the reference recording data and generates corrected input recording data obtained by correcting the input recording data on the basis of the correction information, and detects a poor recording by comparing the input recording image information and the corrected input recording data after recording the input recording data on the recording medium.
US07929176B2
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can verify whether or not an image has been able to be correctly read and easily correct an image which has not been able to be correctly read. The image processing apparatus has a reading section 105, an image processing section 110 for image-processing a read image, and a CPU 110 for controlling the entire apparatus. The image processing section 110 has a detection section 101 for detecting an image in a different state, a verification section 102 for displaying an image in a different state, and a correction section 106 for correcting the image. The image processing section 110 has a preview function for displaying the read image on a display section 108, and a correction function for correcting the image. The image processing apparatus can correct only a tilted image without rereading all images.
US07929175B2
This invention relates an image printing apparatus capable of copying by executing enlargement/reduction (E/R) processing optimum to an instructed mode. According to the apparatus, a copy mode and an enlargement rate are input. The use priority order of each enlargement/reduction (E/R) unit of the apparatus is decided. The enlargement rate is distributed to each E/R unit in accordance with the copy mode, decided use priority order, and the E/R rate upper limit value of each E/R unit. An image is copied by causing each E/R unit to sequentially execute E/R processing in accordance with the distributed enlargement rate and the decided use priority order and causing a printing unit to print based on the image data that has undergone the E/R processing.
US07929172B2
In this invention, to enable printing of an image that has undergone an image process or print process complying with the desire of a user on an image supply device side, real object handles and virtual object handles are set to, of images to be supplied to the printing device, images that require a predetermined image process and remaining images, respectively. A print job including the object handle of a print target image is issued in accordance with a print instruction. If the handle of an image requested by the printing device in response to the issued print job is a virtual object handle, the predetermined image process is executed for image data corresponding to the handle, and the processed image data is supplied to the printing device.
US07929171B2
A method of transmitting printer information which can inform a host of changed printer information in real time whenever printer information changes and a network printer using the method. The method includes determining whether or not the printer information has changed and transmitting the changed printer information in real time to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The network printer includes a printer information change determination circuit which determines changes in printer information, and a changed information notification module which transmits in real time the changed printer information to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The changed information notification module transmits the printer information to the communications network or the predetermined program when the network printer is turned on.
US07929168B2
A communication apparatus allows an efficient transmission/reception of a document for a sender and a receiver at their respective desired time and location. When a first user transmits a document using a facsimile machine (transmitting device) managed by a server, first, an account of the transmitting device is registered on the server. In such a state, when the first user inputs an account of a second user as a destination into the transmitting device, the transmitting device inquires the server of a registration status of the second user. The server checks the registration status of the account of the second user. When the account of the second user is registered on any facsimile machine (receiving device), the server notifies the transmitting device that the account of the second user is registered on the receiving device. Then, the transmitting device transmits a connection demand to the receiving device to transmit data of the document.
US07929167B2
An apparatus is configured to allow a user to make a selection as to whether printing of print data is performed according to print setting is specified to be unchangeable, or according to restriction information indicating restriction in printing instructed by the user.
US07929162B2
In a document outputting method for editing a document managed by a document management service, which provides the document when an edit or an output of the document is permitted, an output condition property candidate obtain request for obtaining an output condition property candidate including an edit property indicating edit contents executable for the document and an output property indicating an output method executable when the document is output is received, and the output condition property candidate is provided to a request originator sending the output condition property candidate obtain request.
US07929159B2
An apparatus includes an original-document-attribute determining unit that determines attribute of an original document image, a form-attribute determining unit that determines attribute of a form image, and a compositing unit that performs sequence of compositing of the original document image, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and the form image, the sequence of compositing being determined based on the determined attribute of the original document image and the determined attribute of the form image.
US07929151B2
An apparatus for obtaining images of a tooth comprises at least one image sensor disposed along an optical axis to take polarized reflectance image and fluorescence image, at least one broadband illumination apparatus for reflectance imaging, and a narrow-band ultraviolet illumination apparatus for fluorescence imaging. In order to remove the specular reflection, one or more polarization elements are disposed along the optical axis. A filter is disposed along the optical axis to block narrow-band ultraviolet light, and a switch for selecting one of the operation modes.
US07929148B2
Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for optical coherence tomography implementations. The OCT implementation generally applies to both spectrometer-based and swept source-based implementations of PS-FD-OCT, and also to both fiber based and bulk-optical and Michelson and Mach-Zender PS-OCT implementations, where the detection arm is free from two photoreceivers or spectrometers for detecting the interference of the first polarization state and the second polarization state.
US07929131B2
There is provided a Raman signal detection including a laser emitter and an optical element. The optical element includes an optical element body, an emitter face with a short pass optical coating, a Raman signal face with a long pass optical coating and a sample face. The optical element is positioned with a laser emitter output beam incident upon the emitter face. The emitter face receives the laser emitter output beam and transmits an emitter face output beam through the optical element body and the sample face to emit a sample face output beam. The sample face receives and transmits a sample reflection beam generated from the sample face output beam to the emitter face. The emitter face reflects and transmits the sample reflection beam the sample reflection beam through the Raman signal face to emit a Raman signal output beam to a Raman signal detector.
US07929129B2
Glass inspection systems are provided for detecting particles and defects in or on a glass sheet or glass ribbon (2, 14). The system is mounted so that the surface (1) to be inspected is in the object plane of a reflective lens (10). The lens images a thin stripe area, long in the direction tangent to the lens circumference and short in the radial direction, onto a linescan camera (18). A line illuminator (12) can be mounted so that it illuminates the stripe area. To perform the inspection, the system is moved with respect to the glass in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the stripe, either by moving the system over the glass or by moving the glass while the system is fixed. Image information is collected by the linescan camera during this motion and assembled into an image.
US07929127B2
There is provided a laser energy measuring unit whose laser energy measuring range is widened. The laser energy measuring unit has a filter provided within an optical path of a laser to attenuate energy of the laser, a calculating section for measuring the energy of the laser passing through the filter, and a condenser lens provided on one side of the filter for condensing the laser. The filter has a shading portion for blocking a center part of the laser beam from being transmitted through the filter at a position coincident with the center of the laser. The center part of the laser where its energy is large is cut by the shading portion, and the calculating section measures the part where its energy is not so large. Thereby, it is possible to widen the laser energy measuring range.
US07929121B2
A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; 2) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 3) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; 4) imaging the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; 5) identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; 6) determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; 7) identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; and 8) enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample.
US07929106B2
A liquid crystal display is disclosed, including first and second opposing substrates separated by a cell gap. The cell gap has an inner liquid crystal region including a liquid crystal composition, an outer sealant region including a sealant that bonds the first and second opposing substrates together, and a void region between the inner liquid crystal region and the outer sealant region. The sealant may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display. A liquid crystal display assembly including at least two light reflecting liquid crystal displays is also disclosed, wherein at least one of the displays comprises the liquid crystal display disclosed herein.
US07929104B2
A method of producing a liquid crystal display includes forming a plurality of black matrices on an insulating substrate to define first, second and third pixel regions, forming a color filter layer on the black matrices and on an exposed portion of the insulating substrate on which the black matrices are not formed, forming an organic layer for forming an upper spacer on the color filter layer, and forming a first color filter pattern on a first pixel region, lower spacers on the black matrices, and upper spacers on the lower spacers by at least substantially simultaneously patterning the color filter layer and the organic layer for forming an upper spacer.
US07929099B2
A liquid crystal display having improved response speed and greater luminance includes an intersecting array of gate lines and data lines defining a matrix of pixels, a first sub-pixel electrode connected to a first thin film transistor; a second sub-pixel electrode connected to a second thin film transistor, the second sub-pixel electrode including a pair of upper and lower electrodes disposed above and below the first sub-pixel electrode and lateral electrode disposed at one side of the first sub-pixel electrode and the upper and lower electrodes; and a connecting portion connecting the lateral electrode with each of the upper and lower electrodes, at least a portion of the connecting portion forming an angle of substantially 45 degrees or −45 degrees with respect to the gate lines.
US07929087B2
The present invention provides an optical film which includes at least a first optically anisotropic layer, and a second optically anisotropic layer, wherein the first optically anisotropic layer satisfies the following Expression (1), the second optically anisotropic layer satisfied the following Expression (2), and a slow axis of the first optically anisotropic layer is orthogonal to a slow axis of the second optically anisotropic layer, 0≦Re(450)/Re(550)≦0.5 Expression (1) 0.95≦Re(450)/Re(550)≦1.05 Expression (2) where Re(λ) represents an in-plane retardation value (unit: nm) of the corresponding optically anisotropic layer measured at a wavelength of λ nm.
US07929086B2
A laminated film includes a polarizing plate, a retardation film, and a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided in this order, wherein the polarizing plate includes a polarizer, a first protective layer placed on a side of the polarizer where the retardation film is provided, and a second protective layer placed on another side of the polarizer which is opposite to the side where the retardation film is provided, the retardation film is a stretched film comprising a norbornene resin, the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive that may be produced by crosslinking a composition comprising a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and a crosslinking agent comprising a peroxide as a main component. The laminated film has both good adhesion to a liquid crystal cell and easy peelability, and may improve the uniformity in a screen of liquid crystal display.
US07929080B2
Provided are a method of adjusting a photonic bandgap of a photonic crystal, a method of manufacturing a reflective color filter using the same, and a display device including the reflective color filter. The method of adjusting a photonic bandgap of a photonic crystal includes forming the photonic crystal having a photonic bandgap on a substrate, and changing the photonic bandgap by irradiating light onto the photonic crystal. In addition, the display device includes a backlight, a transflective liquid crystal panel including liquid crystal cells sealed between first and second substrates. Each liquid crystal cell corresponding to a pixel includes a transmissive area and a reflective area. A transmissive color filter is formed on the first substrate, which faces the backlight, and a reflective color filter is formed on each reflective area.
US07929077B2
A planar light source includes a backlight that emits light in a planar shape, a ray direction regulating element that regulates a direction of light made incident from the backlight and emits the light, whereby a directivity of the light is improved, and in which a transparent area for transmitting light and an absorption area for absorbing light are formed, and a transparent and scattering switching element that is switchable between a state in which light which is transmitted by the ray direction regulating element and made incident on the switching element is transmitted and a state in which the light is scattered. The transparent areas are formed in a shape of a matrix including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the transparent and absorption areas are formed alternately, and the absorption area is formed so that the transparent areas are separated.
US07929072B2
An object of the present invention is to reduce the exterior of a display device while retaining a display screen at a certain size. A liquid crystal display panel including a TFT substrate formed with a glass substrate and a color filter substrate is stored in a frame made of a metal. In order to avoid the direct contact between the glass substrate and the frame made of a metal, part of an optical sheet included in a backlight disposed behind the liquid crystal display panel is extended to lie between the liquid crystal display panel and the frame, and is regarded as a spacer. Since the thickness of the optical sheet is as small as 0.06 mm, the spacer hardly affects the external dimensions of a display device. Consequently, while a crack of the glass substrate is prevented, the exterior of the display device can be reduced.
US07929069B2
Disclosed is a thin film transistor substrate for a liquid crystal display and a method for repairing the substrate. The substrate comprises an insulating substrate; a black matrix formed on the insulating substrate having apertures in areas of pixels, shaped as a net; an insulating layer covering the black matrix; gate wiring formed on the insulating layer, the gate wiring including gate lines extended in a first direction across the substrate and gate electrodes connected to the gate lines; a gate insulating layer formed over the gate wiring; a semiconductor layer formed over the gate insulating layer; an ohmic contact layer formed over the semiconductor layer; data wiring including source electrodes and drain electrodes formed separated from each other over the ohmic contact layer, and data lines connected to the source electrodes and crossing the gate lines to define pixels; a protection layer formed over the data wiring; and pixel electrodes electrically connected to the drain electrodes. The method comprises the step of shorting the disconnected gate line and the first portion of the black matrix or the disconnected data line and the second portion of the black matrix.
US07929055B2
An image display device and a home network system are provided. The image display device transmits a broadcasting signal including at least one of a video data, an audio data, and an additional data according to predetermined transmission conditions. The home network system includes at least one external device connected to the image display unit through a wire or wireless network to output the transmitted broadcasting signal.
US07929044B2
An autofocus searching method includes the following procedures. First, focus values of images, which are acquired during the movement of the object lens, are calculated, in which the focus value includes at least the intensity value of the image derived from the intensities of the pixels of the image. Next, focus searching is based on a first focus-searching step constant and a first focus-searching direction, in which the first focus-searching step constant is a function, e.g., the multiplication, of the focus value and a focus-searching step size. If the focus searching position moves across a peak of the focus values, it is then amended to be based on a second focus-searching direction and a second focus-searching step constant, in which the second focus-searching step constant is smaller than the first focus-searching step constant, and the second focus-searching direction is opposite to the first focus-searching direction.
US07929039B2
An image reproducing apparatus includes a selector which selects output of the MPEG decoder in a reproducing mode. A connection detection unit detects whether a video monitor is connected to an output terminal and a result of the detection is sent to a CPU. When a video monitor is connected, the CPU reads out bit map data of an operation icon having an enlarged size from a ROM and sends the data to an OSD control unit. The OSD control unit determines whether a blue background is displayed on a touch panel. If the operation icon is not enlarged, the OSD control unit masks a background portion with a single color (for example, blue background) and displays an enlarged operation icon over the background portion.
US07929038B2
A display apparatus includes a display area, in which pixels each including an EL device and a pixel circuit are arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and a column control circuit for controlling the pixel circuit column by column. The EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common interconnecting line via a contact hole. The contact hole and the common interconnecting line are disposed to surround a periphery of the display area. The column control circuit is divided into two circuits one of which is disposed between the contact hole and the display area and the other of which is disposed outside the area between the contact hole and the display area.
US07929034B2
The method and apparatus for resetting an Active Pixel Sensor (APS) array comprises a controller for sequentially pre-resetting groups of one or more sensors in the array and then simultaneously resetting all of the sensors. The groups may be formed from one or more adjacent or non-adjacent individual sensors, rows or columns of sensors. The apparatus may further include a detector for sensing the bias voltage present on the array substrate in order for the controller to determine the number of sensors in the groups being reset. This method and apparatus assure that current flow is kept at a fairly steady level to avoid large variations in current flow that may disrupt other functioning circuits on the substrate including latch-up.
US07929025B2
The present invention discloses an automatic white balance control system, an automatic white balance module, and a method thereof. The automatic white balance (AWB) control system calculates a distance value from a coordinate related to the image to a reference point in a color space coordinate system for each image. If the median or mean of the distance values is greater than a threshold value, an automatic white balance operation will be performed. The system dynamically adjusts the threshold value to prevent a blinking caused by the automatic white balance. The white balance module selects an image block of a higher image sharpness to perform a gain adjustment to prevent a monochromatic block from misjudging a white balance gain.
US07929022B2
One embodiment of a method of producing a transit graph of a priori information relating to movements of a plurality of targets from a first of a plurality of targets locations to a second of the plurality of locations can be broadly summarized by the following steps: processing a plurality of target observations from a plurality of image capture devices to produce at least one primary track for at least one target, wherein each primary track includes ordered sequences of observation events having similarities in their visual signatures; and processing the at least one primary track to determine a priori information relating to movement of a target from a first of a plurality of locations to a second of the plurality of locations. Other methods and systems are also provided.
US07929020B2
A camera device comprises a movable optical system, a driving unit which drives the optical system, and a control unit which makes the driving unit start driving of the optical system to a predetermined state by an initialization of the optical system by using an interrupt processing which is executed by setting an interrupt processing routine before the operating system is started, when the camera device is started up in a state in which an operation mode for photographing is set.
US07929017B2
A unified approach, a fusion technique, a space-time constraint, a methodology, and system architecture are provided. The unified approach is to fuse the outputs of monocular and stereo video trackers, RFID and localization systems and biometric identification systems. The fusion technique is provided that is based on the transformation of the sensory information from heterogeneous sources into a common coordinate system with rigorous uncertainties analysis to account for various sensor noises and ambiguities. The space-time constraint is used to fuse different sensor using the location and velocity information. Advantages include the ability to continuously track multiple humans with their identities in a large area. The methodology is general so that other sensors can be incorporated into the system. The system architecture is provided for the underlying real-time processing of the sensors.
US07929010B2
A wireless communication device (104) for providing guidance about surrounding conditions and a communication server (1000) for receiving data feeds from cooperative wireless devices are provided. The wireless communication device (104) comprises a device discovery mechanism (214, 302) to identify second devices (116-150) in a vicinity (106-114) of the device, a processor (306) to determine a coverage capability for each area surrounding the first device (104), and a display (208, 310) to represent the coverage capability of each area surrounding the first device. The communication server (1000) comprises a network interface (1002) to receive one or more data feeds associated with a location of a first device (104), a processor (1004) to associate each data feed with an area adjacent to the first device, and a display (1008) to represent surrounding cells surrounding the first device. One or more surrounding cells (1102-1118) show a data feed of the location of the first device (104), and each data feed is provided by a second device (116-150) located in the corresponding surrounding cell.
US07929005B2
A thermal printer has a thermal head mounted on a case main body and a platen roller confronting the thermal head. A cover member mounted to the case main body undergoes swinging movement to open and close an opening of the case main body. A slider rotatably supports the platen roller and is mounted to the cover member for linear movement on a plane including a rotational center of the platen roller and a swing center of the cover member. Engagement pieces mounted to the slider engage with engagement portions of the case main body when the cover member closes the opening of the case main body and the platen roller confronts the thermal head. A biasing member biases the slider such that the engagement pieces engage with the engagement portions of the case main body and the platen roller is brought into pressure contact with the thermal head.
US07928997B2
Digital Image compositing using a programmable graphics processor is described. The programmable graphics processor supports high-precision data formats and can be programmed to complete a plurality of compositing operations in a single pass through a fragment processing pipeline within the programmable graphics processor. Source images for one or more compositing operations are stored in graphics memory, and a resulting composited image is output or stored in graphics memory. More-complex compositing operations, such as blur, warping, morphing, and the like, can be completed in multiple passes through the fragment processing pipeline. A composited image produced during a pass through the fragment processing pipeline is stored in graphics memory and is available as a source image for a subsequent pass.
US07928993B2
Apparatus, systems and methods for real-time, multi-resolution 3D collision detection using cube maps are disclosed. For example, a method is disclosed including receiving a first polygon, receiving a second polygon and then using a texture map stored in memory to detect collisions between the first and second polygons. Other implementations are also disclosed.
US07928987B2
A video decoder organizes and stores pixel lines of a reference picture into first and second memory devices. The video decoder then reads portions of a pixel block from the first and second memory devices and processes such a pixel block for generating a subsequent picture. By reading from the first and second memory device with time overlap, latency is minimized for faster video decoding.
US07928986B2
A game developer can “tag” an item in the game environment. When an animated character walks near the “tagged” item, the animation engine can cause the character's head to turn toward the item, and mathematically computes what needs to be done in order to make the action look real and normal. The tag can also be modified to elicit an emotional response from the character. For example, a tagged enemy can cause fear, while a tagged inanimate object may cause only indifference or indifferent interest.
US07928975B2
In a plasma display and a driving method thereof, a misfiring prevention period is provided between a reset period and an address period in response to a temperature of the plasma display being higher than predetermined temperature or a weight value of a previous subfield being higher than a predetermined weight value. In the misfiring prevention period, a first voltage higher than a voltage supplied to a sustain electrode is supplied during a first period, and a voltage at a scan electrode is gradually decreased from a second voltage to a third voltage during a second period subsequent to the first period.
US07928974B2
An active-matrix liquid crystal display device has pixels arranged in a matrix which each include a thin film transistor (TFT) as an active element. When the device is in a power-off state, TFTs in all the pixels are switched on, and all horizontal switches are turned on so that all data lines are supplied with a potential equal to the potential of common electrodes of the pixels. This forms a discharging path for discharging residual charge in all the pixels, and the discharging path can instantaneously discharge the residual charges.
US07928972B2
The present invention provides a display device having an illuminance detection circuit. The illuminance detection circuit includes: a photosensor which changes an optical current in response to illuminance of an external light; a capacitor which discharges a charge when the optical current flows in the photosensor; a comparator which compares a voltage at one end of the capacitor and a comparison reference voltage; a switching circuit which is connected to one end of the capacitor and charges the capacitor in response to a level of an output signal of the comparator; and a selection circuit which applies either a first voltage or a second voltage to the other end of the capacitor in response to the level of the output signal of the comparator.
US07928970B2
A liquid crystal display device employing the color sequential display method includes multiple, different color light sources. An image data arranging circuit sorts image data input from an external source for each frame according to color and arranges the sorted image data into a plurality of sub-frames. A data driver applies the arranged image data for each color to the liquid crystal panel sequentially according to the sub-frames.
US07928969B2
There is provided an image display apparatus having: display devices; a spacer; and a drive circuit. The drive circuit has a first correction circuit that corrects inputted data to make it linear with luminance and a second correction circuit. The second correction circuit has a calculation circuit for calculating an evaluation value and an adjustment circuit. The evaluation value relates to suppression effect that the spacer suppresses an influence on the light emission of a predetermined emitting region due to the inputted image data by driving non-corresponding display devices and is calculated by using the electric charge signal after converting a luminance signal into an electric charge signal. The adjustment circuit calculates an adjustment value that refers to a property of a phosphor based on the luminance signal and dynamically calculates the correction value by using the evaluation value and the adjustment value.
US07928963B2
An input device constructed in a carrier electronic apparatus comprises a letter button module and a number button module. The letter button module has a plurality of letter buttons to represent different letters respectively, and the number button module has a plurality of number buttons to represent different numbers respectively. The number buttons are separated from the letter buttons by being located in the intervals formed by adjacent rows of the letter buttons. The size, form, and color of the number buttons are different to those of the letter buttons.
US07928962B2
An optical pointing device and a power supply semiconductor device therefore are provided. The optical pointing device includes at least one power supply voltage drop portion, wherein each of the power supply voltage drop portion comprises: a voltage-drop regulator for outputting a dropped power supply voltage; a first reference voltage generator for generating a first reference voltage; a first voltage division controller for outputting first and second drop voltage division control signals according to the moving velocity; a first voltage divider for outputting a first varied division voltage in response to the first and second drop voltage division control signals; a first comparator for comparing the level of the first varied division voltage with the level of the first reference voltage to output a first comparison output signal; and a first switch controller for dropping the output voltage of the voltage-drop regulator in response to the first comparison output signal.
US07928955B1
An automatic brightness adjustment for devices with displays includes the capability to assess ambient light. The assessment may be made using circuitry, such as a light meter circuit, by exploiting exposure control circuitry, or using other approaches. The ambient light value is sent to a brightness adjustment driver, which may employ a look-up table to keep track of brightness adjustments for particular ambient conditions. The look-up table may include distinct adjustment values based upon the type of display.
US07928954B1
A source driver includes an output buffer for outputting a driving signal; a first current path coupled between the output buffer and a data line; and a second current path coupled in parallel to the first current path. During a first driving period, the output buffer utilizes both the first current path and the second current path to drive the data line. During a second driving period, the output buffer utilizes only the first current path to transmit the driving signal so as to improve the stability of the source driver.
US07928953B2
In an output mode, an output switch (SW11) is turned on and supply switches (SW13a, SW13b) are turned off, and output current is supplied to an intermediate node (nc) from driving transistors (T105a, T105b). In a transition mode, the output switch (SW11) is turned off and the supply switches (SW13a, SW13b) are turned on, and supply of the output current from the driving transistors (T105a, T105b) is shut off. Meanwhile, capacitance elements (C103a, C103b) receive voltage from reference nodes (Vcc, Vss). Also input voltage (Vin) is supplied to the intermediate node (nc).
US07928948B2
The invention aims at preventing an occurrence of artefacts while reducing power consumption. A matrix addressing method for alternately driving pixels. The frame period of the images is formed by successively sequencing on a time series a plurality of block periods, the block periods each being composed of a first half block being a period for successively sequencing on a time series application timings of the pixel voltages for one or more row electrodes to be provided with one polarity, the second half block being a period for successively sequencing on a time series application timings of the pixel voltages for one or more row electrodes to be provided with the other polarity. Ones of even-numbered row electrodes and odd-numbered row electrodes in arrangement order on the display screen are selected in the first half block. The others spatially adjoining the ones are selected in the second half block. A row electrode selecting order in the first half block and a row electrode selecting order in the second half block during one frame period are made differed from orders in the corresponding half blocks during the other frame period, respectively, so as to mitigate block-period-base visual artefact.
US07928944B2
A display arrangement comprises a plurality of pixel elements (FLCD) that have controllable light-transfer characteristics. A display driver controls the plurality of pixel elements in accordance with a color component (R) during a control interval (TO) that is assigned to the color component. The display driver causes a color-light source (RL1, RL2) to apply a color light, which corresponds to the color component, to the plurality of pixel elements during a main interval (RMO). The main interval is comprised in the control interval that is assigned to color component. The light-source controller also causes the color-light source to apply the color light during a spillover interval (RS1, RS2). The spillover interval is comprised in another control interval (T1) that is assigned to another color component (G).
US07928943B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) including an LCD panel, a gate driver and a data driver is provided. The LCD panel has pixel units, scan lines and several pairs of data lines. Each of the pixel units is electrically connected to a corresponding scan line and a corresponding pair of data lines and has two display regions respectively connected to different data lines. Besides, the gate driver is electrically connected to several scan lines. The data driver is electrically connected to several pairs of data lines. The data driver has a voltage difference generator electrically connected to several pairs of data lines such that the voltages outputted by the pair of data lines are maintained at a fixed voltage difference. Thus, the invention simplifies the complexity of circuit signal processing and lowers the production cost of circuits.
US07928937B2
A light emitting device with generation of a pseudo contour suppressed is provided in which the drive frequency of a driver circuit is suppressed while the frame frequency is increased. In addition, a light emitting device with generation of a pseudo contour suppressed is provided in which the drive frequency of a driver circuit is suppressed while the dividing number of a subframe period is increased. To input plural bits of video signals into pixels in parallel, a switching transistor and a driving transistor are provided in each pixel in accordance with the number of the bits. In addition, a transistor for selecting a video signal (a data selecting transistor) is provided in each pixel in order to select each bit of a video signal within the pixel when display is actually performed at the pixels.
US07928933B2
The invention provides a semiconductor device which performs a write operation of a signal current rapidly to a current input type pixel. Before inputting a signal current, a precharge operation is performed by flowing a large current. After that, a signal current is inputted to perform the set operation. A predetermined potential can be obtained rapidly as the precharge operation is performed before the set operation. The predetermined potential is approximately equal to a potential after completing the set operation. Therefore, the set operation can be rapidly performed and a write operation of a signal current can be rapidly performed. By using two transistors, a gate width W can be long or a gate length L can be short in the precharge operation or the gate width W can be short and the gate length L can be long in the set operation.
US07928925B2
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board carried by the housing and having RF circuitry comprising at least one RF component and plurality of other components mounted on the circuit board. An RF metal shield is secured to the circuit board and surrounds and isolates the at least one RF component and plurality of other components within the RF metal shield. An RF absorber is positioned adjacent an area of the RF component that radiates energy to aid in reducing energy radiated from the RF component into the RF metal shield.
US07928924B1
A variable position antenna shield (VPAS) is described that provides a mechanism for attenuating radio interference signals and other electromagnetic waves using a movable shield. The VPAS contains an antenna assembly, an antenna, and a patch variably positioned exterior to the antenna, wherein the patch attenuates passage of electromagnetic radiation such that the passage of electromagnetic radiation through the patch is substantially blocked, the patch being variably positioned to affect the directivity pattern of the antenna.
US07928916B2
A multi-band antenna includes a grounding element, a connecting element extending from one end of the grounding element, a first conductive portion extending from the connecting element, a second conductive portion extending from the first conductive portion and narrower than the first conductive portion, a first coupling portion extending from the connecting element in a first direction, a second coupling portion extending from the other end of the grounding element and opposite to the connecting element. The second coupling portion extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and overlap the first coupling portion.
US07928910B2
It is an object to provide a wireless chip which can increase a mechanical strength, and a wireless chip with a high durability. A wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna. Further, a wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, a sensor device, a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the sensor device. Moreover, a wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, a battery, a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the battery.
US07928906B2
An antenna measurement range and a method of calibrating same is proposed which at least substantially reduces the effects of echoing or multi path. The method of calibrating the range comprises the steps of: generating and radiating a training signal; receiving the radiated training signal and comparing the received signal with the expected signal; determining a set of equalizer coefficients to be used in these circumstances to eliminate or minimize the error between the expected training signal and the received signal; and storing the set of equalization coefficients and associating them with the rotational or translational position of the antenna under test so that the coefficients can be applied to subsequent radiation pattern measurements. In one embodiment, the measurement nodes are dispersed in a three dimensional array about the antenna under test and a set of coefficients arrived at for each node to be applied to the subsequent radiation pattern measurements.
US07928905B2
A method of using road signs to augment Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinate data for calculating a current position of a personal navigation device includes obtaining recent GPS coordinate data with the personal navigation device, obtaining an image from a camera of the personal navigation device, the image showing areas surrounding a road on which the personal navigation device is traveling, recognizing a sign in the image by performing image processing on the image, and using a known position of the sign to augment the recent GPS coordinate data in order to more precisely determine an actual location of the personal navigation device.
US07928903B2
A system and method for determining a set of satellites for which assistance data may be provided to a wireless device. A boundary for an approximate area in which the wireless device is located may be determined and one or more sets of satellites may be determined as a function of the boundary. An optimum set of satellites from the one or more sets of satellites may then be determined using a satellite selection function on the one or more sets of satellites at predetermined points substantially on the boundary.
US07928902B2
A positioning method that performs current position calculations and outputs a positioning result position includes searching for satellite signals transmitted from positioning satellites to acquire satellites, combining satellites among the acquired satellites to extract satellite sets used for positioning, performing first positioning calculations on each calculation-target satellite set among the extracted satellite sets using the satellite signals transmitted from the acquired satellites included in the calculation-target satellite set, performing second positioning calculations on each calculation-target satellite set among the extracted satellite sets using the satellite signals transmitted from the acquired satellites that are included in the calculation-target satellite set, but do not include a low-elevation-angle satellite, and determining whether or not a positioning result obtained using the calculation-target satellite set is appropriate based on the difference between a position calculated by the first positioning calculations and a position calculated by the second positioning calculations, the elevation angle of the low-elevation-angle satellite satisfying a given low elevation angle condition, and determining the positioning result position from the positions calculated by the first positioning calculations on the satellite sets for which the positioning result has been determined to be appropriate.
US07928899B2
The present invention relates to a method of detecting and correcting the loss of a target lost by the distance sensor installation of a motor vehicle when a target object (4) moves from one detection channel of the distance sensor installation to an adjacent detection channel, wherein the method consists of determining the mean size of a weak detection band between the intensity peaks of two adjacent detection channels and computing the time a narrow target object (4), particularly if it is a single-channel target object, remains in this previously determined band.
US07928898B2
In a method for determining the kinematic state of an object by evaluating a sequence of discrete polar measured values of a sensor, the polar measurements rm, αm are converted to Cartesian coordinates and subsequently scaled to Cartesian pseudo-measurements using a scaling factor β calculated as a function of measured range rm. Associated pseudo-measurement error variance matrices are determined, each comprising nominal measurement error variances in the range direction R2m and transversely thereto C2m as a function of the measured range rm. The state of the object is estimated, with an estimated variance {circumflex over (σ)}2cross being determined transversely with respect to the range direction in an estimation device, based on the Cartesian pseudo-measurements and the pseudo-measurement error variance matrices. The scaling factor β is chosen such that no systematic error results for a position estimate comprising n>1 measurements; and the nominal pseudo-measurement error variance R2m in the range direction is calculated as a function of the nominal pseudo-measurement error variance C2m transversely thereto or conversely such that the variance {circumflex over (σ)}2cross which is estimated after processing of n>1 measurements, transversely with respect to the range direction, on average matches the actual variance {circumflex over (σ)}2cross of the estimated error transversely with respect to the range direction.
US07928889B2
An analog-to-digital converter receives first and second analog signal voltages, and first and second comparison voltages. The first and second comparison voltages decrease by the same fixed inclination from a first reference voltage to below the first signal voltage and from a second reference voltage to below the second signal voltage, respectively. The converter counts cumulatively over first periods to acquire a first result, counts cumulatively over second periods to acquire a second result, and outputs a difference between the first and second results as a digital quantity. Each first period is time required for the first comparison voltage to change from the first reference voltage to the same voltage as the first signal voltage. Each second period is time required for the second comparison voltage to change from the second reference voltage to the same voltage as the second signal voltage.
US07928876B2
A method of controlling a sigma delta modulator with a loop which establishes a signal transfer function, STF, and a quantization noise transfer function, NTF, of the sigma delta modulator, wherein the sigma delta modulator receives an input signal, x(n), and provides a modulated output signal, y(n) in response to the input signal. The method is characterized in comprising the step of controlling the sigma delta modulator to change the quantization noise transfer function, NTF, in response to a signal feature, A(n), which is correlated with the input signal.
US07928875B2
A superconducting Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) employing rapid-single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) logic is disclosed. The ADC has only superconductor active components, and is characterized as being an Nth-order bandpass sigma-delta ADC, with the order “N” being at least 2. The ADC includes a sequence of stages, which stages include feedback loops and resonators. The ADC further includes active superconducting components which directionally couple resonator pairs of adjacent stages. The active superconducting components electrically shield the higher order resonator from the lower order resonator. These active superconductor components include a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifier, which is inductively coupled to the higher order resonator, and may include a Josephson transmission line (JTL), which is configured to electrically connect the SQUID amplifier to the lower order resonator. The first stage of ADC may employ an implicit feedback loop.
US07928874B2
In an embodiment, an analog to digital converter (ADC) has a dynamic power circuit. The ADC has a track-and-hold circuit with an output and a track mode. The ADC also has a comparator with an input. A preamplifier is coupled between the track-and-hold output and the comparator input. At least one of a preamplifier current and a comparator current are limited during the track mode to reduce ADC power consumption.
US07928873B1
An analog-to-digital conversion circuit is provided. A voltage divider of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit regulates a voltage range received by a sample holder of analog-to-digital conversion circuit. Accordingly, a first half of the sample holder can use an electrical device with a low operating voltage. Since an operation speed of the electrical device with the low voltage is faster than an electrical device with a high operating voltage, an operation frequency of the sample holder can be raised.
US07928860B2
A system and method are described herein that includes a presence server which is capable of notifying a watcher about a location of a person using a rich presence element in accordance with security and privacy rules specified by the person. In the preferred embodiment, the system uses a read/write RFID tag and RFID reader as well as a presence server to collect, store and distribute location information as a presence element to the watcher. To accomplish this, the user data and program carrying capability of the read/write RFID tag is used to push to the presence server not only location information but also policies and rules established by the user to control the distribution of the location information as a presence element to watchers. The location policy rules can be made and controlled by the user and/or a third party. The location policies and rules are separate from the traditional and less stringent presence policies and rules used by the presence server to control the distribution other types of presence information like information about the status of a person's communication devices to the watchers.
US07928841B2
A system is disclosed that determines a spatial position of a tracker device relative to an object sending a return signal to the tracker. Such a system advantageously maintains phase accuracy between a forward signal from the tracker device and the return signal from the object. The system can include, as part of a tracker device, a reference signal generator, a transmitter, a receiver, and a spatial position computer. The reference signal generator is responsive to and phase-stabilized by a broadcast signal, e.g., a signal received from a commercial AM broadcast transmitter. The transmitter and receiver are both coupled to and phase-stabilized by the tracker reference signal generator. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.
US07928840B2
A method and system of preventing a loss/theft of a surveillance target including a mobile device using a wireless personal area network (PAN) or a wireless local area network (LAN) which can receive, from the mobile device included in the surveillance target via a gateway, location information of the surveillance target generated by using mobile device information for the surveillance target, the mobile device information being collected by a sensor of the mobile device, and signal information communicated between the mobile device and a fixed device, can determine whether there is a loss or theft by comparing surveillance target information and a permission standard, and can provide alert information including the location information of the surveillance target when the loss or theft occurs.
US07928830B2
A biometric information detecting apparatus has a biometric sensor for measuring biometric information for a predetermined time period. An A/D conversion portion acquires a sampling data by subjecting an output of the biometric sensor to A/D conversion. A storing portion stores the sampling data. A frequency analyzing portion subjects the sampling data stored in the storing portion to a frequency analysis and stores a result of the frequency analysis to in storing portion. A biometric state value calculating portion calculates a biometric state value from the result of the frequency analysis stored in the storing portion. An SN ratio calculating portion calculates an SN ratio from the result of the frequency analysis stored in the storing portion. A determining portion determines a reliability of the biometric state value based on whether the calculated SN ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold. A measured data storing portion associates a result of the reliability determination with the biometric state value and stores the result of the reliability determination and the biometric state value.
US07928826B1
An electrical switching device employs an actuator mechanism formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). The electrical switching device includes a housing, at least one non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing. The actuator assembly includes a movable contact for engaging the non-actuated electrical contact and an actuator formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). Application of a first electrical current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to either engage or disengage the non-actuated electrical contact.
US07928823B2
A laminated ceramic electronic component includes a plurality of conductor pattern layers for a coil arranged to overlap each other to form substantially U-shaped conductors for the coil. The conductors for the coil are electrically connected in series through via holes for inner layer connection provided in ceramic green sheets to form a spiral coil. A plurality of leading conductor pattern layers also overlaps each other to form leading conductors. One leading conductor pattern layer is disposed per a predetermined number of conductor pattern layers for the coil. An end of each leading conductor pattern layer is in contact with the corresponding conductor pattern layer for the coil. In other words, the thickness of the lead conductors is less than the thickness of the conductors for the coil.
US07928819B2
There is provided a band pass filter including: a stacked body having a stacked structure of a plurality of dielectric sheets; and a plurality of elements provided in the stacked body, the plurality of elements including: a first capacitor electrode; a second capacitor electrode partially overlapping the first capacitor electrode to form capacitive coupling; a third capacitor electrode connected to the second capacitor electrode; a first inductor pattern having one end connected to the first capacitor electrode and the other end connected to a ground; a second inductor pattern having one end connected to the third capacitor electrode and the other end connected to the ground; an input terminal provided at one region of the first inductor pattern; and an output terminal provided at one region of the second inductor pattern.
US07928817B2
A switch circuit in which the cut-off characteristic is improved over a wide range of frequencies in the microwave band includes a first field-effect transistor functioning as a switch element, a second field-effect transistor and an inductor. A serially connected circuit composed of the inductor and second field-effect transistor is connected in parallel with the first field-effect transistor across the source and drain thereof. The second field-effect transistor is turned on when the first field-effect transistor operates normally and is turned off when the first field-effect transistor is inspected.
US07928816B2
A delay filter module comprising at least one dielectric boneblack ceramic band pass filter and a circuit for compensating/equalizing the signal delay produced by the delay filter. In one embodiment, the circuit is defined by a hybrid coupler defining at least two ports coupled to a dielectric ceramic reactive termination block defining at least a pair of reactive termination resonators and coupling capacitors. The delay can be adjusted by tuning the dielectric boneblack band pass filter and/or the reactive termination resonators and/or the coupling capacitors defined by the dielectric ceramic reactive termination block.
US07928802B2
An RF amplification device has amplification elements which amplify a radio frequency input signal in wireless radio communication. Transmission line transformers are coupled to one of an input electrode and an output electrode of the amplification elements and have a main line Lout arranged between the input and the output, and a sub line Lin1 arranged between an AC ground point and one of the input and the output and coupled to the main line Lout. By applying an operating voltage different from the ground voltage level to the AC ground point, the operating voltage is supplied to the output electrodes of the amplification elements via the sub line from the AC ground point. In realizing a high-performance load circuit in an RF amplification device, it is possible to avoid increase of a module height of an RF module.
US07928800B2
Systems and methods for implementing a programmable network for a multimode conditionally stable operational amplifier are disclosed.
US07928785B2
A loop filter capable of controlling a charge sharing point in time, a phase locked loop, and a method of operating the loop filter are provided. The loop filter includes a duty control unit and a variable capacitor unit. The duty control unit generates a duty control clock signal of which an activation section is shorter than an inactivation section, by controlling a duty of an input clock signal. The variable capacitor unit is charged by an input current and has a capacitance that varies according to the duty control clock signal. The variable capacitor unit may include a switch, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The switch is turned on or off in response to the duty control clock signal. The first capacitor is serially connected to the switch and charged by the input current when the switch is turned on. The second capacitor is connected in parallel to the switch and the first capacitor and charged by the input current.
US07928784B2
A circuit for independently controlling slew and propagation delay of a current DAC is provided. The circuit applies dual slope technique with feed-back control the gate (or control electrode) of a switching transistor to make propagation delay independent control from rise/fall slew rate. This allows one to adjust propagation delay and current slew rate separately to achieve better performance.
US07928781B2
Systems and methods for synchronization of clock signals are disclosed. In a feedback system such as a delay-lock loop circuit, delays to be applied can be determined adaptively based on a phase difference between a reference signal and a clock signal being delayed. Such adaptive decisions can be made during each feedback cycle, thereby making it possible to achieve a phase lock faster and more efficiently. In some embodiments, such adaptive functionality can be incorporated into existing circuits with minimal impact.
US07928780B1
A phase-locked loop circuit comprises a phase error detector for receiving a multi-phase reference signal and a synchronized phase signal of the phase-locked-loop circuit, and for performing a rotational transformation to convert the multi-phase reference signal into two-phase quantities at a synchronous rotation d-q reference frame. A monotonic transfer module receives the two-phase quantities, and generates a monotonic phase error signal which is monotonic when a phase difference between the multi-phase reference signal and the synchronized phase signal ranges from −180 degrees to 180 degrees. A regulator receives the monotonic phase error signal, and generates a synchronized rotation frequency. An integrator receives the synchronized rotation frequency, and generates the synchronized phase signal.
US07928757B2
Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
US07928756B1
In an I/O circuit, noise reduction and power savings are achieved by providing feedback from the output of the I/O driver to control the current through the pre-driver and thereby the current through the driver transistors after a non-zero time delay following a low to high or high to low data signal change.
US07928752B2
Display device, display device testing system and method for testing a display device using the same
A display device testing system and a method for testing a display device using the same, which are capable of testing whether a display panel is defective or not according to a variation of the frame frequency and whether the driver module operates normally or not even at a voltage higher than a normal operation voltage. The display device testing system includes a display panel including a plurality of gate lines; a driver module including a gate driver unit for sequentially supplying a gate voltage to the plurality of gate lines in response to a test, vertical synchronization start signal; and a testing module for supplying a test vertical synchronization start signal to the driver module.
US07928746B1
A multi-interface integrated circuit in which, during the chip's lifetime in use, only one interface is active at a time. However, special test logic powers up all of the on-chip interface modules at once, so that a complete test cycle can be performed. All of the interfaces are exercised in one test program. Since some pads are inactive in some interface modes, mask bits are used to select which pads are monitored during which test cycles.
US07928743B2
A measuring bridge arrangement has a measuring bridge with a first supply terminal and first and second measuring signal terminals. The measuring bridge arrangement has a working point adjustment circuit formed to feed the measuring bridge via at least the first supply terminal in a measuring state of operation, and to apply a signal to one of the measuring signal terminals in the test state of operation in order to bring the measuring bridge to a test working point different from a measuring working point in the measuring state of operation. The measuring bridge has a test tap, wherein a test signal dependent on resistive properties of at least one element of the measuring bridge can be tapped at the test tap of the measuring bridge.
US07928740B2
A device and method are disclosed for detecting biomolecules. More specifically, by measuring the change in the electrical properties of a complex between a probe and carbon nanotubes, a non-label detection is achieved, capable of a rapid, sensitive and electrical detection of the presence and concentration of biomolecules in a sample solution.
US07928737B2
A circuit arrangement, system, and method to test a device with a plurality of pins for electric overstress and transient induced latch-up characteristics. The circuit arrangement includes an inverting operational amplifier with a unity gain to receive a triggering signal and supply an inverted signal to a power amplifier. The power amplifier transforms the inverted signal into a test signal, which is received by a ratio circuit. The test signal is further operable to test the electric overstress and transient induced latch-up characteristics of the device. The ratio circuit transforms the test signal into a ratio signal. The ratio signal has a voltage magnitude that corresponds to the current magnitude of the test signal. The test signal and ratio signal are measured to determine if, during testing, the device or a component of the device has failed.
US07928734B2
A monitoring and switching device for use with a towed vehicle includes a relay circuit that has a pair of terminals that are adapted to be connected with another circuit. A detection circuit is in communication with the relay circuit. The detection circuit can detect closing of the relay circuit and send an electrical signal that the relay circuit has been closed.
US07928731B2
An arrangement for the adjustment of the homogeneity of a basic magnetic field in a magnetic resonance apparatus includes gradient coil support fashioned to support a gradient coil system. The gradient coil support has at least one channel that is fashioned to accommodate an associated shim tray. The shim tray is designed to accommodate ferromagnetic shim elements at predetermined positions in order to adjust the homogeneity of the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance apparatus. The shim tray has a first locking element coupled with it. The channel has a second locking element, and the first and second locking element are shaped such that both are positively connected with one another by a force produced by the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance apparatus upon activation thereof.
US07928730B2
The electromagnet apparatuses generate a homogeneous magnetic field in a homogeneous magnetic field region by a pair of superconductive main coils for facing to each other; a pair of superconductive shielding coils for facing to each other and passing a current in a direction reverse to that of the main coils; and a pair of first ferromagnetic members for facing to each other, and the apparatuses further include a pair of second ferromagnetic members for facing to each other and be disposed in contact with or adjacent to an opposite side of the region side of the first ferromagnetic members, wherein the region is interposed between the main coils, between the shielding coils, between the first members whose outer periphery is a circle, and between the second members whose outer periphery is a circle whose diameter is larger than that of the circle of the first members.
US07928726B2
A rotation sensor unit includes an encoder, a holder radially positioning the encoder, and a rolling bearing having an inner race. The rolling bearing is fitted around the shaft so that one end of the inner diameter surface of the inner race protrudes from the end of the outer diameter surface of the shaft. The holder has a screwed portion fitted in the inner race, positioning the encoder coaxially with the shaft. The holder is non-magnetic, having a retaining portion in which the encoder is axially pressed. The encoder is a plastic magnet, with protrusions and recesses formed integrally on its outer diameter surface and biting the inner diameter surface of the retaining portion to prevent the encoder from rotating. With the holder screwed to the shaft, the encoder is disposed between the magnetism detection element and the one end of the shaft.
US07928721B2
An amplifier circuit is used in a multimeter to amplify signals applied between a pair of test terminals. A voltage applied to one of the test terminals is amplified by a first operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. An output of the first operational amplifier is applied to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier configured as an integrator. An output of the second operational amplifier is connected to the other of the test terminals. A voltage generated at the output of the second operational amplifier provides an indication of the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first and second test terminals.
US07928719B2
A zero current detector for a DC-DC converter includes a first transistor having a drain, a gate, and a source for sensing the voltage of a first terminal of a power transistor; a second transistor having a drain, a gate, and a source for sensing the voltage of a second terminal of a power transistor; and a third transistor having a coupled gate and drain for receiving a reference current that is coupled to the gates of the first and second transistors and a source coupled to the source of the first transistor, wherein an output signal is provided by the drains of the first and second transistors. A load is coupled to the drains of the first and second transistors. The zero current detector also includes a fourth transistor having a current path coupled between the source of the second transistor and the second terminal of the power transistor and a gate for receiving a control signal.
US07928715B2
Provided is a switching regulator which is capable of reducing soft start time when being activated, and prolonging battery life. The switching regulator has a configuration in which a clamp circuit for clamping a reference voltage is provided in a soft start circuit, and a predetermined period of time since the switching regulator has been activated is divided into a plurality of segments to increase the reference voltage with different slopes for each of the plurality of segments. At an early stage of the activation, the reference voltage is set to be low for preventing an inrush current from a power source, and thereafter, a rate of increase in reference voltage is gradually increased, to thereby reduce the soft start time.
US07928711B2
A linear voltage regulator is provided which has a pair of complementary power transistors connected “back to back” in series between a voltage input and a voltage output. A current sense circuit including a current sense resistor is connected in parallel across one of the power transistors, such as the one connected to the voltage input. As long as the voltage drop in the current sense circuit remains small, i.e. less than app. 0.7V, the current flowing through the bulk diode of the power transistor remains negligible and the entire output current flows through the current sense circuit. For higher output currents the voltage drop across the current sense circuit is limited by the parallel bulk diode of the power transistor. The current sense resistor can be dimensioned to generate a relatively high voltage drop of e.g. 100 mV, and a high accuracy of open load detection is achieved without the requirement for a high precision comparator.
US07928702B2
A driving circuit for a half bridge utilizing bidirectional semiconductor switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a high side driver operable to control a high side bidirectional semiconductor switch, wherein the high side driver provides a negative bias voltage to the bidirectional semiconductor switch to turn the high side bidirectional semiconductor switch OFF. A low side driver may be operable to control a low side bidirectional semiconductor switch. An external voltage source with a negative terminal of the voltage source connected to the high side driver may be provided. A high side driving switch may be positioned between the negative terminal of the voltage source and the high side driver and operable to connect the high side driver to the negative terminal of the voltage source when the low side driver turns the low side bidirectional semiconductor switch ON.
US07928701B2
An AC-DC converter includes a rectifier DB for rectifying an alternating current supplied from an alternating power source AC, a power factor controller 11a connected to an output side of the rectifier DB to improve a power factor and also output either a power or a current limited to a predetermined value, a DC-DC converter 12 that converts a voltage outputted from the power factor controller 11 to another voltage, a capacitor EDLC for storing an energy and a two-way converter 13 having one input/output terminals connected to the output side of the power factor controller 11a and the other input/output terminals connected to the capacitor to carry out a two-way power conversion.
US07928692B2
A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as they pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
US07928685B2
When manufacturing a starting device for a three-phase electric motor, especially a soft starter, in at least one embodiment an arc quenching system is at least partly removed from a commercially available contactor that so becomes to a modified contactor. In at least one embodiment, a modified contactor is used as a contactor in the starting device.
US07928676B2
There is provided a vehicle motor control apparatus that alternately switches a first ON state in which one of the stator winding terminals is energized through an upper switch element group and another stator winding terminal is energized through a lower switch element group and a second ON state in which one of the stator winding terminals is energized through one of the upper switch element group and the lower switch element group and two other stator winding terminals are energized through the other switch element group, in one cycle period of an electric angle that changes as the rotor rotates.
US07928675B2
A feedback control method and apparatus for detecting phase currents of three or more phases on fixed coordinates of a polyphase electric motor with current sensors so as to be transformed into detection currents on rotating coordinates by fixed/rotating coordinate transformation and controlling the currents supplied to respective phases of the polyphase electric motor based on the detection currents on the rotating coordinates and target currents on the rotating coordinates.
US07928663B1
A lighting dimmer (52) adaptable to four wiring configurations is capable of use in serial or parallel lighting circuits and in place of two-way or three-way switches. The dimmer operates in series when one active input wire (H) is connected and in parallel when two active input wires (H, N) are connected. The dimmer is operated in place of a two-way switch by connecting one output wire (DH1) and in place of a three-way switch by connecting two output wires (DH1, DH2).
US07928658B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a high-definition PDP having a high luminance and low electric power consumption by keeping a line resistance of a bus electrode low and supplying enough electric power to a bus electrode edge in an extending direction of the bus electrode.Therefore, in a PDP having a construction in which a barrier rib (14) for separating adjacent discharge cells (101) is provided so as to cross over a display electrode pair (4), a projection (91) is formed in a barrier rib crossing part (93) in which a bus electrode (9) crosses over the barrier rib (14). Then, a line width (D1) of the projection (91) is set to be larger than a line width (D2) of a discharge space part (92) facing to a discharge space. Also, a width (W1) of the projection (91) is set to be smaller than a maximum width (W2) of the barrier rib (14).
US07928653B2
A method of fabricating an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is provided. According to the method, a first electrode overlaps a scan line, a common power supply line and/or a data line. A pixel defining layer (PDL) is etched by backside exposure so that an aperture ratio of the OLED may be enhanced.
US07928648B2
The present invention relates to a phosphor and a white LED, more particularly, to a method for fabricating a yellow emitting Ce3+-activated silicate phosphor with a new composition represented as (Sr1-y-zMyNz)3-xSiO5:Ce3+x, (0
US07928647B2
A composite emitting device including: a supporting substrate, a first emitting part comprising a first electrode, a luminescent medium, and a second electrode stacked in this order on the supporting substrate, and a second emitting part including a fluorescent film arranged in a direction different from the light-out coupling direction relative to the luminescent medium, the luminescent medium emitting light by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in the first emitting part, and the fluorescent film of the second emitting part absorbing light emitted from the luminescent medium to emit light.
US07928644B1
A low pressure discharge lamp with a double helix shape comprises a lamp base and an envelope connected to the lamp base. The envelope has a phosphor coating on an interior surface thereof, and contains a gas fill energizable to a discharge state by electrical voltage. The envelope includes discharge tube sections which are wound about a longitudinal axis and fitted into each other as a double-start thread. The discharge tube sections have first end portions and second end portions. The first end portions are closer to the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing and electrodes in the sealing for receiving the electric voltage. The second end portions are farther off the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing. These second end portions are bent inwards from a pitch of the helix and extend next to each other spaced apart by a clearance. A passage is formed between said second end portions. The passage is spaced apart by a distance from the sealing of each said second end portion.
US07928639B2
A display device of the present invention has light-emitting devices making up a plurality of pixels placed in a matrix form. In the display device of the present invention, the light-emitting devices each possesses an emissive layer and a reflective element placed on the rear surface of the emissive layer; the emissive layer possesses at the said of the front side, a polarization separator which separates the light emitted from the emissive layer into two kinds of polarized components by the reflection and the transmission, and phase plate; the emissive layer substantially maintains the sate of the polarization of the light transmitted there-through; the reflective element at least reflects the circularly polarized light impinging in the vertical direction mainly as a circularly polarized light having a reverse helicity direction; and the polarization separator has a reflectance of the wavelength range from 520 nm to 600 nm smaller than a reflectance of range not more than 540 nm.
US07928637B2
A piezoelectric perovskite mixed oxide compound has the general formula (BiFeO3)x—(PbTiO3)1-x and contains up to 5 at % lanthanum or other rare earth substitution, in which x has a value in the range 0.5 to 0.9. Such compounds are capable of withstanding gas turbine operating temperatures and are suitable for use in sensing and actuation functions in aerospace and other applications.
US07928634B2
A system and method are disclosed for providing a piezoelectric electromagnetic hybrid vibrating energy harvester. The invention comprises a piezoelectric vibrating energy harvesting device that harvests electrical energy from vibrations using a piezoelectric effect. The invention also comprises an electromagnetic vibrating energy harvesting device that simultaneously harvests electrical energy from the same vibrations using electromagnetic induction. A permanent magnet mass mounted on a cantilever host beam of the piezoelectric vibrating energy harvesting device provides a variable magnetic flux to a fixed conductive winding of the electromagnetic vibrating energy harvesting device when the permanent magnet mass vibrates.
US07928631B2
An electro-mechanical actuator includes a comb drive and a deformable connector. The comb drive has a first capacitor plate and a second capacitor plate. The capacitor plates have teeth capable of inter-digitating. The deformable connector is configured to apply a mechanical restoring force to the first capacitor plate. The deformable connector is configured to restore the first capacitor plate to be at an equilibrium rest position in response to no control voltage being applied across the capacitor. The comb drive is more engaged at the equilibrium rest position than at a mechanical stability threshold of the comb drive. The capacitor plates are disengaged at the equilibrium rest position.
US07928630B2
A thermionic converter is disclosed comprising a single or multiple hot (emitter) and cold (collector) electrodes mounted side-by-side on a single substrate and a static electrostatic field for guiding electron from the emitter to the collector. The thermal path between emitter and collector electrodes is interrupted by cuts or trenches, and electrical connections to the electrodes are routed over a meander-like, high thermal resistance pathway cut into the substrate to further reduce thermal loss. In one embodiment, there is an Avto metal surface texture of nanoscale indents on one or more of the electrodes to lower a work function. A method for fabricating the monolithic thermionic converter is further disclosed.
US07928617B2
A resolver fixing structure which does not cause distortion at a resolver stator is provided. The resolver fixing structure arranged between coil ends of a stator constituting a rotating electrical machine includes a ring portion as a base member having a hole, and a resolver stator press-fitted into the hole. The resolver stator has an outer circumferential portion provided with a shield member coming into contact with the hole.
US07928616B2
A system for generating power comprising, a superconducting generator including, an armature assembly comprising, a body portion, a tooth portion having a front surface and a rear surface, a slot partially defined by the body portion and the tooth portion, an armature bar engaging the slot, and a cooling cavity partially defined by the tooth portion, communicative with the front surface and the rear surface.
US07928615B2
A molded motor is provided that allows for ready installation of a heat-conducting member therein and is capable of improving dissipation of heat generated from the stator. The heat-conducting member is integrally formed with a load-side end bracket. The heat-conducting member includes a stopper surface that contacts an end surface of a stator core in the axial direction of a shaft, and an extended portion extending from the stopper surface toward a non-load-side end bracket to contact an outer peripheral surface of the stator core. The heat-conducting member is embedded in a molded portion with the stopper surface contacting the end surface of the stator core and the extended portion contacting the outer peripheral surface of the stator core.
US07928611B2
An electric motor with a magnet free main drive component, as stator or secondary part, having a measuring system for determining positions and directions with increased resolution is proposed. Said electric motor comprises a first engine part (140), being moveable in relation to a second engine part (110). A number of magnetic field sensor devices (160) of the measuring system are attached on the first engine part (140), being separated from each other along the direction of movement. The second engine part (110) comprises magnet free pole-teeth (120), being also separated from each other along the direction of movement. Each of the magnetic field sensor devices (160) has at least one magnet, the magnetic field thereof being directed through one of the pole-teeth (120) for detection by a sensor of the magnetic field sensor device. The space between each two of the magnetic field sensor device (160) is different to the space between each two of the pole-teeth (120). Thus, refined determination of the position, for example with a synchronous linear motor with permanent magnet free secondary part can be achieved.
US07928606B2
An input device includes a power unit, a power switch unit, a processing unit, and an input unit. The power switch unit includes a first switch for supplying power to the processing unit when actuated; the input unit is connected with the processing unit and the power switch unit and is configured for generating input signals that is transmitted to the processing unit and further used for controlling the first switch; and the processing unit is configured for receiving the input signal from the input unit, keeping the first switch switched on during a time period, and performing a task corresponding to the input signal during the time period.
US07928597B2
Power system and method for providing electrical power are provided. The system includes a traction system and auxiliary equipment coupled to a power bus. The traction system includes one or more electromotive machines having a first type of stator winding that provides protection relative to voltage spikes expected at the traction stator under a first voltage level appropriate for the traction system. The auxiliary equipment includes one or more electromotive machines having a second type of stator winding that provides protection relative to spikes expected at the auxiliary stator under a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level. Inverter circuitry is coupled to drive the auxiliary equipment, and signal-conditioning circuitry is provided to attenuate voltage spikes produced by the inverter circuitry. The power bus is operated at the first voltage level, and the voltage spike attenuation is sufficient to protect the auxiliary stator.
US07928591B2
The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.
US07928579B2
Methods for forming vias are disclosed. The methods include providing a substrate having a first surface and an opposing, second surface. The vias are formed within the substrate to have a longitudinal axis sloped at an angle with respect to a reference line extending perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. The vias may be formed from the first surface to the opposing second surface, or the via may be formed as a first blind opening from the first surface, then a second opening may be formed from the second surface to be aligned with the first opening. Vias may be formed completely through a first substrate and a second substrate, and the substrates may be bonded together. Semiconductor devices including the vias of the present invention are also disclosed. A method of forming spring-like contacts is also disclosed.
US07928573B2
A metal thin film used in fabricating a damascene interconnection of a semiconductor device which exhibits excellent high temperature fluidity during high pressure annealing, and which can fabricate an interconnection for a semiconductor device which has a low electric resistance and stable high quality is provided. Also provided is an interconnection for a semiconductor device. More specifically, a metal thin film for use as an interconnection of a semiconductor device comprising a Cu alloy containing N at a content of not less than 0.4 at % to not more than 2.0 at %; and an interconnection for a semiconductor device fabricated by forming the metal thin film on an insulator film which is formed on a semiconductor substrate and which has grooves formed therein, and filling the metal thin film in the interior of the grooves by a high pressure annealing process are provided.
US07928569B2
A redundant diffusion barrier structure and method of fabricated is provided for interconnect and wiring applications. The structure can also be a design structure. The structure includes a first liner lining at least one of a trench and a via and a second liner deposited over the first liner. The second liner comprises RuX. X is at least one of Boron and Phosphorous. The structure comprises a metal deposited on the second liner in the at least one trench and via to form a metal interconnect or wiring.
US07928568B2
A nanowire-based device includes the pair of isolated electrodes and a nanowire bridging between respective surfaces of the isolated electrodes of the pair. Specifically, the nanowire-based device having isolated electrodes comprises: a substrate electrode having a crystal orientation; a ledge electrode that is an epitaxial semiconductor having the crystal orientation of the substrate electrode; and a nanowire bridging between respective surfaces of the substrate electrode and the ledge electrode.
US07928555B2
A stacked semiconductor package may include a wiring substrate. A first semiconductor chip may be disposed on the wiring substrate and wire-bonded to the wiring substrate. An interposer chip may be disposed on the wiring substrate and sire bonded to the wiring substrate. The interposer chip may include a circuit element and a bonding pad being electrically connected. A second semiconductor chip may be disposed on the interposer chip and wire-bonded to the interposer chip. The second semiconductor chip may be electrically connected to the wiring substrate through the interposer chip.
US07928552B1
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a carrier having a planar surface and a cavity therein, a first barrier between the planar surface and a first interconnect, and a second barrier between the cavity and a second interconnect; providing a substrate; mounting an integrated circuit over the substrate; mounting the carrier to the substrate with the first interconnect and the second interconnect attached to the substrate and with the planar surface over the integrated circuit; forming an encapsulation between the substrate and the carrier covering the integrated circuit, the encapsulation having an encapsulation recess under the planar surface and over the integrated circuit; and removing a portion of the carrier to expose the encapsulation, a portion of the first barrier to form a first contact pad, and a portion of the second barrier to form a second contact pad.
US07928549B2
Integrated circuits with multi-dimensional pad structures are provided. An exemplary embodiment of an integrated circuit device with multi-dimensional pad structures comprises an integrated circuit (IC) stack structure comprising a plurality of device layers, wherein one of the devices comprise a first pad exposed by an edge surface thereof.
US07928537B2
A functional device having, on a substrate, a pair of electrodes, a functional layer which is sandwiched between the electrodes and has an output that varies in accordance with an applied electric current, and a terminal arranged to apply an electric current to at least one of the electrodes, wherein an insulator is arranged between the electrodes and the density of the insulator decreases as the distance from the terminal increases, or wherein at least one of the electrodes has a notch section, and the ratio of the area of the notch section to the area of the electrode decreases as the distance from the terminal increases. This is an improved functional device which is excellent in production suitability and gives a uniform in-plane output, and can be rendered, in particular, an organic electroluminescence device.
US07928535B2
A semiconductor device having no voids and a semiconductor package using the same is described. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a circuit section which is formed in a first area and a peripheral section which is formed in a second area defined around the first area, and an insulation layer covering the first and second areas and having at least one void removing part which extends from the first area to the second area to prevent a void from being formed.
US07928530B2
A first isolation is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a first element region is isolated via the first isolation. A first gate insulating film is formed on the first element region, and a first gate electrode is formed on the first gate insulating film. A second isolation is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a second element region is isolated via the second isolation. A second gate insulating film is formed on the second element region, and a second gate electrode is formed on the second gate insulating film. A first oxide film is formed between the first isolation and the first element region. A second oxide film is formed between the second isolation and the second element region. The first isolation has a width narrower than the second isolation, and the first oxide film has a thickness thinner than the second oxide film.
US07928523B2
Under one aspect, a field effect device includes a gate, a source, and a drain, with a conductive channel between the source and the drain; and a nanotube switch having a corresponding control terminal, said nanotube switch being positioned to control electrical conduction through said conductive channel. Under another aspect, a field effect device includes a gate having a corresponding gate terminal; a source having a corresponding source terminal; a drain having a corresponding drain terminal; a control terminal; and a nanotube switching element positioned between one of the gate, source, and drain and its corresponding terminal and switchable, in response to electrical stimuli at the control terminal and at least one of the gate, source, and drain terminals, between a first non-volatile state that enables current flow between the source and the drain and a second non-volatile state that disables current flow between the source and the drain.
US07928515B2
A semiconductor device includes a dual gate CMOS logic circuit having gate electrodes with different conducting types and a trench capacitor type memory on a same substrate includes a trench of the substrate for the trench capacitor, a dielectric film formed in the trench, a first poly silicon film formed inside of the trench, and a cell plate electrode located above the dielectric film. The cell plate electrode includes a first poly silicon film formed on the dielectric film partially filling the trench, and a second poly silicon film formed on the first poly silicon film to completely fill the trench. The second poly silicon film includes a sufficient film thickness for forming gate electrodes, wherein the impurity concentration of the first poly silicon film is higher than the impurity concentration of the second poly silicon film.
US07928510B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device where a semiconductor element is prevented from being damaged and throughput speed thereof is improved, even in a case of thinning or removing a supporting substrate after forming the semiconductor element over the supporting substrate. According to one feature of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a plurality of element groups over an upper surface of a substrate; forming an insulating film so as to cover the plurality of element groups; selectively forming an opening to the insulating film which is located in a region between neighboring two element groups in the plurality of element groups to expose the substrate; forming a first film so as to cover the insulating film and the opening; exposing the element groups by removing the substrate; forming a second film so as to cover the surface of the exposed element groups; and cutting off between the plurality of element groups so as not to expose the insulating film.
US07928489B2
There is formed a gate electrode (word line) via a gate insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, the gate electrode extending in the direction inclining at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the extending direction of an element region. The element region is divided into three portions by the two gate electrodes. In each element region portion, two MOS transistors are provided. A bit line is connected to a W plug provided in the central region portion and lower electrodes of two ferroelectric capacitors are connected to other W plugs provided in both end region portions. The extending direction of the bit line inclines approximately 45 degrees to the extending direction of the element region.
US07928485B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive cells, and a driving unit provided for driving the plurality of photosensitive cells. Each photosensitive cell includes a photodiode formed to be exposed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate for the purpose of accumulating signal charge obtained by subjecting incident light to photoelectric conversion, a transfer transistor for transferring signal charge accumulated by the photodiode, a floating diffusion layer for temporarily accumulating signal charge transferred by the transfer transistor, and an amplifier transistor for amplifying signal charge temporarily accumulated in the floating diffusion layer. A source/drain diffusion layer provided in the amplifier transistor is covered with a salicide layer, and the floating diffusion layer is formed to be exposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US07928475B2
A transistor structure comprising an active semiconductor layer with metal source and drain contacts formed in electrical contact with the active layer. A gate contact is formed between the source and drain contacts for modulating electric fields within the active layer. A spacer layer is formed above the active layer and a conductive field plate formed above the spacer layer, extending a distance Lf from the edge of the gate contact toward the drain contact. The field plate is electrically connected to the gate contact and provides a reduction in the peak operational electric field.
US07928470B2
A semiconductor device having a super junction MOS transistor includes: a semiconductor substrate; a first semiconductor layer on the substrate; a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer; a channel forming region on a first surface portion of the second semiconductor layer; a source region on a first surface portion of the channel forming region; a source contact region on a second surface portion of the channel forming region; a gate electrode on a third surface portion of the channel forming region; a source electrode on the source region and the source contact region; a drain electrode on a backside of the substrate; and an anode electrode on a second surface portion of the second semiconductor layer. The anode electrode provides a Schottky barrier diode.
US07928466B2
A light-emitting semi-conductor diode comprising a light emitting chip at least partially surrounded by a transparent electronics protecting body on which a composite layer foil is disposed, the composite layer foil includes at its side facing away from the electronics protection body a carrier layer, which has a refraction index that is greater than the refraction index of the electronics protection body and, at the opposite side, an active layer of the same material of which the electronics protecting body consists.
US07928446B2
A Group-III nitride semiconductor substrate having a flat surface with a dangling bond density of higher than 14.0 nm−2 is produced by cleaning the surface having a dangling bond density of higher than 14.0 nm−2 with a cleaning agent containing an ammonium salt.
US07928445B2
A disclosed semiconductor device includes a MOS transistor that causes no problems concerning the formation of a thick gate insulating film and that is applicable to high withstand voltage devices. A drain region has a double diffusion structure including an N-drain region 3d and an N+ drain region 11d. A gate electrode includes a first gate electrode 9 formed on an insulating film 7 and a second gate electrode 13 formed on the first gate electrode 9 via a gate electrode insulating film 11. Between the gate insulating film 7 and the N+ source region 11s, a field insulating film 15 is disposed, over which an edge of the first gate electrode 9 is disposed. A gate voltage applied to the second gate electrode 13 via a gate wiring 13g is divided between the gate insulating film 7 and the gate electrode insulating film 11.
US07928427B1
The present invention is related to a semiconductor device with group III-V channel and group IV source-drain and a method for manufacturing the same. Particularly, the energy level density and doping concentration of group III-V materials are increased by the heteroepitaxy of group III-V and group IV materials and the structural design of elements. The method comprises: preparing a substrate; depositing a dummy gate material layer on the substrate and defining a dummy gate from the dummy gate material layer by photolithography; performing doping by self-aligned ion implantation using the dummy gate as a mask and performing activation at high temperature, so as to form source-drain; removing the dummy gate; forming a recess in the substrate between the source-drain pair by etching; forming a channel-containing stacked element in the recess by epitaxy; and forming a gate on the channel-containing stacked element.
US07928426B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a substrate, a buried oxide layer formed on the substrate, a silicon on insulator (SOI) core formed on the buried oxide layer, a compressive strained quantum well (QW) layer wrapped around the SOI core, and a tensile strained silicon layer wrapped around the QW layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07928424B2
A nitride-based light-emitting device includes a substrate and a plurality of layers formed over the substrate in the following sequence: a nitride-based buffer layer formed by nitrogen, a first group III element, and optionally, a second group III element, a first nitride-based semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second nitride-based semiconductor layer.
US07928422B2
A phase change memory device capable of increasing a sensing margin and a method for manufacturing the same. The phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate formed with a device isolation structure which defines active regions; first conductivity type impurity regions formed in surfaces of the active regions and having the shape of a line; a second conductivity type well formed in the semiconductor substrate at a position lower than the device isolation structure; a second conductivity type ion-implantation layer formed in the semiconductor substrate at a boundary between a lower end of the device isolation structure and the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of vertical PN diodes formed on the first conductivity type impurity regions; and phase change memory cells formed on the vertical PN diodes.
US07928419B2
The present disclosure relates to a solid electrolyte device comprising an amorphous chalcogenide solid active electrolytic layer; first and second metallic layers. The amorphous chalcogenide solid active electrolytic layer is located between the first and second metallic layers. The amorphous chalcogenide solid active electrolytic layer is prepared by obtaining a solution of a hydrazine-based precursor to a metal chalcogenide; applying the solution onto a substrate; and thereafter annealing the precursor to convert the precursor to the amorphous metal chalcogenide. The present disclosure also relates to processes for fabricating the solid electrolyte device.
US07928418B2
In an extreme ultra violet light source apparatus of a laser produced plasma type, charged particles such as ions emitted from plasma are promptly ejected to the outside of a chamber. The extreme ultra violet light source apparatus includes a chamber in which extreme ultra violet light is generated, a target supply unit for supplying a target material to a predetermined position within the chamber, a driver laser for applying a laser beam to the target material supplied by the target supply unit to generate plasma, a collector mirror for collecting the extreme ultra violet light radiated from the plasma to output the extreme ultra violet light, a magnetic field forming unit for forming an asymmetric magnetic field in a generation position of the plasma by using a coil, and a charged particle collection mechanism provided on at least one of two surfaces of the chamber to which lines of magnetic force generated by the coil extend.
US07928417B2
An apparatus and method is disclosed which may comprise a laser produced plasma EUV system which may comprise a drive laser producing a drive laser beam; a drive laser beam first path having a first axis; a drive laser redirecting mechanism transferring the drive laser beam from the first path to a second path, the second path having a second axis; an EUV collector optical element having a centrally located aperture; and a focusing mirror in the second path and positioned within the aperture and focusing the drive laser beam onto a plasma initiation site located along the second axis. The apparatus and method may comprise the drive laser beam is produced by a drive laser having a wavelength such that focusing on an EUV target droplet of less than about 100 μm at an effective plasma producing energy is not practical in the constraints of the geometries involved utilizing a focusing lens. The drive laser may comprise a CO2 laser. The drive laser redirecting mechanism may comprise a mirror.
US07928410B2
An optical beam pointing system for setting an irradiation position and which is capable of automatically performing positional adjustments of visible light beams with respect to an aiming center. The system uses opposed pointers disposed on opposite sides of an irradiation center, each pointer including a light-projecting portion for projecting a beam aimed at the irradiation center, a light-receiving portion for generating a detection signal, and a control portion.
US07928405B2
A lens assembly having a magnetic lens assembly for a charged particle beam system is provided. The lens assembly includes: a first pole piece having a connecting portion of the first pole piece and a gap portion of the first pole piece, a second pole piece having a connecting portion of the second pole piece and a gap portion of the second pole piece, wherein the first pole piece and the second pole piece provide a gap at the respective gap portions, a coil for exciting the magnetic lens assembly, a centering element comprising a material that has a smaller Young's modulus than the material of the first and the material of the second pole piece, wherein the pole pieces are connected with each other at the respective connecting portions and have a centering element receiving portion towards the respective gap portion ends of the pole pieces.
US07928401B2
In a radiation detecting system including an electric voltage imparting electrode through which a bias electric voltage is applied, a recording photoconductive layer which comprises a-Se and generates electric charges in response to receipt of projection of radiation, a carrier collecting electrode, a charge storing portion which stores electric charges generated in the recording photoconductive layer and a switching element for reading out charge signal stored in the charge storing portion, superposed one on another in this order, an organic resin dielectric layer which is not smaller than 0.01 μm and smaller than 1 μm in thickness, not lower than 1012 Ωcm in specific resistance and 6×10−6 to 1.5×10−4/° C. in thermal expansion coefficient is provided between the recording photoconductive layer and the electric voltage imparting electrode.
US07928398B2
An embodiment of the invention includes a radiation detecting pixel array. The radiation detecting pixel array includes a substrate, a plurality of radiation detecting pixels arranged in a grid pattern on the substrate, a signal routing array embedded within the substrate in operative communication with the plurality of radiation detecting pixels, and at least two symmetrical communication channels arranged on each of two sides of the grid pattern. The signal routing array is formed of communication channels configured to provide operative communication between any of the plurality of radiation detecting pixels and each of the at least two symmetrical communication channels.
US07928397B2
A gamma-ray or X-ray detection device including a scintillator configured to convert gamma rays or X-rays into optical radiation, an optical image intensifier configured to intensify the optical radiation to generate intensified optical radiation, an optical coupling system configured to guide the intensified optical radiation, and a solid state detector configured to detect the intensified optical radiation to generate an interaction image representing a gamma-ray or X-ray energy emission.
US07928396B2
A method for obtaining a scintillation body comprising the steps of readying a matrix of binding material within which is present a plurality of scintillation crystals, obtaining a plurality of channels within the matrix and around the crystals and inserting metallic material having a high atomic number and high density between mutually adjacent scintillation crystals without separating the scintillation crystals from the matrix of binding material.
US07928393B2
A method of correlating thermal sensors data with temperature sensor data is disclosed. The method may include generating one or more temperature sensor data points and receiving the one or more temperature sensor data points at a remote location. The method may also include generating one or more thermal sensor data points or images and receiving the one or more thermal sensor data points or images at the remote location. Additionally, the method may include correlating the one or more thermal sensor data points or images based on the one or more temperature sensor data points and generating a notification when a temperature of one or more correlated thermal sensor data points or images fails to maintain a determined relationship with a preset limit in one or more locations other than the location of one or more temperature sensor data point.
US07928391B2
We disclose apparatus that includes: (a) an enclosure including an aperture; (b) a prism mounted in the enclosure so that a surface of the prism is exposed through the aperture; (c) an optical assembly contained within the enclosure, the optical assembly including a radiation source and a radiation detector, the source being configured to direct radiation towards the prism and the detector being configured to detect radiation from the source reflected from the exposed surface of the prism; and (d) an electronic processor contained within the enclosure, the electronic processor being in communication with the detector. The apparatus can be configured so that, during operation, the electronic processor determines information about a sample placed in contact with the exposed surface of the prism based on radiation reflected from the exposed prism surface while it is in contact with the sample.
US07928380B2
A sample holder used in SEM (scanning electron microscopy) or TEM (transmission electron microscopy) permitting observation and inspection at higher resolution. The holder has a frame-like member provided with an opening that is covered with a film. The film has a first surface on which a sample is held. The thickness D of the film and the length L of the portion of the film providing a cover over the opening in the frame-like member satisfy a relationship given by L/D <200,000.
US07928378B2
A substrate inspection apparatus 1-1 (FIG. 1) of the present invention performs the following steps of: carrying a substrate “S” to be inspected into an inspection chamber 23-1; maintaining a vacuum in said inspection chamber; isolating said inspection chamber from a vibration; moving successively said substrate by means of a stage 26-1 with at least one degree of freedom; irradiating an electron beam having a specified width; helping said electron beam reach to a surface of said substrate via a primary electron optical system 10-1; trapping secondary electrons emitted from said substrate via a secondary electron optical system 20-1 and guiding it to a detecting system 35-1; forming a secondary electron image in an image processing system based on a detection signal of a secondary electron beam obtained by said detecting system; detecting a defective location in said substrate based on the secondary electron image formed by said image processing system; indicating and/or storing said defective location in said substrate by CPU 37-1; and taking said completely inspected substrate out of the inspection chamber. Thereby, the defect inspection on the substrate can be performed successively with high level of accuracy and efficiency as well as with higher throughput.
US07928365B2
For the achievement of data transfer time reduction, removal of noise data, and analytical efficiency improvement in an ADC data processing function of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer comprises a data acquisition circuit including: an A/D converter; a signal intensity addition memory that stores data of ion signals such as a time range and the number of measurements and performs an addition process; a voltage value frequency addition memory that performs an addition process of frequencies of voltage values of the predetermined time range and the number of measurements and stores addition results; a threshold level computation circuit that computes a predetermined threshold level from the results in the memory; a compression memory that extracts only data exceeding the threshold level from the data in the signal intensity addition memory; and a counter that controls a measurement time for data acquisition and the operation of each circuit.
US07928351B1
System and method for estimating and correcting an aberration of an optical system. The method includes capturing a first plurality of images on a first plurality of planes. The first plurality of images is formed by at least the optical system. Additionally, the method includes processing at least information associated with the first plurality of images, and determining a first auxiliary function based upon at least the information associated with the first plurality of images. The first auxiliary function represents a first aberration of the optical system. Moreover, the method includes adjusting the optical system based upon at least information associated with the first auxiliary function.
US07928350B2
In a microwave heating apparatus, an electricity feeding port constituting a port of radiating a microwave is set to a ceiling wall of a heating chamber, a magnetron is arranged on a side of an outer side face of the heating chamber by directing an antenna for oscillating the microwave to a side of the heating chamber, and a wave guide for guiding the microwave oscillated from the magnetron to the electricity feeding port is formed in an L-like shape including a side wave guide extended upwardly from a surrounding of the antenna along the outer side face of the heating chamber and an upper wave guide extended from an upper end of the side wave guide to the electricity feeding port along an outer face of the ceiling wall.
US07928348B2
Electromagnetic components are provided with a heat exchange mechanism. For example, a fluid-cooled electromagnetic field-functioning device, such as a motor, generator, transformer, solenoid or relay, includes one or more electrical conductors. A monolithic body of phase change material substantially encapsulates the conductors or an inductor. At least one liquid-tight coolant channel is also substantially encapsulated within the body of phase change material. The coolant channel may be part of a heat pipe or cold plate. The coolant channel may be made by molding a conduit into the body, using a “lost wax” molding process, or injecting gas into the molten phase change material while it is in the mold. The coolant channel may also be formed at the juncture between the body and a cover over the body.
US07928344B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for monitoring a hot surface of a cook top. The apparatus includes a display unit, a temperature detecting sensor, and a microprocessor. The display unit displays a state of a hot surface and an operation error of a hot plate as a heater operates. The temperature detecting sensor is installed closely to the heater to detect heater temperature greater than set temperature. The microprocessor compares the heater temperature greater than the set temperature that is detected by the temperature detecting sensor with heater temperature greater than the set temperature that is expected by an elapse of an operating time of the heater to judge one of a hot surface and an operation error of the hot plate, and controls the judgment results to be displayed using the display unit.
US07928343B2
The present invention provides microcantilever hotplate devices which incorporate temperature compensating strain sensors. The microcantilever hotplate devices of the present invention comprise microcantilevers having temperature compensating strain sensors and resistive heaters. The present invention also provides methods for using a microcantilever hotplate for temperature compensated surface stress measurements, chemical/biochemical sensing, measuring various properties of compounds adhered to the microcantilever hotplate surface, or for temperature compensated deflection measurements.
US07928341B2
An electrode unit for detecting whether a seat is occupied or not (occupancy conditions) is embedded in a seat of an automotive vehicle together with an electrically powered seat heater. Both of the electrode unit and the seat heater are flat, and the electrode unit is laminated on the heat heater. The electrode unit is composed of an upper electrode, a lower electrode and an insulating film disposed between both electrodes. The occupancy conditions are detected based on changes in a capacitance between the upper electrode and a member grounded to a vehicle body. To reduce a capacitance between the upper electrode and seat heater and to thereby improve sensitivity of the detection of the occupancy conditions, an alternating voltage that alternates in accordance with an alternating voltage supplied to the upper electrode is supplied to the lower electrode.
US07928331B2
A switching apparatus of a dispenser for a refrigerator includes a switch for providing a signal to control discharge of an object from the dispenser provided on a refrigerator door and a switch actuating portion for switching on or off the switch. Further, the switch actuating portion is elastically deformed and at least one end of the switch actuating portion is moved in a direction perpendicularly to a driving force to switch on the switch when the driving force is applied thereto to discharge the object, and the switch actuating portion is restored to switch off the switch when the driving force is removed. According to the switching apparatus so configured, since a user does not have to pivot an actuating lever to take water in a vessel, a space occupied by the dispenser in the door is decreased, and thus, an internal storage space in the refrigerator can be sufficiently secured.
US07928303B2
An apparatus is provided for lowering the fundamental frequency of a cajon drum. A first side wall of the cajon drum is the drumhead. An opening is formed in a second side wall, wherein the opening may be circular, oval, rectangular or other shape. An insert having a cross-section conforming to the shape of the opening is slid into the opening and mounted to the side wall in which the opening is formed. Various techniques for connecting the insert to the side wall of the drum are disclosed. The insert may be fitted into the drum opening during the initial manufacture of the drum.
US07928302B2
A compact transportable drum set includes a bass drum; a snare drum; at least one tom drum; at least one cymbal; and a throne. The compact transportable drum set is compactable to a compact transportable single package with the bass drum, the snare drum, at least one tom drum, at least one cymbal, and the throne vertically aligned and defining an envelope volume less than 8 cubic feet and weighing less than 60 lbs.
US07928293B2
A nucleic acid containing a glutelin gene promoter. Disclosed are transformed plant cells and transgenic plants containing a nucleic acid that includes the promoter operably linked to a sequence encoding heterologous protein. Also disclosed are methods of making the transformed plant cells and transgenic plants and methods for expressing a polypeptide.
US07928291B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improving the efficiency of Agrobacterium- and Rhizobium-mediated plant cell transformation by use of additional transformation enhancer sequences, such as overdrive or TSS sequences, operably linked to a T-DNA border sequence on a recombinant construct that comprises T-DNA.
US07928290B2
The present invention provides an improved process for the production of recombinant peptides. In particular, the present invention provides an improved process for the production of recombinant peptides in the form of viral capsid fusion proteins which can be assembled in vivo in plant cell suspension cultures. The invention also includes plasmids, sequences, and plant cells which allow for non-infectious viral capsid fusion peptide production.
US07928289B2
The invention relates to a method for production of transgenic plants and/or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance, whereby the transgenic plants or plant cells have an altered content or an altered activity of at least one actin-depolymerising factor (ADF) with relation to the wild type. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids, coding for at least one ADF, for the production of transgenic plants or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance and, furthermore, nucleic acid sequences coding for an ADF.
US07928285B2
In general, the invention features genetically modified non-human mammals (e.g., bovines and other ungulates), and methods of making these mammals. In particular, the invention features transgenic ungulates having reduced levels of endogenous IgM heavy chain and/or prion protein.
US07928279B2
A pad for the treatment of inflammatory afflictions, which comprise an absorbing matrix, a medicament that is a hypertonic substance such as inorganic salt solutions, and a functional backing for directing and limiting the activity of the medicament to the desired body surface. The pad may further comprise binding means for maintaining it in place and in engagement with the desired body surface. The absorbing matrix and the functional backing may be structurally connected or separate. The absorbing matrix may be made of cotton, lignin cellulose or synthetic absorbing materials.
US07928274B2
The present disclosure provides a process for selectively producing a desired monoalkylated aromatic compound comprising the step of contacting in a reaction zone an alkylatable aromatic compound with an alkylating agent in the presence of catalyst comprising a porous crystalline material under at least partial liquid phase conditions, said catalyst manufactured from extrudate to comprise catalytic particulate material of from about 125 microns to about 790 microns in size, having an Effectiveness Factor increased from about 25% to about 750% from that of the original extrudate, and having an external surface area to volume ratio of greater than about 79 cm−1.
US07928268B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a 2-fluoro-6-halophenol as an intermediate; a process for producing a 2-alkoxy-3-fluorophenol and further a 1,2-dialkoxy-3-fluorobenzene from the 2-fluoro-6-halophenol; a second process for producing a 1,2-dialkoxy-3-fluorobenzene from the 2-fluoro-6-halophenol; and a 2-alkoxy-3-fluorophenol. The 2-fluoro-6-halophenol can be obtained using a 2-fluorophenol as a starting material and through a sulfonation reaction, a halogenation reaction, and a deprotection reaction. The 2-fluoro-6-halophenol is alkyl-etherified, and subsequently the halogen atom is converted into a hydroxyl group to obtain the 2-alkoxy-3-fluorophenol, which is further alkyl-etherified to thereby obtain the 1,2-dialkoxy-3-fluorobenzene. Alternatively, a 1,2-dialkoxy-3-fluorobenzene is also obtained by converting the halogen atom of the 2-fluoro-6-halophenol into a hydroxyl group to thereby form 3-fluorocatechol and subsequently alkyl-etherifying two hydroxyl groups thereof. The processes of the invention realize low production costs and high process yields, and thus are suitable for industrial production of a 1,2-dialkoxy-3-fluorobenzene.
US07928266B2
The novel C dialdehyde compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the expeditious and practical synthetic processes for lycopene and β-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The syntheses of lycopene and β-carotene are characterized by the processes of the coupling reaction between two equivalents of geranyl sulfone or cyclic geranyl sulfone and the above C dialdehyde, the functional group transformation reactions of the diol in the resulting C 40 coupling products to X's (either halogens or ethers), and the double elimination reactions of the functional groups of the benzenesulfonyl and X to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of the carotenoids.
US07928264B2
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula [I]: wherein (a), in which —Y—, R4, R5 and R6 are4 R5 each as defined in the description, etc., R1 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy, etc., R2 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or hydroxy(lower)alkyl, R3 is hydrogen or an amino protective group, 20R7 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclo(lower)alkyl, lower R9 alkenyl, —Z—R9 or (b), in which —Z— is —0—, —S—, R9 —SO— or —SO2—, and each R9 is independently hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclo(lower)alkyl, etc., and R8 is -D-E-R10, in which -D- is —CONHSO2— or —S02NHCO—, E is bond or lower alkylene, and R10 is halogen, cyano, carboxy, etc., or a prodrug thereof or a salt thereof. The compound [I] of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are useful for the prophylactic and/or the therapeutic treatment of ulcer, overactive bladder, and the like.
US07928262B2
Sulfonate salts have the formula: HOCH2CH2CF2CF2SO3−M+ wherein M+ is a Li, Na, K, ammonium or tetramethylammonium ion. Onium salts, oxime sulfonates and sulfonyloxyimides derived from these salts are effective photoacid generators in chemically amplified resist compositions.
US07928260B2
There is disclosed a salt of a sulfur-containing, phosphorus-containing compound. There is also disclosed a method of making the salt.
US07928249B2
Disclosed are new conjugated compounds (e.g., monomers and polymers) that include ladder-type moieties which can be used for preparing semiconducting materials. Such conjugated compounds can exhibit high n-type carrier mobility and/or good current modulation characteristics. Compounds of the present teachings also can exhibit ambipolar semiconducting activity. In addition, the compounds of the present teachings can possess certain processing advantages such as solution-processability and/or good stability in ambient conditions.
US07928240B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. Thus, racemic omeprazole is reacted with (S)-camphorsulfonyl chloride to form a diastereomeric mixture and the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization, followed by deprotection to give esomeprazole.
US07928239B2
This invention relates to the use of a group of aryl ureas in treating raf mediated diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions in such therapy.
US07928236B2
The subject of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent substance excitable under visible light, having higher photostability and a long fluorescence lifetime. Another subject is to provide a fluorescent substance consists of a non-natural amino acid applicable to peptide synthesis systems.Searching fluorescent substances, which are fluorescent amino acids and excitable under visible light, having the lowest possible molecular weight for a high photostability resulted in forming a condensed polycyclic aromatic compound by subjecting a compound having an acridone structure to substitution with an amino acid and further condensation with a benzene ring. Thus, the subject is achieved by the fluorescent substance consisting of amino acid-substituted benzoacridone derivative excitable under visible light.
US07928231B2
Thienopyrazoles of formula I, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and their pharmaceutical uses in the treatment of disease states capable of being modulated by the inhibition of the protein kinases, in particular interleukin-2 inducible tyrosine kinase (ITK).
US07928228B2
A Compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1a, R1b, R1c and R1d each independently represent hydrogen, etc.; R2 represents optionally substituted phenyl, etc.; R3 represents optionally substituted C6-10 aryl, etc.; and Z1 and Z2 each independently represent hydrogen or salts thereof or hydrates of the foregoing.
US07928221B2
A method of producing an organic semiconductor device is provided in which a layer composed of an organic semiconductor having excellent crystallinity and orientation in a low-temperature region can be formed, and the device can be produced in the air. The method includes forming a layer composed of an organic semiconductor precursor on a base body and irradiating the organic semiconductor precursor with light, wherein the organic semiconductor precursor is a porphyrin compound or an azaporphyrin compound having in its molecule at least one of the structure represented by the following general formula (1) or (2):
US07928220B2
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) gene expression and/or activity. The present invention is also directed to compounds, compositions, and methods relating to traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of expression and/or activity of genes involved in SDF-1 gene expression pathways or other cellular processes that mediate the maintenance or development of such traits, diseases and conditions. Specifically, the invention relates to small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against SDF-1 gene expression. Such small nucleic acid molecules are useful, for example, in providing compositions for treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that can respond to modulation of SDF-1 expression in a subject, such as ocular disease, cancer and proliferative diseases and any other disease, condition, trait or indication that can respond to the level of SDF-1 in a cell or tissue.
US07928214B2
The present invention relates to antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to P-cadherin, and that function to inhibit P-cadherin. The invention also relates to heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human P-cadherin antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human P-cadherin antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions. The invention also relates to transgenic animals or plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
US07928206B2
This invention relates to novel plant thymidine kinases and their use in gene therapy. More specifically the invention provides novel thymidine kinases derived from tomato.In further aspects the invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding the tomato thymidine kinase of mutant thereof, vector constructs comprising the polynucleotide, host cells carrying the polynucleotide or vector, methods of sensitising cells to prodrugs, methods of inhibiting pathogenic agents in warm-blooded animals, methods for biocontrol of plants, methods of synthesizing monophosphates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the plant thymidine kinases of the invention.In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a unique combination of a plant thymidine kinase and the nucleoside analog nucleoside analog AZT (3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine) to treat abnormal cell growth.
US07928193B2
The present invention features antigen binding protein that bind to a SR-BI target region identified herein as a region involved in HCV E2 binding. Identified target regions are regions bound by a single-chain antibody of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3 or 4.
US07928191B2
A method for purifying bioactive substances includes the steps of: causing a bioactive substance having histidine units to contact media, each constituted by a substrate, ligands which are physically attached to the surface of the substrate, and Cu(II) or Fe(II) metal ions which are covalently bonded to the ligands; causing the bioactive substance to covalently bond with the metal ions via the histidine units; and washing the media with an amount of 1 nmol/L to 10 mmol/L imidazole derivative solution 60 times the volume of the media or greater. In the case that the metal ions are Cu(II), the bioactive substance which has covalently bonded with the Cu(II) via the histidine units are recovered by one of a 10 mmol/L to 1 mol/L imidazole derivative solution and a 0.5 mmol/L to 5 mol/L EDTA solution.
US07928186B2
Cell permeable bioactive peptide conjugates having a first bioactive peptide region coupled to a second transport peptide region allowing transfer of the first bioactive peptide region and the second transport peptide region across biological membranes to enter intact living cells for regulation of biological responses.
US07928180B2
The problem of the invention is to provide a novel biodegradable polymer without water solubility (hygroscopicity), but with moldability and excellent water disintegratability and biodegradability, a production method thereof, a molded product thereof and applications thereof. The biodegradable polymer of the invention is a biodegradable polymer having one or more imine bonds within a molecule, characterized in that the imine bond constitutes part of a main chain structure of the biodegradable polymer. The biodegradable polymer preferably comprises a biodegradable unit and an imine unit having one or more imine bonds and has a chemical structure, in which the biodegradable units are linked by the imine unit.
US07928177B2
Biocompatible polymers are manufactured to include an amino acid mimetic monomer and one or more hydrophobic acrylate monomers. The amino acid mimetic monomers are selected to mimic the side chain of the amino acids asparagine or glutamine. The amino acid mimetic monomer can be a methacryloyl or acryloyl derivative of 2-hydroxyacetamide, 3-hydroxypropionamide, alaninamide, lactamide, or glycinamide. These amide functional groups offer the advantage of moderate hydrophilicity with little chemical reactivity. The amino acid mimetic monomer can be copolymerized with one or more hydrophobic acrylate monomers to obtain desired coating properties.
US07928172B2
Compositions useful for activating catalysts for olefin polymerization are-provided. The compositions are derived from at least: a) compound derived from at least (i) carrier having at least one pair of hydrogen bonded hydroxyl groups, (ii) organoaluminum compound, and (iii) Lewis base, such that each of a majority of aluminum atoms in the organoaluminum compound forms chemical bonds with at least two oxygen atoms from the at least one pair of hydrogen bonded hydroxyl groups; and b) Bronsted acid, wherein the molar ratio of the Bronsted acid to the organoaluminum compound is less than or equal to about 2:1.
US07928171B2
A polymer material useful for manufacturing an intraocular lens (IOL) suitable for insertion through an IOL inserter barrel having an inner diameter of less than 3 mm is provided. Specifically, acrylic-silicone hybrids having a tensile strength of approximately 100 psi to 400 psi and a percent elongation at break of between 50% and 400% are disclosed.
US07928168B2
A polymer composition is provided which is white and opaque (i.e. shields from light). The polymer composition comprises a blend of (i) a silicon-free polycarbonate polymer and (ii) a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer; a whitener such as titanium dioxide; and (iii) a non-white colorant such as carbon black. The resulting composition, when molded and measured at a thickness of 0.75 mm, has an L* of greater than 80 and a % T of less than 1%. The composition also has good impact strength at low temperatures and good stability during processing.
US07928165B2
The present invention provides a crosslinked propylene-based elastomer having an isotactic propylene triad tacticity of from 65 to 95%, a melting point by DSC equal to or less than 110° C., a heat of fusion of from 5 J/g to 50 J/g, and a haze % per 100 mil thickness of 95 or less, and comprising at least 75 wt % propylene-derived units, at least 5 wt % ethylene-derived units, and optionally 10 wt % or less of diene-derived units. In an embodiment, the present invention is a blend of a continuous phase of the crosslinked propylene-based elastomer and a dispersed phase of a crystalline polymeric compound. The present invention also provides elastomeric compositions comprising a crosslinked propylene-based elastomer as described herein and 100 parts by weight or less of a pigment per 100 parts of polymer. The present invention also provides films, fibers, nonwovens, molded objects, and extruded forms which include any of the inventive compositions described herein.
US07928160B2
The present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising polyurea and polyurethane. Further, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising polyurea or, polyurea and polyurethane, and flame retardant. The polyurea is formed from a reaction mixture comprising isocyanate and amine wherein the ratio of equivalents of isocyanate groups to equivalents of amine groups is greater than 1 and the isocyanate-functional component and the amine-functional component can be applied to a substrate at a volume mixing ratio of 1:1.
US07928155B2
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of making a polymer-organoclay composite composition comprising (a) contacting under condensation polymerization conditions a first monomer, a second monomer, a solvent, and an organoclay composition, said organoclay composition comprising alternating inorganic silicate layers and organic layers, to provide a first polymerization reaction mixture, wherein one of said first monomer and second monomers is a diamine and the other is an dianhydride; (b) carrying out a stoichiometry verification step on the first polymerization reaction mixture; (c) optionally adding additional reactant (monomer 1, monomer 2, or chainstopper) to the first polymerization reaction mixture to provide a second polymerization reaction mixture; and (d) removing solvent from the first polymerization reaction mixture or the second polymerization reaction mixture to provide a first polymer-organoclay composite composition comprising a polymer component and an organoclay component wherein the organoclay component is at least 10% exfoliated.
US07928153B2
The invention is based on the discovery that certain polyether oligomers bearing curable moieties are useful as adhesives for the microelectonic packaging industry. Specifically, certain thermoset adhesive compositions containing polyether oligomers of the invention have good adhesion with lower viscosity, lower resistivity, higher conductivity and higher thixotropy when compared to acrylate- and maleimide-based thermoset adhesives.
US07928148B2
Processes for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, as well as products produced therefrom are disclosed.
US07928137B2
Compounds of formula I in which R1, R2, R3, each X, L, Y, Cy, Lp, D and n have the meanings as set out in the specification, and corresponding compounds in which the unsubstituted or substituted amidine group is replaced with an unsubstituted or substituted aminomethyl group, are useful as serine protease inhibitors.
US07928136B2
The present invention relates to substituted 2-indolinone containing zinc-binding moiety based derivatives that have enhanced or unique properties as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and their use in the treatment of PTK related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The said derivatives may further act as HDAC inhibitors.
US07928133B2
The invention provides a method for modulating the activity of the hedgehog signaling pathway. In particular, the invention provides a method for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from phenotypes such as Ptc loss-of-function, hedgehog gain-of-function, smoothened gain-of-function or Gli gain-of-function, comprising contacting a cell with a sufficient amount of a compound of Formula I.
US07928129B1
New carboxyphenyl-glycylboronic acid transition-state analog inhibitors, representative of a class of compounds effective against class C β-lactamase AmpC. The new compounds improve inhibition by over two-orders of magnitude compared to analogous glycylboronic acids, with Ki values as low as 1 nM.
US07928122B2
The present invention provides compounds having formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein R1-R4, n, p, A, B, D, E, L and AR1 are as described generally and in classes and subclasses herein, and additionally provides pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for the use thereof for the treatment of disorders mediated by the CD11/CD18 family of cellular adhesion molecules (e.g., LFA-1).
US07928121B2
The invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity towards the 5-HT7 receptor, and more particularly to some tetrahydroisoquinoline substituted sulfonamide compounds, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use for the treatment and or prophylaxis of a disease in which 5-HT is involved, such as CNS disorders.
US07928117B2
Pharmaceutical formulations and methods including an immune response modifier (IRM) compound and an oleic acid component are provided where stability is improved by using oleic acid have low polar impurities such as peroxides.
US07928115B2
Treatment of traveler's diarrhea in subjects having hepatic encephalopathy using rifaximin is disclosed.
US07928114B2
Crystalline Forms of erlotinib are made. The crystalline materials are useful as pharmaceutical active agents in treating various cancers as well as in forming erlotinib salts.
US07928103B2
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.
US07928102B2
A composition formed by subjecting to ionizing radiation a combination containing a radiation-protective amount of PVP along with a solution, gel or adhesive including taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof; or an aggregate including collagen-free crystals of taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof.
US07928097B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): PtIV(N3)2X1X2Y1Y2, wherein X1 and X2 are the same or different and each one is a group NR1R2R3 wherein R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and each can be any one of H and optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkinyl, cycloalkenyl, or X1 and X2 together represent a group R1R2NR4NR1R2 wherein R1 and R2 have the same meaning as before, and R4 represents an optionally substituted divalent, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl chain, an optionally substituted divalent, saturated or unsaturated cycloalkyl or an optionally substituted divalent aryl, or R4 or two or more of R1, R2, R3 and R4 and the respective N atom(s) to which they are linked, represent an optionally substituted heterocyclyl having at least one ring containing said N atom(s); and Y1 and Y2 are the same or different or when cis together represent a divalent moiety Y3, wherein at least one of Y1 and Y2, or Y3, is a substantially labile ligand in the analogous Pt(II) complex without the azide groups, whilst being substantially resistant, in vivo, to hydrolysis and physiological reducing agents. One or more of R1, R2, R3 and R4, may further represent a covalently bonded link to at least one further complex of formula (I) to form a dimer or oligomer, or to a targeting moiety having affinity for a predetermined tissue or cell type.
US07928091B2
This invention relates to a novel class of compounds which are cysteine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, inhibitors of cathepsins K, L, S and B. These compounds are useful for treating diseases in which inhibition of bone resorption is indicated, such as osteoporosis.
US07928089B2
The present invention relates to mucoactive agents, such as heparin which are useful in the treatment of diseases where excess mucus is present in the respiratory tract, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for administration by pulmonary inhalation. It also relates to methods for producing particles suitable for pulmonary inhalation, such as spray drying or jet milling.
US07928087B2
The invention concerns novel cosmetic compositions comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least a fructan, at least a cationic polymer. Said composition provides a flow texture to cosmetic compositions, said compositions are easily rinsed. Hair treated with said composition have a soft feel free of residue. Said compositions are used for washing and/or conditioning keratinous matter such as hair or skin.
US07928086B2
It has been discovered that β-L-2′-deoxynucleosides are active against drug-resistant hepatitis B virus with mutations. A method for treating lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) in a host is provided that includes administering a β-L-2′-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. In addition, a method for preventing lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) mutation from occurring in a naïve host is provided that includes administering a β-L-2′-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. A method for preventing and/or suppressing the emergence of the HBV double mutant (L528M/M552V) in a host is also provided that includes administering a β-L-2′-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug.
US07928083B2
The invention relates to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly to the use of nucleic acid agents capable of silencing H19 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention provides methods for ameliorating rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms associated therewith, utilizing gene silencing oligonucleotides such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) agents directed to H19.
US07928078B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds represented by the structure I and pharmaceutical preparations thereof for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans and animals.
US07928075B2
The present invention provides binding agents comprising peptides capable of binding myostatin and inhibiting its activity. In one embodiment the binding agent comprises at least one myostatin-binding peptide attached directly or indirectly to at least one vehicle such as a polymer or an Fc domain. The binding agents of the present invention produced increased lean muscle mass when administered to animals and decreased fat to muscle ratios. Therapeutic compositions containing the binding agents of the present invention are useful for treating muscle-wasting disorders and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity.
US07928071B2
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of vertebrate Delta genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. In a specific embodiment, the vertebrate Delta protein is a human protein. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of Delta which comprise one or more domains of the Delta protein, including but not limited to the intracellular domain, extracellular domain, DSL domain, domain amino-terminal to the DSL domain, transmembrane region, or one or more EGF-like repeats of a Delta protein, or any combination of the foregoing. Antibodies to Delta, its derivatives and analogs, are additionally provided. Methods of production of the Delta proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means, are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided. In specific examples, isolated Delta genes, from Xenopus, chick, mouse, and human, are provided.
US07928068B2
The present invention relates to the expression and regulating growth factors in chrondrocytes and developing cartilage, particularly granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP). The invention relates to the modulation and manipulation of these growth factors, GEP, and/or the molecules they interact with, for instance COMP, in cartilage disorders, including arthritis. Assays and screening methods for the determination of the expression and activity of GEP, or of GEP-COMP, are provided, including for screening for the presence or extent of cartilage or arthritic disease and for identifying modulators or compounds/agents for treatment or prevention of cartilage or arthritic diseases.
US07928066B1
The invention relates to Glycoprotein VI (GPVI), its isolation, purification, and methods for recombinant production. Especially, the invention relates to the use of GPVI, preferably recombinant GPVI, in the treatment of disorders and pathological events correlated directly or indirectly to blood coagulation disorders such as thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases. The extracellular recombinant protein can also be used for establishing screening assays to find potential inhibitors of the membrane bound GPVI in order to inhibit binding of thrombocytes and platelets, respectively, to collagen. Changes in GPIV can be used to monitor platelet age and exposure to thrombiotic and cardiovascular diseases.
US07928064B2
This invention relates to transgenically produced human Antithrombin III (tgATIII). The human ATIII produced by the transgenic process of the present invention has a monosaccharide composition which comprises N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) along with fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, mannose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid/N-glycolyneuraminic acid. The monosaccharide composition differs with that of plasma derived ATIII (phATIII). It has been found that tgATIII has an increased clearance rate when compared to phATIII.
US07928059B2
Disclosed are a method and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition for treating damaged cartilage and subchondral bone. Neurogenic compounds in general and neuropeptides in particular have been found to be highly effective in stimulated repair of cartilage and bone damaged due to traumatic injury, ligament disease, and disuse. Preferred active ingredients for use in the method and corresponding pharmaceutical composition include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), dynorphin, enkephalin, galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P (SP), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
US07928057B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing susceptibility for a myocardial and/or immunological disorder, a kit and a therapeutic agent comprising a peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 and uses thereof.
US07928055B2
A fabric enhancer comprising: at least one fabric softening active, wherein said at least one fabric softening active comprises a plurality of particles comprising an intensity weighted particle size distribution wherein greater than about 95% of said plurality of particles have a size below about 170 nm.
US07928054B2
A detergent additive extrudate containing from about 0.5% to about 20% an alkyl benzene sulphonate, from about 0.5% to about 15% a water soluble carboxylate-containing polymer, from about 20% to about 80% water soluble inorganic salt and a moisture level of 2% to 10%; process for making the detergent additive extrudate and granular laundry detergent containing the same. The detergent additive extrudates have an improved physical stability, dissolution property and ease of process property.
US07928047B2
The present invention relates to powder detergent granules that are substantially free of a water-insoluble component such as zeolite or silica, a method for manufacturing the powder detergent granules and a copolymer having various properties useful as a detergent component. The powder detergent granules of the present invention are substantially free of a water-insoluble component, and thus exhibit good solubility and washing performance (stain removal performance) in cold water, do not leave residue after laundry, and reduce the likelihood of a caking phenomenon during manufacture and storage. And, the powder detergent granules of the present invention are substantially free of zeolite or silica that absorbs a liquid component, but are capable of accommodating a considerable amount of liquid surfactant. Further, a copolymer comprising acrylic acid monomer unit and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid monomer unit, an acidic water-soluble polymer of the present invention, is useful as a detergent component in various aspects.
US07928042B2
This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The IPN constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile cross-links in the polymers of the IPN are subject to degradation, which results in release of the expandable microparticle so that the microparticle expands. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
US07928041B2
Methods for treating a portion of a well include the steps of: (a) forming a treatment gel comprising a polymer or a polymer system of a mixture of two or more polymers, wherein the polymer or the polymer system is capable of each of the following, when tested at least one concentration in the range of 2-10 times C* in deionized water, at about 22° C., and at about 1 atmosphere pressure: (i) forming a polymer gel of the polymer and water at least one pH in the range of 4-9, wherein a bulk form of the polymer gel has a G′ greater than G″ at all frequencies in the range of 1 rad/sec-100 rad/sec; (ii) dissolving at least one pH in the range of 2-4; and (iii) dissolving at least one pH in the range of 9-12; (b) dispersing the treatment gel in a fluid to form a treatment fluid; (c) introducing the treatment gel in a treatment fluid into a portion of a well; and (d) after the step of introducing the treatment gel, adjusting the pH of the treatment gel to at least one pH in the range of 2-4 or 9-12.
US07928036B2
Compositions and processes for controlling nematodes are described herein, e.g., nematodes that infest plants or animals. The compounds include oxazoles, oxadiazoles and thiadiazoles.
US07928032B2
An improved soot catalyst is comprised of an alkali compound at least partially coated by a ceramic coating comprised of C bonded to a metal, semimetallic element or combination thereof. The improved soot catalyst may be employed in catalyzed Diesel particulate filters. In one method to make a catalyzed Diesel particulate filter, the improved filter is made by contacting a porous ceramic body having an alkali catalyst thereon, coating the alkali catalyst with an organic ceramic precursor, heating the ceramic body to a temperature in an atmosphere sufficient to decompose the organic ceramic precursor to form the soot catalyst on the porous ceramic body without volatilizing substantial amount of the alkali catalyst away.
US07928030B2
A method for manufacturing microwave dielectric ceramics has the steps of: mixing multiple A-metal compounds and sintering multiple A-metal compounds between 1350˜1450° C. for 2˜4 hr to make a first component Ba5+y(Nb1−kMnk)4O15; mixing and sintering multiple B-metal compounds to make a second component Ba1+zNb2O6; and mixing the first component Ba5+y(Nb1−kMnk)4O15, the second component Ba1+zNb2O6 and at least one sintering aid to make a third component (1−x)Ba5+y(Nb1−kMnk)4O5-xBa1+zNb2O6; wherein x, y, z and k are molar fractions and 0≦x<1, 0
US07928023B2
A composite sheet material, useful as a component of roofing shingles, and a process of making same, which includes a glass fiber web bound with a thermosetting resin which includes a fatty acid amide having the structural formula RCOONH2, where R is a C8-C25 alkyl.
US07928019B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include semiconductor processing methods and systems. One method includes forming a material layer on a semiconductor substrate by exposing a deposition surface of the substrate to at least a first and a second reactant sequentially introduced into a reaction chamber having an associated process temperature. The method includes removing residual first reactant from the chamber after introduction of the first reactant, removing residual second reactant from the chamber after introduction of the second reactant, and establishing a temperature differential substantially between an edge of the substrate and a center of the substrate via a purge process.
US07928017B2
A method of forming a nanowire and a semiconductor device comprising the nanowire are provided. The method of forming a nanowire includes forming a patterned SiyGe1-y layer (where, y is a real number that satisfies 0≦y<1) on a base layer, and forming a first oxide layer and at least one nanowire within the first oxide layer by performing a first oxidation process on the patterned SiyGe1-y layer.
US07928016B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided that can reduce warping of manufactured products after the formation of a final protective film. The method includes, in a semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate provided with wiring and a final protective film formed on the wiring, forming a first protective film on the wiring, forming a second protective film having tensile stress on the first protective film, and removing the first protective film and the second protective film from contact regions of the wiring.
US07928015B2
Wafer-based solar cells are efficiently produced by extruding a dopant bearing material (dopant ink) onto one or more predetermined surface areas of a semiconductor wafer, and then thermally treating the wafer to cause diffusion of dopant from the dopant ink into the wafer to form corresponding doped regions. A multi-plenum extrusion head is used to simultaneously extrude interdigitated dopant ink structures having two different dopant types (e.g., n-type dopant ink and p-type dopant ink) in a self-registered arrangement on the wafer surface. The extrusion head is fabricated by laminating multiple sheets of micro-machined silicon that define one or more ink flow passages. A non-doping or lightly doped ink is co-extruded with heavy doped ink to serve as a spacer or barrier, and optionally forms a cap that entirely covers the heavy doped ink. A hybrid thermal treatment utilizes a gaseous dopant to simultaneously dope exposed portions of the wafer.
US07928007B2
In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, conductive features are formed on a first dielectric etch stop layer, and a second dielectric material is deposited over and between the conductive features. A via etch to the conductive features which is selective between the first and second dielectrics will stop on the dielectric etch stop layer, limiting overetch. In a second embodiment, a plurality of conductive features is formed in a subtractive pattern and etch process, filled with a dielectric fill, and then a surface formed coexposing the conductive features and dielectric fill. A dielectric etch stop layer is deposited on the surface, then a third dielectric covers the dielectric etch stop layer. When a contact is etched through the third dielectric, this selective etch stops on the dielectric etch stop layer. A second etch makes contact to the conductive features.
US07928006B2
There is described a method of manufacturing a damascene interconnect (1) for a semiconductor device. A non conductive diffusion barrier (10) is formed over the wall(s) of a passage (7) defined by a porous low K di-electric material (6) and over the surface of a copper region (3) that closes one end of the passage (7). The non-conductive barrier layer (10) is plasma treated to transform an upper portion thereof (10b) into a conductive layer, while a low portion thereof (10a) comprising material that has penetrated pores of the di-electric material remains non-conductive. The passage (7) is then filled with a second copper region (13) forming an electrical interconnect with the first copper region (3) via the now conductive upper portion (1Ob) of the barrier (10). As a person skilled in the art will know, all embodiments of the invention described and claimed in this document may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.
US07928002B2
A method of forming a wiring layer of a semiconductor device, includes forming a first interlayer insulating layer to have a first thickness corresponding to a part of the thickness of an interlayer insulating layer that is to be formed on a support layer and forming a first contact plug in the first interlayer insulating layer. The method further includes forming a second interlayer insulating layer to have a second thickness on the first contact plug and the first interlayer insulating layer, thereby forming the interlayer insulating layer, wherein the second thickness corresponds to the rest of the thickness of the interlayer insulating layer, and forming a second contact plug connected to the first contact plug in the second interlayer insulating layer, thereby forming a local wiring layer including the first contact plug and the second contact plug.
US07927997B2
To provide a flip-chip mounting method and a bump formation method applicable to flip-chip mounting of a next generation LSI and having high productivity and high reliability.A semiconductor chip 20 having a plurality of electrode terminals 12 is held to oppose a circuit board 21 having a plurality of connection terminals 11 with a given gap provided therebetween, and the semiconductor chip 20 and the circuit board 21 in this state are dipped in a dipping bath 40 containing a melted resin 14 including melted solder particles for a given period of time. In this dipping process, the melted solder particles self-assemble between the connection terminals 11 of the circuit board 21 and the electrode terminals 12 of the semiconductor chip 20, so as to form connectors 22 between these terminals. Thereafter, the semiconductor chip 20 and the circuit board 21 are taken out of the dipping bath 40, and the melted resin 14 having permeated into the gap between the semiconductor chip 20 and the circuit board 21 is cured, so as to complete a flip-chip mounting body.
US07927993B2
A method for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) includes providing a semiconductor including wafer having a topside semiconductor surface, a bevel semiconductor surface, and a backside semiconductor surface. A gate dielectric layer is formed on at least the topside semiconductor surface. A metal including gate electrode material including at least a first metal is deposited on the gate dielectric layer on the topside semiconductor surface and on at least a portion of the bevel semiconductor surface and at least a portion of the backside semiconductor surface. The metal including gate electrode material on the bevel semiconductor surface and the backside semiconductor surface are selectively removed to form substantially first metal free bevel and backside surfaces while protecting the metal gate electrode material on the topside semiconductor surface. The selective removing includes a first wet etch that etches the metal gate electrode material highly selectively as compared to the semiconductor, wherein the first wet etch includes a strong oxidizing acid, a weak acid that generally include an organic acid, and a fluoride. The fabrication of the IC including is completed including forming at least one metal interconnect layer after the selectively removing step.
US07927989B2
A transistor structure is formed by providing a semiconductor substrate and providing a gate above the semiconductor substrate. The gate is separated from the semiconductor substrate by a gate insulating layer. A source and a drain are provided adjacent the gate to define a transistor channel underlying the gate and separated from the gate by the gate insulating layer. A barrier layer is formed by applying nitrogen or carbon on opposing outer vertical sides of the transistor channel between the transistor channel and each of the source and the drain. In each of the nitrogen and the carbon embodiments, the vertical channel barrier retards diffusion of the source/drain dopant species into the transistor channel. There are methods for forming the transistor structure.
US07927988B2
Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a first layer, a second layer, an ion implantation layer between the first and second layers, and an anti-oxidation layer on the second layer, and performing a heat treating process to form an insulating layer between the first and second layers while preventing loss of the second layer using the anti-oxidation layer.
US07927984B2
Silicon deposits are suppressed at the wall of a fluidized bed reactor by a process in which an etching gas is fed near the wall of the reactor. The etching gas includes tetrachlorosilane. A Siemens reactor may be integrated into the process such that the vent gas from the Siemens reactor is used to form a feed gas and/or etching gas fed to the fluidized bed reactor.
US07927979B2
Techniques are disclosed that facilitate fabrication of semiconductors including structures and devices of varying thickness. One embodiment provides a method for semiconductor device fabrication that includes thinning a region of a semiconductor wafer upon which the device is to be formed thereby defining a thin region and a thick region of the wafer. The method continues with forming on the thick region one or more photonic devices and/or partially depleted electronic devices, and forming on the thin region one or more fully depleted electronic devices. Another embodiment provides a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer defining a thin region and a thick region. The device further includes one or more photonic devices and/or partially depleted electronic devices formed on the thick region, and one or more fully depleted electronic devices formed on the thin region. An isolation area can be formed between the thin region and the thick region.
US07927976B2
Provided are reinforced composite stamps, devices and methods of making the reinforced composite stamps disclosed herein. Reinforced composite stamps of certain aspects of the present invention have a composition and architecture optimized for use in printing systems for dry transfer printing of semiconductor structures, and impart excellent control over relative spatial placement accuracy of the semiconductor structures being transferred. In some embodiments, for example, reinforced composite stamps of the present invention allow for precise and repeatable vertical motion of the patterned surface of the printing apparatus with self-leveling of the stamp to the surface of a contacted substrate. Reinforced composite stamps of certain aspect of the present invention achieve a uniform distribution of contact forces between the printing apparatus patterned surface and the top surface of a substrate being contacted by the reinforced composite stamp of the printing apparatus.
US07927975B2
Electronic apparatus, systems, and methods include a semiconductor layer bonded to a bulk region of a wafer or a substrate, in which the semiconductor layer can be bonded to the bulk region using electromagnetic radiation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US07927974B2
First, mapping data storing interrupted areas is obtained. In a first modified-layer forming step, before a stacked article is stacked on a front surface of a substrate, a laser beam is directed to the interrupted areas based on the mapping data to form modified layers only at the interrupted areas. After the stacked articles have been stacked on the substrate, in a second modified-layer forming step, the laser beam is directed at least to the predetermined dividing line formed with no modified layer in the first modified-layer forming step to form a modified layer.
US07927973B2
In a semiconductor wafer including a plurality of imaginary-divided-regions which are partitioned by imaginary-dividing-lines that are respectively arranged in a grid-like arrangement on the semiconductor wafer and a circumferential line that is the outer periphery outline of the semiconductor wafer, a mask is placed so as to expose an entirety of surfaces of the wafer corresponding to respective removal-regions. The removal-regions are regions in approximately triangular form partitioned by the circumferential line of the wafer and the imaginary-dividing-lines. Then, plasma etching is performed on a mask placement-side surface of the wafer, by which the semiconductor wafer is divided into the individual semiconductor devices along dividing lines while portions corresponding to the removal-regions of the wafer are removed.
US07927970B2
Disclosed are methods for making SOI and SOG structures using purified ion shower for implanting ions to the donor substrate. The purified ion shower provides expedient, efficient, low-cost and effective ion implantation while minimizing damage to the exfoliation film.
US07927968B2
The embodiments of the invention provide a device, method, etc. for a dual stress STI. A semiconductor device is provided having a substrate with a first transistor region and a second transistor region different than the first transistor region. The first transistor region comprises a PFET; and, the second transistor region comprises an NFET. Further, STI regions are provided in the substrate adjacent sides of and positioned between the first transistor region and the second transistor region, wherein the STI regions each comprise a compressive region, a compressive liner, a tensile region, and a tensile liner.
US07927959B2
A method of patterning a metal (141, 341, 841) on a vertical sidewall (132, 332, 832) of an excavated feature (130, 330, 830) includes placing a material (350) in the excavated feature such that a portion (435) of the metal is exposed in the excavated feature above the material, etching the exposed portion of the metal away from the vertical sidewall using a first wet etch chemistry, and removing the material from the excavated feature by etching it away using a second wet etch chemistry. The described method may be used to produce a MIM capacitor (800) suitable for an eDRAM device.
US07927958B1
A system and method are disclosed for providing a self aligned bipolar transistor using a silicon nitride ring. An active region of the transistor is formed and a sacrificial emitter is formed above the active region of the transistor. A silicon nitride ring is formed around the sacrificial emitter. The sacrificial emitter and the silicon nitride ring are formed by depositing a layer of silicon nitride material over the active area of the transistor and performing an etch process to simultaneously create both the sacrificial emitter and the silicon nitride ring. The silicon nitride ring provides support for forming a raised external base for the transistor.
US07927956B2
A semiconductor substrate having a silicon layer is provided. In one embodiment, the substrate is a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having an oxide layer underlying the silicon layer. An amorphous or polycrystalline silicon germanium layer is formed overlying the silicon layer. Alternatively, germanium is implanted into a top portion of the silicon layer to form an amorphous silicon germanium layer. The silicon germanium layer is then oxidized to convert the silicon germanium layer into a silicon dioxide layer and to convert at least a portion of the silicon layer into germanium-rich silicon. The silicon dioxide layer is then removed prior to forming transistors using the germanium-rich silicon. In one embodiment, the germanium-rich silicon is selectively formed using a patterned masking layer over the silicon layer and under the silicon germanium layer. Alternatively, isolation regions may be used to define local regions of the substrate in which the germanium-rich silicon is formed.
US07927954B2
A method for fabricating strained-silicon transistors is disclosed. First, a semiconductor substrate is provided and a gate structure and a spacer surrounding the gate structure are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region is then formed in the semiconductor substrate around the spacer, and a first rapid thermal annealing process is performed to activate the dopants within the source/drain region. An etching process is performed to form a recess around the gate structure and a selective epitaxial growth process is performed to form an epitaxial layer in the recess. A second rapid thermal annealing process is performed to redefine the distribution of the dopants within the source/drain region and repair the damaged bonds of the dopants.
US07927953B2
On a silicon substrate is formed a stacked body by alternately stacking a plurality of silicon oxide films and silicon films, a trench is formed in the stacked body, an alumina film, a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxide film are formed in this order on an inner surface of the trench, and a channel silicon crystalline film is formed on the silicon oxide film. Next, a silicon oxide layer is formed at an interface between the silicon oxide film and the channel silicon crystalline film by performing thermal treatment in an oxygen gas atmosphere.
US07927945B2
Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a 4F2 transistor. In the method, a gate stack is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A first interlayer dielectric including a contact hole which includes a first region and second regions Spacer layers are formed on both sides of the gate stack and a portion of the second region. Landing plugs are formed on the contact hole, a portion of the semiconductor substrate exposed by a thickness of the spacer layer, and a lateral side of the trench. A second interlayer dielectric is formed to separate the landing plug. The bit line contact plug is connected to a first portion of the landing plug that extends to the lateral side of the trench. The bit line stack is connected to the bit line contact plug. The storage node contact plug is connected to the first portion and a second portion of the landing plug located at a corresponding position in a diagonal direction.
US07927935B2
Laser beams emitted by a plurality of laser sources are divided into a plurality of sub-beams, which are irradiated onto selected portions of an amorphous semiconductor on a substrate to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor. A difference in diverging angles between the laser beams is corrected by a beam expander. The apparatus includes a sub-beam selective irradiating system including a sub-beam dividing assembly and a sub-beam focussing assembly. Also, the apparatus includes laser sources, a focussing optical system, and a combining optical system. A stage for supporting a substrate includes a plurality of first stage members, a second stage member disposed above the first stage members, and a third stage member 38C, rotatably disposed above the second stage to support an amorphous semiconductor.
US07927933B2
The present invention relates generally to integrated circuit (IC) fabrication processes. The present invention relates more particularly to the treatment of surfaces, such as silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride layers, for the subsequent deposition of a metal, metal oxide, metal nitride and/or metal carbide layer. The present invention further relates to a high-k gate obtainable by a method of the invention.
US07927927B2
A semiconductor package substrate (11) has an array of package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) that are substantially identical. The entire array of package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) is covered by an encapsulant (19). The individual package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) are singulated by sawing through the encapsulant (19) and the underlying semiconductor package substrate (11).
US07927913B2
A method for manufacturing a gel electrolyte pattern is disclosed, the method comprising depositing an electrolyte precursor by inkjet printing onto a gelling agent layer. A gel electrolyte pattern is also disclosed, the gel electrolyte pattern comprising either a mixture of a gelling agent and an electrolyte precursor or the products of a chemical reaction between a gelling agent and an electrolyte precursor.
US07927910B2
The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a solar cell by forming two electrode layers on the same side of a wafer, and avoiding sunlight incident to another side from being blocked by the electrode layers to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency, and each electrode layer is formed by using a mask layer to perform a vapor deposition process, without requiring any mask lithography or etching process. Of course, the issue of a high-temperature process that deteriorates the quality of the wafer no longer exists.
US07927908B2
The method is designed for manufacturing a bolometric detector equipped with a membrane suspended above a substrate by means of heat-insulating arms fixed to the substrate by anchoring points. The membrane has a heat-sensitive thin layer with a base comprising at least a semiconducting iron oxide. The method comprises at least a step of localized reduction and/or oxidation of the thin layer of semiconducting iron oxide to modify the degree of oxidation of the iron atom of a part of the thin layer of semiconducting iron oxide.
US07927902B2
A method of fabricating an image sensor may include providing a substrate including light-receiving and non-light-receiving regions; forming a plurality of gates on the non-light-receiving region; ion-implanting a first-conductivity-type dopant into the light-receiving region to form a first dopant region of a pinned photodiode; primarily ion-implanting a second-conductivity-type dopant, different from the first-conductivity-type dopant, into an entire surface of the substrate, using the gates as a first mask; forming spacers on both side walls of the gates; and secondarily ion-implanting the second-conductivity-type dopant into the entire surface of the substrate, using the plurality of gates including the spacers as a second mask, to complete a second dopant region of the pinned photodiode. An image sensor may include the substrate; a transfer gate formed on the non-light-receiving region; a first dopant region in the light-receiving region; and a second dopant region formed on a surface of the light-receiving region.
US07927901B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US07927890B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a lower electrode over a substrate, increasing the temperature of the substrate with the lower electrode to a predetermined temperature under mixture gas atmosphere of inert gas and oxygen gas, forming a dielectric film on the lower electrode by using an organic metal raw material after the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, and forming an upper electrode on the dielectric film.
US07927889B2
A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric memory device includes: forming a conductive base layer above a substrate; and laminating above the base layer a first electrode, a ferroelectric layer and a second electrode, wherein, prior to the step of forming the base layer, the method includes forming an active element in the substrate, forming an interlayer dielectric film on the substrate, and forming a contact plug in the interlayer dielectric film, and wherein the step of forming the base layer includes: forming a first conductive layer composed of a conductive material having a self-orienting property on the interlayer dielectric film including the contact plug; planarizing the first conductive layer by a chemical mechanical polishing method thereby forming a planarized first conductive layer that covers the interlayer dielectric film including the contact plug; applying an ammonia plasma process to a surface of the planarized first conductive layer; forming a titanium layer on the planarized first conductive layer treated with the ammonia plasma process; and heat-treating the titanium layer in a nitrogen atmosphere thereby changing the titanium layer to a titanium nitride layer which forms a second conductive layer.
US07927888B2
Improved method to fabricate a microelectronic device provided with at least one circuit to detect biological elements, comprising the steps of: a) forming transistors, depositing at least one layer in at least one insulating material (141) coating said transistors, forming one or more holes (143) in said layer of insulating material (141), so as to expose the upper face of the respective gate (135) of first-type transistors, filling the holes with a gate material, b) removing, at least in part, the respective gate (135) of the first-type transistors, whilst the gate of second-type transistors is protected, the method prior to or at the same time as said removal conducted at step b) further comprising the removal of said gate material.
US07927886B2
A hazardous substance (20) is removed by using a hazardous substance removing material (10) in which a support (11) supports an antibody (12). Humidity of the ambient atmosphere of the antibody (12) is controlled so that the antibody (12) becomes active.
US07927885B2
Hazardous substance removing material, method for removing hazardous substances, and nonwoven fabric
An objective to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hazardous substance removing material capable of efficiently capturing and quickly inactivating hazardous substances of microbe origin such as viruses and bacteria, so as to minimize influences on the human body. The present invention provides a hazardous substance removing material which comprises a support having antibodies supported thereon, wherein the support is made of a fiber, and the moisture regain of the core fiber of the support is different from the moisture regain of the sheath fiber of the support.
US07927881B2
A method for detecting an analyze that may be present in ambient air, bound to a surface or as part of complex aqueous media that includes providing a metallole-containing polymer or copolymer, exposing the polymer or copolymer to a suspected analyze or a system suspected of including the analyze, and measuring a quenching of photoluminescence of the metallole-containing polymer or copolymer exposed to the system. Also included is a solid state inorganic-organic polymer sensor for detecting nitroaromatic compounds that includes a substrate and a thin film of a metallole-containing polymer or copolymer deposited on said substrate.
US07927877B1
A method of analyzing biodiesel content in a fuel sample generally includes providing a fuel sample including at least one of a biodiesel and other diesel fuel; mixing a predetermined amount of solvent to the fuel sample, wherein the fuel sample is soluble in the solvent; mixing a predetermined amount of water to the fuel sample; analyzing the fuel sample for a change; and associating the change with a biodiesel content in the fuel sample.
US07927874B2
There is provided a method by which multiple types of substances desired to be transferred into cells can be continuously transferred into multiple types of cells by a convenient procedure, a cell in which the substance desired to be transferred into cells has been taken up by this method, and an apparatus for transferring a substance into cells by this method. The foregoing objects can be achieved by electrospraying cells with a liquid free from the substance to be transferred into cells while the cells are kept in contact with the substance to be transferred into cells, or first electrospraying cells with a liquid free from the substance to be transferred into cells and then bringing the cells into contact with the substance to be transferred into cells.
US07927870B2
This invention relates to novel methods and formulations of nucleic acid pharmaceutical products, specifically formulations of nucleic acid vaccine products and nucleic acid gene therapy products. The formulations of the disclosure stabilize the conformation of DNA pharmaceutical products.
US07927868B2
A device includes a planar optical waveguide, as part of a sensor platform, and, connected to the platform directly or by means of a sealing medium, a sealing layer. The sealing layer forms either directly or by means of a sealing medium a tightly sealing layer. The sealing layer includes a multitude of recesses at least open towards the sensor platform, which form a corresponding multitude of sample compartments in a 2-dimensional arrangement. Each of the sample compartments has different biological or biochemical recognition elements, for the specific recognition and binding of different analytes, immobilized in five or more discrete measurement areas, wherein the measurement areas are in optical interaction with excitation light emanating from the optical waveguide, as part of the sensor platform which forms a demarcation of the sample compartments, and wherein the sample compartments are operable to be cleared from received sample or reagent solutions and to then receive, optionally without washing steps, further sample or reagent solutions, which are supplied to the same sample compartments.
US07927856B2
A novel thermophilic endo-glucanase, nucleic acid encoding the endo-glucase, and uses thereof in converting lignocellulosic material to fermentable sugars.
US07927852B2
A naturally occurring or recombinant protein, especially a mutein of porcine urate oxidase (uricase), that is essentially free of large aggregates can be rendered substantially non-immunogenic by conjugation with a sufficiently small number of strands of polymer such that the bioactivity of the protein is essentially retained in the conjugate. Such conjugates are unusually well suited for treatment of chronic conditions because they are less likely to induce the formation of antibodies and/or accelerated clearance than are similar conjugates prepared from protein preparations containing traces of large aggregates.
US07927850B2
The present invention relates to the isolation and functional identification of a novel acid and heat resistant trehalose synthase enzyme cloned from Picrophilus torridus. More particularly, the present invention discloses the DNA sequence for the Picrophilus torridus trehalose synthase gene, PTTS, which when expressed in a heterologous host such as Escherichia coli, provides enzymatic activity that catalyzes the direct interconversion of maltose and trehalose through intramolecular transglycosylation. Additionally, the present invention teaches methods of use of PTTS for production of trehalose as well as for production of various useful compounds comprising trehalose.
US07927848B2
In a method of producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter, organic matter is dried to a dry solids content of at least 50% by weight TS and pelletized and then mixed with a liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is contacted with biogas-producing bacteria for digestion under anaerobic conditions in a reactor (102) while producing biogas.
US07927843B2
The present invention discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase but substantially no phosphates or the enzyme derived from the microorganism. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase and triose-phosphate isomerase but substantially no phosphates or the enzymes derived from the microorganism.
US07927840B2
Compositions, methods and kits for detecting flavivirus nucleic acids. Particularly described are methods for detecting West Nile virus nucleic acids in the 3′ non-coding region.
US07927833B2
A composition and method for enhancing immune response in a living organism is disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides an adjuvant peptide for use in raising an immune response to an antigen. The adjuvant peptide is selected from a group of peptides with an HIV-related sequence. Additionally, the adjuvant peptide can comprise a fusion-protein that acts as a mucosal adjuvant. The adjuvant peptide can be transformed into one or more living cells, such that the mucosal adjuvant can be produced in living cells and then administered by systemic, mucosal or epidermal delivery.
US07927825B2
Methods of quantifying the taste of compounds for food and beverages are provided. These methods comprise contacting the compounds with an isolated heteromeric receptor comprising at least one T1R2 polypeptide and at least one T1R3 polypeptide.
US07927822B2
The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.
US07927821B2
The present invention provides a method of screening an agonist or antagonist to a G protein-coupled receptor protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a salt thereof, which comprises using the receptor protein or a salt thereof and the ligand or a salt thereof; etc. The present invention is useful for screening agents for the prevention/treatment of, e.g., leukopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, malignant tumor, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, tonsil disorders, collagen disease, inflammatory disease, leukocytosis, heart failure, inherited muscle disorders, muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular degenerative disease, myocardial infarction, obesity, mellitus diabetes, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, cancer, pulmonary edema, multiple organ failure, etc.
US07927820B2
The invention provides an assay system for detecting a molecule that interacts with a membrane channel, the assay system including cell membranes including one or more membrane channels; support bodies including scintillant and a coupling agent that associates with the cell membrane; a ligand that is selected to bind the membrane channel, the ligand including a scintillant-activating label. According to the invention, association of the support bodies with the cell membrane and binding of the ligand to the membrane channel results in emission from the scintillant of the support bodies, and, in the presence of a test molecule that interacts with the membrane channel, the emission from the scintillant of the support bodies changes. Methods of identifying a molecule that interacts with a cell membrane channel are also described.
US07927814B2
Disclosed is a novel method for determination of ProGRP which is free from problems such as the dispersion in the values of measurements and operational constraints such as handling of a test sample. A method for the determination of a gastrin-releasing peptide precursor or a digest thereof using at least two different antibodies each of which can recognize a peptide comprising the partial amino acid sequence starting from amino acid residue 40 and ended at amino acid residue 75 in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1; and a method for the determination of a gastrin-releasing peptide precursor and/or a digest thereof using at least two different antibodies each of which can recognize a peptide comprising the partial amino acid sequence starting from amino acid residue 40 and ended at amino acid residue 79 in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1. The methods have such advantages that a detection sensitivity comparable to that in a conventional determination method can be achieved, that it is easy to handle a sample after the sample is collected, and that a highly reproducible measurements can be obtained.
US07927813B2
The invention relates to a method of screening and identifying modulators of the protein interaction between new peptides and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family. The modulators identified on the basis of this method are administered to patients with cancer in order to bring about apoptotic-type and/or autophagic-type programmed cell death in those patients.
US07927810B2
A Plasma or serum separation membrane that enables omitting centrifugal separation, is free from hemolysis attributed to destruction of red blood cells and realizes easy and rapid separation of plasma or serum from blood; and a filter apparatus including the plasma or serum separation membrane. In particular, a plasma or serum separation membrane being a membrane for separation of plasma or serum from blood and having a void ratio of 30% or below; and a filter apparatus comprising a filter member capable of attaining movement of plasma swifter than movement of blood cells and a plasma or serum separation membrane connected in series with a rear side of the filter member.
US07927793B2
Host nucleic acids and host proteins that participate in viral infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A, and Ebola virus, have been identified. Interfering with or disrupting the interaction between a host nucleic acid or host protein and a virus or viral protein confers an inhibition of or resistance to infection. Thus, interfering with such an interaction in a host subject can confer a therapeutic or prophylactic effect against a virus. The sequences identified can be used to identify agents that reduce or inhibit viral infection.
US07927772B2
A colored photopolymerizable composition including a pigment, a dispersant, a solvent, a polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, the solvent further including a solvent (A) having a boiling temperature of from 100° C. to 200° C. and a solvent (B) having a boiling temperature of from 150° C. to 330° C. and an SP value according to the Okitsu method of from 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 11(cal/cm3)1/2, the solvent (B) being included in an amount of at least 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the colored photopolymerizable composition; a color filter using the colored photopolymerizable composition; and a method for producing a color filter.
US07927766B2
A method includes determining defect types and defect locations on a mask blank and storing the defect types and the defect locations. The method further includes generating at least one alignment mark on the mask blank and selecting a mask pattern for the mask blank based on the defect types and the defect locations. Additionally, the method includes determining a positioning of the mask pattern on the mask blank, aligning a mask pattern generator with the mask blank in accordance with the positioning using the at least one alignment mark and forming the mask pattern on the mask blank using the mask pattern generator.
US07927764B2
A method of manufacturing a film pattern includes forming a film over a substrate, applying a photoresist over the film, exposing the photoresist using a first mask pattern including a first mask opening and a second mask opening, and an optical proximity correction being applied only to the first mask opening, exposing the photoresist using a second mask pattern including a third mask opening and a fourth mask opening, an optical proximity correction being applied only to the fourth mask opening.
US07927758B2
A fuel cell system having an electricity generator that generates electricity by the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity generator includes a membrane electrode assembly with a conductive polymer membrane, and anode and cathode electrode layers on opposite sides of the conductive polymer membrane. The electricity generator has a pair of separator plates facing the anode and cathode electrode layers of the membrane electrode assembly and having channels through which flow hydrogen containing fuel or oxygen containing gas. There is also a pair of gaskets provided on opposite sides of the ionic conductive polymer to enclose each edge of the anode and cathode electrodes so that fluid leakage is prevented between the ionic conductive polymer membrane and the separator plates, wherein at least one of the gaskets is used as a voltage measuring gasket including a nonconductive first frame and a conductive second frame. The voltage measuring gasket having the conductive frame is used for measuring the voltage of the unit cell, thereby preventing a bipolar plate from being damaged.
US07927755B2
A thin plate member is a thin plate member that is formed by sintering, contains a ceramic layer, and comprises a thin part having two or more types of layers laminated, each of which is made of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient, and a thick part that is made by laminating plural layers including at least all of the layers constituting the thin part, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the thin part. The thin part has a shape warping in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the thin plate member. By virtue of this configuration, the internal electrical resistance of the thin part can be reduced. Further, the thin plate member can be provided that is difficult to be deformed with respect to the internal stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between layers.
US07927753B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which at least one fluid fuel is transported from a fuel reservoir via a fluid distribution structure to a membrane electrode assembly, the transport of the fuel being effected passively, i.e. without convection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding direct oxidation fuel cell.
US07927748B2
A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a cathode and an anode, one or both of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst comprising a bundle of longitudinally aligned graphitic carbon nanotubes including a catalytically active transition metal incorporated longitudinally and atomically distributed throughout the graphitic carbon walls of said nanotubes. The nanotubes also include nitrogen atoms and/or ions chemically bonded to the graphitic carbon and to the transition metal. Preferably, the transition metal comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cr.
US07927746B2
Systems and methods are provided to prevent separator failure in wound battery structures. The systems and methods employ reinforcing material that is attached or otherwise positioned relative to one or more battery structure components in area/s adjacent to a separator of a layered battery structure. The reinforcing material may be positioned relative to one or more battery structure components in a manner that reinforces or otherwise protects the area/s of the battery structure so as to reduce or substantially prevent occurrence of a conductive breach between negative active electrode material and positive active electrode material of the layered battery structure.
US07927732B2
A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell is provided. The cell design dedicates minimal internal volume to inert components of the cell. This is accomplished, in part, by providing multiple functionalities to individual cell components.
US07927723B1
A film stack includes an interlayer dielectric formed over one or more devices. The film stack further includes a first layer having a high extinction coefficient formed on the interlayer dielectric and a second layer having a low extinction coefficient formed on the first layer. The first and second layers prevent ultraviolet induced damage to the one or more devices while minimizing reflectivity for lithographic processes.
US07927703B2
Described are adhesive compositions containing a mixture of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a high Tg polymer, and a crosslinker to form a compatibilized blend that is optically clear. Methods of using the adhesive compositions, and multilayer assemblies such as optical elements prepared using the adhesives, are also provided.
US07927697B2
The present invention relates to a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet for wiring circuit board, which comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed by a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing an acrylic polymer and a chain transfer substance, in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has characteristics that a gel fraction in the initial stage is from 40 to 70% by weight, and a difference between a gel fraction (% by weight) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer after the following solder reflow step and the gel fraction (% by weight) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in the initial stage is 10 or less. The solder reflow step satisfies the following heat treatment conditions. Surface temperature of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet reaches 175±10° C. within 130 to 180 seconds, the surface temperature reaches 230±10° C. within 200 to 250 seconds, the surface temperature reaches 255±15° C. within 260 to 300 seconds and the solder reflow step finishes within 370 seconds after start of the solder reflow step for the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet.
US07927692B2
The present invention provides a carbon fiber composite material comprising an elastomer and a carbon nanofiber dispersed in the elastomer, wherein the elastomer has an unsaturated bond or a group, having affinity to the carbon nanofiber. Also disclosed is a process for producing the carbon fiber composite material.
US07927683B2
A weak acid bar soap including a body having N-long-chain acyl acidic amino-acid salt, water, and a transparentizing agent and having a shape which has at least base and side; a waterproof protective film attached to lower side surface of said weak acid bar soap. The waterproof protective film is a little bigger than said base of said weak acid bar soap and covers all of said base, extending to a lower part of said side continuously from said base, attached to said lower side surface of said weak acid bar soap to cover at least said lower part of said side, leading edge of said waterproof protective film and said side of said weak acid bar soap are clung tightly to nor make a gap, such that said base and said lower part of said side of said weak acid bar soap are not dissolved by moisture.
US07927682B2
Substantially non-microcracked, porous, cordierite ceramic honeycomb bodies are provided. Although exhibiting moderately high thermal expansion (CTE) between 7×10−7 to 16×10−7/° C. (25-800° C.), the honeycomb bodies exhibit relatively high thermal shock parameter (TSP), such as TSR≧525° C. by virtue of a high MOR/E ratio, and/or low Eratio=ERT/E1000° C. and well interconnected porosity, as witnessed by a relatively high pore connectivity factor (PCF). A method of manufacturing the honeycomb ceramic structure is also provided.
US07927681B2
A fastening assembly and a cushion having the same are provided. The fastening assembly includes a first strip and a second strip. The first strip has a first surface protrudingly provided with a plurality of hooks, and a second surface to which the second strip is bonded. The fastening assembly further includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer, both comprising a magnetic substance. The first protective layer is disposed lengthwise along both lateral sides of the first surface of the first strip so as to form sidewalls respectively and embed some of the hooks. The second protective layer is attached to the first protective layer so as to cover the hooks on the first surface of the first strip.
US07927679B2
The present invention relates to peelable resealable multilayer films which include at least a first polymer layer, a second polymer layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive in direct contact with and bonded to both the first and third layers. The bond formed between the second and third layers includes a peelable resealable interface having a first interfacial peel strength, A, and a second interfacial peel strength, B. The peelable resealable interface includes a first interfacial peel strength, A, having a value of less than 3500 gram-force/inch (1350 newton/meter) as measured in accordance with ASTM F-904-98 test method when the films of the present invention are peeled from a second thermoplastic film to which the film has been heat-sealed. The second interfacial peel strength, B, has a value of at least 400 gram-force/inch (154 newton/meter) as measured in accordance with ASTM F-904-98 test method when the films are peeled from and re-adhered to a second film.
US07927678B2
There is provided a multilayer bottle including an outermost layer and an innermost layer which are each made of a thermoplastic polyester resin, and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost layer and the innermost layer. The barrier layer contains at least two components including a polyamide obtained by polycondensing a diamine component containing m-xylylenediamine as a main component with a dicarboxylic acid component containing an α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid as a main component, and a thermoplastic resin having a lower molecular weight than that of the polyamide. The multilayer bottle hardly suffers from delamination upon impact or dropping and, therefore, is not required to have a shape with less irregularities or less bends for preventing the delamination, and further has a large freedom of design choice.
US07927676B2
Vaso-occlusive devices are provided that have a polymer foam disposed about them. The polymer is treated with a plasma to facilitate thrombogenicity. A method for making and using such devices also is provided. The preferred polymer is a copolymer of a halogenated vinylidene and a halogenated alkene.
US07927665B2
A coating method forming a coating film having a predetermined film thickness on a band-like support body. The method includes conveying the band-like support body; forming the coating liquid on the band-like support body using a coating device fixed on an vibration isolation device; and detecting vibration components on a surface of a floor on which the coating device is disposed and controlling vibration of the active vibration isolation device.
US07927663B2
Wear resistance of the prior-art Ti(C,N) layers can be considerably enhanced by optimizing the grain size and microstructure. This invention describes a method to obtain controlled, fine, equiaxed grain morphology in Ti(C,N) layers produced using moderate temperature CVD (MTCVD). The method includes the step of doping using CO, CO2, ZrC14 and A1C13 or combinations of these to control the grain size and shape. Doping has to be controlled carefully in order to avoid nanograined structures and oxidization. Doping is further controlled to produce grain size that is from about 50 to about 300 nm, preferably from about 50 to about 150; a lack of any strong preferred growth orientation; and a length-to-width ratio (L/W) of less than 3 and only with a slight to moderate XRD line broadening.
US07927647B2
A plastic fat composition to be used mainly as a margarine or shortening having a low content of trans fatty acids, and superior qualities without generating coarse crystals and the like even though a large amount of palm-based fats are blended is provided. A plastic fat composition containing: fat A that is a palm-based fat having an iodine value of no greater than 62; fat B that is a transesterified oil containing 20 to 60% by mass of a saturated fatty acid having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and 40 to 80% by mass of a saturated fatty acid having 16 to 18 carbon atoms based on the total fatty acids constituting the fat B; and fat C that is a vegetable oil other than the fat A, the fat C having a melting point of no higher than 25° C., wherein the fat A, the fat B and the fat C are in an oil phase, the ratio of the content of the fat A to the content of the fat B (fat A/fat B) ranges from 0.5 to 5.5, and the oil phase contains 4.5 to 10.5% by mass of a trisaturated triglyceride constituted only with a saturated fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.
US07927636B1
Hydroxycitric acid compositions which comprise approximately 14 to 26% by weight of calcium, and approximately 24 to 40% by weight of potassium or approximately 14 to 24% by weight of sodium, or a mixture thereof, each calculated as a percentage of the total hydroxycitric acid content of the composition, together with dietary supplements and food products containing such compositions and methods for utilizing such compositions, dietary supplements and food products to reduce body weight in mammals are disclosed.
US07927620B2
According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which include (a) a substrate and (b) a coating that includes an antifouling copolymer, an adhesive copolymer, or both. Antifouling copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one antifouling polymer block having multiple pendant alkoxy functional groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block. Adhesive copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one adhesive polymer block having multiple pendant ring-hydroxyl-substituted aromatic groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block.
US07927616B2
Pesticide compositions and methods for their use are provided. Embodiments of the subject pesticide compositions include a pesticide and an assimilable carbon skeleton energy component. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include a pesticide and one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component and a complexing agent. Also provided are methods that include preparing an assimilable carbon skeleton energy containing-pesticide composition and methods for administering an assimilable carbon skeleton energy containing-pesticide composition to a plant. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject pesticide compositions find use in a variety of different applications, and are particularly suited for use in at least mollifying pesticide-induced phytotoxicity of a plant.
US07927614B2
Composition and methods for alleviating or eliminating age related skin conditions by providing an effective amount of one or more copper, zinc and copper-zinc compositions are disclosed. Treatment is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more copper or zinc salts and/or copper-zinc compounds or complexes, particularly copper-zinc malonate active ingredient.
US07927608B2
The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis.
US07927607B2
The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from S. agalactiae, and methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.
US07927606B2
Free-living microbes are provided in which the nucleic acid has been modified so that the microbe is attenuated for proliferation and/or which comprise genetic mutations that attenuate the ability of the microbe to repair its nucleic acid. Methods of using the modified microbes for the loading, activation, and/or maturation of antigen-presenting cells are also provided. Vaccine compositions comprising the modified microbes and/or the antigen-presenting cells and methods of using the vaccines are also provided. The microbes may be further modified to include heterologous antigens, such as tumor antigens or infectious disease antigens, for use as a vaccine against cancer or infectious diseases.
US07927604B2
A method to prepare seaweed degradation product comprising contacting a bacterium having 16S rRNA sequence consisting of the nucleic acid sequence as recited in SEQ ID NO: 1 with a seaweed is provided.
US07927602B2
This invention provides chimeric proteins comprising an apoptosis-inducing molecule fused to a member of a binding pair that is capable of binding to a selected cell that expresses a death receptor. When the selected cell is exposed in vivo or ex vivo to the chimeric protein, the selected cell undergoes apoptosis. The preferred embodiment is FasL protein fused to streptavidin. The methods of using the chimeric proteins are especially beneficial in causing activated lymphocytes to undergo apoptosis, thus modulating the immune response. Patients with conditions such as asthma or allergy, or patients undergoing transplantation with allogeneic or xenogeneic tissue are examples of patients who benefit from the methods of this invention.
US07927601B2
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs or other antagonists of HBV DNA polymerase activity and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants. These assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular the resistant HBV variants of the present invention. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US07927599B2
Systems and methods for modifying the environment of target cell using genetically altered chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express a therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.
US07927596B2
The invention relates to antibody polypeptides that monovalently bind CD40L. Antibody polypeptides that are monovalent for binding of CD40L can inhibit CD40L activity while avoiding potential undesirable effects that can occur with antibodies capable of divalent or multivalent binding of DC40L. in one aspect, a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide consists of or comprises a single immunoglobulin variable domain that specifically binds and antagonizes the activity of DC40L, preferably without substantially agonizing CD40 activity. In another aspect, the monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide is a human antibody polypeptide. The invention further encompasses methods of antagonizing CD40/CD40L interactions in an individual and methods of treating diseases or disorders involving CD40/DC40L interactions, the methods involving administering a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide to the individual.
US07927593B2
The present invention provides very high affinity antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, that neutralize mature human TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. The antibodies of the invention are useful for treating cell proliferative disorders in a mammal.
US07927591B2
The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder.
US07927584B2
An isolated strain of Enterococcus faecalis GALT deposited under number CECT 7121 of the group of lactic bacteria is disclosed, which is capable of surviving and colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of humans and/or animals and showing beneficial probiotic activity for the health of humans and animals. The strain E. faecalis GALT and/or a culture supernatant and/or metabolites thereof shows no in vitro multiresistance to antibiotics of common use in human clinics as glycopeptides, such as vancomycin, teicoplanine; carbapenemes, such as impipenem, meropenem; and ampicillin. The strain E. faecalis GALT contains no red blood cell-destroying hemolysins of human, ovine and equine origin; and it does not produce any gelatinase, DNase and decarboxylases.The strain E. faecalis GALT is useful for the preparation of a composition intended for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders associated with colonization by pathogenic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract; for use as a regulator of the immune response in human and animals, as well as for the preparation of a composition.The invention is also directed to methods and uses of the strain E. faecalis GALT.
US07927583B2
The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide capable of binding a cytokine to form a nonfunctional complex. It also provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide and methods of making and uses for the fusion polypeptide.
US07927571B2
In the batch production of high purity polycrystalline silicon, in which a U-shaped silicon carrier body is fastened in an open deposition reactor, the deposition reactor is hermetically sealed, the U-shaped carrier body is heated electrical current, a silicon-containing reaction gas and hydrogen are introduced into the reactor through a supply line so that silicon from the reaction gas is deposited on the carrier body, the diameter of the carrier body increases and a waste gas formed is removed from the deposition reactor through a discharge line, and, after a desired diameter of the polysilicon rod is reached, deposition is terminated, the carrier body is cooled to room temperature, the reactor is opened, the carrier body is removed from the reactor and a second U-shaped silicon carrier body made of silicon is fastened in the deposition reactor, an inert gas is fed through the supply and discharge lines into the open reactor from at least the time when the reactor is opened to extract the first carrier body with deposited silicon, until at least the time when the reactor is closed in order to deposit silicon on the second carrier body.
US07927561B2
The present invention proves instruments and methods for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a fluid sample. The fluid sample is placed in a sample chamber having a small, shallow detection region. The analyte is magnetically labeled using magnetic particles coated with a binding reagent, and is detectably labeled using a fluorescent dye or other detection reagent. The magnetically labeled analyte is concentrated into the detection region using a focusing magnet positioned underneath the sample chamber detection region. Concentrated analyte is measured using excitation optics positioned on top of the sample chamber detection region, adapted to illuminate only the detection region, and detection optics positioned on top of the detection region, adapted to detect only light emitted from the detection region. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a simple, rapid assay for measuring the concentration of CD4+T cells in a whole blood sample.
US07927552B2
Provided are a method of and an apparatus for rapidly and effectively mixing fluids even in a laminar flow regime with a very low Reynold's number by applying AC power with a resonant frequency to more effectively induce electrokinetic instability. Also provided are a method of and an apparatus for mixing fluids in which the degree of mixing of the fluids can be varied with time by applying AC power with a lower frequency than a resonant frequency to synchronize a pattern of mixing fluids with the AC power.
US07927551B2
There is disclosed a catalytic body with purifying efficiency and smaller pressure loss and its manufacturing method. Provided is a catalytic body wherein a porous honeycomb structure including partition walls defining a plurality of cells acting as fluid passages which extend through the honeycomb structure from one end surface to the other end surface thereof is formed of at least one type of (a) a catalytic substance and (b) a substance including an oxide and at least one type of noble metal carried on the oxide. The catalytic converter is characterized in that (c) 10% or more of a plurality of cells are plugged by plugging parts formed at one ends or in the middles of passages, that (d) the average pore diameter of the honeycomb structure is 10 μm or more, or that (e) the porosity is 40% or more.
US07927543B2
The method is for treating a marine object. A composition is provided that has an organic substance. The composition is applied to the marine object. The composition has a first layer and a second layer. A first organic substance on the first layer attracts bacteria. The bacteria consume the first organic substance and during this process use oxygen. The bacteria thus reduce an oxygen level in a boundary layer adjacent to a surface of the marine object. The first layer of the composition erodes to expose the second layer. The bacteria consume a second organic substance of the second layer.
US07927542B2
An apparatus comprises a clothes-conditioning hanger able to condition (e.g. fragrance) clothing on the hanger. The hanger has a socket (9) beneath its apex (4), which can retain a source of conditioning agent. The hanger arms (3) contain passageways and apertures (6) whereby conditioning agent may be delivered to the clothing on the hanger.
US07927540B2
A method of making a composite filter media includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a nonwoven fabric mat that includes a plurality of synthetic fibers by a spunbond process, and calendaring the nonwoven fabric mat with embossing calendar rolls to form a bond area pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area to bond the synthetic fibers together to form a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The method also includes applying a nanofiber layer by electro-blown spinning a polymer solution to form a plurality of nanofibers on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric mat to form the composite filter media, the composite filter media having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure.
US07927536B2
Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.
US07927534B1
A process is described which uses overmolding to create an all plastic waterway within a faucet leading up to an inlet port for a spout. The waterway connector has at least two arms and a central connector and wherein the process includes the steps of: at least partially inserting one end of a tube into a first split mold; inserting at least two pins at least partially into the mold, a first pin inserted into the at least one end of the tube and a second pin inserted essentially normal to the direction of insertion of the first pin; injection overmolding a first geometry onto the one end of said tube and forming a profile for fluid transfer with the second pin and associated mold surfaces, the profile having a terminal lip; at least partially inserting two of the profiles with terminal lips into a second split mold, each of the profiles being a mirror image of the other, onto a core having a mating profile for each lip, the mating profile on said core comprising opposing grooves; and injection overmolding a second geometry about the lips to form a leak-proof upwardly extending connector. The process optionally contains the step of crosslinking the waterway connector.
US07927527B2
A method and a mould for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink are disclosed wherein use is made of a multiple mould containing at least three dies detachably attached to one another which define mold cavities and corresponding filling holes. In the moulding process, the cavities are overfilled such that after solidification ink protrudes in the filling openings formed in a single die and prior to removal of the pellets from the mould cavities, the die containing the protrusions is separated from the other dies whereby the ink pellets formed are substantially free of holes and/or protrusions hampering the free flow of such pellets when introduced in a dosing system.
US07927526B2
Silane-based gradient-initiating solution for thermoplastic core having a positive hardness gradient
A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a silane having the formula: wherein R′ is a non-hydrolysable organofunctional group, X is a hydrolysable group, and n is 0-24, such that the hardness of the outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater.
US07927518B2
The invention relates to a metal boride precursor mixture comprising a metal oxide and a boric oxide combined in such a manner so as to produce intimately linked clusters wherein the boric oxide is found within the metal oxide. Furthermore, the invention discloses a carbon composite material made with the metal boride precursor mixture and a carbonaceous component. Finally, the invention also teaches the process for preparing the metal boride precursor mixture comprising steps of providing a metal oxide and a boron oxide, mechanically mixing the metal oxide and the boron oxide at a temperature that liquefies the boron oxide and may impregnate the metal oxide to produce an intimately linked cluster of metal oxide and boric oxide.
US07927517B2
Disclosed herein are a coating solution for the formation of a dielectric thin film and a method for the formation of a dielectric thin film using the coating solution. The coating solution comprises a titanium alkoxide, a β-diketone or its derivative, and a benzoic acid derivative having an electron donating group. The method comprises spin coating the coating solution on a substrate to form a thin film and drying the thin film at a low temperature to crystallize the thin film. The titanium-containing coating solution is highly stable. In addition, the coating solution enables formation of a thin film, regardless of the kind of substrates, and can be used to form dielectric thin films in an in-line mode in the production processes of PCBs.
US07927516B2
A method for synthesis of high quality colloidal nanoparticles using comprises a high heating rate process. Irradiation of single mode, high power, microwave is a particularly well suited technique to realize high quality semiconductor nanoparticles. The use of microwave radiation effectively automates the synthesis, and more importantly, permits the use of a continuous flow microwave reactor for commercial preparation of the high quality colloidal nanoparticles.
US07927513B1
A method for the high removal of ammonia, COS and HCN from syngas (along with some polishing of particulates) in a cost effective and environmentally benign and sustainable fashion, with the need for little to no chemical addition by using a combination of water based gas scrubbing, HCN scrubbing and biological processing steps.
US07927512B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element 1 that has a light emission peak wavelength in a range from 300 nm to 530 nm, and a phosphor 2 that absorbs light from the light emitting element 1 and converts the wavelength of the light to emit light with a light emission peak wavelength different from the light emitting element. The phosphor is represented by the general formula M15−xEuxM2mM3nO2m+(3/2)n+5 where x, m and n fall within ranges 0.0001≦x≦0.3, 1.0≦m≦2.5 and 0≦n≦2.5, M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge and Sn, and M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In and rare earth elements.
US07927501B2
A magnet comprising magnetic powder containing at least one rare earth metal element, and an oxide binder for binding the magnetic powder, wherein an inter-face distance of the binder determined by diffraction analysis is 0.25 to 2.94 nm. The disclosure also discloses a method of manufacturing a magnet comprising; compacting magnetic powder containing at least one rare earth element under pressure in a mold; impregnating the compacted magnetic powder molding with a precursor solution of an oxide material; and heat-treating the compacted magnetic molding impregnated with the precursor thereby to impart an inter-face distance determined by diffraction analysis to the binder in the compacted molding. The distance is 0.25 to 2.94 nm.
US07927489B2
A magnet drum mechanism of a magnet separator includes a cylindrical drum, a magnet provided inside of the drum and forming a magnetic field region configured to adsorb magnetic particles in a circumferentially partial range of an outer peripheral surface of the drum, and a scraper provided in a nonmagnetic field region of the drum, the scraper being configured to guide the magnetic particles adsorbed onto the outer peripheral surface of the drum to an outside of the separator main body in the nonmagnetic field region. The scraper includes a front end portion which faces the outer peripheral surface of the drum in a contactless manner along an axial direction of the drum, and a small gap is formed between the front end portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drum.
US07927480B2
A process for the desulfurization of a fluid catalytically cracked naphtha wherein the valuable olefins are retained and recombinant mercaptans are prevented from forming, resulting in a low sulfur naphtha. Embodiments disclosed herein may allow for more flexibility in varying the end point of the naphtha used in gasoline blending.
US07927474B2
A cell electrophysiological sensor is provided with: a well having a wall formed by at least one curved face, with opening sections being formed on the two ends thereof; a frame substrate having a through hole and an electrode; a cell electrophysiological sensor chip that is provided with a thin plate having a second through hole; and a void substrate, and in this structure, the frame substrate has a thickness greater than the thickness of the cell electrophysiological sensor chip and the opening diameter of the third opening section is made larger than the opening diameter of the fourth opening section.
US07927472B2
To provide a method of controlling film thickness of dielectric multilayer film, such as optical thin film, with high precision, an optical film thickness controlling apparatus and a dielectric multilayer film manufacturing apparatus that can control the film thickness based on the same method, and dielectric multilayer film manufactured using the controlling apparatus or manufacturing apparatus. An optical film thickness controlling apparatus includes a film formation device 15 having a rotatable substrate 23 and a sputtering target 28, a photodiode 16 that detects each of a plurality of monochromatic light beams applied to the rotatable substrate along a radius thereof at predetermined intervals, and an A/D converter 17, in which a movable shutter 29 that moves along the direction of the radius of the rotatable substrate 23 to shut off film formation on the substrate 23 is provided between the substrate 23 and the target 28. From each of the monochromatic light beams detected by the photodiode 16 and the A/D converter 17, a quadratic regression function of reciprocal transmittance is calculated by a least squares method, and a CPU 18 and a motor driver 19, which indicate motion of the movable shutter based on each predicted value of the film growing time when the latest surface layer film reaches to predetermined optical film thickness, move the movable shutter 29 to shut off the film formation at the film formation region where the predetermined optical film thickness is reached to.
US07927468B2
An electrode assembly for use with an electrodeposition process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode assembly includes an electrode for exchanging electrical current with a solution, a passageway for removing gas that becomes trapped between a workpiece and the solution, and a sleeve for electrically isolating the electrode from the workpiece.
US07927461B2
An aramid paper made from aramid fibrid and short fiber and formed into a paper shape has two sides and a surface and includes a thermal bonding face located in at least one of the sides of the aramid paper, the thermal bonding face having such a property as to be directly thermally bondable with another sheet of aramid paper of the same material or a polyester film at a thermal bonding temperature ranging from 90° C. to 200° C. when a plasma treatment is applied to the surface of the aramid paper. The plasma treatment has an intensity ranging from 30 W·min/m2 to 1500 W·min/m2, and the thermal bonding face has a composition ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) ranging between 150% and 230% of a theoretical value of an atom number ratio.
US07927460B2
Disclosed are silver skin-containing paper and the production method thereof. Aqueous pulp slurry containing paper pulp fibers and ground silver skin is prepared, wherein the ground silver skin is provided by wet grinding of silver skin in the presence of water. The aqueous pulp slurry is then formed into a sheet. The silver skin-containing paper contains the ground silver skin at a ratio of 5 to 60% by mass of the paper.
US07927456B2
A method of making a cellulosic web includes: forming a nascent web from a papermaking furnish, the nascent web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber; b) transferring the web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber to a translating transfer surface moving at a first speed; drying the web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent including compactively dewatering the web prior to or concurrently with transfer to the transfer surface; fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric with a patterned creping surface, the fabric creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed slower than the speed of said transfer surface, the fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency being selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric such that the web has a plurality of fiber-enriched regions arranged in a pattern corresponding to the patterned creping surface of the fabric, optionally drying the wet web while it is held in the creping fabric. Preferably, the formed web is characterized in that its void volume increases upon drawing.
US07927447B2
The present disclosure is directed to protective materials and methods for producing protective materials. The protective materials include a plurality of foam elements having a molded surface and a cut surface. The molded surfaces of the foam elements are attached to a fabric sheet such that the cut surfaces each define planes that are spaced from the fabric sheet when the fabric sheet is substantially planar. The protective materials are produced by using a mold to form the plurality of foam elements on one side of a foam sheet, attaching a fabric sheet to the top of the foam elements, and cutting the foam elements from the foam sheet.
US07927443B2
A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber layer and the fibers of the second fiber layer form an angle and a binding layer coating the first fiber layer and said second fiber layer. The interior surface area of the non-compliant medical balloon remains unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.
US07927441B2
A method of manufacturing a breast cup of a brassiere may include the steps of providing a pad including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, providing a fabric cover including a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, superimposing the first and third edge portions, connecting the superimposed first and third edge portions together, superimposing the second and fourth edge portions, connecting the superimposed second and fourth edge portions together, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected first and third edge portions to form a first line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected second and fourth edge portions to form a second line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, and turning the joined pad and fabric cover inside out along the first and second lines of fusion to form seamless edges.
US07927434B2
Provided is a Co—Cr—Pt—B alloy sputtering target comprising an island-shaped rolled structure formed from a Co-rich phase based on the primary crystal formed upon casting, and a Co—Cr—Pt—B alloy sputtering target in which the island-shaped rolled structure has an average size of 200 μm or less. This Co—Cr—Pt—B alloy sputtering target has an uniform and fine rolled structure with minimal segregation and residual stress upon casting, and the present invention aims to enable the stable and inexpensive manufacture of the target, prevent or suppress the generation of particles, and to improve the production yield of deposition.
US07927433B2
A cold-rolled steel sheet of carbon steel or low-alloy steel comprising C: 0.01 to 0.25% by mass with a ferrite main phase is has an average ferrite crystal grain diameter D (μm) at the depth of ¼ of the sheet thickness from the steel sheet surface satisfying formulas (5,6) and the increase rate X (μm/min) in average ferrite crystal grain diameter at 700° C. at the depth of ¼ of the sheet thickness from the steel sheet surface and D (μm) satisfying formula (3): 1.2≦D≦9.3 (5) D≦5.0−2.0·Cr+5000/(5+350·C+40·Mn)2 (6) D·X≦0.1 (3) and, at said ¼ inch depth, the area percentage of ferrite crystal grains the crystal grain diameter d (μm) of which satisfying formula (4) is at least 80%: D/3≦d≦3D (4) wherein C, Cr and Mn represent mass % of the respective elements in the steel.
US07927429B2
After a rinse process on a wafer W is performed by feeding pure water to the surface of the wafer W at a predetermined flow rate while rotating the wafer W in an approximately horizontal state, a feed amount of the pure water to the wafer W is reduced, and a pure-water feed point is moved outward from the center of the wafer W. In this manner, the wafer W is subjected to a spin dry process while forming a liquid film in a substantially outer region of the pure-water feed point.
US07927428B2
A method of cleaning at least a portion of an exposure system's substrate-holding member. The method involves using the substrate-holding member to hold a cleaning member having substantially the same external shape as a substrate processed with the exposure system. The outer diameter of the cleaning member is smaller than the outer diameter of the substrate processed with the exposure system, and as a result, when the substrate-holding member holds the cleaning member, a gap is provided from the outer diameter of the cleaning member to another member which surrounds the substrate when the substrate-holding member is used to hold a substrate. Liquid is supplied to a space over the gap in order to clean at least a portion of the substrate-holding member.
US07927426B2
A retrievable pig for cleaning blockage material from a pipeline, comprising a string of tubing within the pipeline from a proximate location at the entrance to the pipeline to a distal location within the pipeline, a pig assembly comprising a flexible cup which will collect pipeline blockage material, a seal which engages the internal bore of the pipeline being cleaned, and a connection to the distal end of the string of tubing; pushing the pig assembly with fluid in the annular area between the internal bore of the pipeline and the outer diameter of the string of tubing until the pig assembly engages the blockage material, and pumping a flow of fluid thru the internal string of tubing to a location beyond a portion of the blockage material, the flow of fluid urging the pig assembly and the portion of the blockage material towards the proximate location.
US07927425B2
A power-delivery mechanism is provided in the present invention, which utilizes an element with airtight and flexible characteristics coupled to a power-generating unit so as to generate a motion in a specific direction. Besides, an apparatus of plasma -enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is also provided in the present invention, which comprises the power-delivery mechanism to load/unload a workpiece onto a stage for processing automatically. Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a height-adjusting unit and a position-indicating unit allowing the operator to adjust the distance between an upper electrode and a lower electrode of the PECVD so that the operator is capable of monitoring and adjusting the distance easily between the upper electrode and the lower electrode outside the chamber of the PECVD.
US07927423B1
A vapor deposition system includes a filter-diffuser device connected to a vapor inlet within a vacuum chamber for simultaneously filtering inflowing vapor to remove particulate matter while injecting vapor containing perfluordecanoic acid (PFDA) into the chamber through radially arranged porous metal filters to enable the deposition of a uniform monolayer of PFDA molecules onto the surfaces of a micromechanical device, such as a digital micromirror device.
US07927414B2
An acellular matrix glue and a method of making is disclosed. Specifically, an acellular matrix glue that is useful in preparing a reinforced acellular matrix for medical applications including tissue engineering and hernia repair.
US07927413B2
A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F. The method also includes introducing liquid asphalt cement and the water to the foamed cement mixing chamber so as to produce foamed asphalt cement, and introducing foamed asphalt cement into the mixer and mixing it with aggregate materials at a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F. to produce asphalt concrete. The invention also includes an apparatus for making asphalt concrete which includes a foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly.
US07927406B2
The water droplet generating system includes a vessel, an opening/closing valve, a moisture absorbent member, and a condenser portion. The vessel has an opening portion. The opening/closing valve opens and closes the opening portion. The water absorbent member absorbs and releases water vapor depending on a change of humidity. The condenser portion is communicated with the inside of the vessel and cools water vapor released from the moisture absorbent member to be at a dew point of water vapor or less. When the opening portion is opened, the moisture absorbent member absorbs water vapor in atmosphere. When the opening portion is closed, the moisture absorbent member releases water vapor, and the condenser portion condenses water vapor, which is released from the moisture absorbent member, to generate a water droplet.
US07927402B1
In a method for removing moisture from an optical system at high altitude, the improvement comprises using the difference in flow resistance between the desiccant path and the optical cavity path to enable airflow through the desiccant unit and not through the optical path.
US07927398B2
A multistage electromagnetic purification method of molten metal, which employs a multistage separator composed of two or more multichannel straight-pass separators bonded together with inorganic high-temperature adhesive. Each stage of the separators is set up in such a manner that the region of centerline of each channel in the former separators is occupied by the sidewall of the next separators at the corresponding position therein; while simultaneously the position in the next separators becomes a region close to sidewall. The multistage separator eliminates the “dead zone” of electromagnetic separation, realizes the transformation from “weak zone” to “strong zone” of electromagnetic separation, and significantly increases removal efficiency of inclusions in the melt with great volume under the effect of induced magnetic field.
US07927394B2
Collection apparatus are installed in a horizontal separator vessel to aid conventional coalescing media to remove mist and droplets from a gas flow, typically downstream from a compressor. The collection apparatus have filaments which act to wick the coalesced droplets either from the conventional coalescing media or from the sides of the vessel toward an annular channel which collects the droplets and assists in delivering the droplets, by gravity, to the bottom of horizontal vessel where they are carried to a collection area. Use of the collection apparatus permits a reduction in the size of the separator vessel and further permits vapor load factors of up to about 10 times that in a conventionally designed separator vessel.
US07927393B2
An air cleaner element includes an element body, which filters an air flow, and a guard member secured to the element body. The air flow is introduced into the element body through a first end surface of the element body. The air flow is then filtered and sent out from a second end surface. The guard member has a leg portion, which is secured to an outer circumferential portion of the first end surface of the element body. The guard member projects toward the upstream side of the air flow and includes guard portions which are connected together at the distal ends of the guard portions. The guard portions function as a handle when the element body is removed or installed and as a blockage portion that prevents large-sized foreign matter from entering the element body.
US07927384B2
Compounds of the general formula (I) a process for their preparation and their use for dyeing and/or printing organic substrates are described.
US07927379B2
A composition useful for treating fabrics. The composition contains a silver-containing copolymer having polymerized units of a monomer X which is an ethylenically unsaturated compound having a substituent group selected from an unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic group having at least one nitrogen atom and polymerized units of a monomer Y which is an ethylenically unsaturated compound selected from carboxylic acids, organosulfuric acids, sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids and esters comprising polymerized units of ethylene oxide.
US07927378B2
A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including a flap or skirt concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between the skirt and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket. A powered vacuum pump is also provided for producing and maintaining a partial vacuum in the sealed chamber for keeping the socket and sleeve joined. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
US07927373B2
An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first prosthesis component, a second prosthesis component, and an intermediate prosthesis component positioned between the first prosthesis component and the second prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component and second prosthesis component are configured to rotate upon the intermediate prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component includes a vertebra facing surface with a central channel formed in the vertebra facing surface. The central channel is designed and dimensioned to engage an insertion arm of a disc insertion tool. The first prosthesis component also includes at least one indentation configured to engage at least one retention arm of the disc insertion tool. The at least one indentation of the first prosthesis component may comprises at least one groove formed in a collar of the first prosthesis component. In one embodiment, the first and second prosthesis components are plates and the intermediate prosthesis component is a core.
US07927368B2
The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT.
US07927355B2
A crosslink member for securing spinal rods is disclosed having connector ends that include a brace and a locking member, each having an arcuate face resting on and securing a spinal rod. The locking member is secured by a cam member that rotates relative to the locking member and that cams against the connector to displace the cam member. The crosslink includes a male connector with a cylindrical cross rod received by a cavity in a female connector. The cross rod is secured by a pivotable clamp device in the female connector, and the cross rod connector and female connector may pivot, rotate, and telescope relative to each other. To reduce size without sacrificing pivot sweep, the cross rod has beveled edges, and the cavity of the female connector has windows to provide pivot clearance.
US07927353B2
A connection assembly between a spinal implant rod and a vertebral anchor. The assembly has a longitudinal member, a housing, a rod interface washer, and a compression member. The longitudinal member has an aperture at one end and a wedge at the other. The housing has a passageway to accept the shank of a bone screw and a bore to accept the wedge. The bore is open to the passageway so that when the wedge is pulled from the bore it pushes against the shank of the bone screw, trapping the bone screw between the wedge and the sidewalls of the passageway. Threading a setscrew into the aperture presses a spinal rod against the washer, presses the washer against the housing, and pulls the wedge against the shank of the bone screw. Further tightening of the setscrew then locks the bone screw and rod together.
US07927351B2
An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart.
US07927347B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return sheath with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.
US07927343B2
A system for performing vascular surgery includes a first retractor blade and a second retractor blade and a fulcrum device. The first retractor blade includes a first grasping bar, and the second retractor blade comprises a second grasping bar. The first retractor blade and the second retractor blade are adapted to engage opposing edges of a subcostal incision in a patient. The fulcrum device includes a first fulcrum slot and a second fulcrum slot formed through opposing edges of the fulcrum device. The first fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the first grasping bar and the second fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the second grasping bar, such that the fulcrum device is adapted to apply leverage from the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade to spread the edges of the incision and to allow access to a chest cavity of the patient.
US07927342B2
Methods and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument.
US07927337B2
A bone spreader includes two tubular pin holders which are connected to one another by a parallel guide system, and two pins that are configured to be connected to the bone parts that are to be spread apart. In order to give the bone parts that are to be spread apart a more secure position in relation to one another, at least one of the pin holders is provided with a locking device for a pin located in the pin holder. This locking device includes a locking finger which is movable tangentially with respect to the pin holder and which, in the locking position, engages in a transverse groove of the associated pin and can be formed by a pivotably mounted hook.
US07927334B2
A surgical reducing instrument is used to position an elongated implant element in a desired position relative to one or more of the bone anchors of a spinal implant system. The reducing instrument includes a mounting member that is mounted to the anchor and extends along a first longitudinal axis and an implant reducing member pivotally linked to the mounting member that extends along a second longitudinal axis that is offset from and variably positionable relative to the first longitudinal axis about a pivot axis. The reducing member contacts the implant element and includes a manipulation portion to move the implant element along the second longitudinal axis and can maintain contact to move the implant element toward the bone anchor when the reducing member is pivoted relative to the mounting member about the pivot axis.
US07927328B2
An electrosurgical system is disclosed comprising a generator configured to electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The generator includes a closed loop control system for controlling the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The closed loop control system includes a sensor configured to sense a tissue property and/or an energy property and to transmit the tissue property and/or the energy property as one or more sensor signals having an amplitude. The control system also includes a gain controller configured to process the at least one sensor signal to reduce the amplitude of the sensor signals and to obtain a signal to noise ratio of the at sensor signals within a predetermine range. A microprocessor coupled to the generator and is configured to adjust the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms as a function of the sensor signals.
US07927322B2
The present invention provides an absorbent article having longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a second portion and a first portion. This absorbent article has a topsheet which has a first major surface that forms a body-facing surface. In addition, the absorbent article has a backsheet which has a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface. The second major surface of the backsheet forms a garment facing surface of the absorbent article. On the second portion of the top sheet on the first major surface, a body adhesive is applied. In the first portion of the absorbent article, a garment attachment device for attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment of a user is present.
US07927310B2
A catheter winder/unwinder comprising at least a first system and a second system is disclosed wherein, the first system comprises a first receptacle that receives a catheter and a first drive mechanism that applies movement to the catheter, the second system comprising a second receptacle that receives a guide and including an outlet, said second receptacle being rotatable relative to the first receptacle, and a second drive mechanism that applies movement to the guide. The outlet includes a fastener device for fastening to the catheter.
US07927305B2
A system for delivering a contrast medium to a treatment site including a delivery device, and a portable power injector. The delivery device includes a guidewire lumen and a contrast injection lumen, the guidewire lumen and contrast injection lumen being at least partially coaxial. The portable power injector includes an injector body and is configured to contain a contrast medium. The injector body has a plunger disposed therein. The portable power injector also includes a pressure generator, the pressure generator being configured to apply a pressure to the plunger to drive the contrast medium from the injector body and through a distal end of the contrast injection lumen.
US07927303B2
A reloadable medicine injector and methods are described in which a barrel with a receiving cavity is adapted to slidably receive a syringe subassembly for axial movement therein. Upon removal of a safety and release of a syringe driver, the syringe driver moves forward and injects the syringe needle. A plurality of penetration controls are shown for controlling injection needle penetration depth. The penetration controls have an abutment and various lengths to provide different needle penetration depth positions. In one form of penetration control a sleeve is used against which the syringe or related parts contact. In another form the front return spring is used as a penetration control. A cushioning ring may be used to reduce syringe breakage. A load distribution and guide ring may be used to distribute loading applied to the syringe and help guide the moving syringe.
US07927293B1
An apparatus for clearing mucus from the pulmonary system, utilizing two different types of external excitation applied concurrently to the thorax, the first type of excitation consisting of vibrational stimulations, and the second type of excitation consisting of compressive stimulations, with control means provided to regulate the two excitation means.
US07927290B2
A blood test apparatus wherein a blood collection needle and a blood sensor can be easily attached and detached so that a burden or pain of a patient can be relieved. More specifically speaking, a blood test apparatus wherein a holder, a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor are united together as a blood sampling cartridge that is detachably mounted to the apparatus body. When this blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger involved in the apparatus body holds the lancet and connectors involved in the apparatus body come into contact with the blood sensor. It is preferable that the contact points with the blood sensor of the individual connectors are located at intervals at the same angle centering on a definite point.
US07927286B2
A monitoring system for cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass comprising: a processor operatively connected to a heart-lung machine; a pump flow detecting device connected to a pump of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the pump flow value and send it to the processor; a hematocrit reading device inserted inside the arterial or venous line of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the blood hematocrit value and to send it to the processor; a data input device to allow the operator to manually input data regarding the arterial oxygen saturation and the arterial oxygen tension; computing means integrated in the processor to compute the oxygen delivery value on the basis of the measured pump flow, the measured hematocrit value, the preset value of arterial oxygen saturation, and the preset value of arterial oxygen tension; and a display connected to the processor to display in real-time the computed oxygen delivery value.
US07927283B2
A apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring blood pressure. Cuff pressure and oscillometric signals are generated. The signals are conditioned by a plurality of linear filters to remove artifacts and local trends. Rank-order filters are applied to the conditioned oscillometric signal to detect upper and lower envelops. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are calculated using a plurality of multidimensional threshold vectors.
US07927282B2
A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position.
US07927275B2
A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. Specifically, a data-gathering device is adapted to acquire heartbeat data and blood-vessel data from a heart-monitoring device and a data-gathering probe, respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blood-vessel data is acquired during a cyclical portion of the heartbeat data. By identifying a cyclical (or commonly reoccurring) portion of the heartbeat data and acquiring blood-vessel data during this cyclical portion (or during an interval that substantially corresponds thereto), the blood vessel can be analyzed as if it were standing still—i.e., not expanding and relaxing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heart-monitoring device includes an EKG device, the data-gathering device includes an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device and a computing device, and the data-gathering probe includes at least one transducer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data-gathering system further includes a retraction device adapted to move the data-gathering probe though a blood vessel at a substantially steady speed.
US07927264B2
In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an inertial exercise device has an elongate member with opposing first and second end portions, and a sleeve movably coupled to the elongate member and disposed between the first and second end portions of the elongate member. A first elastic resistance element interfaces between the elongate member and the sleeve. A user-induced rhythmic movement of the sleeve along the elongate member alternatively toward the opposing first and second end portions causes the first elastic resistance element to alternately compress and extend as the first and second end portions of the elongate member oscillate relative to the sleeve.
US07927263B1
Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.
US07927259B1
A punch pad assembly is provided. A plurality of support plates are coupled with respect to the punch pad assembly. A motor is provided. The motor operatively couples the support plates with respect to a trigger. In this manner the punch pad assembly may be reciprocated at a rate of between 300 and 700 strokes per minute with a stroke length of between 0.875 and 1.000 inches.
US07927246B2
The rotation of a first rotating element is shifted in speed by a speed shift device, and is transmitted to a second rotating element or a third rotating element of a differential device via a first clutch or a second clutch. In this manner, the torque of right and left driving wheels can be controlled. Furthermore, in conjunction with limitation of the differential motion, the amount of torque transmitted to a fourth rotating element is eliminated by allowing the speed shift device to freely rotate, and the accumulated amount of sliding of friction engagement elements at the time of differential motion limitation can be reduced by completely engaging the first clutch and the second clutch without allowing them to slide. Thus, the differential motion limitation control can be realized without a need to increase the size of the first clutch and the second clutch.
US07927238B2
An apparatus is provided for training the overhand throwing motion. The apparatus comprises a first end having a first altitude relative to a throwing surface; an opposing second end having a second altitude relative to the throwing surface; and an unobstructed guiding surface interconnecting the first end to the second end and defining a slope there between.
US07927235B2
The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and flight performance, while maintaining good durability and appearance. The present invention relates to a golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover, the intermediate layer comprises an outermost layer and a second layer adjacent to the underside of the outermost layer, and the cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the second layer is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the outermost layer is formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 1 to 100 μm, the intermediate layer has depressions on the surface thereof at the position and shape corresponding to the dimples through the cover, and the cover is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in land portion having no dimple.
US07927226B1
A putter head is provided which has a striking surface and is adapted to mount to a shaft of a putter. The putter head has an alignment apparatus which includes a sighting device and a flat surface. The sighting device has an upright element and a base element which is symmetrically positioned around a bottom of the upright element. When viewed from above, centering the base element around the upright element every time positions a golfer's eyes and head in the same position every time. The flat surface is centered under the upright element. The flat surface whereby positioning the flat surface on a surface positions the putter head in the same relationship with the surface every time.
US07927225B1
A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.
US07927223B2
An amusement ride includes a support structure generally having the shape of a vertical standing arch that spans from a first ground base to a second ground base. Movably supported on the support structure is at least one vehicle for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along a length of the support structure from an initial loading position at one of the first and second ground bases. The vehicle is hereby lifted by a lifting device from the initial loading position upwards along the support structure and slowed down by a braking mechanism when it travels from an elevated position in a downward direction along the support structure.
US07927222B2
A portable sandbox for carrying sand is provided. The portable sandbox includes a support frame and a carrier body. The support frame includes a front axle and a rear axle, a first and a second pair of upright support members, at least two front wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the front axle, at least two rear wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the rear axle, and a base member comprising a first and a second pair of arms. The carrier body includes a bottom enclosure disposed on the base member of the support frame, and front and rear side panels extending vertically upwards from the bottom enclosure. Furthermore, the portable sandbox includes a handle securely attached to the support frame for pulling the portable sandbox.
US07927217B2
To prevent a network response to a game server from deteriorating, a flag information management unit of a game server is provided. The flag information management unit manages flags indicating information on player characters (PC) in response to requests from client systems (or communication terminals)s occurring during network game progress. A flag information transmission unit transmits only the information linked to the managed flags to the client systems (or communication terminals). Then, on the sides of the client systems (or communication terminals), a control unit controls a CD-ROM drive in accordance with the information, and the necessary information is reproduced from a CD-ROM.
US07927210B2
An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
US07927207B2
In a gaming machine provided with a function called “super time (ST),” which may change the amount of payout coins, a player moves his sight from a displayed stopping order to a displayed reel during such Super Time (ST) game. In order to prevent fatigue by the sight movement, an image display device is provided with a transparent liquid crystal for image attractions and a liquid crystal film for an electronic shutter. They are laminated and disposed in front of the main reel. The electronic shutter can shield an area partially with a software in reference to a gaming status. For example, the electronic shutter does not shield the area and an image attraction is executed since the player may not make an observation push. For the image attraction after the complete reel stop, the electronic shutter shields the area so as to show a clear attraction image.
US07927203B2
To provide a game device capable of evaluating and displaying progress in a more reliable manner in the case of implementing a soccer game or basketball game etc., there is provided means for determining which team is in possession of the ball, means for acquiring the ball position and the position of the game character in possession of the ball as a possession position, progress variable updating means for executing processing to enable the progress variable to approach a prescribed first fixed value when the first team is in possession of the ball and the ball is within a first attacking preparation region common to part or all of the first region, and executing processing to increase the progress variable when the first team is in possession of the ball and the possession position is outside of the first attacking preparation region, and means for displaying a progress display image according to the progress variable.
US07927179B2
A brassiere shoulder strap has a layer of strap material having an inner surface with an inner surface area shape and an outer non-slip surface, and a support fabric having an inner surface and overlying the inner surface of the layer of strap material. The inner surface of the support fabric corresponding to the inner surface area shape of the layer of strap material. Folded free side edges of the layer of strap material and the support fabric are all stitched together to interconnect the layer of strap material to the support fabric.
US07927171B2
The present invention relates to an infant entertainment device with a movable object. In one embodiment, the infant entertainment device is a toy aquarium. The infant entertainment device includes a drive mechanism that is operably coupled to the movable object to move the object.
US07927170B2
A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.
US07927167B2
The present invention provides a getter material configured by a pressed powder mixture comprising Ba—Al alloy powder and Ni powder, wherein when the pressed powder mixture is heated in a vacuum atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere, a temperature at which an exothermic reaction starts is ranging from 750° C. to 900° C. According to this getter material, since the temperature at which the pressed powder mixture starts the exothermic reaction is set within a range from 750° C. to 900° C., there can be provided a getter material and an evaporation type getter device capable of suitably controlling an evaporation amount of getter components under a stable condition, and is excellent in responsiveness because a time ranging from a starting time of heating the getter material to a starting time of evaporation of the getter components can be shortened. In addition, the metal container to be filled with the getter material is free from deformation and melting, and a heat-evaporation process time of the getter material can be shortened, so that there can be provided the evaporation type getter device excellent in responsiveness because a time required for the electron tube to attain to a predetermined vacuum degree can be also shortened.
US07927164B2
An underwater viewing unit includes a tube insertable into a through-hole of an air mattress, a rest for the viewer's head provided at the lower end of the tube, and a transparent panedisposed within the tube. The head rest is formed by an inflatable beaded body connected to the upper rim of the tube and extending over less than 360° to leave free a peripheral region outside the tube for free breathing.
US07927163B2
A flotation recreational device consists of a buoyant vessel having a semispherical exterior surface and a sufficient internal area adapted to accommodate an operator. The vessel is configured to have a geometrical center which is a metacenter of a spherical buoyant body serving as a base of the partially-spherical exterior surface. The center of sphere is spaced from and located above the center of gravity of the operator, so the radius of sphere is greater than the height of said center of gravity. The stability of a vessel-operator system is determined by a stability of a distance between the metacenter and the center of gravity of the operator. The vessel can be in the form of a circular shell, an elliptical shell, or a barrel.
US07927155B2
A secondary disconnect for a circuit breaker drawout system is provided. The secondary disconnect includes a plurality electrical connectors that are coupled to spacer frames. The spacer frames are movably mounted to guide pins that couple the secondary disconnect to the circuit breaker. A compression spring is disposed about the guide pin and bias's the secondary disconnect. A second spring positioned within the spacer frame applies a biasing force when the circuit breaker is in the racked-in position.
US07927150B2
A connector configured to hold a contact module. The connector includes a housing that has an interior surface defining a cavity that extends between first and second ends of the housing. The cavity is configured to receive and hold the contact module therein. The connector also includes a spring tab that is located in the cavity and oriented to project from the interior surface toward the first end of the housing. The spring tab is integrally formed with the housing. Also, the connector includes a ridge portion that is located in the cavity and oriented to project from the interior surface. The contact module is retained between the ridge portion and the spring tab.
US07927146B2
A cable assembly (100) comprises a first shielding member (1) and a second shielding member (4) assembled together along a front-to-back direction; an insulative housing (2) with a plurality of terminals (3), the insulative housing accommodated in the first shielding member; a cable (7) having a plurality of wires electrically connected to the terminals, respectively; a strain relief member (6) combined with the cable, the strain relief member retained in the second shielding member.
US07927145B1
A USB female connector includes an insulation body, a circuit board, connecting terminals and electrical-conductive terminals. The insulation body is provided with a trough and a plurality of terminal slots located on a lower edge of the trough. The circuit board is disposed through the trough and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A front end of the first surface is arranged with a plurality of golden fingers. One ends of the connecting terminals are fixed to a rear end of the second surface and electrically connected to the golden fingers. The electrical-conductive terminals are disposed through the terminal slots. A front end of each of the electrical-conductive terminals has an electrical-conductive portion located in rear of the golden fingers. By this structure, the volume of the female connector is reduced to thereby conform to the requirements for compact design.
US07927130B2
An electronic apparatus wherein at least one detachable module is inserted into a rack and the module is connected with the rack by male/female connector, wherein it is made possible to detect any bending of pins of the male connector before the module is mounted in the rack and therefore incomplete mounting of the module to the rack can be prevented. A light source with high linearity is provided at each of the pins at the male connector side, while conversely a light receiving unit of light is provided at each of the receptacles at the female connector side. Before connection of the connectors, if all receiving units receive light, normality of the pins is detected. Instead of providing the light receiving units at the female connector side, providing a reflecting part at the female connector side and providing a light receiving unit at the male connector side is possible.
US07927126B1
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a main body defining a channel configured to receive and hold a cable connector. Means for releasably securing the main body to a device are provided. The channel is aligned with a receptacle of the device when the main body is secured to the device. A first resilient member extends outwardly from an inner wall of the main body and into the channel. The first resilient member is deformably tensionable against the cable connector when received and held within the channel.
US07927120B1
A connector has an insulating housing of which two opposite ends extended frontward to form a pair of supporting arms, terminals mounted in the insulating housing having soldering portions projected out of a bottom of the insulating housing, a positioning member. The positioning member has a base slice received in a through slot formed at the supporting arm. A top slice and a bottom slice are extended from top and bottom edges of the base slice respectively and perpendicular to the base slice. The top slice is located above a top of the supporting arm, the bottom slice is located under a bottom of the supporting arm for being soldered on the PCB. As the height of the base slice is bigger than that of the through recess, intervals are accordingly formed between the supporting arm and positioning member to achieve an up-and-down movement of the positioning member.
US07927116B2
An electrical card connector comprises an insulative housing, a shield covering the insulative housing, a plurality of terminals received within the insulative housing, and an ejection mechanism. The insulative housing and the shield define a receiving space for receiving an electrical card. The ejection mechanism disposed on one side of the receiving space comprises a base and a movable push rod mounted within the base. A reinforced rib protruding from a surface of the rear portion of the push rod, and a corresponding receiving groove is defined on the base for receiving said the reinforced rib movable therein. A guide groove is defined on the bottom wall of the push rod, and a guide rib protrudes from the base, which is received within said guide groove and movable therein.
US07927115B2
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of signal terminals (2) received in the insulative housing, an ejector (3) assembled to a side of the insulative housing, a first switch terminal (5), a second switch terminal (6) and a third switch terminal (7). The insulative housing defines a card receiving room. The first switch terminal is urged by the ejector and slidable together with the ejector. The second switch terminal and the third switch terminal each include a first contacting pad (61, 71) extending planar with respect to the insulative housing and parallel with each other. The first and second contacting pads establishing an electrical connection through the first switch terminal in response to a slidable movement of the ejector.
US07927111B2
To provide an electrical junction box wherein terminals juxtaposed in the box can be supported, when fuses or the like are fitted in the terminals. An electrical junction box is provided on an outer surface with electrical component containing sections. Terminals are juxtaposed in the containing sections. The terminals are connected to an internal circuit member. Each terminal is provided on opposite side edges in a width direction with recesses or protrusions. Support pins project from the electrical junction box or an insulation plate contained in the box so that each support pin is disposed between the adjacent terminals to extend in a direction perpendicular to the terminals and is fitted in the recesses or protrusions.
US07927105B2
Method for prescriptive learning. The method includes providing a user independent hierarchy of competencies, competency characteristics and assessments with associated rules that identify learning activities and identifying a user specific path through the hierarchy for a selected competency and competency characteristic based on the hierarchy, scoring of at least one question associated with at least one assessment associated with the selected competency characteristic. The rules and user specific information provide a user specific identification of learning activities.
US07927097B2
The invention relates to a bracket which is intended for use in orthodontics and which is made entirely from plastic using an injection molding process. The inventive bracket comprises the basic elements of any bracket, such as the base which is fixed or cemented to the tooth, the arch groove in the mesial-distal direction and flanges for standard wire ligatures or elastomers. The invention is essentially characterised in that, as with metal brackets, the fixing base provides mechanical retention and, as such, does not have to be coated with any type of chemical additive during the cementing procedure.
US07927084B2
A compressor is having a tubular vertical shaft, which rotates about its vertical axis, a cylinder block for supporting the tubular vertical shaft, a rotor for driving the rotation of the tubular vertical shaft, and a stator affixed to the cylinder block. Lubricant is channelled from the lower end of the tubular vertical shaft through an inlet of its interior path to the outlet. A magnet is disposed within the interior path to trap ferrous contaminants in the lubricant before the lubricant is distributed to other parts of the compressor.
US07927078B2
A wind turbine includes a tower supporting a drive train with a rotor, at least one blade extending radially from the rotor; and a plurality of substantially flat flaps extending substantially perpendicular from a suction surface of the blade and along different chord lines near a tip of the blade for capturing and directing tip vortices toward a trailing edge of the blade.
US07927070B2
The invention relates to a pitch controlled wind turbine blade including a pressure surface side and a leeward surface side, where the surfaces establishes a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade includes a turbulence generating mechanism where the mechanism is placed on the leeward surface sides of the wind turbine blade and at the outer section of the wind turbine blade in direction of the blade tip. The invention further relates to a wind turbine including at least two pitch controlled wind turbine blades and a pitch controlling mechanism for pitching the blades. The blades include a turbulence generating mechanism where the mechanism is placed on the leeward surface sides of the wind turbine blades and at the outer section of the wind turbine blades in direction of the blade tips.
US07927068B2
An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.
US07927063B2
Disclosed is a method for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The method includes providing a forklift in a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position. The supporting position of the pins results in a horizontal disposition thereof and rigid attachment of the forklift to the rearward end of the vehicle. Mounting of the forklift to the rearward end of the vehicle is afforded when the openings of the mounting brackets are in alignment with the supporting position of the pins and the pins are in the supporting position while being located through the openings of the mounting brackets.
US07927057B2
A non-permanent system for the unloading and loading of ocean-going cargo vessels is described using a cargo transfer system which is supported by dirigibles or airships. The cargo transfer system is comprised of a moving transfer cable, a cargo lifting device and a cargo staging device. The system is used to transfer cargo between at least one sea terminus and at least one land terminus. Cargo is moved along the transfer cable from one terminus to another by means of dirigibles or airships. The sea-terminus of the system may be a floating temporary dock or a large ocean vessel such as an aircraft carrier. The system can be developed so that it is fully transportable and can be assembled and launched from a large ship, as well as recovered for movement to another location. The system may also be used at inland ports. The system can be sized to the port requirements using one transfer system or multiple systems.
US07927052B1
A castellated nut has 8 castellation slots in the outer wall. A circular locking insert has 25 long locking tabs radiating outwardly from the perimeter, an axle-engaging tongue protruding inwardly, and 9 smaller holding tabs which fit into an interior circular nut groove. All 25 locking tabs are bent at 90 degrees up from the circular locking insert and the axle slot-engaging tongue is bent down at 90 degrees. The locking insert is pressed into the nut and the small holding tabs are bent into the interior circular groove in the nut. The axle-engaging tongue is aligned with the axle shaft groove. The locking axle nut is threaded onto the axle shaft and tightened with the axle slot-engaging tongue sliding in the axle groove. One of the 25 locking tabs is bent into one of the 8 castellation slots.
US07927044B2
A tensioning assembly 10 for a cable bolt having a flexible shaft 12 comprises a clamping device 14, 16 configured to mount to the bolt shaft 12 with an axis (CA) of the clamping device aligned with the shaft axis (SA); and an outer member located over, and engaged with, the clamping device 14, 16. The outer member 18 is arranged, under a predetermined movement of the outer member, to impart drive to the clamping device 14, 16 to bias the clamping device 14, 16 to move in the direction of the clamping device axis. A cable bolt and method of tensioning a cable bolt is also disclosed.
US07927042B2
An adjustable yield rock bolt that comprises an elongated tensile support member that interacts with at least one gouging member and a receiving member capable of receiving the elongated tensile support member and hold the gouging member segment there between, wherein the elongated tensile support member extends beyond the receiving member a length that corresponds to a predetermined amount of yield before ultimate failure. The bolt has adjustability by allowing for controlled yield by gouging of the elongated tensile support member for any length of displacement.
US07927041B2
Flexible riser systems are used to transfer hydrocarbons between a sea bed installation and a vessel floating at the sea surface. The riser is provided with a protection mechanism to protect the riser from impacts. The protection mechanism covers at least the upper part of the riser and may be retractable to an in-active position. When in operation, the riser protection mechanism is either suspended from the vessel or from a submerged turret buoy, forming part of a mooring system for the vessel. At its lower end, the protection mechanism is provided with an annular body surrounding the riser, the annular body having sufficient weight to provide a downwardly acting force in the riser protection mechanism, causing a stretch or a tension in the riser protection mechanism.
US07927037B2
A permeable paver that has water permeability of on average about 1 inch per hour and compressive strength of an average of about 8000 psi, the paver manufactured by forming a mixture comprising blast-furnace slag, sand, gravel and Portland cement into predetermined sizes, shapes and colors as desired utilizing a hydraulic-type or equivalent compacting block forming machine.
US07927034B2
An applicator for applying a spreadable composition to the skin or other exterior region of a human or animal body, comprising receiving means for receiving and carrying a unit or measured dose of the composition and a grip for enabling a user to grip and manipulate the applicator, wherein the grip and receiving means are arranged such that a user gripping the applicator by the grip is protected from inadvertent contact with a composition, a unit or measured dose of which is carried by the receiving means.
US07927028B2
A protective cover assembly (40) for digital camera is used for an electronic device (100). The electronic device includes a main body (20) which has a recess portion (210) defined therein. A flash (70) is located in the recess portion. The protective cover assembly includes a cover (49) received in the recess portion. The cover includes a base (46) and a lighttight layer (48) formed on the base. A through hole (462) is defined in the cover, configured for allowing light emitted from the flash to pass the cover.
US07927023B2
A connector receives and grips an optical fiber in registry with an optical element. Pivoting portions are held in default inoperative position by the spring action of molded hinges, at which position two shutter portions meet, so forming a shutter preventing the ingress of dirt to the optical element. As the optical liber is pushed a small distance into the connector, the pivoting portions are caused to pivot a small amount about the hinges, bringing teeth into contact with the outside jacket of the fiber. The bodies of the inserts are forced radially away from the central axis of the connector, so providing a leaf spring force which keeps the teeth engaged with the jacket of the fiber. The shutter portions move out of the way of the fiber and the spring action applies a force to draw the fiber further into the body of the connector.
US07927015B2
The invention relates to a flexible packaging container that is made of plastic, wherein a region comprising an interior wall and an exterior wall is formed by means of sealed or glued seams. The interior wall is provided with one or more openings which allow gas to escape from the interior region of the container and to enter into the region between the interior and exterior walls, and the sealed or glued seams enclosing said region are, at least in a partial region, formed such that they allow gas to escape.
US07927013B2
A rotor, and a gantry and a computed tomography apparatus with such a rotor, has recess to accommodate at least one component of an image data acquisition device, and the recess is dimensioned such that the component can be inserted therein in a radial direction proceeding away from a rotation center of the rotor and is positively connected with the rotor by an abutment structure provided on the component, as well as by spot connections. This positive fit thus acts in the direction of the centrifugal forces arising upon rotation of the rotor, such that an ejection of the component from the rotor is effectively prevented even given a failure of the spot connections (for example bolt connections) between the rotor 1 and the component.
US07927011B2
The present application discloses a method of estimating a surface temperature of an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements and a surface, involving: a) establishing a temperature rise function of the surface of the ultrasound probe due to a single active transducer element; b) selecting one of the transducer elements; c) applying a single transmission pulse signal to the selected transducer element such that the selected transducer element operates once; d) measuring a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe at predetermined positions on the surface thereof; e) completing the temperature rise function based on the measured temperature rise; and f) estimating a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe based on the temperature rise function.
US07927010B2
Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.
US07927007B2
An apparatus for mixing and atomizing gases and liquids are described. The liquid is atomized by the combs of rollers that rotate in the chamber. The rollers are configured to neutralize centrifugal forces, thus preventing the liquid fluid from bordering the sides of the chamber, thus mixing the gas with the liquid.
US07927002B2
A backlight unit capable of reducing or effectively preventing a hot spot phenomenon includes a plurality of light sources generating lights, a light guide plate including a portion on which the lights generated from the light sources are incident and converting the lights incident on the portion into a surface-shaped lights and a light path converter converting a traveling direction of the lights incident on the portion of the light guide plate in an area where the lights emitted from the light sources diodes overlap each other.
US07926999B2
A planar light-emitting device includes an elongate first lightguide plate (13) having a light entrance end surface (13a) disposed facing an exit surface (12a) of a light-emitting package (12), a reflecting side surface (13b) extending substantially at right angles to the light entrance end surface to reflect light entering through the light entrance end surface, and a light exit side surface (13c) facing the reflecting side surface, and a flat plate-shaped second lightguide plate (14) having a light entrance side edge surface (14a) facing the light exit side surface (13c). The first lightguide plate is configured to satisfy the condition of t1
US07926996B2
A light emitting element is mounted on the surface of a board. The light emitting element emits light. The light passes through a translucent optical member. The light enters the translucent optical member through a incident surface. The lines of protrusions make the incident surface jagged. The jagged surface resulting from the protrusions enables diffusion of the light entering through the incident surface. The light spreads along the surface of the board. Simultaneously, the emitted light is partly reflected on the incident surface. The reflected light is reflected on a reflecting surface placed behind the light emitting element. The reflected light then enters the translucent optical member. The translucent optical member is thus allowed to illuminate over a wide range with a sufficient brightness. An impressive illumination can be realized.
US07926993B2
A projector unit is provided with a mechanism for changing the spatial distribution of a light beam. The projector unit includes a housing, an action element having a revolving shaft, a first diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the first diaphragm is fixedly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a second diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the second diaphragm is rotatingly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a first biasing element disposed between the second diaphragm and the housing, wherein the first biasing element regulates a positioning of the second diaphragm relative to the housing, and a second biasing element disposed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, wherein the second biasing element regulates a spacing between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.
US07926992B2
A headlamp assembly for providing various beam patterns for a vehicle is provided, which includes a lamp shield driving device. The device comprises a first shield including at least one shield projection formed on a circumference thereof, a second shield to shield at least a part of beam irradiation in a close range, and a shield driving unit to drive the first shield and the second shield in a sequential order to thereby generate a certain beam pattern.
US07926990B2
According to some embodiments, a tail lamp 103 includes a body portion 103a arranged at a rear portion of a vehicle, and side portions 103b and 103c extending forward from the body portion 103a along both vehicle widthwise side surfaces. In some examples, the side portions 103b and 103c of the tail lamp 103 extend forward beyond rear ends of the flashers 101. The tail lamp 103 includes a light-shielding panel 304 arranged between the light source of the tail lamp 103 and the flashers 101.
US07926976B2
Deformable illumination module with a plurality of circuit boards that have at least one optical emitter arranged thereon and that are connected into forming a chain by way of two electrical power supply wires. The electrical power supply wires run without interruption across all circuit boards of the chain creating a parallel connection of the circuit boards.
US07926973B2
A semiconductor light emitting apparatus can be configured to reduce color variations and intensity variations with a simple configuration. The semiconductor light emitting apparatus can include a substrate having conductive members including chip mounting areas and electrode areas, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting device chips mounted in the chip mounting areas on the substrate, a reflector formed on this substrate so as to surround the semiconductor light emitting device chips, and a fluorescent material and a light diffusing material arranged distributedly inside this reflector. The semiconductor light emitting apparatus can be configured so that the semiconductor light emitting device chips emit light only from their top surfaces, and a first light transmitting resin containing the fluorescent material is applied only to the top surfaces of the semiconductor light emitting device chips.
US07926967B2
A lighting device includes a head assembly, a battery pack, and a light housing. The light housing includes at least one light source and a diffuser lens. The diffuser lens is pivotably coupled to the light housing. The diffuser lens is configured to pivot between a first position in which the diffuser lens diffuses light emitted by the at least one light source and a second position in which a substantial amount of the light emitted by the at least one light source is not diffused by the diffuser lens.
US07926963B2
A display device includes a dial portion which includes a design part having an index, a pointing portion which rotates along a front surface of the dial portion for pointing to the index, an ornamental member which is arranged on the front surface of the dial portion so as to surround the design part, a face glass portion which covers the dial, the pointing portion and the ornamental member, and a light source which illuminates light onto a rear surface of the dial portion for brightening the index with the light. A smoked layer is provided on the front surface of the dial portion. The smoked layer has a lower light transmittance than that of the face glass portion.
US07926960B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly having a variable reflectance element. The variable reflectance element includes a metallic mirror reflector on one side of a substrate, with the metallic mirror reflector being partially transmissive to visible light. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display positioned to the rear of the metallic mirror reflector, wherein the information display emits light that transmits through the metallic mirror reflector for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. Responsive to a light level sensed by at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of the information display is adjustable by a control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter to a driver of the vehicle viewing the information display through the metallic mirror reflector of the interior rearview mirror assembly when it is normally mounted in the vehicle.
US07926954B2
A projector includes a casing, a light source, and a heat dissipation device. The light source and the heat dissipation device are installed inside the casing. Two openings are formed at two sides of the casing opposing to the light source. A light shield is positioned on one of the two openings. The light shield has a fixing plate, and a plurality of first parallel light-shielding plates and a plurality of second parallel light-shielding plates for blocking light leaking from the openings.
US07926950B2
A laser image display device includes: a first laser light source capable of outputting a laser light having a first wavelength; a second laser light source capable of outputting a laser light having a second wavelength; and a color output conversion controller capable of individually controlling power of the first and the second laser light source displaying the pixels constituting an image according to an input signal. When an input signal is contained at the end point of the color reproducible region and the laser light having the first wavelength is driven substantially by a first maximum power while the laser light having the second wavelength is driven substantially by a second minimum power, the color output conversion controller displays in pixels, a color contained in the color reproducible region excluding the end point in the pixels by using the laser light of the first wavelength at a first power below the first maximum power and the laser light of the second wavelength at a second power above the second minimum power.
US07926945B2
The present invention is directed to a device and a method for the observation, documentation and/or diagnosis of the fundus in which the diagnosis is carried out by evaluating the documented images of the fundus. The device according to the invention comprises an ophthalmological examination device, a multi-spectral sequential illumination module, an image recording module, a control and safety module, and an evaluating unit. The illumination module which is connected to the ophthalmologic examination device has at least two individual light sources and which can be regulated individually with respect to intensity and duration and which emit monochromatic light of different wavelengths. The light coming from the illumination module is imaged on the image recording module from the ophthalmologic examination device by the eye being examined. The control and safety module controls the chronological sequence, duration and intensity of the individual light sources and monitors the light stress. An evaluating unit evaluates the recordings of the fundus transmitted by the image recording module. The inventive solution serves to record monochromatic images of the retina, for example, red, green, blue, or also infrared, and to record fluorescence images.
US07926919B2
A liquid discharging head and an image formation apparatus are disclosed. The liquid discharging head includes a base member that has a joining surface, to which a piezoelectric device is joined, and a bottom surface. The width of the joining surface in longitudinal directions of a liquid chamber is less than the width of the bottom surface in the longitudinal directions of the liquid chamber; accordingly, the area of the joining surface is less than the area of the bottom surface.
US07926912B2
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port in a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection.
US07926911B2
A nozzle plate includes a first thermoplastic resin film; a reinforcing plate which is formed of a material having a rigidity higher than that of the first thermoplastic resin film and which has one surface joined to the first thermoplastic resin film; and a second thermoplastic resin film which is joined to the other surface of the reinforcing plate; wherein a nozzle is formed for the first thermoplastic resin film; and through-holes, which are communicated with the nozzle, are formed through the reinforcing plate and the second thermoplastic resin film. Therefore, the nozzle plate can be produced without using any adhesive. Further, the thermoplastic resin films are joined to the both surfaces of the reinforcing plate. Therefore, any warpage is hardly caused in the reinforcing plate and the first and second thermoplastic resin films, which would be otherwise caused by the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion.
US07926910B2
A nozzle plate for an inkjet head and a method of manufacturing the nozzle plate includes a silicon substrate having a nozzle, a thermally oxidized silicon layer formed on an outer surface of the silicon substrate and an inner wall of the nozzle, an adhesion layer deposited on the thermally oxidized silicon layer formed on the outer surface of the silicon substrate and formed of silicon oxide, and an ink-repellent coating layer deposited on the adhesion layer.
US07926903B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus according to this invention has an ink-head unit, a head holder, and a wiper unit. The ink-head unit extends in a direction that intersects at right angles to the direction a recording medium is transported, for a distance equal to or longer than the width of the recording medium. The head holder holds the ink-head unit. The ink-head unit has a nozzle surface having nozzles for ejecting ink. The wiper unit has a wiper blade, which wipes the nozzle surface.
US07926901B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a passage unit; an actuator unit including a plurality of individual electrodes; a plurality of waveform output circuits which output pulse signals to be supplied to the plurality of individual electrodes; one or more variable resistance elements connected to the actuator unit; a temperature sensor which detects environmental temperature; and a controller which controls the one or more variable resistance elements so that the one or more variable resistance elements decrease in their resistance values with a decrease in the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
US07926896B2
An imaging apparatus includes a controller and a media detection device mechanically engaged with a stack of print media. The media detection device has a movable indicator having a surface with distinct reflectance characteristics. A reflectance sensor is communicatively coupled to the controller. The reflectance sensor reads a reflectance of the surface and outputs a signal to the controller indicative of at least one characteristic of the print media.
US07926895B2
This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a conveyance control method capable of allowing even an arrangement having a plurality of conveyance rollers in a printing medium conveyance path to accurately control conveyance of a printing medium. A pattern having a predetermined uniform density is printed on a printing medium a plurality of number of times by using a printhead while conveying the printing medium and changing the conveyance amount by a small amount. A conveyance correction amount obtained on the basis of the conveyance amount upon printing a pattern selected from a plurality of printed pattern is stored in a storage medium. Conveyance of the printing medium is controlled while correcting the conveyance amount of the printing medium by the conveyance means on the basis of the conveyance correction amount stored in the storage means.
US07926892B2
A method uses temperature measurements for a print head and an imaging member to identify a distance between a print head and an imaging member and a heat transfer function. The method includes heating an imaging member to a predetermined imaging member temperature, activating a heat source to heat a print head to a predetermined print head temperature while the print head is at a non-imaging position with reference to the imaging member, moving the heated print head to a print position with reference to the imaging member, the print position being closer to the imaging member than the non-imaging position, deactivating the heat source, measuring a first temperature for the print head in response to a first time period expiring, and identifying a distance between the print head in the print position and the imaging member from the temperature measured for the print head, the predetermined imaging member temperature, and a difference between the predetermined print head temperature and the temperature measured for the print head.
US07926881B1
A support braces and secures an infant or small child in a seated position. A rigid padded upright back is flanked by a pair of rigid padded side wings. A belt encircles the back and wings drawing the wings toward the back to surround the child. The wings reach just under the armpits of the small child providing support to the torso and allowing even those children not old enough to sit up on their own to attain a seated position. A padded strap, attached to the bottom of the upright back runs between the child's legs and is also secured with the belt. When secured to a high chair by the belt, the support braces the child in a seated position and prevents the child from slipping from the high chair or from climbing out of the chair.
US07926880B2
A seating construction includes a perimeter frame defining an open area, and a one-piece molded seating component supported on the frame. The seating component includes a plurality of integrally-formed flexible slats defining a support surface over the open area. Resilient wires are coupled to the slats to resiliently support the slats when flexed. The component can be handled as a unit for assembly, and is retained by connecting rods that extend along the side section of the frame, with the slats each rotatably engaging mating bearing structure on the frame. A flex-limiting member in a center of the frame limits the resilient supports to a maximum deflected condition. Tabs on the molded component interconnect the slats and permit one-piece molding, but are either flexible or breakable to permit independent flexing of the slats. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.
US07926879B2
A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.
US07926874B2
A seat base for a child restraint adapted to receive a juvenile seat. The seat base includes a first anchor belt and a second anchor belt for anchoring the seat base to a vehicle seat of a vehicle. The seat base includes a belt anchor system for anchoring the first and second anchor belts to the seat base when the first and second anchor belts are in a use position and for anchoring a vehicle belt of the vehicle to the seat base when the first and second anchor belts are in a stored position.
US07926867B2
A lengthwise extended component contains of a support that possesses flow channels in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The support additionally possesses external surfaces that are offset to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis as well as a lateral external surface. These external surfaces are provided with a layer of a thermally expansible and curable composition. Reinforcing components of this type are suitable for stiffening and/or reinforcing hollow supports, such as the A-, B- or C-pillars, the roof edges or the rocker panels of vehicles, especially passenger cars.
US07926866B2
A trailer includes a pair of vertical, spaced apart opposing sidewalls and a roof sheet extending between and mounted atop the sidewalls. The sidewalls and roof sheet cooperate to define a cargo space. The roof sheet has an interior surface facing the cargo space and an opposing exterior surface. A plurality of bows are mounted to the exterior surface of the roof sheet and extend between the sidewalls. The plurality of bows support the roof sheet. Each bow includes at least three contact portions attached to the exterior surface of the roof sheet. A rib portion interconnects the contact portions and defines a channel between the rib portion and the exterior surface of the roof sheet.
US07926854B2
A connection block employs a support block with two parallel through holes that pass through parallel first and second flat block surfaces. First and second insert pipes have elongate portions and flanges. The elongate portions press-fit into the connection block and the flanges, not at pipe ends, abut against the first flat surface of the connection block when the pipes are installed. Upon installation, the ends the elongate portions of the pipes are formed into a flange by flattening the end against the second connection block surface. The junctures of the elongate portions and the first flanges form a flange radius that contacts a radius of the support block when the pipes are installed into the block. The elongate portions residing within the first and second through holes make a full contact fit against the inside diameters of the through holes. The flanges are perpendicular to the elongate portions.
US07926851B2
A pharmaceutical label for placement on a medicinal container, the label includes a front printing face having an adhesive backing and a length that is substantially greater than a perimeter of the medicinal container. The adhesive backing covers substantially an entire area of a backside of the front printing face. A backing sheet liner covers the adhesive backing. The front printing face has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a length corresponding substantially to the perimeter of the container. A border is between the first portion and the second portion. The border defines the length of the first portion. The backing sheet liner has a liner score line formed therein corresponding to the border for removing the backing liner from the first portion and for defining an intact portion of the backing liner on the second portion. The second portion projects from the container when the first portion is attached to the container. The first portion and the second portion have information thereon.
US07926850B1
A comprehensive organizational system for managing medical records for an individual patient and a method for managing the dispensation of multiple medications. The method includes a set of symbols indicating the time of day the medication should be administered in accordance with the prescription instructions and a storage system for duplicate prescription labels corresponding to the prescription labels on the prescription containers. The dosage schedule and amount are translated into the symbols which are applied to each duplicate prescription label. Medications are dispensed to the patient in accordance with the symbols applied to the duplicate prescription labels.
US07926847B2
A deflector device for motor vehicles, the front part of the chassis which comprises a left-hand and right-hand longitudinal beam, arranged before a front wheel and configured by a deflector that projects from the longitudinal beam in a substantially horizontal manner and backward at an angle to protect said front wheel in the case of a collision. The deflector device prevents the vehicles from being caught and being pushed off the road in the event of a partially overlapping frontal collision. The deflector device comprises a deflection element which can be longitudinally displaced from a rest position to an operational position, said deflection element consisting of a slider guided on or in the deflector and a forward-facing shoulder.
US07926846B2
A structure of a suspension subframe (1) for supporting a plurality of suspension arms (12, 14, 16) of multi-link suspension systems (2), which comprises first and second lateral members (20, 22) each extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a pair of longitudinal members (24, 26) each extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a pair of right and left upper-arm support portions (52) provided in right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, and a pair of right and left lower-arm support portions (50) provided in the right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, wherein the first lateral member (20 or 22) is formed to allow a load to be transmitted diagonally between the left upper-arm support portion (52) and the right lower-arm support portion (50) and diagonally between the left lower-arm support portion (50) and the right upper-arm support portion (52).
US07926845B2
An instrument panel for a vehicle, includes: a steering device; a steering hanger beam supporting the steering device; a bracket including a base fixed to the steering hanger beam, an extending portion that extends to a front of the vehicle from the base, a support section that is curved toward an upper portion of the vehicle at a front portion of the extending portion and extends substantially toward a rear of the vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted device supported by the support section and fixed to the steering hanger beam via the bracket.
US07926842B2
An apparatus includes an airbag door that opens during deployment of an airbag, and a crash pad integrally injection-molded with the airbag door. The airbag door may include a tear groove, torn during the deployment of the airbag; a slanted part; and a variable part, a thickness of which varies. The crash pad may include an insertion part which contacts the slanted part of the airbag door to support the airbag door when the airbag door opens. A method includes simultaneously injecting materials of a crash pad and an airbag door with an upper and a lower mold and a slide mold coupled to one another such that the airbag door is integrally injection molded with the crash pad, retreating the molds, and removing the airbag door by moving the slide mold.
US07926841B2
A vehicle occupant protection device has a large-area, inflatable gas bag which includes a gas bag wall having an impact surface for the occupant and which has a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion is provided with at least one elongated opening which can expand and therefore permits a movement of the impact surface upon impact of the occupant and prevents the latter from slipping off from the gas bag.
US07926839B1
A head and neck restraint system for an individual in a motor vehicle includes a securely anchored seat with a conventional lap belt and shoulder belt with the lap belt extending across an individual's lap and pelvic region. The shoulder belt is fixed above and behind the individual's shoulder and extends across the individual's chest. An adjustment mechanism is used to position an airbag in a centered position in front of the individual's chest. The airbag includes a lower frontal portion and two upwardly extending portions along the sides of the individual's head. In addition, the system includes a collar portion and two face protecting portions extending across the upper and lower portions of the individual's face between the two upwardly extending portions.
US07926827B2
A boarding and/or entry aid for vehicles for carrying passengers is described, having a rectangular frame (3) and a step plate (2) supported movably in it. The frame (3) has two parallel lateral parts (4), which are joined together at rear ends by an end profile (5) and in a region spaced apart from it by at least one bracing strut. The lateral parts (4), end profile (5) and bracing strut are provided according to the invention with positioning means (14, 15) that engage one another in form-locking fashion.
US07926825B2
A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user that includes a frame structure through which at least a front wheel is coupled to two direction biased rear wheels. The frame structure may have a foot placement platform that extends laterally between the two rear wheels. The platform may extend over half of the distance between the rear wheels and/or be substantially continuous for that distance. Various platform embodiments and frame structures, including rigid and flexible, are disclosed, among other aspects.
US07926822B2
An adjustment device for suspension means in wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with the suspension means having a first spring, for example a bearing spring that is arranged between the assembly of the motor vehicle and wheel guide elements, and/or a second spring, for example a preloaded spring that is connected in parallel or in series, as well as an electrically-actuated actuator, by means of which a force adjustment between the motor vehicle assembly and the wheel guide elements is made possible. According to the invention, the electric actuator is provided with an integrated brake or lock that acts in a bistable manner in such a way that in the unpowered state, it can occupy an open or closed position, and can be switched by means of electric actuation from the open to the closed position and vice versa.
US07926818B2
A gasket to securely contact a box type body when both a body and a cover are downsized and thinned. Fluid leakage is prevented through a seal by lessening repulsion of the seal at the time of sealing clearance between. A clearance between the box type body and the cover is made such that a main body is adhered to a bottom surface of the cover having a peripheral wall. A step face is formed by the main body and a lip portion formed at the tip side of the main body. A contact surface is formed by a side wall of the main body and a peripheral wall. The step surface is positioned outside with respect to the lip portion.
US07926817B2
A sealing apparatus includes a slinger which includes a cylindrical portion, and radially-extending portions and provided respectively at axially-opposite ends of the cylindrical portion and an elastic member which includes a base portion fixed to a surface of an inner radially-extending portion of a radially-extending core metal member, and a lip portion connected with the base portion. The lip portion is formed by a first axial lip contacting one radially-extending portion of the slinger and a second axial lip contacting the other radially-extending portion of the slinger. The elastic member is formed such that in an axial cross-section, the distance between a cylindrical portion-opposing surface of the elastic member radially opposed to the cylindrical portion and the cylindrical portion is increasing generally uniformly axially outward.
