US07933583B2
A method and apparatus for providing a mobile terminal with at least one feature setting. The method comprises steps of storing at least a first check-up data in the mobile terminal; linking at least the first check-up data via a feature lock with at least one feature setting, the feature lock protecting the at least one feature setting of the mobile terminal; in response to receiving a configuration message in the mobile terminal, authenticating a sender of the configuration message with the first check-up data; and in response to the sender of the configuration message being authorized to modify the feature setting of the mobile terminal, supplying a configuration data included in the configuration message via the feature lock to be used by the mobile terminal.
US07933582B2
A telecommunications system includes a personal item held by a user of the system, a first means of communication made available to the user and capable of communicating with the personal item and with a data transfer network, and a second means of communication capable of communicating with the data transfer network and belonging to an interlocutor of the user. The first means of communication may be triggered between a non-transparent operating mode and a transparent operating mode during which it is incapable of acting on data passing through it. The system makes it possible to guarantee the user that the confidential data he may send will not be altered or saved by the first means of communication in view of its illicit use.
US07933581B2
Methods and apparatus for use in processing disconnected emergency calls and other communications involving mobile communication devices, as well as the remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices, are disclosed. In one illustrative example, an emergency call with a public safety answering point entity is established by a mobile communication device via a wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a continued emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from producing an audible alert and automatically answers the continued emergency call from the public safety answering point entity without detecting any manual answer signal via its user interface. In one specific approach, the mobile device answers the call automatically if the incoming call message is received within a time period following the disconnection and a data indication of the incoming call message indicates that the message is for the continued emergency call or automatic answering. Otherwise, if the incoming call message is received outside of the time period following the disconnection, or if the data indication fails to indicate that the incoming call message is for the continued emergency call or the automatic answering, the mobile device refrains from automatically answering the call associated with the incoming call message.
US07933577B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for sharing a portable terminal in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. The portable terminal includes: a CDMA mobile station system for performing CDMA communication; a mobile RFID system for performing a passive RFID reader function; a switching unit for switching an antenna to any one between the CDMA mobile station system and the mobile RFID system; and a control unit for controlling the switching unit to connect the antenna to the CDMA mobile station system when the portable terminal transmits/receives a signal to/from the base station, or connect the antenna to the mobile RFID system when the portable terminal transmits/receives a signal to/from an RFID tag.
US07933574B2
Aspects of a method and system for LNA adjustment to compensate for dynamic impedance matching are provided. In this regard, an antenna matching network may be configured to maximize received signal strength for a determined frequency and an amplifier gain may be adjusted based on the maximized signal strength such that output levels of the amplifier are between specified limits. The antenna matching network may be programmatically controlled via one or more switching elements. The amplifier gain may be programmatically controlled via one or more bias points. The antenna matching network may be configured for a plurality of frequencies in a frequency band, such as an FM broadcast band, and a configuration for each frequency may be stored. Accordingly, when the receiver is tuned to a frequency, a corresponding configuration may be retrieved from memory.
US07933573B2
An IC chip allows first communication for performing communication with all of the other IC chips, and second communication for performing communication while restricting communication parties. That is to say, the IC chip performs sending/receiving signals with a new communication arrangement with both the first communication which is a broadcasting arrangement and the second communication which is a communicatory arrangement. This enables the function upgrading electronic equipment to be performed easily, and enables flexible signal processing with a new communication arrangement.
US07933569B2
A wireless communication device including: a transmitter including two DA converter units which convert two digital signals into analog signals; a combiner which combines the analog signals; a distributor which extracts a portion of the combined signal as a feedback signal; an AD converter which converts the feedback signal; an oscillator unit which supplies clock signals to operate the DA converter units and the AD converter; a first separation unit which separates the feedback signal converted by the AD converter into two signals; and a comparator unit which compares at least one of the two digital signals that are obtained by separating the inputted digital signal, or, at least one of the two digital signals that are separately inputted, with the feedback signal separated by the first separation unit, wherein the oscillator unit controls the output clock signals based on a result of the comparison by the comparator unit.
US07933566B2
A system and method for determining whether sampled spectrum data comes from a cordless phone is disclosed. The system includes a device to detect the sampled spectrum data and an algorithm to analyze the sampled spectrum data. The algorithm separates the narrowband components from the wideband components of the sampled spectrum data, then classifies the sampled spectrum data based on the bandwidth, frame length, and inter-frame time, as either being an analog or digital FM phone, a DSSS phone, a WDCT phone, or a non-cordless phone, such as a Bluetooth device. The algorithm may be used for interference mitigation.
US07933559B2
A system for testing radio frequency (RF) communications of a device capable of such communications is provided. The system includes a chamber for isolating the device from RF interference, an antenna that is suitable for RF communications with the device wherein the antenna is capable of communications over a range of frequencies, the antenna being located within the chamber, and a digital communication link for providing non-RF communications with the device.
US07933553B2
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system is provided that includes an RFID reader that is provided with a capacitor apparatus or circuit that may be used to tune the transmitter to a different frequency to improve communication with an RFID tag. The frequency may be changed by the capacitor circuit automatically providing a different capacitance output to the RFID reader. A tape drive reader and magnetic tape cartridge may be provided in combination with such an RFID system. A method is disclosed for reading a data packet stored on an RFID tag by a reader that can be adjusted by changing the capacitance provided to the RFID reader.
US07933546B2
In a lubricant applying device, a position adjusting member adjusts relative positions of a lubricant and a rotating member. The rotating member rotates while in contact with the lubricant, receives the lubricant, and applies the lubricant to an image carrier in an image forming apparatus.
US07933545B2
Often times the glossing process results in an image artifact consisting of locally lighter image a fixed distance from the lead edge as a print is glossed. This artifact is most visible in areas of medium but consistent image. The present invention provides methods for reducing this artifact.
US07933538B2
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a rotary to support and move developing devices to a development position without an independent driving motor for rotating the rotary. A number V of developing devices supported by the rotary are sequentially moved to and stopped at the development position in which the developing device faces a photosensitive drum. A drive transmission mechanism is provided in which each time one of a number M of claw portions of a trigger cam is disengaged from and engaged with a solenoid, the trigger cam makes a 1/M revolution, and once every 1/M revolution of the trigger cam, a driving force is transmitted to a rotary gear from a rotary drive gear which is rotated integrally with the trigger cam so that the rotary is stopped after being rotated by an angle W which is an aliquot part of (360°/N).
US07933534B2
A developing device frame unit supporting a regulating member regulating the layer thickness of developer on a developer carrier. The unit includes a frame having a seal forming portion, first and second, first and second end seals contactable to the carrier surface to prevent carrier-axial-direction leaking of the developer, and a blade sealer sealing between the regulating member and the frame to prevent developer leaking when the regulating member is mounted. The blade sealer is an elastomer resin material which is injection-molded with a metal mold and in the seal forming portion where the end seals are provided. The blade sealer connects the end seals with each other, and a protrusion provided by a squeezed-out portion of the resin material is provided by injecting, into a space defined by the metal mold, the seal forming portion, and the end seal seals, a resin material volume larger than a volume of the space.
US07933526B2
An image forming apparatus acquires a type of consumable material possessed by the image forming apparatus using a library provided in an application platform, displays forms capable of printing using the type of consumable material acquired, and forms an image using one or more forms designated from among the displayed forms.
US07933524B2
Provided are an apparatus for and a method of generating millimeter waves, in which millimeter-wave generation and frequency up-conversion can be achieved at the same time using a single device. The apparatus includes a mode-locking laser diode (LD) which has a distributed feedback (DFB) sector and a gain sector and generates high-frequency optical pulses through a passive mode locking process, a modulator which modulates an external optical signal using an electric signal and injects the modulated optical signal to the mode-locking LD to lock the optical pulses, and a radio frequency (RF) locking signaling unit which injects the electric signal to the modulator.
US07933517B2
A solution for detecting and recovering from a failure in a protected single-fiber passive optical network. A detector is used to detect the degradation in power level of optical signals. Furthermore, the invention discloses a variable symmetric split ratio approach to improve the number of splits (e.g. the number of ONUs). A single-fiber passive optical network is disclosed that uses a plurality of passive nodes connected in the optical fiber between the interfaces, wherein in the passive nodes 2-by-2 splitters/combiners are used to couple optical power from and into the optical fiber at a predetermined split ratio.
US07933509B2
A camera-movement compensation device includes a first liquid-crystal cell with a pair of parallel transparent plates and a first voltage source coupled to the first liquid-crystal cell and able to apply and alter a first voltage gradient across the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell. The device also includes a second liquid-crystal cell having a pair of parallel transparent plates and disposed so that each of the plates of the second liquid-crystal cell is parallel to the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell and in light communication with at least one wave of light passing through the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell, a second voltage source coupled to the second liquid-crystal cell and able to apply and alter a second voltage gradient across the surfaces of the second liquid-crystal cell, and a movement detector coupled to the voltage sources to alter the slope of the voltage gradients in proportion to a movement.
US07933489B2
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.
US07933483B2
An electro-optical memory cell having a non-volatile programmable refractive index and a method of making. The memory cell includes: a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; a plurality of electrodes for applying an electrical field; and an optical detector for detecting a state of the memory cell. The method includes: fabricating a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; positioning a plurality of electrodes for application of an electric field; arranging the transition metal oxide and the electrodes such that when an electric field is applied, the oxygen vacancies migrate in a direction that has a component which is radial relative to a center of the beam path; applying the electric field thereby programming the refractive index to set a state of the memory cell; and detecting the state of the memory cell using an optical detector.
US07933481B2
The present invention relates to an optical cable comprising one or more optical waveguides, which one or more optical waveguides are provided with a protective layer, a buffer tube surrounding said one or more optical waveguides, which buffer tube is surrounded by an outer sheath, while a radial interspace is present between said outer sheath and said buffer tube, which radial interspace is filled with a filler.
US07933469B2
Digital video contrast enhancement and skin tone correction by conversion to CIECAM02 color space with lightness transformation and a skin tone probability density function of hue and saturation.
US07933466B2
A method of gray value correction for binary image data, preferably screened image data, with a local gray value by a desired correction magnitude includes filtering the image data quantized with n bits with an asymmetrical low-pass filter whose filter window is smaller than a screen cell. By a threshold value operation, corrected binary image data is obtained from the filtered image data. Optimum threshold values are selected from a threshold value table as a function of the local gray value and of the desired correction magnitude.
US07933463B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for removing the effect of light scattering in a digitized image of a light-scattering film comprising providing a light-scattering correction film that has a uniform optical density; providing a light scattering target film that has a pattern of optical densities; scanning the correction film with a film scanner to create a digital correction film image; scanning the target film with a film scanner to create a digital target film image; measuring the two-dimensional pattern of responses present in the digital correction film image; determining a correction function from the two-dimensional pattern of responses to correct for the effect of light scattering in the digital correction film image; and applying the correction function to the target film image to provide a corrected target film image.
US07933461B1
A filter for implementing Floyd Steinberg two-dimensional error diffusion algorithms allows high-speed processing of video and images. The filter is shown in direct form with proper bit precision with implementations that permit the filter to operate at high speed. Furthermore, a reduction in the gate count is achieved over the direct form. The results of static timing analysis obtained post synthesis are also summarized.
US07933455B2
A technique is disclosed for determining when to close a group of a plurality of groups. A closed group is one to which an image set may not be added. Each group includes one or more image sets. Each image set includes one or more images of at least one object. Each group corresponds to an object that is common among images in the one or more image sets that belong to the group. Determining when to close a particular group is based, at least in part, on one or more factors, such as how many image sets are in the particular group, the length of time the particular group has been open, and data about the one or more image sets in the particular group.
US07933449B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pattern recognition method of approximating distribution of a set of vectors and a class boundary in a vector space based on basis functions. The method includes defining directional basis functions between two basis vectors, and performing the approximation using a linear combination of the directional basis functions.
US07933447B2
A document includes a region with a high character recognition ratio, and that with not so high a character recognition ratio. Hence, even when identical types of information are provided because they have the same attribute, it is hard to say that satisfactory information provision can be made. Also, different kinds of information are required depending on output methods. To solve these problems, output information to be output for each region is determined based on information of an output destination of a document image and attributes of respective regions in the document image, and pieces of output information to be output are combined to be output to the output destination. The output information to be output for each region may be determined based on the information of the output destination of the document image, the attributes of the respective regions in the document image, and user's authority information.
US07933445B2
A method for mapping/enhancing the color of an image to be displayed on a display includes receiving an image having a plurality of pixels where each of the pixels has a plurality of color components. The image is processed using a pair of gamut color mapping operations in combination with skin-tone pixels detection to modify the image in a suitable manner for presentation on the display.
US07933444B2
A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of baccarat or blackjack or any game where cards are pulled one at a time from the shoe. The apparatus comprises a reader or an imager that scans lines bisecting the image at spaced intervals. The scanning occurs on playing cards in at least the region where suit and rank symbols are provided. The scanner output is a series of voltages that are converted to binary information. This binary information is compared to stored binary information to determine rank and suit. The upper surface of the output end of the shoe contains a partial barrier for cards being scanned. The partial barrier has an elevated surface and limits a size of a pathway so that only one card can be removed at a time.
US07933443B2
An article of commerce comprising an edible substrate having an image disposed thereon, and a method for making edible substrates having a variety of different images.
US07933442B2
A method for modeling a time-variant appearance of a material is described. A sample analysis of a material sample is performed, wherein the sample analysis orders surface points of the material sample with respect to weathering from data captured at a single instant in time. An appearance synthesis using the sample analysis is performed, wherein the appearance synthesis generates a time-variant sequence of frames for weathering an object.
US07933441B2
It is made possible to conduct inner defect inspection using spatial discrete data such as X-ray CT data with higher precision. An inner defect inspection method for inspecting inner defects in an object on the basis of spatial discrete data which describe spatial shape and structure of the object by using spatial elements includes the steps of: extracting an inner defect from the spatial discrete data by using an inner defect extraction unit, collecting the elements included in a neighborhood range, which is set with a predetermined spread around the inner defect extracted by the inner defect extraction unit, as related elements by using a related element collection unit; and measuring feature quantities such as a size and a position of center of gravity of the inner defect on the basis of the related elements collected by the related element collection unit, by using a feature quantity measurement unit.
US07933440B2
In a method for evaluation of two images of an organ system acquired at different points in time to establish a pathological variation, the organ system exhibits a first region and a second region that are present in and that are differentiated in each of the images, with the second region of the pathological variation being acquired more strongly than the first region. A registration is determined that causes the respective first region in two images to be in registration with each other. Imaging system-dependent differences, in particular deformations, are determined and compensated between the two images. After an extension of the registration such that the second region is encompassed as well by the extended registration, via a transformation one of the two images to the other can be made, presented and/or stored that includes the second region, using the extended registration. A medical imaging system with a computer can implement the method.
US07933427B2
A device (300) and method (600) for equal audio porting is provided. The device can include a first side with at least one first audio port (182) providing a data communication aspect, a second side with at least one second audio port (184) providing an audio communication aspect, and a transducer (110) positioned between the first side and the second side. The transducer projects sound out of the at least one first audio port and the at least one second audio port such that a quality of the sound through the at least one first audio port and the at least one second audio port are substantially the same.
US07933417B2
The present invention relates to an encoding device for saving the number of bits of codes. In step S11, the differential value between a normalization coefficient Bi to be encoded and a normalization coefficient Bi-1 for an encoding unit Ai-1 in a band adjacent to the lower side of an encoding unit Ai corresponding to the normalization coefficient Bi is computed. In step S12, reference is made to a table in which a differential value having a high frequency of occurrence is associated with a code having a small number of bits, and a code corresponding to the computed differential value is read. In step S13, it is determined whether or not all normalization coefficients B have been encoded. If it is determined that all normalization coefficients B have been encoded, in step S14, the code read in step S12 is output. The present invention is applicable to an audio recorder.
US07933415B2
A method of synthesizing a first (L) and a second (R) output signal from an input signal (x). The method comprises: filtering (201) the input signal to generate a filtered signal; obtaining a correlation parameter indicative of a desired correlation between the first and second output signals; obtaining a level parameter (c) indicative of a desired level difference between the first and second input signals; and transforming the input signal and the filtered signal by a matrixing operation (203) into the first and second output signals, where the matrixing operation depends on the correlation parameter and the level parameter.
US07933414B2
Data encrypted with a scrambling key Ks are transmitted from a service provider via a master device to a plurality of client devices having unique identifiers, administered by the master device. A set of partial keys comprising a respective partial key for each respective one of the plurality of clients is calculated at the service provider, by applying a predetermined function to the unique identifiers of all clients but for the identifier of the respective one of the plurality of clients. This set of partial keys is transmitted to the master device, which transmits to each respective clients the respective partial key calculated therefore. Each client can then derive the scrambling key from the respective partial key received from the master device by reference to its own unique identifier, and use the result to decrypt the data.
US07933409B2
To provide a content playback device capable of protecting content according to DRM, when decrypting encrypted content recorded on a recording medium and playing the decrypted content. If key generation information is “00”, a key control unit 104 concatenates a decrypted media key and content information in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate a content key. If the key generation information is “10”, the key control unit 104 sets a rights key as the content key. If the key generation information is “01”, the key control unit 104 concatenates the decrypted media key and the rights key in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate the content key.
US07933407B2
A method and apparatus for verifying the authenticity and integrity of an ordered sequence of digital video frames, without having access to the original recording, by embedding therein a respective series of digital signatures based on a secret key, or keys, and on the video content of respective frames. Signatures are camouflaged by embedding in transform coefficients of a transformed representation of the video data in parts of the frame corresponding to motion. If there is sufficient motion to contain all of the signature bits, a supplementary technique embeds in high-texture areas of a frame. A final fall-back is to embed in a pre-defined default zone. A method of predicting when supplementary embedding is needed enables the process to be applied in a single pass allowing real-time operation. Verification is done during decoding by comparing, for identity, embedded signatures with signatures calculated anew using the method employed to embed.
US07933400B2
Provided are methods and systems associated with interactive voice response (“IVR”) systems that control the amount of time a user interacts with the system. According to the invention, an IVR system utilizes a timer or series of timers to determine how long a user has been interacting with the IVR system. When threshold events occur, the IVR system will analyze the status of the call and may switch the user to a predefined destination, such as to an operator queue, directly to a live operator, or to another designated navigation point in the IVR navigation structure. In this manner increasing the efficiency of manner in which the IVR system interacts with a caller.
US07933399B2
The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to establish a connection with a party at an interactive voice response (IVR) system and provide a plurality of virtual agents associated with virtual departments based on a current stage within the process. A caller or party can be prompted with a first virtual agent when addressing content related to a first virtual department and prompted by a second virtual agent when addressing content related to a second virtual department.
US07933394B2
A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.
US07933385B2
A voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) positioning center (VPC) is implemented in configuration with support from a text-to-voice module, emergency routing database, and VoIP switching points (VSPs) to allow a public safety access point (PSAP) or other emergency center to effectively communicate the nature of an emergency alert notification and the area of notification to the VoIP positioning center (VPC). The inventive VPC in turn determines which phones (including wireless and/or VoIP phones) are currently in the area for notification, and reliably and quickly issues the required warning to all affected wireless and VoIP phones.
US07933381B2
An HF frequency tuning device includes a resonance cavity in which an HF is introduced, a phase detecting section which generates a sign data representing a sign of a phase difference between a traveling wave and a reflected wave included in the HF in the resonance cavity. The frequency of the HF is repeatedly shifted by a first pitch. The direction of the shift is determined by the sign data for reducing the phase difference. When the sign is inverted, the frequency of the HF is repeatedly shifted to the opposite direction by a second pitch smaller than the first pitch until the sign is inverted again. By this tuning process, the fine tuning of HF can by achieved in a short time.
US07933380B2
A method includes obtaining a first image, obtaining a second image, determining a deformation field using the first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A computer product having a set of instruction, an execution of which causes a process to be performed, the process comprising determining a deformation field using first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A system includes a computer-readable medium for storing a first image and a second image, and a processor configured to determine a deformation field using the first and second images, and determine a transformation matrix using the deformation field.
US07933371B2
Method and Apparatus for controlling combining coefficients of multiple receive antennas according to the channel conditions in a mobile communication system, to improve data restoration performance. A mobile station detects preamble, pilot and data from a signal received from a base station via the multiple receive antennas, measures a channel correlation from the detected preamble, classifies time-domain/frequency-domain intervals having a channel correlation exceeding a predetermined threshold as calculation regions, and calculates MMSE coefficients for the calculation regions. In this way, the mobile station finds the optimal coefficients for combining the signal received via the multiple receive antennas, thereby optimizing the reception performance.
US07933369B2
Provided is an apparatus for automatic gain control (AGC) widely used in a receiver of a wireless communication system. The receiver of a wireless communication system includes: a step variable gain amplifier and an analog variable gain amplifier disposed in the path of a wireless signal and amplifying the wireless signal; an analog gain control unit for generating a gain control voltage for feedback-controlling an amplification value of the analog variable gain amplifier; a digital gain control unit for receiving the control voltage and generating a digital code determining an amplification value of the step variable gain amplifier. The apparatus for AGC constituted as described above can reduce power consumption and the number of devices by efficiently running an AGC loop in an analog domain, and can be embodied at low cost in a structure appropriately controlling the step gain amplifier and the analog gain amplifier.
US07933356B2
A DTV transmitting system includes a pre-processor, a block processor, and a trellis encoder. The pre-processor pre-processes enhanced data by expanding the enhanced data at an expansion rate of 1/H. The block processor includes a first converter, a symbol encoder, a symbol interleaver, and a second converter. The first converter converts the expanded data into symbols. The symbol encoder encodes each valid enhanced data bit in the symbols at an effective coding rate of 1/H. The symbol interleaver interleaves the encoded symbols, and the second converter converts the interleaved symbols into enhanced data bytes. The trellis encoder trellis-encodes the enhanced data outputted from the block processor.
US07933353B2
An apparatus, system, and method to perform QR decomposition of an input complex matrix are described. The apparatus may include a triangular systolic array to load the input complex matrix and an identity matrix, to perform a unitary complex matrix transformation requiring three rotation angles, and to produce a complex unitary matrix and an upper triangular matrix. The upper triangular matrix may include real diagonal elements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07933345B2
According to a method and apparatus taught herein, the computation of intermediate combining weights considers impairment correlations common to two received signal streams, but does not account for cross-stream interference attributable to channel reuse between the two streams. Excluding consideration of channel reuse cross-stream interference from the computation of intermediate combining weights simplifies intermediate combining weight computation and increases computational robustness. Further, final combining weights, such as for Generalized Rake combining or equalization combining, may be obtained efficiently from the intermediate combining weights through the use of weight scaling factors, which do account for channel reuse cross-stream interference. Moreover, in at least some instances, the intermediate combining weights are of interest. For example, signal quality estimates for one or both streams may be computed from the corresponding intermediate combining weights.
US07933343B2
An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexer (OFDM) transmitter and receiver apparatus consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention receives data to be transmitted and maps (204) a first portion of the data to a first polarization state and a second portion of the data to a second polarization state. A first transmitter (216) transmits the first portion of the data as a set of first OFDM subcarriers using an antenna (230) exhibiting a first polarization. A second transmitter (234) transmits the second portion of the data as a set of second OFDM subcarriers using an antenna (240) exhibiting a second polarization, wherein the first polarization is orthogonal to the second polarization. A receiver apparatus uses a first antenna (302) exhibiting the first polarization and a second antenna (306) exhibiting the second polarization. A first OFDM receiver (310) receives a first set of polarized OFDM subcarriers from the first antenna (302) while a second OFDM receiver (324) receives a second set of polarized OFDM subcarriers from the second antenna (306). A decoder (330) decodes the first and second sets of OFDM subcarriers and combines them into a stream of data.
US07933340B2
A communications system has a transmission apparatus for transmitting a signal and a reception apparatus for receiving the signal. The reception apparatus includes: a transmission mode table; a propagation path condition detecting block; a transmission mode extraction block; a threshold adjustment block; and a transmission mode proposal block.
US07933338B1
An information retrieval system is provided for processing queries for video content. A server receives a query for video content and returns video articles, as received from broadcast systems or other content providers. Queries are formulated using text, video images, and/or visual content associated with a video article. Various video-oriented characteristics associated with the results of the queries are determined and a rank score is calculated for each. The ranked video articles are displayed in a representation to the user, from which the user can play the video article either within the representation or independent of it.
US07933320B2
A communication system using a length shift keying (LSK) modulation method provides a transmitter having a carrier signal generator for generating carrier signals, and a modulator for modulating lengths of the carrier signals from the carrier signal generator according to combinations of data bits, and a receiver having an integrator for calculating an energy value by integrating the carrier signal that corresponds to a data bit combination, and a data judgment unit for judging the data bit combination by comparing the energy value with a predetermined threshold value. Power is maintained without changing the bandwidth of a communication signal when the communication signal is modulated.
US07933312B2
Aspects of a method and system for reconfigurable SFBC/STBC in a diversity transmission system are presented. Exemplary aspects of the system may include one or more circuits that enable generation of a plurality of codeword sequences based on a data sequence. In a diversity transmission system, the plurality of codeword sequences may be concurrently transmitted via at least a portion of a plurality of transmitting antennas. The concurrently transmitted codeword sequences may enable a diversity receiver to generate the data sequence. In a single input single output transmission system, one or more circuits may enable transmission of one of the plurality of codeword sequences via one of the plurality of transmitting antennas. The transmitted codeword sequence may enable a receiver to generate the data sequence.
US07933302B2
A laser arrangement has at least one laser diode apparatus with a side surface which laterally limits the laser diode apparatus. The laser arrangement has a plurality of active regions arranged laterally side by side and configured to generate radiation. The laser diode apparatus is arranged on a mount. The distance between the side surface and an edge which laterally limits the mount on the part of the side surface is shorter than the distance between the side surface and the active region closest to the side surface. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the side surface and the edge is shorter than one of the distances between two adjacent active regions of the laser diode apparatus.
US07933299B2
Provided is a device and method for controlling switchover of a broadcasting channel in a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver. The device includes a first demultiplexing unit for firstly buffering transport stream packets, searching the buffered transport stream packets for a PAT (program association table), a PMT (program map table), and an intra frame, and obtaining program information on the broadcasting channel to be switched over; and a second demultiplexing unit for secondly buffering the transport stream packets and, on the basis of the obtained program information, searching the secondly buffered transport stream packets for an audio or video transport stream packet of the corresponding broadcasting channel, and performing audio or video demultiplexing for the searched audio or video transport stream packet.
US07933296B2
Systems and methods for sharing and synchronizing data using the addition of synchronization data to a feed that contains data items, and at least a node or endpoint that provides synchronization-related services to other endpoints, are disclosed. Such systems and methods, and client and service endpoints, may use the added synchronization data in multiple ways to share data, incorporate changes consistently, and resolve conflicts.
US07933295B2
A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation.
US07933278B2
A network-information-providing device including a control unit that extracts an object node whose network connection state is most stable by referring to network information of one or more nodes that comprise a network when receiving a network-connection request, and a communication unit that transmits address information of the object node. The network-information-providing device efficiently determines the network states of each of the nodes connected to the network and provides the most stable node as that object node, to which the new node connects.
US07933269B2
Methods and systems are provided for hardware-accelerated packet multicasting in a virtual routing system. According to one embodiment, a multicast packet is received at an ingress system of a packet-forwarding engine (PFE). The ingress system identifies flow classification indices for the multicast packet. Then, for each instance of multicasting, the ingress system sends a single copy of the multicast packet and the flow classification indices to an egress system of the PFE. The single copy of the multicast packet is buffered in a memory accessible by the egress system. The egress system prepares the multicast packet for transmission by for each flow classification index, identifying corresponding transform control instructions based on the flow classification index, reading the single copy of the multicast packet from the memory, causing the multicast packet to be transformed in accordance with the identified transform control instructions and outputting the transformed multicast packet.
US07933268B1
The invention provides novel methods of forwarding multicast data packets to selected egress ports in a MAC bridging environment. A multicast data packet is received via an ingress port. A source IP address and a destination multicast IP address are retrieved from the multicast packet. In a forwarding database, different groups of egress ports correspond to different combinations of a source address, a destination multicast address, and a virtual local area network identifier (VLAN-ID). The forwarding database is accessed, based on the retrieved source address, the retrieved destination multicast address, and a VLAN-ID, to thereby determine a corresponding group of egress ports. The multicast packet is then forwarded to the corresponding group of egress ports.
US07933266B2
A signal router, configured to receive information carried by a first signal and transmit the information on a second signal, is described. The signal router, using routing information it gathers, selects the second signal from a number of signals, with the first and the second signals differing in at least one physical characteristic. The signal router operates in a network of a number of such signal routers, and so each one of the signal routers is coupled to at least one of the other signal routers. The routing information is used to create a circuit from a first one of the signal routers to a second one of the signal routers. Once the circuit is created, the information is routed over the circuit. According to one aspect of the present invention, the signals are optical signals.
US07933262B2
Disclosed is a method and system for providing an integration theme pack service in which, if a user receives an integration theme pack content from a content-providing server through a mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal changes a background screen image into the integration theme pack content, employs the integration theme pack content as a background picture, and generates and displays a user interface having a menu configuration image formed on the integration theme pack content in a dual transparent structure.
US07933258B2
A method and a device for initiating the bypassing of a pair of transcoding operations that are performed in series by a first transcoder arranged together with a first communication terminal on a local side of a communication network and by a second transcoder arranged together with a second communication terminal on a distant side of the communication network are described. The method includes receiving from the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the distant side and about encoding capabilities of the distant side and transmitting to the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the local side and about encoding capabilities of the local side to enable on one or on both sides a change of the encoding format currently in use prior to initiating the bypassing of the transcoding operations.
US07933252B2
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.
US07933247B2
A real-time scalable wireless switching network is described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary network architecture includes, but is not limited to, a first access point coupled to a wired network, where the first access point is capable of communicating with one or more mobile nodes over a wireless network. The exemplary network architecture further includes a first node coupled to the wired network to communicate with the first access point over the wired network, where the first node includes a wireless network interface to wirelessly communicate with at least one of the first access point and the one or more mobile nodes over the wireless network. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07933243B2
A random access procedure between a mobile terminal and a network is performed based upon the characteristics of a RACH preamble. If the RACH preamble was explicitly signaled by the network, a downlink channel is monitored until a new transmission is indicated according to radio resource allocation information received from the network. If the RACH preamble was not explicitly signaled by the network, a contention resolution timer is started and the downlink channel is monitored until the contention resolution timer expires. Such monitoring of downlink channels in a more efficient manner, results in effective reduction in power consumption.
US07933242B2
Apparatus, methods and computer program products provide fast instantaneous overload control during scheduling operations involving users in a wireless communications network who are candidates to be scheduled in a next transmission time interval. Apparatus detect congestion conditions in a wireless communications network by determining an instantaneous operating region of a scheduler (e.g., a medium access control-high speed scheduler) based on required activity detection and prioritize users in a scheduling candidate set based on the cost of a user. In a variant, this may be implemented by combining part of the required activity detection algorithm with a per-bearer cost function. In one implementation, this will limit the number of users that suffer during momentary congestion in the wireless communications network.
US07933239B2
The invention provides an FFT-size detection method and system and a cell search method and system based on FFT-size detection, and more particularly to a cell search method based on FFT-size detection in cellular system. The cell search method utilizes two frames to correctly detect the actual cell ID. The cell search method uses the first frame to detect the actual FFT size of a received signal. When the FFT size is determined, the cell search method use the second frame to detect the cell ID of a base station outputting the received signal based on the FFT size.
US07933237B2
A method and apparatus for controlling ingress to a communications network to control quality of service is described. A request to admit a new communications flow is received. A polynomial and its coefficients representing a state of the network is determined and applied to the network state plus the new communications flow to determine whether admission of the new communications flow would cause the network to operate in a stable or unstable state. In response to determining that the network would operate in the unstable state, a communications flow for the ingress device is downgraded in its quality of service. By another approach, it is determined whether the new communications flow exceeds an allocated quota of bandwidth. Admission or rejection of the communications flow can be determined.
US07933235B2
An access terminal (206) configured for wireless communication with an access network (204) within a sector (1032). The access terminal includes a transmitter (2608) for transmitting a reverse traffic channel to the access network (204), an antenna (2614) for receiving signals from the access network (204), a processor (2602) and memory (2604) in electronic communication with the processor (2602). Instructions stored in the memory (2604) implement, for each flow (1216) of a plurality of flows on the access terminal (206), determining the flow's total available power (1238). The access terminal's total available power (1234) is determined by summing each flow's total available power (1238). A packet is transmitted to the access network (204) at a power level that does not exceed the access terminal's total available power (1234).
US07933231B1
Systems and methods for configuring a set of devices at layer 2 are disclosed. The configuration employs a deployment tool disposed at the computer and a deployment agent disposed at the devices. Using DLTP (Data Layer Transport Protocol), network discovery and configuration data transfer are facilitated even if the devices do not have IP addresses or protocol drivers to communicate at layer 3. Each deployment agent automatically configures its associated device after receiving the configuration data via layer 2. Other embodiments permit configuration of devices using data stored in a portable storage apparatus. In this manner, devices can be configured automatically without the need to manually configure devices one-by-one.
US07933227B2
A signal processing system which discriminates between voice signals and data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier. The signal processing system includes a voice exchange, a data exchange and a call discriminator. The voice exchange is capable of exchanging voice signals between a switched circuit network and a packet based network. The signal processing system also includes a data exchange capable of exchanging data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier on the switched circuit network with unmodulated data signal packets on the packet based network. The data exchange is performed by demodulating data signals from the switched circuit network for transmission on the packet based network, and modulating data signal packets from the packet based network for transmission on the switched circuit network. The call discriminator is used to selectively enable the voice exchange and data exchange.
US07933225B2
An architecture is described for providing IP push-to-talk (IPP2T) service using a wireless local area network (WLAN) serving a plurality of subscriber terminals (STs), having at least one broadband access network terminal (BANT), the BANT coupled to and interacting with at least one of a plurality of Access Points (APs) via a local area network (LAN), the plurality of APs in communication with the plurality of subscriber terminals; a multicast-enabled network, the multicast-enabled network coupled to and interacting with at least one BANT via a broadband access network; an IP network coupled to, and interacting with, the multicast-enabled network via an edge router; and a WLAN mobile radio service (WLMRS) controller (WLMRSC) coupled to and interacting with the IP network via a multicast-enabled router (MR).
US07933223B2
A method and means for processing information across a network is provided, the network comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the invention includes algorithm means for addressing the problem of efficient information distribution between nodes in the network. This invention addresses the problem by generating probabilistic models at the nodes in the network and by selectively distributing information between the nodes based on these models and by using a predetermined metric function in such a way as to reduce information differences between the nodes.Advantageously this invention finds utility in many applications in both distributed networks and centralised networks provided that it is possible to derive an appropriate tree topology representation of the network.
US07933211B2
An approach is provided for announcing a fault condition or failure in a network system. Announcement notifications are prioritized based on a priority information derived from at least two local parameters determined at a respective network element (NE1 to NEn). Thereby, fault correction activities can be optimized.
US07933208B2
A hierarchical data structure of digested payload information (e.g., information within a payload, or information spanning two or more payloads) allows a payload excerpt to be attributed to earlier network flow information. These compact data structures permit data storage reduction, while permitting efficient query processing with a low level of false positives. One example of such a compact data structure is a hierarchical Bloom filter. Different layers of the hierarchy may correspond to different block sizes.
US07933204B2
The inventive method consists in determining a flow (F) to which belongs each new incoming packet (P), when said flow (F) is on a list of active flows, in introducing said packet into a fair share scheduling mechanism (6), when said flow (F) is absent from the list of active flows, in obtaining an estimation of the quantity of incoming data items (I.Bytes) with respect to said flow over a reference time period, in comparing said estimation with a maximum value (MaxBytes), wherein the reference time period or the maximum value are determined according to a fair share data rate, in adding said flow to the list of active flows and in introducing the packet (P) into the fair share scheduling mechanism (6), if said estimation exceeds the maximum value, and in introducing the packet (P) into the end of a priority queue (5), in the alternative case.
US07933202B2
Systems and methods for bounded minimal latency for network resources without synchronization are provided. In one embodiment, a method for managing data traffic between nodes in an asynchronous network comprises: receiving a data request message at a first port of network switch; storing information about the data request message in a memory at the network switch; forwarding the data request message to a producer node; receiving a data message at a second port of the network switch; determining whether the data message is responsive to the data request message; when the data message is responsive, forwarding the data message from the network switch; and when the data message is not responsive, blocking the data message from being forwarded from the network.
US07933201B2
An entry compression/decompression method for use in a packet relay apparatus carrying out flow identification based on an entry of a flow table describing a pattern of a packet as a subject of flow identification, comprising the steps of judging whether a new pattern to be registered in the flow table is an incremental pattern, that is, a difference with a flow identification pattern of the entry is one bit; changing a mask pattern of the entry indicating a position of a “don't care bit”in relation with the flow identification pattern in flow identification if the new pattern is an incremental pattern; and additionally registering the new pattern in the flow table as an entry if the new pattern is not an incremental pattern.
US07933197B2
A method of constructing a repair path around a non-available component in a data communications network having, as components, nodes having a network address and links there between comprises the step, performed at a participating node, of receiving from a notifying node in the network, a notification identifying the notifying node and components through which the notifying node can be reached. The method further comprises the step of deriving, from the notification, a network repair address for use in the event of non-availability of a component identified in the notification. The method further comprises the step of constructing a repair path for the repair address.
US07933187B2
Provided are a method for detecting a pattern of an over-sampling image and an optical information processing apparatus and method using the same. A method for detecting a pattern from an image of an over-sampled datapage includes: over-sampling the datapage to detect a detection image of the datapage; comparing the detection image and a reference image of over-sampling for the pattern by a covariance; and calculating a pixel of the pattern over-sampled by values of the reference image and the detection image compared by the covariance. Accordingly, data with a specific pattern such as a mark can be detected from an image of an over-sampled datapage, thereby making it possible to increase the data reproduction accuracy, thus making it possible to greatly increase the reliability of reproduced optical data.
US07933178B2
A recording medium having a spare area for defect management, and a method and apparatus for allocating and assigning the spare area. A plurality of zones are formed as one group without prescribing the relationship between a zone and a group. Spare areas include a spare area for slipping replacement and a spare area for linear replacement. The spare area for slipping replacement is first allocated, and the spare area for linear replacement is allocated according to the size of an area remaining after the spare area for slipping replacement is used and the purpose for which a disc is used. When the spare area for linear replacement becomes deficient during use of the disc, a supplementary spare area for linear replacement is allocated in sequence from the rearmost of a logical file area, such that the spare area can be more flexibly and effectively allocated.
US07933174B2
An objective lens actuator in an optical pickup, having a semiconductor laser diode, electro-optic parts, such as a lens or the like, as well as, the objective lens actuator, etc., in a case, comprises: a holder, which mounts an objective lens and a coil thereon, as being a movable part; a magnetic circuit part, which is made up with a magnet for magnetically driving said holder and a yoke; a plural number of elastic support parts which elastically supports said holder; and a support part, which supports other ends of said elastic support parts, wherein said support part has a part, which is cut open in parallel with the elastic support parts, between said elastic support parts, and has a through hole, in which said elastic support part passes through for each of said elastic support parts, and thereby to provide the objective lens actuator for lowering the unwanted vibration mode of the objective lens, and also enabling a stable control thereof.
US07933160B2
In order to realize high speed carbon nanotube memory, bit line is multi-divided into short lines for reducing parasitic capacitance. For reading, a small local sense amp is composed of a local pre amplifier and a local main amplifier with high gain, and a simple global sense amp is composed of an inverter as amplifying circuit for receiving an output of the local sense amp through a global bit line. By the sense amps, time domain sensing scheme is realized such that a voltage difference in the bit line is converted to a time difference as an output of the global sense amp, for differentiating high data and low data. In this manner, fast read operation is realized with fast sensing circuit. And alternative circuits are described. Particularly, field-effect alignment process is realized for aligning the carbon nanotubes on exact location of the memory cell, when forming the memory cell.
US07933158B2
For a nonvolatile memory permitting electrical writing and erasing of information to be stored, such as a flash memory, the load on the system developer is to be reduced, and it is to be made possible to avoid, even if such important data for the system as management and address translation information are damaged, an abnormal state in which the system becomes unable to operate. The nonvolatile memory is provided with a replacing function to replace a group of memory cells including defective memory cells which are incapable of normal writing or erasion with a group of memory cells including no defective memory cell, a numbers of rewrites averaging function to grasp the number of data rewrites in each group of memory cells and to so perform replacement of memory cell groups that there may arise no substantial difference in the number of rewrites among a plurality of memory cell groups, and an error correcting function to detect and correct any error in data stored in the memory array, wherein first address translation information deriving from the replacing function and second address translation information deriving from the numbers of rewrites averaging function are stored in respectively prescribed areas in the memory array, and the first address translation information and second address translation information concerning the same memory cell group are stored in a plurality of sets in a time series.
US07933157B2
An apparatus for generating pumping voltage of a multiple Chip Select (CS) mode semiconductor memory apparatus includes a high speed pumping control unit configured to produce a pumping enable signal regardless of the level of a pumping voltage to actuate the pumping unit when a plurality of banks of the semiconductor apparatus operated by different CS signals are continuously actuated.
US07933154B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array from which data is read via a plurality of bitlines, which includes a plurality of memory cells having gates respectively connected with a plurality of wordlines, a first type global wordline decoder configured to selectively apply n different voltages, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, to a corresponding wordline of the plurality of wordlines in a program mode, and a second type global wordline decoder configured to selectively apply (n−1) different voltages to a corresponding wordline of the plurality of wordlines in the program mode, the second type global wordline decoder having fewer switching elements than the first type global wordline decoder.
US07933140B2
Techniques for reducing a voltage swing are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for reducing a voltage swing comprising: a plurality of dynamic random access memory cells arranged in arrays of rows and columns, each dynamic random access memory cell including one or more memory transistors. The one or more memory transistors of the apparatus for reducing a voltage swing may comprise: a first region coupled to a source line, a second region coupled to a bit line, a first body region disposed between the first region and the second region, wherein the first body region may be electrically floating, and a first gate coupled to a word line spaced apart from, and capacitively coupled to, the first body region. The apparatus for reducing a voltage swing may also comprise a first voltage supply coupled to the source line configured to supply a first voltage and a second voltage to the source line, wherein a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage may be less than 3.5V.
US07933131B2
A power supply, which outputs a plurality of voltages in order to improve the cross regulation between output voltages and at the same time reduce the amount of electric power consumed, and an image forming device having the same are disclosed. The power supply includes a power converter, which generates a first output power source and a second output power source in response to an external power supply and a power control signal, respectively; a power output part, which includes output parts to rectify and smooth each of the first and second output power sources; a first output controller, which receives the first output power source feedback from the power output part to generate the power control signal; and a second output controller, which receives the second output power source feedback from the power output part to control to operate the power output part in stable mode.
US07933127B2
A memory card includes a first circuit board, a first semiconductor chip mounted to a top face of the first circuit board with a part of its under face confronting the first circuit board, a second circuit board of which a top face is bonded to a under face of the first circuit board, a second semiconductor chip mounted to the top face of the second circuit board with at least a part of the second semiconductor chip confronting a part of another part other than the part of the under face of the first semiconductor chip, and a cover disposed over the top face of the second circuit board for covering the first semiconductor chip, the first circuit board and the second semiconductor chip.
US07933120B2
According to the storage control device of the present invention, individual cooling passages are formed for each region in the enclosure and the respective cooling passages are formed bent so as to bypass the connection substrate. As a result, the interior of the enclosure is cooled efficiently. The interior of the enclosure is divided in the front-rear direction by the connection substrate. Logic substrates and battery devices are provided on the front side of the connection substrate and logic substrates and power supply devices are provided on the rear side of the connection substrate. The battery devices and power supply devices located on the left and right sides of the enclosure are each cooled by means of individual cooling passages. The logic substrates are cooled by means of different cooling passages.
US07933115B2
A device includes a screen back cover, a screen protective cover frame, a roller, and a screen protective cover. The screen back cover is configured to mount a screen to a computer. The screen protective cover frame includes a roller chamber, and is configured to snap fit with the screen back cover. The roller is disposed within the roller chamber, and is configured to guide a battery of the computer and to inhibit the battery from being placed in physical communication with the screen when the battery is inserted into the computer. The screen protective cover is in physical communication with the screen protective cover frame, and is configured to hold the roller within the roller chamber.
US07933110B2
A first switching unit and a second switching unit are connected in series to an electric power load. A voltage supply unit, which is connected between the first switching unit and the second switching unit, supplies a voltage to the second switching unit. A determining unit determines an occurrence of a malfunction in at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.
US07933101B2
A typical power plant has a plurality of generators; at least one load; at least one bus interconnecting the generators and the at least one load. The plant is operated on an uncorrected droop configuration for speed control and voltage control. The plant further includes a monitoring module for monitoring at least one of a plurality of signals; a calculating module for calculating a fault based on a comparison of predefined values expected from normal droop operation with respect to monitored values obtained from the monitored signals; and a control module for providing an order to bring additional generating capacity on line, for tripping a generator if a fault has been identified with respect to a single generator or for tripping a tie breaker to provide bus to bus isolation if an identified fault cannot be isolated to a single generator.
US07933091B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic disk drive capable of easily suppressing degradation of position error caused by disturbance resulting from vibration from the outside. According to one embodiment, the magnetic disk drive acquires, during a period of time of track following control, data necessary for determining a filtering characteristic required to newly be specified in a peak filter; in association with the start of subsequent seek control, determines the filtering characteristic required to be specified in the peak filter; and specifies the determined filtering characteristic in the peak filter.
US07933089B2
A method for writing data to a tape at multiple rates for simultaneously creating data tracks having differing linear data densities, according to one embodiment, includes passing a tape over a head, the head having an array of writers thereon; receiving incoming data; mapping the data to a two dimensional array corresponding to the array of writers; clocking some of the mapped data to a first writer in the array of writers at a first rate; and clocking some of the mapped data to a second writer in the array of writers at a second rate different than the first rate.
US07933087B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of data sectors, and a head actuated over the disk. The disk drive further comprises control circuitry operable to execute a write operation for writing data to the disk. A first part of the data is written to a first data sector together with a first sector signature data (SSD) record comprising a first parameter of the write operation and a first id that identifies the first parameter. A second part of the data is written to a second data sector together with a second SSD record comprising a second parameter of the write operation and a second id that identifies the second parameter.
US07933075B2
The variable-power optical system is provided and includes a first lens group having a negative refractive power, a stop, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, in order from an object side. The first lens group includes a first sub lens group having three negative meniscus lenses and a second sub lens group having a biconcave lens and a positive lens, in order from the object side. The second lens group includes a first positive lens arranged closest to the object side and having at least one aspheric surface and a second positive lens arranged immediately after the image side of the first positive lens. When the absolute value of the focal length of the first lens group is |f1| and the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw, the Conditional expression: 1.9<|f1|/fw<3.6 is satisfied.
US07933069B2
A display device which is capable of generating more parallaxes without reducing resolution and an image quality, a display controlling method, and a program are provided. An aperture ratio of a light source is set as 1/N, and liquid lenses are disposed at distances of focal lengths of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens from the light source, respectively. A position controlling portion changes a position of a nonpolar liquid by a size of each of luminescent pixels as represented by the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens, which results in that emitted lights from respective luminescent pixels pass through either the first liquid lens or the second liquid lens to be emitted in directions different from one another as shown in the form of lights. The present embodiments can be applied to a parallax image displaying device.
US07933066B2
A surgical microscope (100) is especially suited for use in neurosurgery. The surgical microscope has an illuminating arrangement (101) for making available illuminating light in an operating region (117) to be examined with the surgical microscope (100). The illuminating arrangement (101) contains a high-power light source (102) which includes an intensity adjusting device (112). The intensity adjusting device (112) makes possible to adjust the intensity of the illuminating light (116), which is guided to the object region (117), between a maximum value and a minimum value. The surgical microscope (100) has a control unit (170) for the illuminating arrangement (101) which includes an operator-controlled module (172) via which the illuminating arrangement (101) can be activated and controlled. For adjusting the intensity of the illuminating light (116) guided to the operating region (117), the control unit coacts with the adjustable filter unit (112). A signal generator (175) is provided which outputs a warning signal when an intensity of the illuminating light is adjusted via the operator-controlled module (172) which exceeds the safety limit value stored in a memory (171).
US07933061B2
A display substrate, an electrophoretic display (EPD) device including the same, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The display substrate includes a display region and a non-display region. The display region includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) and a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed at crossings of the gate lines and the data lines. The non-display region is located at a peripheral region of the display region and includes a solar battery. The solar battery includes at least one semiconductor layer arranged between a lower electrode and an upper electrode that oppose each other.
US07933060B2
The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising a mirror modulating a light emitted from a light source, wherein the mirror is further controlled to operate with at least three stationary states whereby an image is projected with a gray scale expression through a combination of modulation of the light operated in the three stationary states.
US07933050B2
A method of generating an image of a single document includes the steps of: transporting a plurality of documents across a scan position one by one; starting reading the documents at the scan position before a first document of the documents reaches the scan position and reading the documents continuously until a last document of the documents is completely transported across the scan position to generate a multi-document analog image; converting the multi-document analog image into a multi-document digital image; and processing the multi-document digital image to generate a plurality of single-document digital images corresponding to the documents.
US07933048B2
A control method of an image reading apparatus for transferring image information obtained by reading an original to a server apparatus has: a reading step of reading the original; a forming step of forming electronic data corresponding to the original read in the reading step; a designation step of designating an attribute of the original; a decision step of deciding a page whose electronic data is to be formed in the forming step in accordance with the designated original attribute; and a transmission step of transmitting the electronic data formed in the forming step to the server apparatus.
US07933045B2
A processor is provided that includes a primary memory and color conversion logic. The primary memory may store a first color look-up table (LUT) related to a second color space. The color conversion logic, in response to a received set of pixels having color values in a first color space, converts the received set of pixels to a second color space. The color conversion logic selectively accesses, based on a comparison of one or more pixel parameters to a threshold, one of the primary memory and a secondary memory located on a second device to obtain a color value of the second color space that is associated with each pixel of the set of pixels. The color conversion logic monitors the number of times that each of the primary memory and the secondary memory are accessed and automatically adjusts the threshold to maintain an access ratio.
US07933025B2
Disclosed is a method that includes combining a first light beam and at least a second light beam to form a combined light beam, introducing a sinusoidal phase shift with a frequency f between a phase of the first light beam and a phase of the second light beam, recording at least one interference signal based on a modulation of the combined light beam in response to the sinusoidal phase shift, where the interference signal includes at least three different frequency components, and outputting the information. For each interference signal, information related to the difference in optical path lengths of the first and second light beam is determined by comparing the intensity of the at least three different frequency components of the interference signal.
US07933019B2
Disclosed is a surface plasmon resonance sensor having a rotating mirror, including (a) an incident light source unit for oscillating a laser as incident light; (b) a polarizer for polarizing the incident light; (c) a rotating mirror having cylindrical or planar shapes for reflecting the polarized incident light to radiate disk-shaped light; (d) a light shielding film for allowing part of the disk-shaped light to pass therethrough and located adjacent to the central axis of the rotating mirror; (e) a cylinder lens for focusing the light passed through the light shielding film thereon; (f) a metal thin film for receiving the light focused on the cylinder lens to generate surface plasmon resonance; (g) a dielectric medium provided under the metal thin film; and (h) a detector for detecting the light reflected from the metal thin film. This surface plasmon resonance sensor can solve conventional interference problems of a laser being used as a light source to obtain an image for measurement of angle and two-dimensional reflected light intensity, including the deterioration of the quality of the image and the variation in the intensity of light source depending on the position of incidence.
US07933016B2
Disclosed are techniques, apparatus, and targets for determining overlay error between two layers of a sample. A plurality of targets is provided. Each target includes a portion of the first and second structures and each is designed to have an offset between its first and second structure portions. The targets are illuminated with electromagnetic radiation to thereby obtain spectra from each target at a −1st diffraction order and a +1st diffraction order. It is determined whether there are any overlay error between the first structures and the second structures using a scatterometry technique based on the detected spectra by (i) for each target, determining a first differential intensity between the −1st diffraction order and a +1st diffraction order, (ii) for a plurality of pairs of targets each having a first target and a second target, determining a second differential intensity between the first differential intensity of the first target and the first differential intensity of the second target, and (iii) determining any overlay error between the first structures and the second structures using a scatterometry technique based on the second differential intensities determined from each target pair.
US07933012B2
According to one embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel. First and second substrates with first surfaces can be provided, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, and wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel. The apparatus and method can also include bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel. A light-guiding conduit can be inserted into the connection channel such that the light-guiding conduit connects to the microfluidic channel and filling an area between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel for forming a liquid-tight seal between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel.
US07933011B2
A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.
US07933006B2
A tilt inspection apparatus which detects tilt of an object to be observed with respect to a placement surface on which the object is placed, including: a light source which irradiates light or projects an image onto the object to be observed; a light shield plate which has a first slit extended in a first direction and a second slit extended in a second direction normal to the first direction, and is disposed between the light source and the object to be observed; and a carriage mechanism which supports the light shield plate so as to be rotatable in the in-plane direction of the light shield plate, and fixes the light shield plate while aligning the first slit normal to the placement surface is provided.
US07933005B2
A device for measuring a compound with in a sample both non-invasively and invasively is provided. The devise comprised a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) operatively coupled to a power source, one or more receptors and a detector. The one or more receptors shaped to receive a body part and a sample holder and optically coupled to the source of EMR by one or more radiation guiding elements. The radiation guiding element comprising an input in operable association with the source of EMR, and an output in operable association with a detector and coupled to a processing system.
US07933000B2
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; and a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. An applicator, such as a humidifier is provided to provide molecules, such as water molecules, to a clamp area of the patterning device.
US07932984B2
An end-sealant composition for a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes an acrylic polymer resin, a polymeric photoinitiator polymerized into an acrylic chain, and an acryl-philic coupling agent. The end-sealant composition exhibits reduced diffusion into the liquid crystals during an end-sealant forming process. Image defects such as stains around fill ports and incidental images are thereby prevented, so that high quality displays can be prepared. Use of the end-sealant composition can provide high performance for high dielectric constant liquid crystals that are widely used in the fabrication of liquid crystal display panels.
US07932976B2
A reflector for reflecting incident light from outside includes an insulating film being formed on a substrate and including multiple concavities and convexities, and a metal film formed on the insulating film. Respective convex portions constituting the multiple concavities and convexities are formed into shapes in which positions of peak portions relative to the entire convex portions are tilted in one direction when viewed from a direction of a normal line of the substrate.
US07932956B2
A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing supplemental data, a multiplexer multiplexing pre-processed data with main data, and a byte-symbol converter converting each data byte of the multiplexed data into a symbol. It further includes a symbol processor processing each supplemental data symbol outputted from the byte-symbol converter. It encodes one of upper and lower bits of each supplemental data symbol into first and second data bits, post-decodes the first data bit, and outputs the post-decoded data bit and the second data bit as a symbol. The DTV transmitter further includes a symbol-byte converter converting each symbol outputted from the symbol processor into a data byte.
US07932952B2
An optical performance is deteriorated by a minute phase difference of transmission wave front of an ND filter. In a light quantity adjusting device which includes an ND filter (P1) for attenuating a quantity of light passing through an aperture formed by diaphragm blades (S11 and S12) and in which a cover ratio of the aperture by the ND filter (P1) is changed, setting is conducted such that a phase difference between lights with a predetermined wavelength λ which pass through regions (N11, N12, and N13) of the ND filter (P1) with different transmittances inside the aperture becomes substantially 0λ, substantially 1λ, or substantially 2λ in a state in which the aperture is completely covered with the ND filter (P1).
US07932948B2
A solid-state image sensing device comprises: a light receiving unit for receiving light; a microlens formed above the light receiving unit; a fluorine-containing resin material layer formed on the microlens; and a transparent substrate provided over the fluorine-containing resin material layer. A resin layer adheres the fluorine-containing resin material layer and the transparent substrate.
US07932944B2
The pixel mixture method of the present invention for mixing several pixels on a solid-state image sensing device, which is applied to an imaging device having the solid-state image sensing device with a color filter array (CFA) and multiple pixels, comprising: a pixel mixture operating step for performing a pixel mixture operation based on a pixel mixture operation equation for the several pixels that are adjacent spatially; a color conversion matrix generating step for generating a color conversion matrix based on the kind of colors of a color space after mixture and the pixel mixture operation equation; and a desired color space converting step for converting the color space after mixture into a desired color space based on the generated color conversion matrix.
US07932940B2
A viewfinder configured to display a captured image includes: an edge correction signal generation unit configured to generate a peaking signal corresponding to an edge enhancement correction target hue that is a hue for which edge enhancement correction will be performed from three primary color signals generated from an input video signal; a signal adding unit configured to add the peaking signal generated by the edge correction signal generation unit to each of the three primary color signals generated from the input video signal; and a driving signal generation unit configured to generate a driving signal for a display device from the three primary color signals to each of which the peaking signal has been added by the signal adding unit.
US07932934B2
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided. The image processing method is implemented by the apparatus, which receives and stores captured image data. Addresses for the captured image data are generated and stored in a look up table in memory along with color signal data that is stored in an additional data area. Output image data is generated by interpolating the address information in the lookup table to determine coordinate information for the output image. The output image coordinate information allows for drawing an output image with corrected image distortion, corrected perspective distortion, altered viewpoint from captured image, mirror-image conversion, or electronic zooming of the captured image. Color signal data from the additional data area is then used to draw an overlay on the output image in color.
US07932920B2
A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites. The conference parameters include composite image layout, image resolution, and conference bandwidth rate.
US07932912B1
A graphics system has virtual memory and a partitioned graphics memory that supports having an non-power of two number of dynamic random access memories (DRAMs). The graphics system utilizes page table entries to support addressing Tag RAMs used to store tag bits indicative of a compression status.
US07932910B2
A programmable processor and method for improving the performance of processors by expanding at least two source operands, or a source and a result operand, to a width greater than the width of either the general purpose register or the data path width. The present invention provides operands which are substantially larger than the data path width of the processor by using the contents of a general purpose register to specify a memory address at which a plurality of data path widths of data can be read or written, as well as the size and shape of the operand. In addition, several instructions and apparatus for implementing these instructions are described which obtain performance advantages if the operands are not limited to the width and accessible number of general purpose registers.
US07932905B2
For ray tracing systems, described methods, media, apparatuses provide for accounting of light energy that will be collected at pixels of a 2-D representation without recursive closure of a tree of ray/primitive intersections, and also provide for adaptivity in ray tracing based on importance indicators of each ray, such as a weight, which may be carried in data structures representative of the rays. Examples of such adaptivity may include determining a number of children to issue for shading an identified intersecting primitive, culling rays, and adding rays to achieve more accurate sampling, if desired. All such adaptivity may be triggered with goal-based indicators, such as a threshold value representative of rendering progress to a time-based goal, such as a frame rate.
US07932901B2
A timing generating circuit with low power consumption and a small layout area, a display apparatus including the timing generating circuit as one peripheral driving circuit, and a portable terminal including the display apparatus as a display output section are provided. In the timing generating circuit, which is formed on an insulating substrate and generates output pulses SRFF1out to SRFFnout having different frequencies based on a master clock MCK, a clock generating circuit (11) generates an operating clock having a lower frequency than the master clock MCK frequency. Then, a counter section (12) operates based on this operating clock and successively outputs shifted pulses S/R1out to S/Rmount from shift registers (121-1) to (121-m). An output pulse generating section (13) generates output pulses SF1out to SFnout based on combinations of the shifted pulses S/R1out to S/Rmount.
US07932899B2
A position detection system includes at least two optical units configured to image a space, a memory, and a processing device interfaced to the memory and the optical units. The processing device is configured to access image data from the first and second optical units and use this data to determine at least one of a current first position and a current second position representing touch points on a display. The processing device can define a polygon having at least four sides based the current first and current second positions and can access the memory to store and retrieve the polygon. If the processing device can determine only one of the current first position or the current second position based on the accessed image data, the processing device can use the previously defined polygon to estimate the other position that was not determined using the accessed image data.
US07932888B2
An object is to suppress change of a threshold voltage of a transistor in a shift register and to prevent the transistor from malfunctioning during a non-selection period. A pulse output circuit provided in the shift register regularly supplies a potential to a gate electrode of a transistor which is in a floating state so that the gate electrode is turned on during a non-selection period when a pulse is not outputted. In addition, supply of a potential to the gate electrode of the transistor is performed by turning on or off another transistor regularly.
US07932884B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of data lines to which a data voltage is supplied, a plurality of gate lines to which a gate pulse is supplied, and a plurality of liquid crystal cells, a data drive circuit to invert a polarity of the data voltage in response to a polarity control signal and to output the data voltage to the data lines in response to a source output enable signal, a gate drive circuit to supply the gate pulse to the gate lines, and a POL/SOE logic circuit to invert the polarity control signal for every frame period except at Nth-multiple frame period (where N is a positive integer), wherein the POL/SOE logic circuit controls the polarity control signal at every Nth-multiple frame period such that the polarity of the data voltage is the same as the previous frame period and controls a pulse width of the source output enable signal at every Nth-multiple frame period to be longer than for the other frame periods.
US07932872B2
A picture displaying method is for displaying a picture by means of a plurality of picture displaying units. A picture signal representing the picture is supplied to each of the picture displaying units. A first picture displaying unit displays a first part of the picture according to the picture signal and produces a start pulse signal after displaying of the first part of the picture. A second picture displaying unit displays a second part of the picture according to the picture signal in response to the start pulse signal.
US07932860B2
A tag transmits signals having at least two different frequency components. The signals are receivable by at least some of a plurality of spaced receivers. Each receiver, in response to receiving a signal, measures respective phases of the first and second frequency components and a frequency offset between the tag and the receiver. The frequency offset is dependent upon a difference in frequencies of respective clocks in the tag and the receiver. A position processor obtains a difference in phases of the first and second frequency components for a signal, a frequency offset between the receiver and tag and determines the position of the tag in dependence upon the difference between respective phases of the first and second frequency components and in dependence upon the frequency offset.
US07932848B2
The pulse delay circuit includes a plurality of delay units connected in series or in a ring, each of the delay units being constituted of at least one inverter gate circuit grounded to a ground line, and configured to delay a pulse signal passing therethrough by a delay time thereof depending on an input signal applied thereto, and a capacitor connected between a signal line through which the voltage signal is applied to each of the delay units and the ground line. The capacitor serves as a current source to supply a current which each of the delay units consumes to invert a state thereof.
US07932845B2
A self-calibrating analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC includes multiple component ADCs to generate respective digital representations of an input signal in response to respective timing signals that are offset in phase from one another, each component ADC having a gain setting that controls a magnitude of the digital representations. The ADC further includes correction circuitry to generate a plurality of fast-Fourier transforms (FFTs) that correspond to the digital representations of the input signal and to adjust the gain settings of the component ADCs and/or phase angles of the timing signals based on gain and phase errors indicated by the FFTs.
US07932842B2
A data encoder-decoder which generates an encoded data element which can be stored in and retrieved from a reduced space memory element.
US07932841B2
The present invention provides a multifunctional input device. The input device includes a functional mode which defines the mode of operation of the input device. Each functional mode includes one or more domain levels with each domain level containing one or more domain-level values. Each domain level-value within each functional mode is assigned to one of a plurality of programmable input keys. The domain-level value assigned to each programmable input key controls the function of that programmable input key within a given functionality and domain level. The present invention also includes a display to indicate the domain-level value associated with each of the programmable input keys within a given functionality.
US07932833B2
A system for detecting a reduction in engine coolant flow rate is provided. The system includes a device configured to monitor at least one parameter associated with an engine, and a device configured to measure actual engine air intake manifold temperature. The system further includes a controller configured to determine a theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature based on the at least one monitored parameter, compare the theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature with the actual measured engine air intake manifold temperature, and generate a signal indicative of engine coolant flow rate.
US07932832B2
To provide a movement managing system for grasping the movement of a remote person and acquiring the information with improved reliability. A movement managing system for managing the movement of a person to be managed comprises a personal information input device (10) installed on a movement path of the person, a data managing server (20) for managing information on the person, and information acquiring device (30) for acquiring information on the person from the data managing server. When personal information for specifying the person is inputted, the personal information input device (10) transmits the personal information and the device ID that the device (10) uniquely has to the data managing server (20). The data managing server (20) identifies the pass position on the movement path that the person has passed on the basis of the personal information and device ID received from the personal information input device (10) and transmits information representing the pass position that the person has passed to the information acquiring device (30).
US07932830B2
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, a method (and corresponding apparatus) is provided for deducing the location of one or more items or objects to be monitored. In exemplary embodiments, the method (and corresponding apparatus) is implemented in RFID (radio frequency identification) applications (e.g., reading RFID tags at 13.56 MHz and approximately 900 MHz) by deducing the location of an item associated with a unique RFID tag in one or more areas of detection covered by multiple RFID reader antennae.
US07932827B2
A portable RFID reader (or reader/writer) that also employs a location determination subsystem that facilitates determination of the reader (or reader/writer) location. The location subsystem can employ a satellite-based GPS (Global Positioning System) location technology where such signals are unimpeded by structures. Additionally, the location subsystem can employ other terrestrial location technologies that operate inside structures such as warehouses and the factory automation environment.
US07932821B2
A network for combat control of ground-based units, such as combat vehicles, in real time, may obtain information is concerning the units comprised in the network for the evaluation of threats and the calculation of a response. The units may be divided into clusters with a central unit in each cluster and at least one client unit in each cluster, which client units are arranged to communicate with the associated central unit. Each unit comprises a control computer, radio, amplifier and antenna for communication with other units. The central unit may control units comprised in an associated cluster on the basis of threat evaluation and response calculation carried out in the central unit on the basis of information communicated from other units and on the basis of information obtained by means of its own equipment.
US07932819B2
A first meter cluster panel and a second meter cluster panel are disposed on an instrument panel of a vehicle such that the first meter cluster panel and the second meter cluster panel have respective centers of display disposed substantially coaxially with each other. The first meter cluster panel is disposed near a boundary line at a position deeper than that of the second meter cluster panel as viewed by a driver who is directing his or her line of sight from an eye range in the forward direction of the vehicle. The first meter cluster panel displays information that is visually recognized outside of a steering wheel. The second meter cluster panel displays information that is visually recognized inside the steering wheel when the driver directs his or her line of sight from the eye range in the forward direction of the vehicle.
US07932813B2
A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader of an apparatus in an example employs substantially synchronized sampling to obtain a signal from an RFID card notwithstanding employment by the RFID card of any of amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or phase shift keying (PSK). The RFID reader decodes the signal notwithstanding the employment by the RFID card of any of ASK, FSK, or PSK.
US07932809B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates providing a safety mechanism associated with a protective zone in an industrial automation environment. An radio frequency identification (RFID) component can receive data from an RFID tag to identify a location. A safety component can employ a safe mode to a device based at least in part upon the location to employ a protected zone in proximity with the device.
US07932806B2
In a varistor, a heat radiating portion contains the same components as ZnO that is the main component of a varistor element body, as metal oxides, thereby, the structural components of the varistor element body and the heat radiating portion are caused to be common. During firing, Ag contained in the heat radiating portion diffuses into the grain boundaries of ZnO, near the interface between surfaces of the heat radiating portion and the varistor element body. Consequently, in the varistor, cracks hardly occur between the varistor portion and the heat radiating portion during firing (or during binder removal), thereby, ensuring sufficient bonding strength between the varistor portion and the heat radiating portion. Therefore, heat conducted to the varistor portion is radiated efficiently conducting through electrically conducted paths formed in the heat radiating portion from the surface facing the varistor element body to other three surfaces of the heat radiating portion.
US07932803B2
A common-mode choke coil includes a magnetic core, external electrodes, first and second wires, and a magnetic top. The magnetic core includes a winding core section and first and second flange sections. The external electrodes are provided on the first and second flange sections. The first wire is directly wound around the winding core section. The second wire is wound around the outside of the first wire. The first turn of the second wire is wound while being in contact with the first turn of the first wire and the first flange section.
US07932798B2
The system 1 according to the invention comprises an energizable load 2 and an inductive powering device 9 and a permanent magnet 8 arranged on the conductor 4 for interacting with the further conductor 9a for aligning the inductor winding 6 with respect to the further inductor winding 9b. The energizable load 2 for enabling the inductive power receipt comprises a wiring 6 which cooperates with the conductor 4 for forming a secondary wiring of the transformer. In order to form the system for inductive energy transfer, the energizable load 2 is to be placed on the inductive powering device 9, whereby the surface 2a will contact the surface 7. The inductive powering device 9 comprises a further magnetizable conductor 9a provided with a further winding 9b thus forming a primary wiring of the split-core electric transformer. When the winding 6 is brought in the vicinity of the further winding 9b, the magnetic force acting on the further magnetizable conductor 9a serves for an instant proper mutual alignment of the winding 6 and further winding 9b. The invention further relates to a inductive powering device, an inductive load and a method for enabling an inductive energy transfer to en energizable load.
US07932791B2
A signal modulation device and a signal amplifier cooperative therewith. The signal modulation device includes a local oscillation signal source, a baseband signal source, a first NMOS transistor, and a second NMOS transistor, wherein the first and second NMOS transistors are coupled with the baseband signal source and form a circuit architecture of a Gilbert-cell based differential pair to be directly switched by a differential baseband signal, and a high-frequency signal from the local oscillation signal source is controlled by the baseband signal so as to generate an amplitude-modulation high-frequency signal at an output end. The single-stage signal power amplifier amplifies the amplitude-modulation signal from the preceding circuit so as to increase the magnitude of signals transmitted and simplify the preceding digital/analog signal conversion circuit in a conventional amplitude-modulation circuit.
US07932785B2
A circuit includes a phase lock loop circuit and a continuous phase lock loop calibration circuit. The continuous phase lock loop calibration circuit is operatively coupled to the PLL circuit and produces a continuous calibration signal based on a reference voltage from a reference voltage circuit to calibrate the PLL circuit on a continuous basis.
US07932782B2
A biasing circuit is used to provide low distortion and high efficiency operation of a microwave power amplifier. The biasing circuit utilizes the nonlinear rectified current of a microwave diode or transistor for biasing the amplifying transistor self-adaptively. The biasing current not only reduces the DC bias power during low-power operation and increases self-adaptively during high-power operation, but also manipulates the intermodulation distortion minimum dynamically. Meanwhile, the biasing circuit distorts the input signals with positive gain and negative phase deviations. Therefore, the average power efficiency of the operation is enhanced, the linearity of the input-output characteristic is improved and the radiated level of adjacent channel power is suppressed.
US07932777B1
A switching amplifier drives balanced piezoelectric or other capacitive or reactive loads with a minimum physical electronics volume, enabling a compact arrangement that can combine amplifier and transducer at the same physical location. Power supply current is minimized by using two or more transducers driven with phase-shifted signals, resulting in stored energy being cycled between the transducers rather than being carried over the power supply lines for storage in a power supply. Auxiliary power supply capacitors to store energy coming out of the load can thus be minimized. The modulation scheme puts the switching frequencies in common-mode while the baseband signals are differential mode. The common-mode switching frequency signals are blocked from the loads by a common-mode inductor. The common-mode inductor can be physically small as a result of the large baseband load currents being in differential mode. Low-volume load filters are made possible by the fact that they are not called upon to filter signals at the fundamental switching frequency but only at higher frequencies. The loads are biased independently of the baseband signals. The switching amplifier can drive balanced loads comprising two, three or more individual load elements.
US07932765B2
Some embodiments provide real-time variable delays in a delay line. In some of these embodiments, the real-time variable delays may be enable without producing clock glitches. In an embodiment, delay cells in a delay line may be coupled together in a chain to form a lattice of inverters providing different paths of signal propagation. Each path may have a different number of inverters; each inverter adding a known processing time associated with the signal inversion process. In some embodiments, an input signal may be propagated in an inverted or non-inverted form to the inputs of multiple inverters in the lattice, including the inputs of inverters through which the input signal does not propagate. A desired delay time may be obtained in an embodiment by selecting a path containing a desired number and configuration of inverters. The path may be selected in an embodiment using switchably enabled inverters.
US07932764B2
A delay circuit has: an inverting receiver with a resistive element, the inverting receiver having an input node for receiving an input signal and an output node coupled to the resistive element; a capacitive element, coupled to the output node of the inverting receiver and the resistive element; a first transistor, having lower turned ON voltage at higher temperature; a second transistor, used for generating a rail to rail signals on a terminal of the first transistor; and an output inverter, having an input node coupled to the first transistor and an output node for outputting an output signal of the delay circuit. Further, a third transistor is used for enhancing pulling low of the output signal of the delay circuit.
US07932757B2
Techniques for adaptively control of a loop filter sampling interval to mitigate the effects of charge pump leakage current in an apparatus including a phase lock loop circuit are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a phase frequency detector (PFD) providing a phase comparison operation, a loop filter providing a control voltage to lock the VCO to a desired operating frequency, and a charge pump configured to provide an output signal to the loop filter in response to at least one of an UP pulse and a DOWN pulse. The apparatus further includes a sampling switch, coupled between an input of the loop filter, an output of the charge pump, and characterized by a sampling interval. A sampling switch controller is configured to adaptively control the width of the sampling interval in order to mitigate the effects of leakage current from the charge pump by closing the sampling switch in advance of the phase comparison operation and opening the sampling switch when the phase comparison operation is completed.
US07932750B2
A dynamic domino circuit includes a clock generator and a domino circuit. The clock generator generates a pulse signal and a plurality of internal clock signals based on a global clock signal. Phases of the plurality of internal clock signals are sequentially delayed. The domino circuit sequentially performs a plurality of logic operations based on a plurality of input signals, the pulse signal and the plurality of internal clock signals and generates an output signal in synchronization with the pulse signal. The dynamic domino circuit may provide an effective interface with static logics.
US07932748B1
A 2×VDD-tolerant input/output (I/O) buffer circuit with process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) compensation suitable for CMOS technology is disclosed. A 2×VDD-tolerant I/O buffer with a PVT compensation circuit is implemented with novel 2×VDD-tolerant logic gates. Output slew rate variations can be kept within smaller ranges to match maximum and minimum timing specifications. A 2×VDD tolerant logic circuit for implementing the I/O buffer is also disclosed.
US07932747B2
A circuit arrangement for shifting a voltage level comprises a data-current converter (2) that is connected to a first connection (K1) and that has an input for feeding a digital input data signal (DIN), a first output for providing a current (I), and also a second output for providing a reference current (I1), and a current-data converter (3) that is connected to a second connection (K2) and that has a first input for feeding the current (I), a second input for feeding the reference current (I1), and also an output for providing a digital output data signal (DOUT). Here, a voltage level of the digital output data signal (DOUT) is different from a voltage level of the digital input data signal (DIN). In addition, a method for shifting a voltage level is provided.
US07932742B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The IC includes a first set of circuits and a second set of circuits interspersed among the first set of circuits. Each set of circuits includes at least ten volatile configurable circuits. Several circuits in at least one of the sets are user multiplexers. Each particular user multiplexer has input and output terminals and has a set of select terminals for receiving a set of user-design signals that directs the particular multiplexer to connect a set of the input terminals to a set of the output terminals. The user-design signals are signals generated internally by the IC.
US07932734B2
A storage device transporter is provided for transporting a storage device and for mounting a storage device within a test slot. The storage device transporter includes a frame that is configured to receive and support a storage device. The storage device transporter also includes a conductive heating assembly that is associated with the frame. The conductive heating assembly is arranged to heat a storage device supported by the frame by way of thermal conduction.
US07932731B2
A device for testing noise immunity of a circuit includes: an analog circuit, an internal stable reference signal source, an internal power supply module to receive a high level voltage supply, and a signal modulator to provide a noisy signal to the power supply module. The power supply module outputs a noisy power supply to the circuit, in response to the noisy signal, and the device outputs a signal representative of a noise immunity of the circuit. A method includes: providing a high level supply voltage to an internal power supply module, receiving signals representative of the performance of an analog circuit, providing a noisy signal to an input of the power supply module, providing a noisy supply voltage to the circuit, by the power supply module, in response to the noisy signal, and evaluating a noise immunity characteristic of the circuit in response to the received signals.
US07932724B2
A circuit assemblage for functional checking of a power transistor includes a power transistor having an insulated gate, a first power electrode configured as a drain or as a collector, and a second power electrode configured as a source or an emitter, the first and second power electrode being connected to a power circuit having a DC voltage source and an electrical DC load. The circuit assemblage further includes a control application device having a signal output that is connected to the gate; a capacitance measuring device for measuring the gate terminal capacitance between the gate terminal contact and the second power electrode terminal contact; and an evaluation device for comparing the gate terminal capacitance with the gate capacitance, and outputting a fault signal as a function of the comparison.
US07932719B2
A system includes a signal generator and a processor. The signal generator is configured to couple with a magnetic resonance transmitter coil. The processor is configured to execute instructions to control the signal generator. The instructions include forming a sequence of waveforms. The sequence is configured to generate spin relaxation in a fictitious field in a third rotating frame of reference based on at least one magnetic field component that arises based on an effective field in a second rotating frame of reference. The third rotating frame of reference is of a higher order than the second rotating frame of reference and the second rotating frame of reference is of a higher order than the first rotating frame of reference.
US07932718B1
A magnetic anomaly sensing system and method uses at least four triaxial magnetometer (TM) sensors with each of the TM sensors having X,Y,Z magnetic sensing axes. The TM sensors are arranged in a three-dimensional array with respective ones of the X,Y,Z magnetic sensing axes being mutually parallel to one another. The three-dimensional array defines a geometry that forms at least one single-axis gradiometer along each of the X,Y,Z magnetic sensing axes. Information sensed by the TM sensors is to generate scalar magnitudes of a magnetic anomaly field measured at each of the TM sensors, comparisons of the scalar magnitudes to at least one threshold value, distance to a source of the magnetic anomaly field using the scalar magnitudes when the threshold value(s) is exceeded, and a magnetic dipole moment of the source using the distance.
US07932717B2
Test methods and components are disclosed for testing resistances of magnetoresistance (MR) sensors in read elements. Test components are fabricated on a wafer with a first test lead, a pseudo sensor, and a second test lead. The test leads and MR sensor are fabricated with similar processes as first shields, MR sensors, and second shields of read elements on the wafer. However, the pseudo sensor in the test component is fabricated with lead material (or another material having similar resistance properties) instead of an MR thin-film structure like an MR sensor. Forming the pseudo sensor from lead material causes the resistance of the pseudo sensor to be insignificant compared to the lead resistance. Thus, a resistance measurement of the test component represents the lead resistance of a read element. An accurate resistance measurement of an MR sensor in a read element may then be determined by subtracting the lead resistance.
US07932716B2
Rotation angle sensor and rotation angle sensor system for determining the angle of rotation of a shaft which can rotate at its shaft end, having a housing, having a shaft mount which is mounted on the housing such that it can rotate, having at least one signal transducer arranged on the shaft mount and having at least one signal receiver which is arranged on the housing and interacts with the signal transducer, wherein the shaft mount is designed in a manner such that the housing is attached only by means of the shaft mount at the shaft end.
US07932711B2
A voltage supply circuit and a circuit device can reduce the noise in the output of the circuit when the power to the circuit is turned on and off and can shorten the time required to start or stop the operation of the circuit. When the supply of power to signal processing part 10 is started or stopped, reference voltage Vref supplied to signal processing part 10 is varied continuously to reduce the high-frequency noise in the output of signal processing part 10. Also, when the setpoint value of the waveform of reference voltage Vref is generated by digital signal processing in voltage setting part 30, the desired waveform can be generated without being limited by the values of the circuit elements or the circuit configuration. The output noise of signal processing part 10 can be reduced, and the time that reference time Vref varies can be shortened.
US07932705B2
A variable input voltage regulator includes a first circuit configured to convert a first voltage from a first voltage source to a first current, and a second circuit electrically coupled to the first circuit and configured to mirror the first current to a voltage output node. The variable input voltage regulator further includes a third circuit electrically coupled to the voltage output node of the second circuit and configured to supply additional current to the voltage output node from a second voltage of a second voltage source in response to a control input.
US07932699B2
A method of controlling a battery charge level of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: monitoring a quantity of current accumulated for a predetermined time based on a battery charge/discharge current value; calculating a regenerative charge derating constant; calculating a correction coefficient based on the quantity of current accumulated and a battery state of charge; multiplying the regenerative charge derating constant by the correction coefficient to calculate a final regenerative charge derating constant; and multiplying the final regenerative charge derating constant by a charge power to calculate a final charge power, and selectively restricting the battery charge level based on the final charge power.
US07932690B2
A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.
US07932686B2
A drive device having at least one electric motor that inputs and outputs motive power includes: a plurality of capacitors; a plurality of relays for capacitors that connects and disconnects the motor and the capacitors; and a relay control device that controls the relays for capacitors. The relay control device controls the plurality of relays for capacitors so that during a system start-up, a part of the plurality of relays for capacitors are connected, that is, a partially-on-state is established, after a first predetermined condition is satisfied during the partially-on-state, the part of relays for capacitors are disconnected and a remaining part of the plurality of relays for capacitors are connected, and after a second predetermined condition is satisfied during the remainder-on-state, all the plurality of relays for capacitors are connected.
US07932683B2
A ring balancer comprising a plurality of balancing transformers facilitates current sharing in a multi-lamp backlight system. The balancing transformers have respective primary windings separately coupled in series with designated lamps and have respective secondary windings coupled together in a closed loop. The secondary windings conduct a common current and the respective primary windings conduct proportional currents to balance currents among the lamps. The ring balancer facilitates automatic lamp striking and the lamps can be advantageously driven by a common voltage source.
US07932677B2
A lamp includes a light emitter enclosing a material emitting light upon receiving irradiation of microwave, and a coil formed on an outer side of the light emitter. In the lamp, a position of the coil with respect to the light emitter is changed in response to a temperature.
US07932675B2
There is provided a plasma display panel including: a front plate having display electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer formed on a glass substrate; and a rear plate that has electrodes, barrier ribs, and a phosphor layer formed on a substrate and is disposed opposite to the front plate. Peripheries of the front plate and the rear plate are sealed to form a discharge space, the display electrodes contains at least silver, the dielectric layer is configured to include a first dielectric layer that covers the display electrodes and second dielectric layer that covers the first dielectric layer and contains bismuth oxide, the thickness of the first dielectric layer is equal to or larger than 5 μm and equal to or smaller than 13 μm, and the ratio of the thickness of the first dielectric layer to the thickness of the display electrodes is larger than 1 and equal to or smaller than 3.
US07932673B2
A new gas discharge tube comprising at least two electrodes and at least one hollow insulator ring fastened to at least one of the electrodes, wherein the insulating ring has an extended length for a creeping current on at least one of the surfaces inside and/or outside compared to its height thereby providing a long distance to any possible creeping current.
US07932672B2
The invention provides a light-emitting device and an electronic apparatus, which are capable of preventing reduction of the amount of current flowing through light-emitting elements and which have an excellent display characteristic. Cathode wiring lines connected to a cathode are provided to surround an effective area outside the effective area where a plurality of pixels having light-emitting elements are provided. First to third power source lines connected to pixel electrodes are provided between the cathode wiring lines and the effective area.
US07932667B2
The present invention provides an organic light-emitting element where a lower electrode, an organic compound layer and an upper electrode are laminated on a substrate, wherein the upper electrode of the organic EL element is formed by a laminate of at least a conductive first inorganic film, a conductive organic film and a conductive second inorganic film, in order to suppress the occurrence of dark spot, so that the occurrence of pinholes in the upper electrode leading to dark spots is suppressed. Here, pinholes refer to holes in the upper electrode that penetrate upper electrode from the organic compound layer underneath to the atmosphere above.
US07932651B2
An apparatus is provided for obtaining a compact and inexpensive motor for controller integrated electric power steering apparatus capable of reducing a component for connection and the number of man-hours of assembly, and an electric power steering apparatus. A driving substrate having a power element is arranged in the side of a speed reduction mechanism of the inside of a case of a controller and a control substrate for controlling driving of the driving substrate is arranged in the side of a motor of the inside of the case and a resolver and a lead frame having connection wiring are arranged between a motor shaft direction of the control substrate and the driving substrate and an input-output terminal of the resolver is electrically connected to the control substrate. It is placed substantially coaxially in order of a motor, the controller and a speed reduction mechanism in the motor shaft direction.
US07932648B2
Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (−) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.
US07932644B2
A safety switch configured to determine whether a magnetically operated switch which forms part of the safety switch has been welded closed. The safety switch is configured to establish a first magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetically operated switch. The magnetic field is arranged to move the magnetically operated switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. The safety switch monitors the state of the magnetically operated switch to determine if the magnetically operated switch has been moved by the first magnetic field, thereby determining if the magnetically operated switch has been welded closed.
US07932641B2
A method and structure for preventing operation of a circuit in a high current operating region by disabling a start-up circuit until a power supply headroom is detected at a predetermined voltage level.
US07932638B2
An electronic system which includes a power delivery surface that delivers electrical power to an electrical or electronic device. The power delivery surface may be powered by any electrical power source, including, but not limited to: wall electrical outlet, solar power system, battery, vehicle cigarette lighter system, direct connection to electrical generator device, and any other electrical power source. The power delivery surface delivers power to the electronic device wirelessly. The power delivery surface may deliver power via a plurality of contacts on the electrical device conducting electricity from the power delivery surface. The electrical device may be mobile device. Each contact may be shaped to improve power delivery reliability. The power delivery surface may further include circuitry to protect against accidental electrocutions.
US07932634B2
A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a fuel cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a fuel cell current control that senses fuel cell current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel cell side of the hybrid power supply.
US07932629B2
In a method for controlling a generation of an alternating current in a vehicle equipped with a battery and an inverter, the inverter is electrically connectable to the battery in order to generate an alternating current from a direct current of the battery for electrical devices that are electrically connectable to the inverter, and the battery is recharged when a charging state of the battery is equal to or less than a threshold value that is sufficient to generate an alternating current required for the electrical devices.
US07932628B2
A terminal state of a terminal 15 of a vehicle is enabled to be maintained for a minimum period of time even after a drop in the voltage supply. At the same time other loads are to have no effect on the holding time. A control device for controls access to a vehicle and has a voltage source, a voltage supply terminal to which a supply voltage can be applied, and a holding circuit to which the voltage source and the voltage supply terminal are connected in a common circuit point for the purpose of holding an On state for as long as the voltage at the voltage source does not fall below a predetermined value. A switching element that is connected into the circuit between the voltage supply terminal and the common circuit point serves to separate the common circuit point from the supply voltage. The holding time is thus decoupled from the VCC currents drawn by other loads.
US07932622B2
A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module has a power transistor, a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge, a charging circuit and a controllable energy-coupling element. The power transistor has a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A path between the first electrode and the second electrode is connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential. The charging circuit charges the pre-charge capacitance and the charging circuit is therefore coupled with the pre-charged capacitance. The controllable energy coupling element is connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance and the control electrode of the power transistor. The power switch exhibits a high degree of stability, allows a fast switching of the power transistor and further has an advantageous transient response.
US07932621B1
The present invention provides a process and apparatus for an integrated wind-solar energy system utilizing an existing wind turbine infrastructure. This invention utilizes unused vertical space of an existing wind turbine steel support tower, and does not use the restricted ground around the wind turbine farm. Additionally, this invention uses the same electrical infrastructure as used for the wind turbine system. This invention provides a significant cost savings over other approaches. The present invention relates to a wind turbine support tower mounted solar system to increase the net electrical output using the existing wind turbine electrical circuits and transmission grid connection. The wind turbine energy support tower mounted solar array, pointed due South, provides about 25 KW of electrical energy per tower either as a Direct Current (DC) feed, or through an Alternate Current (AC) feed matching the wind turbine generator output needs, or directly to the wind turbine tower step-up transformer.
US07932615B2
An electronic device may include a substrate with an input/output pad thereon, and a compliant dielectric layer on a first portion of the substrate such that a second portion of the substrate is free of the compliant dielectric layer. A conductive redistribution line may extend from the input/output pad to the compliant dielectric layer so that the compliant dielectric layer is between a bump pad portion of the conductive redistribution line and the substrate. A first solder bump may be on the bump pad portion of the conductive redistribution line so that the compliant dielectric layer is between the first solder bump and the substrate. A second solder bump may be on the second portion of the substrate that is free of the compliant dielectric layer. Related methods are also discussed.
US07932611B2
A method and device for alternately contacting two wafer-like component composite arrangements, in which the two component composite arrangements, provided with contact metallizations on their opposing contact surfaces, are brought into a coverage position with their contact metallizations to form contact pairs, in which position the contact metallizations to be joined together are pressed against one another, the contact metallizations being contacted by exposing the rear of one of the component composite arrangements to laser radiation, the wavelength of the laser radiation being selected as a function of the degree of absorption of the component composite arrangement , so that a transmission of the laser radiation through the component composite arrangement exposed to the laser radiation at the rear is essentially suppressed or an absorption of the laser radiation takes place essentially in the contact metallizations of one or both component composite arrangements.
US07932610B2
In a semiconductor integrated circuit including a plurality of cells, a supplementary power-supply wire is disposed between a lattice-shaped upper power-supply wire and a lower cell power-supply wire for cases in which power is supplied from the upper power-supply wire to the lower cell power-supply wire. The supplementary power-supply wire and the lower cell power-supply wire are connected by two vias. The supplementary power-supply wire and the upper power-supply wire are connected by a single via. Current from the supplementary power-supply wire is divided by the two vias and then supplied to the lower cell power-supply wire. Therefore, when power is supplied from the upper power-supply wire to the lower cell power-supply wire, current concentration at the connection points of the lower cell power-supply wire to the vias is decreased, thereby reducing wire breaks caused by EM (electro migration).
US07932604B2
Disclosed herein is a method and circuit arrangement for a multi-layer ball grid array configuration. In one embodiment, there is presented a board comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of vias. The second surface is connected to the first surface. The plurality of vias are positioned to form a substantially straight line on the first surface. The plurality of vias comprises a first via and a second via. The first via is adjacent to the second via. The first via emerges on the second surface on one side of the substantially straight line. The second via emerges on another side of the substantially straight line.
US07932595B1
A method of forming an electronic component package includes coupling a first surface of an electronic component to a first surface of a first dielectric strip, the electronic component comprising bond pads on the first surface; forming first via apertures through the first dielectric strip to expose the bond pads; and filling the first via apertures with an electrically conductive material to form first vias electrically coupled to the bond pads. The bond pads are directly connected to the corresponding first vias without the use of a solder and without the need to form a solder wetting layer on the bond pads.
US07932590B2
An apparatus and a method for producing three-dimensional integrated circuit packages. In one embodiment, an electronics package with at least two dice are stacked one atop another is disclosed. A top die is of smaller size compared with a bottom die such that after a die attach operation, wire-bond pads of the bottom die will be exposed for a subsequent wire bonding operation. The bottom die contains contact pads on the front side that couple with one or more passive components fabricated on the back side of the top die to complete the circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, a method to form one or more three-dimensional passive components in a stacked-die package is disclosed wherein partial inductor elements are fabricated on the front side of the bottom die and the back side of the top die. The top and bottom elements are coupled together completing the passive component.
US07932588B2
The electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device are enhanced. In the package of the semiconductor device, there are encapsulated first and second semiconductor chips with a power MOS-FET formed therein and a third semiconductor chip with a control circuit for controlling their operation formed therein. The bonding pads for source electrode of the first semiconductor chip on the high side are electrically connected to a die pad through a metal plate. The bonding pad for source electrode of the second semiconductor chip on the low side is electrically connected to lead wiring through a metal plate. The metal plate includes a first portion in contact with the bonding pad of the second semiconductor chip, a second portion extended from a short side of the first portion to the lead wiring, and a third portion extended from a long side of the first portion to the lead wiring.
US07932585B2
At least one film composite is laminated on a surface of at least one electrical component. The film composite includes at least one electrically-conducting plastic film with at least one electrically conducting conductor. The electrically-conducting plastic film has a high-ohmic resistance. This method may be used in planar large-surface electrical contacting technology for the production of modules with power semiconductors, where an electrical contacting of the components is achieved by the plastic films. A low lateral electrical conductivity is achieved, such that an electrical charging of the plastic films required for the contacting technology is prevented on operation of the component or the module.
US07932566B2
An integrated circuit including type-1 cells and a type-2 cell is presented. The type-1 cells have poly lines with a default poly pitch. The type-2 cell has poly lines with a non-default poly pitch. A first boundary region has at least one isolation area that lies between the type-1 cells and the type-2 cell in the X-direction. The first boundary region includes at least one merged dummy poly line, wherein the at least one merged dummy poly line has a first portion that complies with the default poly pitch of the type-1 cells and a second portion that complies with the non-default poly pitch of the type-2 cell.
US07932562B2
A high-frequency power amplifier of the type to be mounted in an RF module for mobile phones having high-frequency power field effect transistors and gate protective diodes which are coupled between the gates and the sources of the high-frequency power field effect transistors. The gate protective diodes have an n type region formed over the main surface of a p type epitaxial layer, a first p type region formed at the center of the main surface of the n type region, a second p type region formed over the main surface of the epitaxial layer around the n type region from the periphery of the main surface of the n type region, and p+ type buried layers for coupling the second p type region to a substrate body. The distance between the end portions of the p+ type buried layers and the n+ type region is 7 μm or more.
US07932556B2
A field effect transistor (FET) includes body regions of a first conductivity type over a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type. Source regions of the second conductivity type extend over the body regions. Gate electrodes extend adjacent to but are insulated from the body regions by a gate dielectric layer. Contact openings extend into the body regions between adjacent gate electrodes. A seed layer extends along the bottom of each contact opening. The seed layer serves as a nucleation site for promoting growth of conductive fill material. A conductive fill material fills a lower portion of each contact opening. An interconnect layer fills an upper portion of each contact opening and is in direct contact with the conductive fill material. The interconnect layer is also in direct contact with corresponding source regions along upper sidewalls of the contact openings.
US07932555B2
A transistor structure includes a gate trench. The gate trench includes a bottle-shape bottom. The bottle-shape bottom includes a first conductive material wider than its top. The top includes a second material in a substrate, a gate structure on the gate trench and electrically connected to the first conductive material, a source/drain doping region adjacent to the gate trench and a gate channel between the source/drain doping region.
US07932553B2
A semiconductor device includes an insulated gate transistor and a resistor. The insulated gate transistor includes a plurality of first cells for supplying electric current to a load and a second cell for detecting an electric current that flows in the first cells. A gate terminal of the plurality of first cells is coupled with a gate terminal of the second cell and a source terminal of the plurality of first cells is coupled with a source terminal of the second cell on a lower potential side. The resistor has a first terminal coupled with a drain terminal of the second cell and a second terminal coupled with a drain terminal of the first cells on a higher potential side. A gate voltage of the insulated gate transistor is feedback-controlled based on an electric potential of the resistor.
US07932552B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a variable-delay field effect transistor (FET) having multiple source regions that can be individually and selectively biased to provide an electrical connection to a single drain region. Delay is a function of which of the multiple source regions is/are selectively biased as well as a function of gate resistance and capacitance. Such a variable-delay FET can be incorporated into a phase adjusting circuit, which uses gate propagation delays to selectively phase adjust an input signal. The phase adjusting circuit can be tuned by incorporating non-salicided resistances and additional capacitance at various positions on the gate structure. The phase adjusting circuit can further be modified into a phase adjusting mixer circuit that enables a phase adjusted signal to be combined with an additional signal.
US07932539B2
A method of fabricating AlGaN/GaN enhancement-mode heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFET) using fluorine-based plasma immersion or ion implantation. The method includes: 1) generating gate patterns; 2) exposing the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure in the gate region to fluorine-based plasma treatment with photoresist as the treatment mask in a self-aligned manner; 3) depositing the gate metal to the plasma treated AlGaN/GaN heterostructure surface; 4) lifting off the metal except the gate electrode; and 5) high temperature post-gate annealing of the sample. This method can be used to shift the threshold voltage of a HFET toward a more positive value, and ultimately convert a depletion-mode HFET to an enhancement-mode HFET (E-HFET).
US07932535B2
An LED assembly is provided herein. The assembly comprises a thermally conductive housing (201), wherein a portion of said housing is equipped with a plurality of fins (203); an LED (205) disposed in said housing; and a synthetic jet actuator (207) adapted to direct a synthetic jet onto said portion of the housing.
US07932529B2
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device comprises a light-emitting diode chip disposed in a cavity of a semiconductor substrate. At least two isolated outer wiring layers are disposed on the bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate and are electrically connected to the light-emitting diode chip, serving as input terminals. A lens module is adhered to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate to cap the cavity, in which the lens module comprises a molded lens and a transparent conductive layer coated with a fluorescent material under the molded lens. A method for fabricating the semiconductor devices is also disclosed.
US07932521B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US07932515B2
Multiple substrates that carry quantum devices are coupled to provide quantum mechanical communicators therebetween, for example, using superconducting interconnects, vias, solder and/or magnetic flux. Such may advantageously reduce a footprint of a device such as a quantum processor.
US07932510B2
A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) depositing catalytic fine particles containing Al—Fe, Zr—Co or Hf—Co on a base body; and (b) growing carbon nanotubes on the catalytic fine particles deposited on the base body.
US07932508B2
A multi-value recording phase-change memory device that can stably record multi-value information, and that can reproduce information with high reliability, comprises a first electrode layer 26, a second electrode layer 28, and a memory layer 30 provided between the first and second electrode layers 26 and 28 and containing a phase-change material layer formed from a phase-change material which is stable in either an amorphous phase or a crystalline phase at room temperature, wherein the memory layer 30 includes a plurality of mutually isolated sub-memory layers 32, 34, 36, and 38 between the first and second electrode layers 26 and 28.
US07932493B2
It is intended to reduce the auto focusing time and to increase the stability in a case that a defect on a specimen that has been detected by an inspection apparatus is observed by using a scanning electron microscope. One or more regions to be used for auto focusing are set in an imaging region or its neighborhood on the basis of semiconductor design information. A target focusing position in the imaging region is determined by performing auto focusing using the thus-set regions. The determined target focusing position is used for low-magnification imaging and high-magnification imaging. An auto focusing mode that is suitable for each imaging region is selected on the basis of the semiconductor design information.
US07932492B2
An electrospray device includes an electrospray emitter adapted to receive electrospray fluid; an extractor plate spaced from the electrospray emitter and having at least one aperature; and a power supply for applying a first voltage between the extractor plate and emitter for generating at least one Taylor cone emission through the aperature to create an electrospray plume from the electrospray fluid, the extractor plate as well as accelerator and shaping plates may include a porous, conductive medium for transporting and storing excess, accumulated electrospray fluid away from the aperature.
US07932486B2
During the structural analysis of a protein or peptide by tandem mass spectroscopy, a peptide ion derived from a protein that has already been measured and that is expressed in great quantities is avoided as a tandem mass spectroscopy target. A peptide derived from a minute amount of protein, which has heretofore been difficult to analyze, can be automatically determined as a tandem mass spectroscopy target within the real time of measurement. Data concerning a protein that has already been measured and a peptide derived from the protein is automatically stored in an internal database. The stored data is collated with measured data with high accuracy to determine an isotope peak. In this way, the process of selecting a peptide peak that has not been measured as the target for the next tandem analysis can be performed within the real time of measurement and a redundant measurement of peptides derived from the same protein can be avoided. The information contained in the MSn spectrum is effectively utilized in each step of the MSn involving a multi-stage dissociation and mass spectroscopy (MSn), so that the flows for the determination of the next analysis content and the selection of the parent ion for the MSn+1 analysis, for example, can be optimized within the real time of measurement and with high efficiency and accuracy. Thus, a target of concern to the user can be subjected to tandem mass spectroscopy without wasteful measurement.
US07932485B2
An object geometry measurement apparatus (10, 20) for the dynamic generation and transmission of geometrical data of objects (14) moved on a conveying device (12) is set forth, wherein the apparatus has a first optoelectronic sensor (10) which is made for the detection of the object geometry in a section of the object (14) with reference to intervals and/or of the remission behavior, as well as a first control (20) which can calculate geometrical data from the object geometry of each section and can output them via a first interface. In this respect, the first control (20) is made to adapt the information density of the output geometrical data to a measure for changes of the object geometry from section to section.
US07932477B2
An electron beam heating system includes a cathode, an anode, a CNT string and a chamber. The CNT string includes an end portion and an emission portion, and the end portion is contacted with and electrically connected to the cathode. The cathode, the anode and CNT string are arranged in the chamber. The CNT string is composed of a plurality of CNT bundles packed closely, each of the CNT bundles comprises a plurality of CNTs, the CNTs are substantially parallel to each other and are joined by van der Waals attractive force. Electron beams emitted from the emission portion bombard and heat a predetermined point on the anode. The heating efficiency of the electron beam heating system is high.
US07932475B2
An electric switch with flexible, fork-shaped contactor having an end area with first and second contact points. At least one tension strip and at least one arched section extends from the contactor in such manner that changing the switch from a normal position, in which the first contact point is in contact with a first contact surface, to a switched position, in which the second contact point is in contact with a second contact surface, and vice-versa, takes place by deformation of the tension strip while an angle formed at the transition, between the arched section and the end area of the contactor, remains substantially unchanged.
US07932473B2
Actuator comprising of a quick release unit and a means for determining the position of an activation element. With the quick release unit it is possible to release the activation element from the actuator's electric motor and the transmission or, at least part of it, to make a rapid adjustment to the activation element without the motor and transmission. The means typically used for determining the position of the activation element comprises of a potentiometer, an optical or magnetic encoder indirectly driven by the motor. By connecting the instrument for position determination (33) to the spindle (2) or the part of the transmission between the quick release and the spindle (2), the position of the activation element remains known regardless of whether it is released or connected, or has been released.
US07932459B2
A first conductive member and a second conductive member having different Seebeck coefficients are joined together by a joining member to form a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, and these thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed in at least two different temperature environments. The first conductive members of respective thermoelectric conversion elements or the second conductive members thereof are connected to each other by an electric wiring to form a direct energy conversion electric circuit system, and electric potential energy is picked up from an arbitrary portion on this electric wiring. Accordingly, the direct energy conversion electric circuit system from thermal energy to electric energy is formed. A water electrolyzer is disposed in the passage of the circuit system in which the first conductive members or second conductive members having connected respective thermoelectric conversion elements are connected to thereby able to convert thermal energy into chemical energy and sore it.
US07932458B2
An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals. Related methods include filtering the input signal with an input filter of the second or third order high pass type, amplifying the filtered signal and further filtering the amplified signal with a low pass filter, which may be of the second order type.
US07932457B2
A method of artificially aging a musical instrument is provided by placing the instrument in an enclosure, providing at least one electromechanical transducer proximate to the instrument and providing an electrical signal to the transducer. The transducer is a three-way speaker in a preferred embodiment. The method has particular utility wherein the instrument is a wooden, stringed instrument.
US07932456B2
A music replay circuit is provided which includes a header analyzing unit which analyzes a header included in each of a plurality of frames in a data stream which are compressed music data and extracts bitrate information included in the header, a decoder which decodes the data stream analyzed by the header analyzing unit, a high-frequency correction unit which generates data in which high-frequency music data is interpolated, for music data decoded by the decoder, and a process setting unit which controls the process applied by the high-frequency correction unit based on the bitrate information extracted by the header analyzing unit, wherein the process setting unit control the process by the high-frequency correction unit according to the bitrate information extracted for each frame.
US07932453B2
A tool for setting an instrument sound post preferably includes a bent tube, one or more string or polymer lines, a cradle end that grasps the sound post, and an internal locking mechanism to hold the sound post against the tool. In one embodiment, a single line is used and a closed loop at the cradle end of the sound post setting tool holds the sound post in place. In this embodiment, a double-chamfer threaded tube construction is preferably used to facilitate line threading. In another embodiment, the cradle end includes a loop and a ball to grasp the sound post. In yet another embodiment, the cradle end includes two balls to grasp the sound post. The tool provides an improved way to install a sound post inside a stringed instrument.
US07932452B2
A drum fitted with drum heads features easy adjustment and variation of low-pitched sound. The drum head is formed with one or more openings to which surrounds made of material the same as or different than the drum head itself is attached for an independent and localized vibration area. Alternatively, the drum head is formed with a successively corrugated local area that offers localized deformation of the drum head. Either one of the constructions of the drum head provides the drum head with an independent and resiliently deformable local surface whereby when the drum is struck, the air contained inside the drum is pressurized to cause the vibration of the independent local surface, effectively increasing the vibration amplitude of the local surface on the drum head and thus extending the sound of the drum to a lower level.
US07932451B2
At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be an item support apparatus (1) that comprises at least two fee (4); a base (5) from which said feet extend at a first retention element (6); at least two risers (7) retained to the base by a second retention element (8); and at least one arm (9) retained to each riser by an arm retainer (10). Disclosed is a novel, efficient yet strong item support stand that may be used to support an item such as a musical instrument (a keyboard, as but one example) and that may be collapsible and/or adjustable in certain embodiments.
US07932448B1
A method of improving the mechanical connection between a stringed instrument's neck and body by incorporating an interlocking jigsaw shaped mortise and tenon joint. The mortise is machined into the neck heel and the tenon is machined into the neck pocket of the instrument's body. The neck and body are press-fit together and secured with threaded fasteners.
US07932447B1
A novel maize variety designated PHW2Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW2Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW2Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW2Z or a trait conversion of PHW2Z with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHW2Z, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHW2Z and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07932438B2
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US07932435B2
The present invention provides a method of screening transgenic plants containing a DNA construct encoding a polypeptide that when expressed in the plant results in the production of fatty acid compounds for anthelmintic activity by contacting the plants with a plurality of nematodes.
US07932434B2
A novel resistance gene and its encoded protein isolated from the wild potato, Solanum verrucosum, are disclosed. The gene and protein are useful for conferring disease resistance to plants, particularly resistance to potato late blight disease in solanaceous species such as potato, tomato, and tobacco. Compositions and methods that use the genes and proteins of this invention to enhance plant disease resistance are also disclosed, as are transgenic plants that comprise the novel resistance genes and proteins.
US07932423B2
A method for separating a gas stream comprising methane and a contaminate gas comprises the steps of contacting the gas stream with water under temperature and pressure suitable for the formation of methane hydrates so as to form a water/hydrate slurry, separating the contaminate gas from the water/hydrate slurry, and recovering methane from the water/hydrate slurry so as to generate a water stream.
US07932418B2
The present invention relates to a preparation of β-γ ene carboxylic or ketone derivatives, which may also have particular requirement on the configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond. The method requires a thermal treatment of α-β unsaturated malonate or acetylacetonate derivatives in the presents of at least one carboxylic acid and at least one alkaline, alkaline-earth or lanthanide halide or carboxylates.
US07932412B2
To provide an aminoaryl-containing organosilicon compound with high efficiency, after protecting amino groups of a haloaniline compound with a specific compound, to form a Grignard reagent and to deprotect the aforementioned groups by reacting the Grignard reagent with a silicon compound.
US07932411B2
The present invention provides a novel method for simply and efficiently producing a ruthenium aromatic complex which is suitable also as an industrial method. The production method includes reacting a ruthenium aromatic complex with an aromatic compound as a ligand of the ruthenium aromatic complex, In a sealed reaction container at a reaction temperature higher than the boiling point of the aromatic compound to produce a ruthenium aromatic complex having, as a ligand, an aromatic compound having a lower boiling point.
US07932399B2
The present invention is directed to a novel 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the androgen receptor.
US07932386B2
A method for preparing a compound of the structure I,
US07932384B2
Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins are disclosed. Such reverse-turn mimetic structures have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Libraries containing the reverse-turn mimetic structures of this invention are also disclosed as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members. The invention also relates to the use of such compounds for inhibiting or treating disorders modulated by Wnt-signaling pathway, such as cancer, especially colorectal cancer, restenosis associated with angioplasty, polycystic kidney disease, aberrant angiogenesis disease, rheumatoid arthritis disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Alzheimer's disease, excess hair growth or loss, or ulcerative colitis.
US07932379B2
Method for the production of C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors useful for the treatment of diabetes and related diseases. and intermediates thereof. The C-aryl glucosides may be complexed with amino acid complex forming reagents.
US07932378B2
A process for manufacturing transglycosylation products. According to the process, a starch derivative is reacted at acidic conditions with an alkanol containing 1-6 hydroxyl groups and the reaction product is recovered as such or it is subjected to further processing. According to the method, the transglycosylation reaction between the starch derivatives and the alkanol is carried out in a reactive extrusion process, whereby the reaction can essentially be performed in the absence of liquid media at high yield. The invention also relates to new transglycosylation products of starch derivative, containing anions derived from a phosphorus-containing acid, which are chemically bonded to the product.
US07932376B2
This invention is directed to a method of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with platelet aggregation. The method is also directed to a method of treating thrombosis or related disorders. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a non-nucleotide pyrimidine-based compound, preferably a P2Y12 receptor antagonist compound, wherein said amount is effective to inhibit platelet aggregation. The compounds useful for this invention include compounds of general Formulae I and Ia-Ic, or tautomers, salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. The present invention also provides novel compounds of Formulae I and Ia-Ic.
US07932374B2
Novel isolated vascular tissue-specific plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.
US07932370B2
The present invention provides DNA molecules that constitute fragments of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby. The DNA molecules are useful for specifying a gene product in cells, either as a promoter or as a protein coding sequence or as an UTR or as a 3′ termination sequence, and are also useful in controlling the behavior of a gene in the chromosome, in controlling the expression of a gene or as tools for genetic mapping, recognizing or isolating identical or related DNA fragments, or identification of a particular individual organism, or for clustering of a group of organisms with a common trait.
US07932366B2
Methods are disclosed for preparing compounds of Formula I: where R1, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl, and R2 is: where R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C4 alkyl, or where R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl; or the esters or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof. The methods can involve converting a suitably functionalized aniline compound to a diazonium salt (which aniline compound can be first formed by reduction of a nitrobenzene) and coupling the diazonium salt with a suitably functionalized benzene compound. The suitably functionalized aniline compound either includes a primary alcohol or aldehyde group, which is then oxidized to a carboxylic acid group, or includes a nitrile or amide group, which is hydrolyzed to a carboxylic acid group. The methods can also involve the direct coupling (via reduction of nitro groups to form an azo linkage) of suitably functionalized nitrobenzenes. The compounds and or their metabolites can be used to treat or prevent various diseases, particularly inflammatory conditions of the GI tract.
US07932361B2
The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.
US07932348B2
Polymers made by polymerization or cyclization condensation of a fluorine-containing polymerizable monomer represented by the formula [1] wherein “a” represents an integer from 1 to 4. The monomer contains a plurality of polymerizable amines in the molecule and at the same time one or more hexafluoroisopropyl group(s). With this structure it can be used as an effective polymerizable monomer, which can exhibit water repellency, oil repellency, low water absorptive property, heat resistance, weather resistance, corrosion resistance, transparency, photosensitivity, low refractive index property, low dielectric property, etc., and it can be used for advanced polymer material fields.
US07932345B2
A polyester polymer composition containing polyester polymers such as polymers having repeating ethylene terephthalate units, aluminum atoms in an amount of at least 3 ppm based on the weight of the polymer, the polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.72 dL/g obtained through a melt phase polymerization and a residual acetaldehyde level of 10 ppm or less. Also provided are polyester polymer compositions containing polyester polymers and: (i) aluminum atoms (ii) alkaline earth metal atoms or alkali metal atoms or alkali compound residues, and (iii) a catalyst deactivator such as a phosphorus compound. The phosphorus compound is added to the polyester melt either late in the polycondensation or upon remelting a solid polyester polymer. The polyester polymer exhibits good L* brightness, clarity, and low levels of acetaldehyde generated upon melting.
US07932344B2
A polymer has a structure represented by: wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, and a hetero-containing group, each M is conjugated moiety selected from: and substituted derivatives and combinations thereof, a represents a number that is at least 1; b represents a number from 1 to 20; n represents a number from 2 to 500 a represents a number that is at least 1, b represents a number from 0 to 20, n represents a number from 2 to 5000, each X is independently selected from S, Se, 0, and NR″, where each R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, and a hetero-containing group, each Z is independently one of an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, a hetero-containing group, and a halogen, d represents a number which is at least 1, and e represents a number from zero to 2.
US07932342B2
A method to reduce liquid polymer macromolecule mobility through forming a polymer blend system is provided. More particularly, a small amount of polymer crosslinker is added to a liquid polymer matrix to prevent intermolecular movement. The crosslinker functions as cages to block linear or branched linear macromolecules and prevent them from sliding into each other.
US07932338B2
The present invention provides a polymer, an aqueous suspension of a polymer, methods for obtaining them, and fire-retardant products comprising a polymer and antimony oxide. The polymer of the invention is made of (i) at least one non-brominated monomer and (ii) at least one brominated monomer having the structure A-B-C, wherein A is a phenyl, substituted with 3-5 bromine atoms, B is a C1 to C4 alkyl, optionally substituted with 1 to 8 bromine atoms, and C is an acrylic or methacrylic group. An example of a suitable brominated monomer is penta bromo methyl acrylate. Preferable polymers have at least 20% w/w bromine. Preferable aqueous suspensions have at least 40% solid content. Fire-retardant products according to the invention comprise a polymer made of at least one bromine-containing monomer and at least one non-brominated monomer. Preferable fire-retardant products include polymers according to the invention.
US07932333B2
A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and polymerization agent to form an aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer, the polymerization agent comprising fluoropolyether acid or salt thereof having a number average molecular weight of at least about 800 g/mol; and fluoropolyether acid or salt surfactant.
US07932330B2
A process for producing a modified particle, which comprises the step of contacting a compound (a) defined by the formula, M1L13, a compound (b) defined by the formula, R1t-1TH, a compound (c) or (e) defined by the formula, R2m-uM2(OH)u or R24-nJ(OH)n, respectively, and a particle (d) with one another; a carrier comprising a modified particle produced by said process; a catalyst component (A) comprising a modified particle produced by said process; a process for producing a catalyst for addition polymerization, which comprises the step of contacting said catalyst component (A), a transition metal compound (B) and an optional organoaluminum compound (C) with one another; and a process for producing an addition polymer, which comprises the step of addition polymerizing an addition-polymerizable monomer in the presence of a catalyst for addition polymerization produced by said process.
US07932327B2
Provided is a process which can be carried out upon the production of a polyurethane/thiourethane-based resin with the use of a polyisocyanate compound, a polyol compound, and a polythiol compound, without causing abrupt heat generation or viscosity increase. At least one polyol compound having at least one ether bond and two or more hydroxy groups in a molecule is used as the polyol compound, whereby a large heat generation or an abrupt viscosity increase are prevented from occurring upon blending monomer.
US07932324B2
The present invention relates to novel block polymers comprising at least one first block and at least one second block that are incompatible with each other, have different glass transition temperatures (Tg), and are linked together via an intermediate segment comprising at least one constituent monomer of the at least one first block and at least one constituent monomer of the at least one second block. The block polymer has a polydispersity index I of greater than 2. The invention also relates to cosmetic compositions comprising the block polymers and processes for their use.
US07932317B1
An aqueous coating material preparable by mixing with one another (A1) at least one substantially water-free base color comprising (a11) at least one optionally water-soluble or -dispersible binder, (a12) at least one color and/or effect pigment, and (a13) at least one optionally water-miscible organic solvent; (A2) at least one aqueous base color comprising (a21) at least one water-soluble or -dispersible binder, (a22) at least one color pigment, and (a23) water; and (B) at least one aqueous pigment-free mixing varnish comprising (b1) at least one water-soluble or -dispersible binder and (b2) water; and also, if desired, comprising (C) an aqueous medium comprising (c1) a rheology control additive; and also a modular system for preparing aqueous coating materials, comprising (I) at least one substantially water-free color and/or effect module, comprising at least one base color (A1), (II) at least one aqueous color module comprising at least one base color (A2), and (III) at least one aqueous, pigment-free mixing varnish module comprising at least one aqueous, pigment-free mixing varnish (B), and if desired (IV) at least one rheology module.
US07932313B2
There is provided a composition comprising (a) at least one aqueous polymer dispersion, wherein said polymer is formed from a monomer mix comprising one or more carboxylic acid functional monomers; (b) at least one swelling agent; and (c) at least one polyvalent metal ion; wherein said composition is formed by a process comprising the step of forming a preliminary admixture of said dispersion (a) with some or all of said swelling agent (b), wherein the ratio of equivalents of polyvalent metal ions in said preliminary admixture to equivalents of carboxylic acid functional groups in said preliminary admixture is 0.25 or less.
US07932311B2
The invention relates to a method of preparing a particle-based composition, comprising: (i) bringing into contact a mixture comprising a dendritic structure and a metal compound precursor in a fluid, under temperature and pressure conditions such that the mixture is not soluble in the fluid; and (ii) chemically converting the metal compound precursor.
US07932310B2
Blends of polysulfones, polyethersulfones and polyphenylene ether sulfones with resorcinol based polyesters, or resorcinol based polyester carbonate polymers, and silicone copolymers have improved flame resistance. Peak heat release energy is reduced and the time to reach peak heat release is increased.
US07932295B2
A method of forming an organic silica-based film, including: applying a composition for forming an insulating film for a semiconductor device, which is cured by using heat and ultraviolet radiation, to a substrate to form a coating; heating the coating; and applying heat and ultraviolet radiation to the coating to effect a curing treatment, wherein the composition includes organic silica sol having a carbon content of 11.8 to 16.7 mol %, and an organic solvent, the organic silica sol being a hydrolysis-condensation product produced by hydrolysis and condensation of a silane compound selected from compounds shown by the general formulae (1): R1Si(OR2)3, (2): Si(OR3)4, (3): (R4)2Si(OR5)2, and (4): R6b(R7O)3-bSi—(R10)d—Si(OR8)3-cR9c.
US07932292B2
The present invention relates to the use of quaternary ammonium compounds in the remediation of microbial growth such as mold, funguses, and mildew.
US07932282B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: The compounds or salts modulate P2X7 receptor function and are capable of antagonizing the effects of ATP at the P2X7 receptor (P2X7 receptor antagonists). The invention also provides the use of such compounds or salts, or pharmaceutical compositions thereof, in the treatment or prevention of disorders/diseases mediated by the P2X7 receptor, for example pain, inflammation or a neurodegenerative disease, in particular pain such as inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain or visceral pain.
US07932273B2
Ethyl 3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylaminoiminomethyl)phenylamino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbonyl)pyridin-2-ylamino]propionate methanesulfonate in the crystalline modifications I and II and as the hemihydrate and the use thereof as a pharmaceutical composition.
US07932272B2
The present invention provides an antifungal agent represented by the formula: [wherein A1 represents a 3-pyridyl group which may have a substituent, a quinolyl group which may have a substituent, or the like; X1 represents a group represented by the formula —NH—C(═O)—, a group represented by the formula —C(═O)—NH—, or the like; E represents a furyl group, a thienyl group, a pyrrolyl group, a phenyl group, a pyridyl group, a tetrazolyl group, a thiazolyl group or a pyrazolyl group; with the proviso that A1 may have 1 to 3 substituents, and E has one or two substituents].
US07932266B2
The invention relates to derivative compounds of partially-reduced isoquinoline with substitution of a sec-butyl group at position 3 with calpain inhibitor activity. The inventive compound comprises an ester or amide derived from (3-sec-butyl-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-4-yliden)-acetic acid and (3-sec-butyl-1-thioxo-2, 3-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-4-yliden)-acetic acid. Compounds having formula I or II can be used in the preventive or therapeutic treatment of a degenerative disease.
US07932259B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an antagonist against CRF receptors which is effective as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for diseases in which CRF is considered to be involved, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, eating disorder, hypertension, gastric diseases, drug dependence, epilepsy, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema, cephalic external wound, inflammation, immunity-related diseases, alopecia, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, epilepsy, dermatitides, schizophrenia, etc. This problem can be solved with a pyrrolopyrimidine or pyrrolopyridine derivative substituted with a cyclic amino group represented by formula [I] below which has a high affinity for CRF receptors and is effective against diseases in which CRF is considered to be involved.
US07932255B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates or pharmaceutically acceptable formulations thereof. These compounds may be used to modulate cellular proliferation and to prevent and/or treat proliferative diseases.
US07932253B2
N-(1-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-4-(6,9-difluoro-3-oxo-1,3-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]cinnolin-2-yl)-benzamide is a CD80 antagonist, useful in the treatment of diseases which benefit from immuno-inhibition.
US07932252B2
The present invention relates to compounds that modulate various chemokine receptors. These compounds are useful for treating inflammatory and immune diseases.
US07932250B2
To provide thienopyrazole derivatives inhibiting PDE 7 selectively, and therefore, enhance cellular cAMP level. Consequently, the compound is useful for treating various kinds of disease such as allergic diseases, inflammatory diseases or immunologic diseases. The compound is thienopyrazole compound represented by the following formula (I): [wherein, especially, R1 is a cyclohexyl, a cycloheptyl group or a tetrahydropyranyl group; R2 is methyl; R3 is a hydrogen atom; and R4 is a group: —CONR5R6 (in which any one of R5 and R6 is a hydrogen atom)].
US07932245B2
The present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, psychiatric disorders, migraine, pain, or movement disorders, and to provide neuroprotection.
US07932240B2
Provided herein are phosphadiazine polymerase inhibitor, for example, of any of Formulas IV, IV′, I″, II″, or IVa, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and processes of preparation thereof. Also provided are methods of their use for the treatment of an HCV infection in a host in need thereof.
US07932239B2
Methods and compositions involving a class of boron-protected phenylphosphine agents having increased cell permeability and having improved chemical stability for treating or for preventing neuronal cell death-related diseases or conditions in a human or a non-human animal.
US07932238B2
The invention concerns a fiber-enriched anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic composition for the intestine, characterized in that it comprises branched maltodextrins having between 15 and 35% of glucoside bonds, 1 to 6, a reducing sugar content less than 20%, a polymolecularity index less than 5 and a number molecular weight Mn not more than 4500 g/mole.
US07932235B2
This invention relates to novel triazolyl tropane derivatives, their acceptable acid addition salts, solvates, hydrates and polymorphs thereof. The invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions beneficially treated by blocking or reducing the binding ability of the CCR5 receptor.
US07932229B2
The present invention provides new methods and uses of peptides in effecting a reduction in mammary cell number. The discovery that these peptides reduce mammary cell number further enables the use of these peptides in the treatment of cancer where the peptides can be used to reduce cell number and accordingly reduce or prevent tumour development. The inventor has further shown that the peptides have specific utility in the treatment of breast cancer.
US07932225B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.
US07932217B2
A gear oil composition is provided. The composition comprises a synergistic amount of an isomerized base oil having consecutive numbers of carbon atoms and less than 10 wt % naphthenic carbon by n-d-M for the gear oil composition to have a traction coefficient at 15 mm2/s. of less than 0.030 and a pressure viscosity coefficient of at least 15.0 at 80° C., 20 Newton load, and 1.1 m/s rolling speed. In one embodiment, the sufficient amount of isomerized base oil ranges from 20 to 80 wt. % based on the total weight of the gear oil composition.
US07932200B2
A composition is disclosed comprising a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 μm, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 μm to 15 μm, and a sintering aid, wherein the composition, after firing, has a strain rate of less than about 1×10−6/hr. A method for making a green body comprising contacting a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 μm, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 μm to 15 μm, and a sintering aid, and then forming the mixture into a desired shape is disclosed.
US07932194B2
The present invention relates to a heat, flame, and electric arc resistant fabric (1) for use as single or outer layer of protective garments. The fabric (1) of the invention comprises at least two separate single plies which are assembled together at predefined positions so as to build pockets (4). The fabric (1) of the invention is made of materials independently chosen from the group consisting of aramid fibers and filaments, polybenzimidazol fibers and filaments, polyamidimid fibers and filaments, poly(paraphephenylene benzobisaxazole) fibers and filaments, phenol-formaldehyde fibers and filaments, melamine fibers and filaments, natural fibers and filaments, synthetic fibers and filaments, artificial fibers and filaments, glass fibers and filaments, carbon fibers and filaments, metal fibers and filaments, and composites thereof. Due to its peculiar structure, the fabric (1) according to the present invention can have a specific weight which is considerably lower than that of known fabrics having comparable mechanical and thermal properties.
US07932183B2
A method of manufacturing a multilayer thin film pattern includes forming a metal film over a substrate, forming a second thin film over the metal film, forming a resist pattern over the second thin film, etching the second thin film using the resist pattern as a mask, transforming the resist pattern using an organic solvent or a RELACS agent to cover an edge face of the etched second thin film and etching the metal film while the edge face of the second thin film is covered with the resist pattern.
US07932175B2
A method for forming a via, comprising (a) providing a structure comprising a mask (210) disposed on a semiconductor substrate (203), wherein the structure has an opening (215) defined therein which extends through the mask and into the substrate, and wherein the mask comprises a first electrically conductive layer; (b) depositing a second electrically conductive layer (219) such that the second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer having a first portion which extends over the surfaces of the opening and a second portion which extends over a portion of the mask adjacent to the opening; (c) removing the second portion of the second conductive layer; and (d) depositing a first metal (221) over the first portion of the second conductive layer.
US07932164B2
Methods for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor device by which a high-performance semiconductor element can be formed are provided. A single crystal semiconductor substrate including an embrittlement layer and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated along the embrittlement layer by heat treatment to fix a single crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate. Next, a plurality of regions of a monitor substrate are irradiated with laser light under conditions of different energy densities, and carbon concentration distribution and hydrogen concentration distribution in a depth direction of each region of the single crystal semiconductor layer which has been irradiated with the laser light is measured. Optimal irradiation intensity of laser light is irradiation intensity with which a local maximum of the carbon concentration and a shoulder peak of the hydrogen concentration are observed. A single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with optimal laser light at energy density detected by using the monitor substrate, whereby a semiconductor substrate is manufactured.
US07932163B2
Spaced apart bonding surfaces are formed on a first substrate. A second substrate is bonded to the bonding surfaces of the first substrate and cleaved to leave respective semiconductor regions from the second substrate on respective ones of the spaced apart bonding surfaces of the first substrate. The bonding surfaces may include surfaces of at least one insulating region on the first substrate, and at least one active device may be formed in and/or on at least one of the semiconductor regions. A device isolation region may be formed adjacent the at least one of the semiconductor regions.
US07932162B2
A method for manufacturing a stacked semiconductor package where a plurality of semiconductor chips are stacked on a substrate, including: forming insulating layers at portions of a wafer corresponding to sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips when the plurality of semiconductor chips are in the wafer; processing the wafer so as to obtain the plurality of semiconductor chips; subsequently stacking the plurality of semiconductor chips on the substrate such that the insulating layers formed at the sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips are respectively positioned at the same side as one another; and forming a wiring over the insulating layers formed at the sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips so that the plurality of semiconductor chips are electrically connected with one another and one or more of the plurality of semiconductor chips are electrically connected with the substrate.
US07932147B2
A flash memory device may include a device isolation layer and an active area formed over a semiconductor substrate, a memory gate formed over the active area, and a control gate formed over the semiconductor substrate including the memory gate, wherein the active area, where a source contact is to be formed, has the same interval spacing as a bit line, and a common source line area, where the source contact is to be formed, has an impurity area connecting neighboring active areas.
US07932144B2
Disclosed are embodiments of an n-FET structure with silicon carbon S/D regions completely contained inside amorphization regions and with a carbon-free gate electrode. Containing carbon within the amorphization regions, ensures that all of the carbon is substitutional following re-crystallization to maximize the tensile stress imparted on channel region. The gate stack is capped during carbon implantation so the risk of carbon entering the gate stack and degrading the conductivity of the gate polysilicon and/or damaging the gate oxide is essentially eliminated. Thus, the carbon implant regions can be formed deeper. Deeper S/D carbon implants which are completely amorphized and then re-crystallized provide greater tensile stress on the n-FET channel region to further optimize electron mobility. Additionally, the gate electrode is uncapped during the n-type dopant process, so the n-type dopant dose in the gate electrode can be at least great as the dose in the S/D regions.
US07932142B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a first insulating layer provided on the substrate; a conductive layer buried in the first insulating layer; a semiconductor pillar including a lower diffusion layer provided immediately above the conductive layer, the lower diffusion layer being electrically connected to the conductive layer, a semiconductor layer on the lower diffusion layer, and an upper diffusion layer on the semiconductor layer; a gate insulating film provided on a peripheral side surface of the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode provided on the gate insulating film; and a second insulating layer provided such that the gate electrode and a circumference of the semiconductor pillar are buried in the second insulating layer.
US07932141B2
A semiconductor device includes an n-type MIS transistor and a p-type MIS transistor. The n-type MIS transistor includes a first gate electrode formed on a first active region and a first sidewall formed on the side face of the first gate electrode. The p-type MIS transistor includes a second gate electrode formed on a second active region, a second sidewall formed on the side face of the second gate electrode and strain layers formed in the second active region. The second sidewall has a smaller thickness than the first sidewall.
US07932137B2
To achieve TFT having a high light-resistance characteristic with a suppressed light leak current at low cost by simplifying the manufacturing processes. The TFT basically includes a light-shielding film formed on a glass substrate that serves as an insulating substrate; an insulating film formed on the light-shielding film; a semiconductor film formed on the insulating film; and a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor film. Each layer of a laminate that is configured with three layers of the light-shielding film, the insulating film, and the semiconductor film is patterned simultaneously. Further, each layer of the laminate is configured with silicon or a material containing silicon.
US07932133B2
A method for protecting a circuit from a high energy pulse includes placing a PPTC resistive element in series with the circuit and placing an energy pulse clamping semiconductor diode in shunt across the circuit and further includes forming the diode to have: a substrate with carriers of a first type of conductivity in a first, high concentration level (e.g. n++), a first major face and a second major face opposite to the first major face; a layer of semiconductor material having carriers of the first type of conductivity in a second concentration level lower than the first level (e.g. n+), and an outer surface; a region formed at an outer surface having carriers of a second type of conductivity in a third concentration level (e.g. p+); at least one cell having carriers of the second type of conductivity in a fourth concentration level greater than the third concentration level (e.g. p++); and, a cathode electrode and an anode electrode. In the method, the diode region becomes a second-level bi-directional intrinsic conduction region as an intrinsic temperature of the region is approached in response to thermal energy initially generated at the diode cell in response to the high energy electrical pulse. The method includes thermally coupling the diode to the PPTC resistive element to accelerate trip thereof in response to the high energy electrical pulse.
US07932132B2
A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a casing, a board and a semiconductor chip. The chip includes: an element part; a heat sink bonded to the element part; an insulating layer located on the heat sink so that the heat sink is located between the element part and the insulating layer; and a side wall insulating layer covering all of end faces of the heat sink. The semiconductor chip is located between the casing and the board, so that the insulating layer is directed to the casing to enable heat radiation from the heat sink toward the casing via the insulating layer.
US07932130B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a die attach paddle with interconnection pads connected to a bottom surface of the die attach paddle; connecting a first device to the interconnection pads with a bond wire; connecting a lead to the interconnection pad or to the first device; encapsulating the first device and the die attach paddle with an encapsulation having a top surface; and etching the die attach paddle leaving a recess in the top surface of the encapsulation.
US07932128B2
A method of forming a polymeric material with a pendant polycyclic aromatic compound precursor includes forming a polycyclic aromatic compound precursor (e.g., a pentacene precursor) including at least one polymerizable functionality, and polymerizing the polymerizable functionality to form the polymeric material with the pendant precursor.
US07932124B2
Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed.
US07932121B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, a transparent member separated from the semiconductor element by a designated length and facing the semiconductor element, a sealing member sealing an edge surface of the transparent member and an edge part of the semiconductor element, and a shock-absorbing member provided between the edge surface of the transparent member and the sealing member and easing a stress which the transparent member receives from the sealing member or the semiconductor element.
US07932114B2
Assuming that r (m) represents the radius of a GaN substrate, t1 (m) represents the thickness of the GaN substrate, h1 (m) represents a warp of the GaN substrate before formation of an epitaxialwafer, t2 (m) represents the thickness of an AlxGa(1-x)N layer, h2 (m) represents a warp of the epitaxialwafer, a1 represents the lattice constant of GaN and a2 represents the lattice constant of AlN, the value t1 found by the following expression is decided as the minimum thickness (t1) of the GaN substrate: (1.5×1011×t13+1.2×1011×t23)×{1/(1.5×1011×t1)+1/(1.2×1011×t2)}/{15.96×x×(1−a2/a1)}×(t1+t2)+(t1×t2)/{5.32×x×(1−a2/a1)}−(r2+h2)/2h=0 A GaN substrate having a thickness of at least this minimum thickness (t1) and less than 400 μm is formed.
US07932109B2
This invention provides a means for suppressing streaks of light emission in an organic EL display having an organic light-emitting layer formed by coating by an ink jet method. A manufacturing process of the organic EL display of this invention includes: preparing a display substrate having two or more linear banks in parallel to each other, and two or more pixel regions arranged in a region between the linear banks; arranging an ink jet head such that the alignment direction of nozzles and the line direction of the linear banks are in parallel; and relatively moving the ink jet head in a direction perpendicular to the line direction of the linear banks and discharging the ink from the nozzles to apply the ink to every region defined by the linear banks.
US07932104B2
A method for inspecting a photoresist pattern is disclosed. First, a substrate with a first doping region is provided. Then, a photoresist is formed to cover the substrate. Later, the photoresist is patterned to form a photoresist pattern. Afterwards, the substrate is doped by using the photoresist pattern, and a PN junction exists in the first doping region. Thereafter, a current passing through the PN junction is tested to inspect the photoresist pattern.
US07932098B2
Systems, including apparatus and methods, for microfluidic processing and/or analysis of samples. The systems include a microfluidic device having a substrate and a thin-film layer formed on the substrate. The thin-film layer may be included in electronics formed on the substrate. The electronics may provide electronic devices configured to sense or modify a property of the sample. The thin-film layer defines an opening for routing movement of fluid and/or sample within the device.
US07932097B2
A method of manufacturing an analytical sample by a secondary ion mass spectrometry method is provided, which comprises a step of forming a separation layer over a substrate, a step of forming one of a thin film and a thin-film stack body to be analyzed over the separation layer, a step of forming an opening portion in one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body, a step of attaching a supporting body to one of a surface of the thin film and a surface of a top layer of the thin-film stack body, and a step of separating one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body from the substrate.
US07932095B2
A sample card for use in a spectroscopic analytical instrument. The card is preferably disposable and includes an aperture through the card in which there is positioned a sample supporting window on which a sample is adapted to be placed. The sample supporting window is made from a light energy transmitting material by one of the steps such as cleaving, fly cutting, chipping milling, sawing or scaling. A method of manufacturing the card and for using the card are also included where the method includes the step of providing light supporting window by forming that window by the aforedescribed processes.
US07932087B2
Method of expressing recombinant protein in CHO cells, by using an expression vector comprising the murine IgG 2A gene locus.
US07932080B2
An intramolecular bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), biosensor for monitoring receptor activity and signalling cascades is disclosed. The “double-brilliance” biosensor sandwiches β-arrestin (β-arr) between Renilla luciferase (Luc) and the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). β-arr associates with G-protein coupled receptors GPCR following receptor activation, bringing Luc and YPF into close proximity that favours energy transfer. In addition to providing new insights into the agonist-induced conformational rearrangements of β-arr in living cells, the double-brilliance β-arr offers a universal biosensor for GPCR activation, allowing the study of native receptors in large-scale screening analysis. The activity of other signalling molecules known to interact with β arrestin could also be monitored by double brilliance β arr.
US07932058B2
This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying human and primate taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics. In addition, this invention relates to novel methods for identifying taste-specific genes that can be used as markers for different taste cell types, including sweet, bitter, umami, sour, salty, and other taste cells in mammals as well as assays that measure the activity of the sweet, bitter, umami, or sour receptor in the presence of these genes to identify modulators of sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste and to identify therapeutics especially for treating digestive or metabolic disorders, taste loss, and oral infections. Particularly, the genes identified herein and antibodies or oligos thereto can be used as markers to identify and/or purify specific taste cells e.g., from taste cell suspensions by use of FACS or magnetic bead cell selection or other known cell purification and isolation procedures.
US07932052B1
The invention provides compositions comprising and methods employing methanobactin, as well as methanobactin synthetase sequences.
US07932044B2
The invention discloses a previously unidentified subset of mammalian non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) in which platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is expressed and is driving the disease, and provides methods for identifying a mammalian NSCLC tumor that belongs to a subset of NSCLC tumors in which PDGFRα is expressed, and for identifying a NSCLC tumor that is likely to respond to a PDGFRα-inhibiting therapeutic. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the progression of a mammalian NSCLC tumor in which PDGFRα is expressed, and for determining whether a compound inhibits the progression of a PDGFRα-expressing mammalian NSCLC tumor.
US07932041B2
Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.
US07932039B2
The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence or absence of target sequences in a sample, where the sample also contains interfering sequences that are similar or identical to the target sequences. In particular, the present invention provides blocker oligonucleotides that at least partially inhibit the formation of invasive cleavage structures with the interfering sequences but do not substantially inhibit the formation of invasive cleavage structures with the target sequences.
US07932035B2
Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.
US07932030B2
Disclosed are methods for identifying molecular interactions between DNA sequences and proteins in vivo. The methods of the invention employ known or suspected DNA-binding proteins and genomic DNA in a plasmid library. Interacting molecules direct the expression of a reporter gene, the expression of which is then assayed. Also disclosed are genetic constructs useful in practicing the methods of the invention.
US07932028B2
A probe and a primer capable of collectively detecting microorganisms of the same species while differentiating microorganisms of other species with an object of classification by species of fungus. An oligonucleotide probe for detecting an infectious etiologic microorganism gene includes at least one base sequence selected from the base sequences belonging to one group of the following first to ninth groups. The base sequence groups of first to ninth groups are: first group (SEQ ID NOS:1 to 5); second group (SEQ ID NOS:6 to 10); third group (SEQ ID NOS:11 to 15); fourth group (SEQ ID NOS:16 to 21); fifth group (SEQ ID NOS:22 to 26); sixth group (SEQ ID NOS:27 to 31); seventh group (SEQ ID NOS:32 to 36); eighth group (SEQ ID NOS:37 to 41); and ninth group (SEQ ID NOS:42 to 46).
US07932027B2
Particular aspects relate to a method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid, comprising: a) preparing a solution comprising a mixture of fragments of the polynucleic acid; b) coupling the fragments with a substance being detectable with a detection method; c) contacting a solution comprising the fragments of b) with a DNA microarray having a plurality of different immobilized oligonucleotides, each comprising at least one methylation site, at respectively assigned different locations thereon, the contacting under conditions affording hybridization of fragments with correlated immobilized oligonucleotides under defined stringency, and wherein the immobilized oligonucleotides have a length of less than 200 bases; d) optionally performing a a washing step; and e) detecting, using the physical detection method, such immobilized nucleic acids to which solution fragments are hybridized and/or to which solution fragments are not hybridized.
US07932021B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic screening and diagnostic assays. In particular, the present invention provides an improved, rapid, and efficient method of screening for antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulants (LA). The invention also relates to a kit for screening plasma levels for antiphospholipid antibodies in subjects in need thereof, such as those at risk for or suffering from, inter alia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE).
US07932017B2
A method of double patterning a thin film is described. The method comprises forming a thin film to be patterned on a substrate, forming an organic planarization layer (OPL) on the thin film, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the OPL, and forming a mask layer on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the mask layer is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern therein, and the first and second patterns are transferred to the ARC layer and partially or fully transferred to the OPL using a transfer process, such as an imaging and developing process. During a partial pattern transfer to the OPL, the mask layer is removed and the first pattern and second patterns are completely transferred to the OPL using an etching process. Thereafter, the first and second patterns in the OPL are transferred to the underlying thin film using another etching process.
US07932004B1
A method for selecting a set of features for monitoring a lithography process using a reticle, by identifying a set of candidate features, defining control regions around the candidate features, performing substrate level analysis using the reticle with different settings for the lithography process, determining which of the candidate features are most changed by the different settings, ranking the candidate features according to how much they are changed, and selecting the test set of features from those candidate features that are most changed.
US07932001B2
A method of fabricating a halftone phase shift mask, comprising: forming a structure by sequentially stacking a light blocking layer pattern defining a side surface and a phase shift layer pattern over a light transmitting substrate; and treating the structure with heat to make the phase shift layer pattern flow and cover the side surface of the light blocking layer pattern.
US07931995B2
A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.
US07931992B2
Provided is a fuel cell system that include at least one fuel cell stack and at least one Venturi pump. The Venturi pump has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a secondary inlet. A main stream flows into the Venturi pump through the main inlet, and is mixed with a secondary stream, which flows into the Venturi pump through the secondary inlet. The fuel cell system of the present invention can include a carbon dioxide separator for separating water or fuel from exhaust outputted from the fuel cell stack, and a mixer for mixing fuel with water. In one embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the carbon dioxide and the mixer. In another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the fuel cell stack and the carbon dioxide separator. In still another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the mixer and the fuel cell stack. More than one Venturi pump can be installed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.
US07931979B2
Provided is a battery system in which an interior part of a battery structure includes particles (phase-change particles) containing materials (phase-change materials) having a high latent heat of phase change at a specific temperature, contained in a capsule made of an inert material. The battery system in accordance with the present invention can prolong a service life of the battery by inhibiting temperature elevation inside the battery under normal operating conditions without substantial effects on size, shape and performance of the battery, and further, can inhibit the risk of explosion resulting from a sharp increase in temperature inside the battery under abnormal operating conditions, thereby contributing to battery safety.
US07931976B2
A magnetic recording element includes a multilayer having a surface and a pair of electrodes. The multilayer has a first magnetic fixed layer whose magnetization is substantially fixed in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The multilayer also has a second magnetic fixed layer whose magnetization is substantially fixed in a second direction opposite to the first direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. A third magnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The direction of magnetization of the third ferromagnetic layer is variable. A first intermediate layer is provided between the first and the third magnetic layers. A second intermediate layer is provided between the second and the third magnetic layers. The pair of electrodes is capable of supplying an electric current flowing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to the multilayer. The sectional area taken parallel to the surface at a thickness midpoint of the first magnetic layer is larger than that of the second magnetic layer.
US07931974B2
The present invention provides a novel organic compound having excellent heat resistance. By using the novel organic compound, a light-emitting device and an electronic device having excellent heat resistance can be provided. A quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) is provided. Since the quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) has excellent heat resistance, when it is used for a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element also have excellent heat resistance. Further, electronic devices having excellent heat resistance can be provided.
US07931973B2
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of metal structure in multi-layer substrate and structure thereof. The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises following steps: coating at least one photoresist layer on a surface of a dielectric layer, and then exposing the photoresist dielectric layer to define a predetermined position of the metal structure; therefore, removing the photoresist layer at the predetermined position and forming the metal structure at the predetermined position before forming at least one top-cover metal layer on a surface of the metal structure. The present invention can form a cover metal layer covering over the top surface and the two side surfaces, even the under surface of the metal structure, by one single photomask. Moreover, a finer metal structure with higher reliability can be manufactured. Furthermore, a metal structure can be used as a coaxial structure is also realized.
US07931972B2
Acrylate latexes are described which provide properties of good balance of moderate elongation, low dirt pick up, alkaline resistance, UV light resistance, and efflorescence resistance for masonry coatings. These latexes have a large portion of repeating units from C8-C12 alcohol esters of acrylic acid and/or vinyl versatates along with 5-15 weight percent of repeating units from acrylonitrile. They have a glass transition temperature of −50 to +10° C.
US07931967B2
The invention provides a thermally foamable microsphere having a structure with a foaming agent encapsulated in a shell formed of a polymer, wherein the shell contains an organosilicon compound, and a process for producing a thermally foamable microsphere having a structure with a foaming agent encapsulated in a shell formed of a polymer by suspension polymerization of a polymerizable mixture containing at least a foaming agent and a polymerizable monomer in an aqueous dispersion medium, wherein the polymerizable mixture is suspension polymerized in the presence of the organosilicon compound.
US07931958B2
A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.
US07931956B2
Provided is an anisotropic conductive film, containing: an insulating layer formed of an insulating resin composition; and a conductive particle-contained layer containing a photo and thermal curing resin composition and conductive particles, the conductive particles being aligned into a monolayer in a portion adjacent to an interface with the insulating layer, in which the conductive particle-contained layer has a degree of cure which is gradually lowered in a thickness direction of the conductive particle-contained layer, from the side where the conductive particles are present to the side where the conductive particles are not present.
US07931947B2
An unstretched cellulose acylate film hardly breakable upon stretching can be produced by melt film forming and as a result, a highly oriented stretched cellulose acylate film can be obtained. Using an extruder with a screw compression ratio of 2.5 to 4.5 and an L/D of 20 to 50, a cellulose acylate resin is extruded into a sheet at an extrusion temperature of 190° C. to 240° C. from a die to a cooling drum, and solidified by cooling to prepare an unstretched cellulose acylate film 16, which is then stretched to produce a stretched cellulose acylate film.
US07931945B2
The present invention provides a particle measuring system which is provided in a processing system 40 which generates an atmosphere obtained by exhausting air or a gas in a processing chamber 48 by a vacuum pump 98 and applies a process concerning semiconductor manufacture to a wafer W in the atmosphere, attached to an exhaust pipe 90 which connects an exhaust opening 86 of the processing chamber 48 with the vacuum pump 98, and measures the number of the particles in the exhaust gas, and a measuring method thereof, the system and method providing a processing system and a cleaning method which terminate etching process by determining an end point based on the number of the particles in the exhaust gas and perform cleaning of unnecessary films.
US07931934B2
A medical device includes a medial device body, and a diamond-like thin film covering the medical device body and containing silicon. The diamond-like thin film has a concentration of silicon which is lower in a surface thereof than in an interface thereof with the medical device body mentioned above, and continuously varies.
US07931932B2
A medical device with a therapeutic agent-releasing polymer coating. The medical device is provided by a method that comprises: (a) attaching at least one reactive species to a medical device surface, which reactive species leads to chain growth polymerization in the presence of monomer; (b) contacting the reactive species with at least one monomer species, thereby forming a polymer coating on the surface of the medical device; and (c) providing at least one therapeutic agent within the polymer coating. The therapeutic agent may be incorporated during formation of the polymer coating or after formation of the polymer coating. The at least one reactive species can comprise, for example, a free radical species, a carbanion species, a carbocation species, a Ziegler-Natta polymerization complex, a metallocene complex, and/or an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator. Alternatively, the medical device is provided by a process comprising: (a) immobilizing least one polymerization catalyst at a medical device surface, which polymerization catalyst leads to polymerization in the presence of monomer; (b) contacting the medical device surface with at least one monomer species, thereby forming a polymer coating at the surface of the medical device; and (c) providing at least one therapeutic agent within the polymer coating.
US07931930B2
This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.
US07931929B2
A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent.
US07931926B2
This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package.
US07931919B2
The invention is directed to stabilized whole-cell plasma, which retains the integrity and overall stability of the proteins and other macromolecules of the plasma. Stabilization is accomplished by the addition of glycine to plasma which allows for stabilization prior to freeze drying. Glycine, in the presence of the salt concentration in the plasma, does not recrystallize and acts as a superior stabilizer for the lyophilized plasma. The stability of the freeze dried plasma may be further improved by addition of protectants including calcium chloride, trisodium citrate, hydroxyethyl starch, ammonium sulfate and citric acid to maintain physiologic pH. Superior stability for a wide variety of plasma proteins and functions is shown. A system for the large scale preparation of sterile lyophilized plasma is also provided.
US07931915B2
A controlled release dosage form of venlafaxine that comprises an immediate release pellet and an extended release pellet.
US07931913B2
A device for cleaning the tongue and mouth is formed to have beneficial surface features. Depressions are formed on one surface of the device to facilitate adhering the device to the roof of the mouth. Dissolvable blisters are formed on one surface to contain and deliver a material, such as mouthwash or medicine, into the mouth of the user. The blisters may formed with different wall thicknesses to provide a time-controlled release of the deliverable material.
US07931904B2
The invention provides methods of identifying and making compounds that inhibit the interaction between MUC1 and either p53 or TBP. Also embraced by the invention are in vivo and in vitro methods of inhibiting such an interaction and of inhibiting the expression of MUC1 by a cell.
US07931888B2
A method of producing a hydrogen product stream in which a steam stream is reacted with a hydrocarbon containing stream within a steam methane reformer. The resulting product stream is subjected to a water gas shift reaction and then to pressure swing adsorption to produce the hydrogen product stream. The hydrocarbon stream is alternatively formed from a first type of feed stream made up of natural gas, refinery off-gas, naphtha or synthetic natural gas or combinations thereof and a second type that is additionally made up of a hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas. During use of both of the types of feed streams, the flow rate of the steam stream is not substantially changed and reformer exit temperatures of both the reactant and the flue gas side are held essentially constant.
US07931882B1
Compositions and associated methods directed to the removal of sulfurous compounds from air are presented herein. The compositions and methods may be able to treat air with H2S concentrations of at least 1000 ppm. The compositions and associated methods are used to remove sulfurous compounds from air associated with wastewater systems in various aspects.
US07931876B2
The invention provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a developer, which can manufacture a developer having a uniform and fine particle shape in a narrow particle size distribution and having a coloring agent highly dispersed therein at the primary particle level, the method and apparatus at the same time enabling continuous and efficient production without opening and closing a reactor. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving a binding resin component in a supercritical or subcritical fluid so that the binding resin component is blended with a coloring agent component; and reducing the solubility of the binding resin component in the supercritical or subcritical fluid so that the binding resin component is precipitated in the form of particles with the coloring agent component dispersed in the interior thereof. In the aforementioned method and apparatus, the reactor provided with at least a stirring mechanism and a mechanism for discharging dissolved components has a developer material carrier comprising a mesh that prevents the passage of treated materials and allows the passage of the supercritical or subcritical fluid.
US07931874B2
Herein is a three-layered catalyst system in which layers including predetermined precious metal components are sequentially layered on a substrate, and thus the conversion ratio of HC and CO is increased, thereby improving purification efficiency. The three-layered catalyst system includes a substrate, a lower layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, an intermediate layer containing a precious metal component of only palladium, and an upper layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, all of which are sequentially layered.
US07931846B2
Systems to control an atmosphere about a substrate are described. The systems include a wall coupled to the substrate to create a resistance of the flow between different regions of the substrate.
US07931831B2
A voltage is applied on an interdigitated electrode provided on one main face of a single-domain ferroelectric single crystal substrate to form a periodic domain inversion structure. The interdigitated electrode is then removed. The optical waveguide is then formed in the substrate. An optical intensity center P1 of the optical waveguide is kept away from a location P0 of the end of the interdigitated electrode.
US07931830B2
A dielectric composition which is adapted for combining with a supporting material ( e.g., fiber-glass cloth) to form a dielectric layer usable in circuitized such as PCBs, chip carriers and the like. As such a layer, it includes a resin, a predetermined percentage by weight of a filler, and, significantly, only a minor amount of bromine. A circuitized substrate comprised of one or more of these dielectric layers and one or more conductive layers is also provided.
US07931829B2
A composition of matter and a structure fabricated using the composition. The composition comprising: a resin; polymeric nano-particles dispersed in the resin, each of the polymeric nano-particle comprising a multi-arm core polymer and pendent polymers attached to the multi-arm core polymer, the multi-arm core polymer immiscible with the resin and the pendent polymers miscible with the resin; and a solvent, the solvent volatile at a first temperature, the resin cross-linkable at a second temperature, the polymeric nano-particle decomposable at a third temperature, the third temperature higher than the second temperature, the second temperature higher than the first temperature, wherein a thickness of a layer of the composition shrinks by less than about 3.5% between heating the layer from the second temperature to the third temperature.
US07931825B2
A polymerizable composition comprising a bifunctional (meth)acrylate compound represented by general formula (1) and a monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound having a nitrile group at the terminal thereof represented by general formula (2). The mass ratio of them (the former/the latter) is from 90/10 to 40/60.
US07931820B2
A dry etching gas that comprises a compound having a CF3CF fragment directly bonded to a double bond (provided that the compound is exclusive of CF3CF═CFCF═CF2). Said dry etching gas permits the formation of a pattern such as a contact hole with a high aspect ratio.
US07931809B2
Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
US07931806B2
The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.
US07931805B2
The invention relates to a membrane filter unit for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a bundle of capillary membranes which are open on at least one front surface side and which are cast in an area which is close to the end of the open membrane ends, in a sealing layer forming a hardened head part. The open membrane ends protrude on the outer side of the sealing layer. The sealing layer is arranged on a spacer element which has a layer which is penetrated by the capillary membranes and which is non-permeable in relation to the casting material which hardens in order to form the sealing layer. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a membrane filter unit.
US07931802B2
A water treatment system having a biological treatment step (a secondary treatment step) and a membrane separation step (a tertiary treatment step), wherein a portion of the raw water to be treated and/or a portion of the primarily treated water in the pretreatment step are biologically treated and supplied into a reaction tank in the membrane separation step as the main channel system, while the remainder the raw water to be treated and/or the remainder of the primarily treated water in the pretreatment step are added together with a flocculating agent to the reaction tank in the membrane separation step, and then the membrane separation is conducted in the membrane separation step.
US07931786B2
Reactors with agitators and methods for processing microfeature workpieces with such reactors. The agitators are capable of obtaining high, controlled mass-transfer rates that result in high quality surfaces and efficient wet chemical processes. The agitators generate high flow velocities in the fluid and contain the high energy fluid proximate to the surface of the workpiece to form high quality surfaces when cleaning, etching and/or depositing materials to/from a workpiece. The agitators also have short stroke lengths so that the footprints of the reactors are relatively small. As a result, the reactors are efficient and cost effective to operate. The agitators are also designed so that electrical fields in the processing solution can effectively operate at the surface of the workpiece.
US07931781B2
A system for drying one of a tissue and a hygiene web including a drying apparatus, a permeable structured fabric, a permeable dewatering fabric and a mechanism for applying pressure. The permeable structured fabric carries the web over the drying apparatus. The permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. The mechanism for applying pressure, applies pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus.
US07931780B2
A wet paper web transfer belt comprises a base body 30, a paper side layer 20, and a machine side layer 23. The paper side layer 20 is composed of a paper contacting side batt layer 21 made of hydrophilic fibers 41 and a base bode side batt layer 22 without the hydrophilic fibers 41, at least the paper contacting side batt layer 21 being impregnated with a high molecular weight elastic body 50 and at least a part of the hydrophilic fibers 41 being exposed on the surface of the paper contacting side batt layer 21. The water contained in the wet paper web remains within the paper contacting side batt layer 21 made of the hydrophilic fibers 41 with only a small amount of water moving into the base body side batt layer 22, thereby reducing dimensional changes of the belt. Further, since the water contained in the wet paper web remains within the hydrophilic fibers 41 exposed on the surface of the paper side layer 20, the belt is capable of transferring the wet paper web attached thereon while allowing smooth detachment when transferring it to the next process.
US07931779B2
A screen for the screening of pulp suspensions is disclosed, including a screen basket, a rotor for providing pressure and suction pulses in the suspension to be screened along the screen basket, and a dilution liquid header for supplying dilution liquid to counteract thickening of the suspension during operation. The header forms a tubular channel, which divides the screen basket into at least two parts, extends around the basket, and is provided with a plurality of dilution ejection nozzles. Each ejection nozzle forms a channel including at least two channel sections; namely, an entrance channel section that opens into the channel of the header, and an exit channel section downstream of the entrance channel section, wherein the entrance channel section is substantially wider than the exit channel section.
US07931769B2
A method of forming a temporary carrier structure is disclosed which includes forming a plurality of recesses in a carrier structure, the recesses extending to a depth that is less than a thickness of the carrier structure, forming a dissolvable material in the recesses and above a first surface of the carrier structure, securing a thin substrate above the first surface of the carrier structure using the dissolvable material to secure the thin substrate in place, performing at least one process operation on a second surface of the carrier structure to expose the dissolvable material in the recesses and contacting the exposed dissolvable material with a release agent so as to dissolve at least a portion of the dissolvable material.
US07931767B2
A process for manufacturing elastomeric components of a tire for a vehicle wheel includes feeding a continuous elongated element from a delivery member by exerting a feeding pressure inside the delivery member, rotating a building support around a geometrical rotation axis of the support, carrying out controlled relative displacements between the delivery member and the support to form a tire component, stopping the feeding of the elongated element when formation of the tire component is complete, and exerting a counter-pressure inside the delivery member after stopping the feeding. Rotating the support assists circumferential distribution of the elongated element on the support. Carrying out controlled relative displacements assists transverse distribution of the elongated element on the support. The tire component is defined by a plurality of coils laid in a pre-established deposition pattern depending on a predetermined cross-section outline to be given to the tire component.
US07931766B2
A film adhesion device includes a table carrying a semiconductor wafer, a pressing member (pressing roller) which presses a film (photoresist film) onto a surface side of the semiconductor wafer placed on the table, a bumper member provided on an outer peripheral side of the table and including a contact surface which is contacted by the pressing member when the pressing member presses the film, and an elevating support mechanism which supports the bumper member elevatably and positions the bumper member at a predetermined height level.
US07931760B2
A plated structure is disclosed that includes a base formed of a copper-based material containing copper as a major component, a plating film formed of a tin-based material containing tin as a major component and provided over the base, and a tin-copper compound barrier film located at the boundary between the base and the plating film. The density of the tin-copper compound barrier film is greater than that of copper.
US07931758B2
A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel.
US07931754B2
A dishwasher having a liquid spraying system operable in a first mode to spray a focused stream of liquid within the wash chamber, and operable in a second mode to spray a diffused stream of liquid within the wash chamber.
US07931749B2
The present invention relates to a showerhead that supplies a source gas and a supporting gas for depositing a film into a processing vessel of a film deposition apparatus. The showerhead includes a body which is provided with a gas jetting surface (8). In the showerhead body, there are defined a first diffusion chamber (60) that receives the source gas and diffuses the same, and a second diffusion chamber (62) that receives the supporting gas and diffuses the same. The gas jetting surface has source-gas jetting orifices (10A) that are in communication with the first diffusion chamber, and first supporting-gas jetting orifices (10B) that are in communication with the second diffusion chamber. Each of the first supporting-gas jetting orifices (10B) are formed into a ring shape that adjacently surrounds a corresponding one of the source-gas jetting orifices (10A).
US07931748B2
The invention provides systems and methods for the deposition of an improved diamond-like carbon material, particularly for the production of magnetic recording media. The diamond-like carbon material of the present invention is highly tetrahedral, that is, it features a large number of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds which are found within a diamond crystal lattice. The material is also amorphous, providing a combination of short-range order with long-range disorder, and can be deposited as films which are ultrasmooth and continuous at thicknesses substantially lower than known amorphous carbon coating materials. The carbon protective coatings of the present invention will often be hydrogenated. In a preferred method for depositing of these materials, capacitive coupling forms a highly uniform, selectively energized stream of ions from a dense, inductively ionized plasma. Such inductive ionization is enhanced by a relatively slow moving (or “quasi-static”) magnetic field, which promotes resonant ionization and ion beam homogenization.
US07931743B2
A yellow ink composition includes C.I. Pigment Yellow and C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 as coloring agents. The ratio of a C.I. Pigment Yellow 185 content (percent by weight) to a C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 content (percent by weight) is in the range of 0.5 to 15. The yellow ink composition has a C.I. Pigment Yellow 185 content of 10% to 20% by weight and a C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 content of 10% to 20% by weight.
US07931732B2
A metallurgical process involves providing an ingredient enclosure and placing a plurality of granules of a first material in the ingredient enclosure. The first material contains a first ingredient in a metallurgical process. A metallurgical process furnace having a chamber in which ingredients for the metallurgical process are added is provided and the ingredient enclosure and the first material are added to the chamber. The chamber is heated after the addition of the ingredient enclosure and the first material to the chamber, although it may also be heated prior to such addition. In one form, the granules comprise mill scale and the metallurgical process furnace is a blast furnace.
US07931729B2
A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film.
US07931728B2
A fertilizer granule contains, as a binder, at least one organic polymer. The organic polymer is a hydrosoluble polymer that is at least partially cationic.
US07931717B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a dirt inlet, a handle, a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and a plurality of dirt collection chambers that are emptied concurrently, and the first cleaning stage is removed from the second cleaning stage prior to emptying the plurality of dirt collection chambers and, an air flow motor.
US07931715B2
An exhaust filter system includes a particulate filter (PF) that is disposed downstream from an engine. The PF filters particulates within an exhaust from the engine. A heating element heats particulate matter in the PF. A fastener limits expansion movement of the heating element relative to the PF.
US07931713B2
A Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) Pad. The CMP pad may be hydrophobic due to the incorporation of metal complexing agents. The CMP pad substantially retaining planarization characteristics throughout planarization applications. Shearing, hardness, wearing, water absorption and electrical characteristics of the CMP pad remain substantially constant during CMP applications.
US07931695B2
A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, comprising a highly porous body, the porous body comprising a polymer, the porous body comprising a plurality of pores, the porous body being capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, the polymer fixation device being rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. In a preferred embodiment the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device comprises a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may comprise additional materials; the additional materials serving to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively as a method of delivering therapy or other agents to the system of a living being.
US07931691B2
A external femoral component for mechanically housing onto exterior remnant of natural femur and coupling with articulation elements in order to use in total hip arthroplasty defines as a hollow shell comprised of asymmetrically bell shaped cup, at least one rigid elongated stem downwardly extended from the lower rim of the cup and a plurality of an cylindrical object upwardly protruded from top of the cup for pairing with articulation elements and coupling with anchoring means and the tension anchoring means fixes the hollow shell on the bone surface through an interlocking mechanisms.
US07931688B2
An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers. The superior and inferior plates include features that at least initially interlock the two plates until the superior plate is dislodged by pressure from the growing wafer stack. The wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. Each wafer also includes features that interlock with the inferior plate until the wafer is dislodged by sequential introduction of another wafer.
US07931687B2
Compositions, methods of production and use, and kits for an osteochondral graft involving both articular cartilage and underlying bone are provided.
US07931686B2
A thin intraocular lens for inhibiting posterior capsular opacification (PCO) includes an optic having an anterior concave region, a posterior concave region, a sharp edge which extends posteriorly and between the posterior concave region and at least a portion of an outer-most peripheral edge surface.
US07931680B2
An implant for lengthening the lateral column of the foot is configured for engagement across the calcaneocuboid joint or across a space formed between two bone segments of the calcaneus bone. The implant includes a plate configured positioning on the bone segments and includes an array of screw holes at its opposite ends arranged for solid fixation to the corresponding bone using bone screws. The implant includes a wedge projecting from the bone engaging surface of the plate. The wedge has a width that is tapered toward the plantar aspect and toward the medial aspect of the foot.
US07931670B2
A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.
US07931664B2
A vascular filter guide wire including a collapsible filter that deploys radially in response to axial movement of a core wire relative to a shaft to trap particulate matter arising from treatment of a lesion.
US07931660B2
There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue.
US07931659B2
A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke includes an elongate member and a receiver on a distal portion of the elongate member. The receiver includes structural members arranged to form a sleeve having a central lumen. A plurality of the structural members form engaging elements having apex regions that extend into the central lumen. During use of the thromboembolic removal system, the receiver is advanced over a body of thromboembolic material within a blood vessel, causing the body to be received into the central lumen, and causing the engaging elements to engage the body within the lumen.
US07931657B2
An system and method for performing a surgery, such as an anterior-cruciate-ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod can co-operate with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion. A soft tissue replacement can be affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over a retaining member with the other end of the flexible strand.
US07931654B2
Provided is a dual action surgical instrument for use in orthopedic surgical procedures that is capable of reducing a rod into position in a rod receiving notch in the head of a bone screw with a first action and subsequently locking the rod into the receiving notch by a second action of the same instrument. A method of using the device is also provided.
US07931653B2
The present invention relates to a device at fixing means for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures, the fixing means (1) preferably being a spike for fixation of bone fragments at trochantery hip fractures. The fixing means (1) comprises a sleeve (5) and a pin (7) which is insertable into the sleeve (5) and displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof. The pin (7) has a rear part (8) and at least two front parts (9, 10) with bent points or tips. Front parts of the sleeve (5) have openings (13, 14) through which the front parts (9, 10) of the pin (7) can be forced. The front parts (9, 10) of the pin (7) have a successively increasing thickness in backwards direction towards the rear part (8) of the pin (7) such that said front parts (9, 10), when forced or driven out of the sleeve (5) through the openings (13, 14), are formed into arcuate parts, the points (11, 12) of which are curved in backwards direction or substantially backwards relative to a geometric centre line along the pin (7), and such that those portions of the front parts (9, 10) which after said outward driving of the front parts (9, 10) are situated at the sleeve (5), are thicker and thereby stronger than those portions of the front parts (9, 10) which grip into the bone material (3).
US07931646B2
A method for treating a vulnerable plaque associated with a blood vessel of a patient is disclosed. The method includes positioning an electrical lead adjacent a vulnerable plaque lesion, and then delivering at least one electrical pulse to the lesion.
US07931634B2
A disposable intralabial urinary incontinence article having a resilient and liquid impermeable exostructure captures bodily exudates. The exostructure has a top surface and an internal space adapted to receive fluids. At least a portion of the exostructure is a flange that rests at least partially outside the labia. The exostructure also has a neck extending from the top surface that at least partially occupies the vestibular region and rests proximate the vestibule floor. The neck has a fluid receiving opening which is in communication with the internal space. The neck is configured so the fluid receiving opening is positioned generally adjacent the urethral meatus to direct urine into the internal space. The internal space may include an absorbent and the article may include a clitoral guide to aid positioning of the article within the vestibule.
US07931633B2
A breast milk absorbent pad according to the present invention comprises a pad chassis including a body fluid absorbent layer inclusive of a body fluid absorbent assembly and a body fluid leak-barrier sheet, and a pair of elastically stretchable and contractible members extending along transversely opposite sides of the pad-chassis in a longitudinal direction. The body fluid absorbent assembly is embossed so that the body fluid absorbent assembly may be formed along upper and lower ends thereof with high stiffness regions having a stiffness higher than that in the remaining region.
US07931632B2
A merchandise system for disposable absorbent articles is provided. The merchandise display system includes a first line-up and second line-up of disposable absorbent articles designed to match a wearer's stage of development. The system also includes various color schemes associated with the first and second line-ups in order to facilitate consumers' identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. A pre-packaged arrangement is also provided and includes one or more disposable absorbent articles having a configuration corresponding to a wearer's stage of development; one or more disposable wipes products having a configuration tailored to the stage of development corresponding to the disposable absorbent articles; and a package, the disposable absorbent articles, the disposable wipes products and the package being arranged relative to each other for distribution together as a single unit.
US07931625B2
The invention provides a injection device for administering an injectable product, including a base section adapted to receive a container from which a product dose is dispensed through a needle by displacement of a piston in the container, and a drive unit including a driven member, a drive element and a damping arrangement, the drive unit for applying a force to advance the piston in the container to dispense a dose, wherein the damping arrangement generally counteracts the drive force and counter forces. The invention also encompasses a needle safety sleeve and a blocking structure for use with injection devices.
US07931624B2
A surgical seal assembly for use with a surgical access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument through the seal housing, a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing and having a gimbal seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of the surgical instrument, and an interface seal disposed within the seal housing. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument whereby the gimbal seal member substantially maintains the sealed reception of the surgical instrument. The interface seal includes an interface seal member extending at least along the longitudinal axis and being in substantial contacting sealing relation with the gimbal mount. The interface seal member is adapted to maintain the sealing relation with the gimbal mount upon angular movement thereof.
US07931621B2
An infusion assembly comprises a cannula subassembly and a source subassembly. The cannula subassembly includes a substantially planar base, a cannula projecting from the base so as to be beneath the patient's skin when the subassembly is deployed, and a generally cylindrical docking structure having a center axis substantially perpendicular to the base. A liquid medicament is dispensed from the cannula. The source subassembly is arranged to dock with the docking structure and includes a supply of liquid medicament that couples to the cannula upon the source subassembly docking with the cannula subassembly. The source subassembly also includes a primer that automatically primes the insulin fluid path to the cannula tip when the subassemblies are joined.
US07931612B2
An intravenous fluid administration apparatus may include a proximal conduit having a spiked first end for attaching to a reservoir of fluid and a second end, a distal conduit, an intermediate conduit network providing fluid communication from the proximal conduit's second end to the distal conduit and including first and second constituent conduits that provide parallel paths from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit, a flow regulator so engaged with the first constituent conduit as to enable control of fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure-responsive valve so interposed in the second constituent conduit as to permit flow from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit through the second constituent conduit when a fluid pressure difference across the valve exceeds a threshold and to prevent such flow when the difference does not exceed the threshold.
US07931608B2
A splinting device for receiving and stabilizing a plurality of fingers. The splinting device has a main body having a generally rigid and planar upper surface and lower surface, a first side edge and a second side edge, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The main body has a hood at its distal end portion upending proximally over the upper surface of the main body. The hood has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface of the hood and the upper surface of the main body define an interior space for receiving a plurality of fingers. In one embodiment, the splinting device also includes a glove portion comprising a wrist attachment and a flap. The main body may comprise an attachment mechanism for attaching the main body to the wrist attachment of the glove portion.
US07931603B2
Sensor and guide wire assembly (1; 21) for intravascular measurement of physical variables inside a living body and comprises a proximal end portion (2; 22) and a sensor element (9; 29), which is located in a distal portion of the sensor and guide wire assembly (1; 21), and is characterized in that a proximal tube (3; 23) is provided, which extends from said proximal portion (2; 22) to a proximal end of a hollow stranded wire (4; 24), which extends to the distal end portion wherein the sensor element (9; 29) is located.
US07931602B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a gaze guidance degree calculation system capable of implementing a compact and low-cost apparatus and surely obtaining a proper eye-flow. According to exemplary embodiments, a layout apparatus where a layout image is segmented into a plurality of regions, and positions of representative regions of the specific regions and gaze attraction strength indicating strength of gaze-attraction to the specific regions are calculated. Next, a plurality of the specific regions in the layout image are set by using a starting point as a reference, and gaze guidance strength indicating a degree of gaze-guidance from the starting point to the specific regions is generated based on the gaze-attraction strength of the representative points in the specific regions.
US07931599B2
A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment. The filters adaptively modify a set of averaging weights to optimally estimate the physiological parameters.
US07931592B2
The present invention pertains to a system and method for transdermal sampling, comprising: at least one sampler for retrieving and transferring at least one analyte obtained transdermally from the skin of a subject; at least one detector system for identifying and quantifying said at least one analyte; and at least one logic module for (i) receiving and storing input data from said at least one detector, (ii) relating the input data to other data obtained from the subject, (iii) displaying output information, (iv) transmitting the output information to another system, and (v) controlling the operation of said at least one sampler and at least one detector.
US07931591B2
A surgical retractor includes a pair of parallel arms that are mounted to a toothed crossbar. One of the arms is fixed to one end of the crossbar, while the other arm is movable along the crossbar by means of a pinion. One or both of the arms includes on its upper surface a bar having a longitudinally extending flat surface. A rod is connected to the bar by means of a bracket. The bracket can be locked in position relative to the bar by a first set screw that engages the flat surface. A rod extends through an opening in the bracket and is retained in place there by a second set screw. The rod includes a circumferentially extending shoulder that engages the bracket so as to locate the rod in a desired position. One or more flat surfaces are formed on the rod adjacent the shoulder for engagement by the second set screw. One of the flat surfaces causes the rod to be positioned precisely as necessary to perform a surgical procedure, while the other of the flat surfaces enables the rod to be moved to an out-of-the way position and locked in place there. One or more retractor blades of the wire basket type are connected to the rod by means of universal clamps. The basket portions of the retractor blades are made of a malleable wire that enables the configuration of the blades to be changed by the surgeon as desired.
US07931582B2
A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (56) implanted in a patient and engaging the penile tissue (58) or the prolongation thereof to form a restrictable blood flow passageway through which blood flow leaves the penis. The restriction device is operable by an implanted operation device (60) to change the restriction of the blood flow passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device. The patient uses the control device to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.
US07931581B2
Surgical tools for off-pump surgery are described herein. In an embodiment, a surgical connector for coupling an organ to a medical device comprises an inner body. The surgical connector further comprises an outer hollow body slidably disposed around said inner body. Moreover, the connector comprises a distal sealing member disposed around said inner body. The distal sealing member has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The distal sealing member is also capable of being locked in said expanded position. The surgical connector further comprises a proximal sealing member disposed around said outer hollow body, said proximal sealing member is proximal to said distal sealing member. The disclosed surgical connector employs a novel press-fit mechanism. The press-fit mechanism allows a surgeon to attach the connector to an organ without the use of sutures. The surgical connector also incorporates an expandable sealing member that can be locked into the expanded position.
US07931576B2
This table for a chopper folding device comprises a surface (20) for application of products to be folded (17), the application surface (20) extending along an application plane (PA), a folding opening (22) suitable for the passage of the products to be folded (17), at least one first guide portion (28) disposed adjacent to the folding opening (22) and comprising a first guide surface (32) inclined with respect to application plane. The table (12) comprises guiding means suitable for urging the product to be folded towards the first guide surface (32) and a first main suction hole (36) which opens on the first guide surface (32).
US07931569B2
An improved weighted training belt for hockey players consisting of an elongated belt having a length, opposite first and second ends, and complimentary first and second coupling members provided on the first and second ends of the belt, respectively. The belt also includes at least one pair of connector elements positioned between the first and second coupling members, said pair of connector elements being movable along the length of the belt and selectively fixable at any point along the length of the belt. The training belt further includes at least one weight pouch having opposite side straps with a connector element provided on an end of each of the side straps, the connector elements of the weight pouch being complimentary to the pair of connector elements on the belt, the weight pouch configured to support at least one weight, the opposite side straps of the weight pouch each having an adjustable length.
US07931566B1
Exercise apparatus, which may be an elliptical cross trainer, has a rotating inertial flywheel driven by user-engaged linkage exercising a user. A user-actuated brake engages and stops rotation of the flywheel upon actuation by the user.
US07931565B2
In a swing exercise machine having a seat, a seat driving apparatus that moves the seat along a locus formed by a combination of a periodic swing motion around an anteroposterior swing shaft and a periodic swing motion around a transverse swing shaft, and a control circuit that can control rotation speed and rotation direction of a motor. The control circuit can switch the rotation direction of the motor, so that the seat can be moved in a reverse direction along the locus. Since the human body is asymmetrical in the anteroposterior direction, the regions of the human body where muscle activities occur when the seat is moved in the reverse direction are different from those when the seat is moved in a normal direction. Thereby, it is possible to vary the effect of the swing exercise on the human body.
US07931562B2
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
US07931557B2
A method that includes positioning a differential assembly between a pair of journals in a differential housing, threading hollow adjusters into the journals, installing a retaining member over each of the hollow adjusters such that the retainer engages a non-circular feature on a respective one of the hollow adjusters, and pressing each of the retaining members into a counterbore formed on an assocated one of the journals such that the retaining members engage the differential housing in via an interference fit to inhibit relative rotation between the retaining members and the differential housing.
US07931552B2
A pulley assembly for use in an automobile accessory drive system includes a shaft engaging member including a bore for receiving an accessory input shaft for engagement therewith. A pulley member includes a bore receiving an axially extending shaft of the shaft engaging member. The pulley member includes a first coupling surface and a peripheral belt-engaging surface. A shaft extension member transfers torque between the pulley member and the shaft engaging member. The shaft extension member includes a second coupling surface facing the first coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces couple together when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a first direction such that the shaft extension member and the shaft engaging member rotate with the pulley member. The first and second coupling surfaces decouple when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the shaft engaging member rotates relative to the pulley member.
US07931551B2
A hydraulic control apparatus includes a continuously-variable transmission; a line-pressure control section configured to produce a line pressure by adjusting a discharge pressure of an oil pump; a first hydraulic-pressure control section configured to adjust a first hydraulic pressure based on the line pressure, the first hydraulic pressure being supplied to the drive pulleys; and a second hydraulic-pressure control section configured to adjust a second hydraulic pressure based on the line pressure, the second hydraulic pressure being supplied to the driven pulleys. The continuously-variable transmission includes a pair of drive pulleys including a first movable pulley and a first fixed pulley; a pair of driven pulleys including a second movable pulley and a second fixed pulley; and a belt wound between the pair of drive pulleys and the pair of driven pulleys. The line-pressure control section is configured to adjust the line pressure to a value set by adding a margin pressure to higher one of the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic-pressure, and configured to reduce the margin pressure when the first hydraulic pressure is higher than the second hydraulic pressure.
US07931549B2
An ice hockey stick has a shaft and an adjoining blade. The shaft has a proximal end proximate the blade, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an outer surface. The outer surface has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape transitioning towards the proximal end to one of a generally hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, and a front shaft face and an opposing rear shaft face. A width of a portion of the shaft, as measured between the front shaft face and the rear shaft face, tapers towards the proximal end. The blade has a front blade face flush with the front shaft face and a rear blade face opposing the front blade face. The rear blade face is flush with the rear shaft face. The blade also has a heel and a neck affixed to the proximal end of the shaft.
US07931546B2
A more efficient triangular shape for metal wood clubs or driver clubs is disclosed. This triangular shape allows the clubs to have higher rotational moments of inertia in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and a lower center of gravity.
US07931543B2
A temporary shaft-component connection for assembling a selected golf club shaft with a club head and/or hand grip segment, to facilitate custom club design and fitting to suit the needs and preferences of an individual golfer. The temporary shaft-component connection is particularly designed for use with nonmetallic club shafts formed from a graphite-based composite material or the like having a range of different lengths and stiffness (whip) characteristics. In a shaft-head connection, a metal adapter insert is mounted onto a lower end of the club shaft and includes one or more flat surfaces for reception into a matingly shaped socket in the hosel of a selected club head to prevent relative rotation between the club shaft and head. A compression nut carried on the shaft is threaded onto the hosel to axially engage and retain a thrust flange on the shaft or adapter or adapter insert, to prevent axial separation of the club head and shaft.
US07931528B2
Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and the free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player also receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon.
US07931527B2
A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game is provided. The method may comprise predetermining a predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying a first hand, where the first hand includes a first plurality of cards. The method may also comprise accepting a selection of held cards selected from the first hand. The method may also comprise displaying a second hand, where the second hand includes a second plurality of cards including the held cards. The method may also comprise determining a third hand, where the third hand including a third plurality of cards so that at least one of the second hand and the third hand provides the predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying the third hand. The method may also comprise awarding the predetermined payout award to a player.
US07931526B2
A method of playing a Blackjack game provides a side-bet against a bust. Should a bust occur the bust card is combined with four subsequently dealt playing cards to define a five-card poker hand. This resulting poker hand is compared to a predetermined hierarchy of poker hands, and payouts are awarded for winning outcomes.
US07931524B2
A hunter arm includes a bottom bar having a first end adapted for insertion into a trailer hitch of a pickup truck. A mast has a lower end pivotally attached by a first knuckle to a second end of the bottom bar. A first brace member has a lower end pivotally attached near the first end of the bottom bar and an upper end pivotally attached near the lower end of the mast to keep the mast in a vertical position. A boom has a first end pivotally attached by a second knuckle to an upper end of the mast. A second brace member has an upper end pivotally attached to center of the boom. An angle adjustment plate has a plurality of longitudinal notches there along affixed to the mast. A lower end of the second brace member can engage with any one of the notches in the angle adjustment plate to vary the angle of the boom extending outwardly from the mast. A pulley assembly has an upper end connected in a removable manner to a second end of the boom. A spreader bar includes two hooks which allows animal to hang down from the spreader bar to be skinned.
US07931522B2
A polishing system includes a platen having a top surface to receive a polishing pad, a recess in the top surface, and a cavity inside the platen spaced from the recess, a carrier head to hold a surface of a substrate against the polishing pad on the platen, a monitoring module located in the cavity, the monitoring module including a light source and a detector, an optical head removably mounted in the recess in the top surface platen, and an optical fiber having a proximate end coupled to the monitoring module and a distal end held by the optical head holding the distal end of the optical fiber in a position to direct light through a window in the polishing pad to the surface of the substrate and receive reflected light from the surface of the substrate.
US07931521B1
In combination with a bra having a front anchor strap portion and a rear anchor strap portion, an adjustable bra strap includes an elongated enclosed loop of flexible fabric with one end forming an attachment section. One end of the enclosed loop is coupled to the rear anchor strap portion and the other end is coupled to the front anchor strap portion. The enclosed loop extends through a first coupler with the attached coupler being movable longitudinally along one side of the enclosed loop. An element of a fastener is affixed to the attachment section and a complemental element is affixed to a facing portion of the enclosed loop. The element is positioned to mate with and releasably connect to the complement element in a selected orientation.
US07931517B2
Disclosed is an illuminative module for enhancing the white balance while reducing thermal drift and color blocks. The illuminative module includes a substrate and light-emitting elements provided on the substrate to emitting light of the primary colors and a fourth color, respectively, so that the light of the primary colors is mixed with the light of the fourth color to provide white light.
US07931511B2
A boat propulsion system includes a gear shift mechanism arranged to transmit a driving force generated by an engine to first and second propellers at one of at least a low speed reduction ratio and a high speed reduction ratio, and a control section arranged to perform control so as to shift a speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism based on first and second gear shift control maps when an acceleration command from a user is detected. The first and second gear shift control maps define a region to shift the speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism using two parameters, preferably a rotational speed of the engine and a lever opening degree of a lever of a control lever portion. The boat propulsion system achieves both the acceleration performance and the maximum speed desired by a user.
US07931510B2
A crimp contact device includes a crimping member. The crimping member is configured to crimp a wire, and has a first portion and a second portion which is near to an end of the crimping member than the first portion. A pressure applied to the wire by the second portion is decreased according to a direction from the first portion toward the end of the crimping member.
US07931509B2
Contact tubes and coaxial cable fittings with the tubes, including barrel connectors, right angle connectors, and sockets. The elongated, tubular contact tube extends coaxially within each fitting, establishing at least one female juncture for receiving the center conductor projecting from a coaxial connector. The insulators and bushings center and retain the contact tube within the connectors. The contact tubes are rolled from beryllium, copper alloy sheets having slotted portions defined on one or both sheet ends. The slotted portions comprise a plurality of parallel, curved, slots, each of which borders curved metal strips. Half slots at the bottom and top of the slotted portions adjoin each other after rolling to form an additional slot. Because of the shape of the slots and strips a generally pentagonal configuration is assumed after rolling and contraction of the slotted region, such that contact points overlap.
US07931506B2
A wiring system that allows easy installation into a vehicle and includes a connector that allows functional signals to perform a function in a connector while passing through the connector.
US07931505B2
A portable device interfacing system for use in a vehicle or other environments permits a portable device to be removably connected with another system, such as an audio system. The portable device interfacing system may include features that help to prevent liquid from damaging electronics of the system, align physical connections between the interfacing system and the portable device, safely secure the portable device in position, and/or permit the system to be expanded to support different portable devices.
US07931498B2
A coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to an RF port, wherein the cable connector is comprised of a connector subassembly and a compression cap. The connector subassembly is of simple inexpensive construction and is comprised of a fastener, a tubular post, and a connector body. The connector subassembly may function a stand-alone crimpable cable connector. The compression cap may be placed over the end of a coaxial cable, and compressed onto the connector subassembly to secure a prepared end of the cable within the compressed and assembled connector.
US07931490B2
An embodiment of a device for indicating the integrity of a seal between engaged connectors of a connection assembly. According to an embodiment, a connection assembly includes a first connector having at least one indicator receptacle. The indicator receptacle may receive a removable indicator capable of determining the integrity of a liquid-tight seal within the first connector. Typically, the assembly also includes a second connector operable to interface with the first connector. Further, the indicator includes a cam assembly operable to engage the first connector such that the cam assembly physically indicates when sealing surfaces within the connectors are properly seated with one another.
US07931487B1
A connector for providing an electrical connection between two insulated covered electrical wires consists of a cylindrical member made of electricity conductive metal. The cylindrical member is made from a flexible plate appropriately rolled and configured to include two cylindrical elements interconnected by an intermediate section. The cylindrical elements each have a plurality of sharp blade elements which form jagged serrated edges around the perimeter of one end of each element. Insulated electrical wires are pushed through the cylindrical elements and their serrated edges and then pulled back. This causes the blade elements to pierce the insulation around the electrical wires, thus forming a secure electrical connection between the wires and the cylindrical member.
US07931486B1
An electrical connector for testing of a missile launch rail is provided. A stationary housing is combined with a coupling ring to form an outer housing. An internal plunger is housed in the outer housing and spans the length of the outer housing. The stationary housing anchors to the missile launch rail, while the coupling ring is free to rotate about the internal plunger. The coupling ring is rotated via a hand grasp. The coupling ring rotation translates into forward and aft movement of the pin assembly. The connector provides forward and backward stops for limiting pin insertion and extraction moves to desired distances. Rotation via triple-start threads readily overcomes insertion and extraction resistance of a bulky multi-pin assembly and provides a smooth and controlled electrical connection. The size of the connector approaches that of a small conventional military standard 38999 series III connector.
US07931484B2
A latchable power outlet with greater ease is disclosed, comprising: a base; at least two electrically conductive plates on the base, wherein the at least two electrically conductive plates are employed for making connection with a power supply and electrically conductive tongs; a two-stage self-locking switch structure on the base; a movable frame connected to the two-stage self-locking switch structure, pressing the two-stage self-locking switch structure after being directly or indirectly pressed by the plug; and at least two electrically conductive tongs; wherein the at least two electrically conductive tongs are connected to the at least two electrically conductive plates and clamp the contact prongs of the plug while being pressed by the movable frame, and wherein the at least two electrically conductive tongs release the contact prongs of the plug and are disconnected from the at least two electrically conductive plates while returning to original position.
US07931482B2
A safety socket structure includes a casing, two control pieces, and two contact pieces. The casing is provided with two insertion holes and two through-holes. The interior of the casing is formed with connecting positions corresponding to the insertion holes. The two control pieces are liftably provided in the casing and protrude through the two through-holes to the outside of the casing. The two contact pieces are provided in the casing and abut the two contact pieces, thereby controlling the two contact pieces to extend into the connecting positions selectively. Via this arrangement, a safety socket structure that has a lower cost and is not liable to suffer damage can be achieved.
US07931475B2
Provided is a solderable elastic electric contact terminal. The solderable elastic electric contact terminal includes a tube-shaped insulating elastic core, an insulating non-foam rubber coating layer adhered to the insulating elastic core to surround the insulating elastic core, and a heat-resistant polymer film having one surface adhered to the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer to surround the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer, and another surface integrally provided with a metal layer.
US07931471B2
A surgical training aid apparatus for facilitating the training of medical procedures comprising a housing and an anatomical replicating assembly. The housing includes a tray having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The anatomical replicating assembly is positioned upon the top surface of the tray of the housing, and includes a base layer and at least one body component. The base layer has a bottom surface and a top surface, and, overlays a portion of the top surface of the tray of the housing. The base layer further includes a tackiness. The body component is positioned between the top surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the base layer or on the base layer. The body component likewise includes a tackiness. The body component is releasably coupled to the base layer due to the tackiness of the two components, wherein the tackiness is overcome so as to separate the at least one body component relative to the base layer.
US07931463B2
An apparatus for potting membranes. The apparatus may include a mould for receiving ends of the membranes, means for forming a first layer of a curable resin material around the ends in the mould, and means for applying a second layer of a flexible resin material to the first layer prior to full curing of the first layer. The flexible resin material may be chemically reactive with the curable resin material to form an adhesive bond therebetween. A potting sleeve may be positioned within the mould. A centrifuge may receive the curable resin and/or the flexible resin material upstream of the mould.
US07931457B2
An apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically an apparatus for effecting formation of sub-micron fibers by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them.
US07931451B2
A frame floor pump having a universal joint unit includes a cylinder defining a through hole on an end thereof, an universal joint unit including a shaft received in the through hole of the cylinder, a joint having a first end connecting to the shaft and a second end, and a pipe forming a connecting portion extending therefrom and mounted in the second end of the joint. The joint drives the shaft to turn in the through hole of the cylinder and pivots to various positions with the connecting portion. Hence, the universal joint unit could pivot to any position as a requirement of users.
US07931449B2
A bladeless fan assembly (100) for creating an air current comprises a nozzle (1) mounted on a base (16) housing for creating an air flow through the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) comprises an interior passage (10) for receiving the air flow from the base (16) and a mouth (12) through which the air flow is emitted. The nozzle (1) extends about an axis to define an opening (2) through which air from outside the fan assembly (100) is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth (12). The nozzle (1) comprises a surface over which the mouth (12) is arranged to direct the air flow. The surface comprises a diffuser portion (46) tapering away from the axis, and a guide portion (48) downstream from the diffuser portion (46) and angled thereto.
US07931446B2
Turbine blades, including airfoils, of aviation or industrial gas turbine engines are treated with boron to improve surface hardness and/or durability. Both stainless steel components and titanium components may be treated with boron. Elemental boron is diffused into the surface of the blade or other component, forming FeB and Fe2B in stainless steel components and titanium boride in titanium components. This treatment produces components with increased resistance to erosion caused by airborne particles and pollutants, extending the life of the components.
US07931441B1
A two blade row inducer for a low pressure pump in a turbopump of a rocket engine. The inducer includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades or partial blades in which the partial set of blades is covered with a shroud and the shroud includes a row of turbine blades extending outward to form a turbine to drive the inducer. The first set of blades is spiral or screw thread blades that end just upstream from the leading edges of the second set of blades covered with the shroud. In another embodiment, the screw thread blades can extend toward the aft end of the inducer and in-between adjacent partial blades in which the shroud also covers the aft ends of the screw thread blades. A second fluid reacts with the turbine blades to rotate the inducer and pump the first fluid.
US07931440B2
A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a rotatable vertical shaft; a first horizontal shaft attached to the vertical shaft, and extending on either side of the vertical shaft; a first wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the first wind turbine extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft; a second wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade fixed at an operational angle with respect to the first wind turbine blade; a first and second motion limiting means attached to the vertical shaft, where each motion limiting means extends into the rotational travel of a turbine blade.
US07931423B2
A preassembled drainage line element is fabricated at least in part of a biodegradable material, such as kraft paper or a plastic film. The biodegradable material may be perforated to impart a characteristic of water permeability to the material.
US07931422B2
A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
US07931415B2
Upon depressing a knock rod in a state of writing of FIG. 8A, a cam protuberance 3b of a rotor turns rightward to assume a position shown in FIG. 8B. Upon removing a finger, the cam protuberance 3b turns sliding on a tilted surface, arrives at a position shown in FIG. 8C through a first vertical motion (distance d) and, further, arrives at a position shown in FIG. 8D through a second vertical motion (distance e). Here, a tilted surface of cam protuberance 3b comes in collision with a tilted surface of an inner cylinder cam 2b twice, and shocks are transmitted to a refill 7. By forming a step between the front half and the rear half of the tilted surface of the inner cylinder cam 2b, however, a distance of vertical motion of the cam protuberance 3b each time is shortened to decrease the shock of collision imparted to the refill each time.
US07931409B2
A wheel bearing apparatus for a driven wheel of a vehicle has an outer member, an inner member and rolling elements between the two. The outer member has a body mounting flange for mounting it to a knuckle of a suspension apparatus. The knuckle has a disc shaped bottom portion. The outer member is secured to the knuckle by fastening bolts. The body mounting flange abuts against the bottom portion of the knuckle. The inner side end of the inner member is closed by the knuckle. A plurality of pins is secured to the knuckle. Pin bores to receive the pins are formed on the body mounting flange. The pin bores radially positioning the outer member relative to the knuckle.
US07931406B2
A sensor-equipped structure of a vehicular-wheel bearing assembly mounted to an outer ring member of a vehicular-wheel bearing assembly, is provided with a sensor portion for detecting the rotation of an inner ring member rotatably disposed on a radially inner side of the outer ring member, and a cover formed of a metal. The sensor portion includes a sensor element for magnetically detecting the rotation of the inner ring member; a connector for supporting a terminal electrically connected with the sensor element; and a capacitor. The sensor portion is molded of a synthetic resin and unified with the cover. The cover has a through hole, the synthetic resin extends from an inner side of the cover through the through hole into the connector, the synthetic-resin is in contact with an inner surface of the cover and not in contact with a circumferential surface of the cover defining the through-hole.
US07931400B2
A temperature sensor includes a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature, and another strip has a magnetic permeability well exceeding 2,000. The temperature sensor may be used in a related remote temperature sensing method wherein the sensor is interrogated by a magnetic field and the temperature sensor's response signal is detected electromagnetically.
US07931394B2
A vehicle light assembly that includes a light cover and a cap is described. The light cover includes a light blocking, sealing rib that prevents undesirable light leakage around a housing of the light assembly. The cap includes one or more retention members that upon attachment of the cap to the light cover, prevent unintended detachment of the cap from the light cover.
US07931375B2
An illuminating optical system that includes a first integrator that includes a plurality of lens, a second integrator that includes a plurality of lens cells on which the respective partial luminous fluxes are incident, a polarization converting element that uniformizes polarizing directions of the luminous fluxes that have passed through the respective lens cells of the second integrator, and color separating unit that separates each of the luminous flux from the polarization converting element into a plurality of color lights of different wavelengths. A field lens and a condenser lens are arranged between the polarization converting element and the separating unit to superimpose the luminous fluxes that have passed through the respective lens cells of the first integrator, on the plurality of display panels. The condenser lens is located closer to the color separating unit.
US07931374B2
The present invention provides methods, systems and software for scaling optical aberration measurements of optical systems. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. Aberration data from the transmitted image is measured across the optical tissues of the eye at a first plane. A conversion algorithm is applied to the data, converting it to corrective optical power data that can be used as a basis for constructing a treatment for the eye at a second plane.
US07931373B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
US07931370B2
The eye movement sensor comprises a helmet (1) adjustable to the head of a patient who is undergoing an ophthalmologic examination, in a unit with seat (10) and projection screen (11) of light spots in front, the same helmet (1) incorporating a front light projector (2) which emits a light spot towards the screen (11), as well as means of image recording of each one of the eyes, which records their movements captured from an angle which permits viewing the eye in all its positions. Said means of recording preferably consists of a video camera (6) disposed below the projector (2) of the helmet (1), focussing a pair of mirrors (7), incorporated on different sides of the lower part of the helmet (1) downward, under each eye respectively, to capture the specular reflection of its movements; or instead, two cameras (5) under each eye.
US07931366B1
The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releaseable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between rear ends of the temples. The strap is generally U-shaped having substantially parallel legs connected to an arc-shaped base, the substantially parallel legs being connected to rear ends of the temples and when worn, the arc-shaped base extends along the back of a user's head. The strap at its U-shaped base is provided with a telescoping segment for selectively altering the length of the arc-shaped base for altering the spacing between the strap's substantially parallel legs to adjust the strap for varying widths of a user's head. The inner ends of the lenses are releasably secured together by connectors. In use, the lenses are separated from each other and pivoted outwardly, the strap wrapped around the back of a user's head and adjusted for size The lenses are then pivoted towards each other and secured together in front of the user's eyes. The lenses are instantly separable for easily putting on or taking off the eyewear, but they are instantly connectable together for a secure and accurate fit.
US07931365B2
Eyewear having replaceable lenses, with an illustrative embodiment including a frame, two temples, temple-connecting members extending outwardly from opposing ends of the frame and affixing the temples to the frame; a nose bridge; bridge-connecting members extending outwardly from two points centrally located on the frame and affixing the nose bridge to the frame; nose pads; and a plurality of interchangeable lenses. The lenses, which may be sunglass lenses, are composed of somewhat pliable material and have a perimeter defining at least two collinear recesses, with the recesses capable of selectively and releasably coupling with the temple-connecting members and the nose bridge-connecting members, thus securing the lenses to the frame. A case with a padded interior and fitted storage recesses is used to protect eyewear and lenses not in use.
US07931363B2
A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes an applicator configured to apply a release agent to a surface of an intermediate transfer drum of an imaging device at a first flow rate, and a reservoir spaced from the applicator including a supply of the release agent for the applicator. A first fluid path fluidly couples the reservoir to the applicator for delivering release agent to the applicator; and a second fluid path fluidly couples the applicator to the reservoir for recirculating release agent back to the reservoir. A delivery pump is configured to pump release agent from the reservoir to the applicator via the first fluid path at a second flow rate; and a recirculation pump is configured to pump release agent from the applicator to the reservoir at a third flow rate. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate, and the third flow rate is greater than the second flow rate.
US07931359B2
A method of priming a printhead. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing a printhead having a plurality of nozzles for ejection of ink, an ink inlet and an ink outlet; (ii) providing an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line, the ink chamber having an inlet port controlled by a valve; (iii) priming the printhead by pumping ink from the ink chamber, through the printhead and into a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; and (iv) opening the valve if a level of ink in the chamber falls below a predetermined first level and replenishing with ink from an ink reservoir when the valve is open.
US07931356B2
A nozzle plate suited for a droplet generator is provided. The nozzle plate includes a nozzle layer and at least one filler. The nozzle layer has a nozzle and at least one trench. The nozzle passes through the nozzle layer. The trenches apart from the nozzle are formed on a surface of the nozzle layer around the nozzle. The filler is filled in the trench. The wetting angle of the surface of the filler is different from the wetting angle of the surface of the nozzle layer. The nozzle plate has higher surface wear resistance and lower probability of jamming at the nozzle.
US07931350B2
A waste liquid tank that holds waste recording liquid is disclosed. In the waste liquid tank, a waste liquid wetting liquid that forms a liquid layer on the surface of the waste recording liquid is placed in the form of a liquid.
US07931339B1
A seat assembly for improving posture of a user comprises a substantially firm seat portion angled downwardly from rear to front, a back support extending upwardly in a rear area of the seat portion, a pad positioned on the back support and, the back support positionable at least two locations for varying seat depth.
US07931329B2
A buffering structure for the side gates of a cargo box of a truck is disclosed. The buffering structure includes front and rear side gates pivotally mounted on each side of the cargo box, and a middle column interposed between the front side gate and the rear side gate. Buffer members are interposed between the middle column and the front and rear side gates to resiliently support the front and rear side gates. Since the buffer member for resiliently supporting the front and rear side gates is installed on the middle column of the cargo box, deformation of the side gates is prevented and thus the lifespan of the cargo box is extended. Also, the generation of vibration and noise by friction comfort is reduced to improve driving comfort, as well as the smooth opening and closing of the side gates.
US07931325B2
A windshield protection and ice removal device comprises a pair of generally rectangular flexible wire frames enclosed by and supporting a nylon fabric coated by an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride. There are also a pair of opposed side view mirror “gloves” having expandable “wrists” and which are designed to enclose a vehicle's side view mirrors for securing the invention to the vehicle in a manner resistant to wind effects which might otherwise lift the cover from the windshield. Finally, the preferred embodiment also comprises a wire-connected belt terminating in a buckle which is designed to be trapped inside a vehicle's interior by the vehicle's door or side window to render the invention resistant to unauthorized removal from the vehicle's windshield. A relatively thick, cut-resistant wire runs through the belt to make it more difficult to cut the belt and sever it from the rest of the shield device.
US07931318B2
The present invention provides a bumper attachment portion structure that can ensure the deformation stroke of a side member when a vehicle impacts such that the vehicle is offset to one side in a vehicle width direction of a bumper. When a load that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is inputted to a bumper attachment portion during an offset impact, an attachment releasing structure portion in a bumper bracket releases the state of attachment at a vehicle width direction inside part of that bumper attachment portion to thereby cause a point of origin of bending in the bumper attachment portion to be positioned in a vehicle width direction outside part.
US07931309B2
A compressed air servicing device comprises several device modules (3) arranged in a row direction (2) and connected detachably with each other. At least two device modules (3) are detachably connected together by a module connector (4) placed between them, the module connector (4) having a through opening (14) by way of which the two device modules (3) are connected for fluid flow with one another. The module connector (4) is fitted with at least one sensor (15) connected with the through opening (14), such sensor (15) making possible monitoring of status data with respect to the flowing compressed air.
US07931306B2
A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.
US07931301B2
The purpose of the present invention is to make supplying fuel to a fuel tank easier without making the fuel tank interfere with a drive shaft or a front wheel drive shaft and without lowering the minimum ground clearance of a traveling vehicle. A fuel tank is disposed between an engine and a seat and below a steering wheel, and a groove is provided longitudinally at the substantial lateral center of the fuel tank. A power steering valve is attached to the lower portion of the steering wheel, and grooves in which hydraulic pipings connected to the power steering valve are arranged are formed in the fuel tank.
US07931297B2
An airbag and an airbag device are provided in which an openable-closable vent hole opens or significantly opens even if an object, such as a child seat, comes into contact with a lower portion of the airbag in an inflated state. A covering member (20) covers an openable-closable vent hole (11) from the outside of an airbag (10). An upper tether (30) routed through an upper constantly open vent hole (12) and in the inside of the airbag (10) connects the covering member and a near-passenger face (10f) of the airbag (10). A lower tether (31) routed through a lower constantly open vent hole (13) and in the inside of the airbag (10) connects the covering member and a lower portion (10b) of the airbag (10). When a passenger comes into contact with the near-passenger face (10f) of the airbag (10), the upper tether (30) loosens and the covering member (20) is turned up, whereby the openable-closable vent hole (11) opens. When a child seat (6) comes into contact with the lower portion (10b) of the airbag (10), the lower tether (31) loosens and the covering member (20) is turned up, whereby the openable-closable vent hole (11) opens.
US07931291B2
A removable locking mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch is provided which includes a mounting plate removably attachable within a fifth wheel chassis formed to support a fifth wheel hitch plate that has an aperture in the load surface thereof. The mounting plate is formed with a u-shaped throat dimensioned to receive a trailer kingpin and a top surface configured to be co-planar with the fifth wheel hitch plate load surface when seated within the chassis. A locking mechanism for retaining the kingpin against said closed end of the throat is mounted to the underside of the mounting plate and includes a cam arm; and a bumper arm pivotally attached to the cam arm configured to engage a bumper stop formed in the mounting plate underside; a sliding jaw member slidably mounted to the cam arm; and a secondary lock member for preventing unintended disengagement of the lock mechanism.
US07931289B2
The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post.
US07931288B1
A medical wheelchair includes a support frame, a front bracket pivotally connected with the support frame, a rear bracket pivotally connected with the support frame, a mounting bracket pivotally connected between the front bracket and the rear bracket, a seat unit mounted on the mounting bracket, and a drive mechanism mounted between the support frame and the mounting bracket to move the mounting bracket and to adjust the height of the seat unit. Thus, the support frame, the mounting bracket, the front bracket and the rear bracket form a parallelogram linkage, so that the mounting bracket is moved smoothly to prevent the seat unit from being vibrated during adjustment of the height of the seat unit. In addition, the drive mechanism provides a buffering effect to the mounting bracket so that the mounting bracket and the seat unit are moved smoothly and stably.
US07931283B2
An in-line skate frame assembly has a rigid frame and an elongate grinding insert releasably engaged with the frame. The frame and insert are secured together to the sole of a shoe or boot by frame bolts extending through upper portions of the frame and insert. The frame has spaced side walls with downwardly facing recessed regions in which the insert is mounted. The insert extends along a major portion of the length of the frame and has a downwardly facing, centrally located grinding surface which terminates short of the opposite ends of the insert. Different inserts with grinding surfaces of different shapes and lengths are releasably secured to the frame for performing alternative grinding maneuvers.
US07931275B1
The present invention features a poker game kit. The present invention also features a method of playing a poker game with a dealer and one, two, or three players. The present invention also features a method of playing a poker game with a dealer and four players.
US07931273B2
A discharge tray which needs to turn as a cover of an apparatus body opens and closes can be folded. When the cover is opened, the discharge tray is folded, and a wide installation area and a wide occupying area are not required. An image forming apparatus includes the apparatus body which forms an image on a recording paper sheet, an upper cover 130 which opens and closes the apparatus body, and a discharge tray 200 on which a sheet discharged from the apparatus body is stacked. The discharge tray is divided into a sheet stacking portion 133 and trays 210, 220 and 230 in a discharge direction of the recording paper sheet, and the discharge tray is provided over the apparatus body and the cover. The trays are turnably connected such that they can be folded as the upper cover opens and they can be extended as the upper cover closes.
US07931262B2
In an image forming device, images of originals up to an upper limit number of stapling are read (S1 to S5) and image data thereof are processed (S6 to S8). If a paper sensor has detected a subsequent original even when the number of pages of the read images reaches NS0 (S1, S2), a finisher discharges a bundle of printed papers without stapling. Consequently, the number of the printed papers included in the discharged bundle is made less than the upper limit number. In a case where the number of the printed papers sent to the finisher (S12, S13) is less than a set number NS1 (S15), the bundle is discharged without being stapled after the number of the printed papers reaches NS1 (S17).
US07931259B2
A sheet folding apparatus includes a sheet supporting member which has an inclined surface to support a stack of sheets, a sheet position adjuster which adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a sheet pressing unit which presses the stack of sheets from a lower side of the stack of sheets to an upper side of the stack of sheet, and a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets pressed by the sheet pressing unit.
US07931257B2
Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.
US07931254B2
The invention relates to a hoisting device for use at a wind turbine, in particular for use in a wind turbine nacelle, which hoisting device 1 comprises a reel 4, a drive motor 12, control means 14 and a hoisting line 6. The hoisting line is a rope, which comprises synthetic fiber material, e.g. a high-tech rope. Hereby it is achieved that the hoisting device can be provided in a compact form, compared with traditionally used hoisting means, since the synthetic rope used as a hoisting line is characterized in having a high tensile strength and a low weight, whereby a rope having a comparable low weight can be used for lifting the same load, for which traditionally a steel wire having a relatively large weight has been used. Further, since the weight of the rope itself is relatively small, a drive motor, gear etc. having reduced capacity, power etc., can be used as compared to a traditional hoist, thereby also aiding in reducing the size, weight, complexity, cost etc. of the hoisting device.
US07931241B2
A mount for securing a cable tie to a panel having a mounting aperture therethrough of a given expanse, the mount having a cable tie receiving and retaining passage therein, the mount having a relaxed state defining a first mount expanse larger than the given expanse and an unrelaxed state defining a second mount expanse not greater than the given expanse, the mount being insertable into and through the mounting aperture in the unrelaxed state thereof and thereupon assuming the relaxed state thereof and perimetrically closing the mounting aperture.
US07931236B2
The present application describes to a deflection device, for example, for a blunt stream body. The deflection device has an edge, which, for example, can be mounted to the stream body. In an advantageous manner, the deflection device allows an influencing of the slipstream in such a way that turbulences, which are connected with the slipstream and form downstream of blunt stream bodies, have as little influence as possible on the dragged object in order to avoid the formation of building-up motions of the dragged object, which lead to instabilities.
US07931235B2
The invention concerns a system for deicing the leading edge of a nose inlet cowl for a turbine engine. The invention is characterized in that one of the two elements formed by the pressurized hot air supply duct (6) and by the protective casing (15) is longitudinally rigid, while the other of said elements comprises at least two mutually nested parts adapted to slide sealingly relative to each other; and said two elements (6, 15) are, on one side, rigidly fixed to one of said partitions (5) of the structure box (10), while, on the other side, said two elements are rigidly linked to each other (in 18) and are adapted to slide jointly relative to a sliding bearing (17) provided in the other partition (16).
US07931234B2
An attachment system for attaching a tail unit to an attachment surface of an aircraft is disclosed. An attachment surface may be a fuselage, for example. In an arrangement, the attachment system includes a mounting with a first bearing surface that is capable of resting against the tail unit, and a second bearing surface that is capable of resting against the attachment surface. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, of which there is at least one, include a common line of contact. In the arrangement, the planes of the first bearing surface and of the second bearing surface are at an angle that differs from 0° and 180°.
US07931232B2
Rigid framework for aircraft engine mounting structure and engine mounting structure comprising same
A rigid structure of a suspension pylon for an aircraft engine, which is in a shape of a box closed by first and second box side panels. The structure includes inter-rib spaces, each space delimited by two directly consecutive box transverse ribs. For each inter-rib space forming part of a group including at least three arbitrary and directly consecutive inter-rib spaces, a single access opening is provided on the side panels, the openings arranged alternately on the first and second side panels.
US07931227B1
An apparatus for transporting, storing, and deploying multiple spools or reels of electrical wires or cable using a transportable caddy with functional features to facilitate the process of pulling multiple wires or cables is herein disclosed. The caddy comprises a cart with an attachable set of wheels, a handle, and support legs allowing the caddy to be easily moved and set in place at a work site in a vertical, horizontal, or angled position. When in use, the support legs hold the cart in an angular position during a wire or cable pulling operation. The cart also provides a shield for the wire spools from work site contaminants. Integral to the design are a series of steel rods, spacers, and locking features that allow for the quick interchange of wire or cable spools or reels.
US07931226B2
The rewinding machine includes a winding unit; a feed path of a web material; a separator device to sever the web material upon completion of winding each log; an insertion path of the winding cores towards the winding unit; a movable mechanical member to facilitate forming a first turn of web material around each winding core inserted in the insertion path.
US07931222B2
An agitator mill for treating free-flowing grinding stock has a grinding receptacle and an interior stator disposed therein. A rotatably drivable annular cylindrical rotor is disposed between the interior stator and the receptacle wall, with a grinding chamber being defined between said rotor and the receptacle wall. A grinding-stock discharge conduit is formed between the rotor and the interior stator (22) which is connected to the grinding chamber by means of a deflection conduit. Devices are provided for preventing the carry-over of auxiliary grinding bodies from the grinding chamber into the grinding-stock discharge conduit.
US07931218B2
A method for reducing particle size of a particulate comprising feeding a feed material to a grinding mill having a power of at least 500 kW, the mill having a specific power draw of at least 50 kW per cubic meter of grinding volume of the mill and the grinding mill including a grinding media comprising particulate material having a specific gravity of not less than 2.4 tons/m3 and a particle size falling in the range of from about 0.8 to 8 mm, grinding the feed material in the grinding mill and removing a product from the grinding mill, the product having a particle size range such that D80 of the product is at least about 20 microns.
US07931208B2
Provided is a system for user interaction with a computer system. The system includes a printed surface having visible graphical information indicating a user selectable operation, and coded data. The coded data has a plurality of marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern having a rotationally invariant structure and an orientation target structure. The system further includes an optical sensing device for capturing images of the coded data, and a processor for determining relative rotation of the coded data from the images.
US07931206B2
A wireless IC device includes a radiation plate, a feeding circuit substrate on which a feeding circuit including a resonant circuit including an inductance element is provided, the feeding circuit being electromagnetically coupled to the radiation plate, and a wireless IC chip including a connection electrode, the wireless IC chip being disposed on the feeding circuit substrate. A mounting electrode is provided on the feeding circuit substrate. The frequency of signals sent and received using the radiation plate substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The wireless IC chip is electromagnetically coupled to the mounting electrode.
US07931202B2
An electronic business and information card device having sound recording means and sound producing means operably connected to sound storing means, all disposed within a business-card sized housing. The device is battery powered and features three-button operation. Sound information may be pre-recorded. The device has a lockout means to prevent inadvertent erasure of pre-recorded information and to selectively permit recording of new sound information over previous sound information. The surfaces of the housing are provided with identifying information such as names, logos and contact information. Alternatively, the surfaces of the housing may be left blank for customization by intermediate- or end-users.
US07931185B2
The invention relates to a double shouldered welding device for the friction stir welding of parts, in which at least one shoulder has two concentric rings providing two plane concentric bearing surfaces, the rings being arranged so that the smaller-diameter ring is capable of compressing the stirred material of the parts to be welded during advance of the welding device and so that the larger-diameter ring is capable of forming a sink-in stop for the smaller-diameter ring. The invention also relates to a method of friction stir welding by means of the welding device according to the invention, in which said device is force-driven.
US07931180B2
A pneumatic nail gun includes a gun body, a connecting mechanism, an acting valve, a trigger, a safety valve, and a trigger valve. The gun body includes a safety compressed air inlet and a firing compressed air inlet. The connecting mechanism is slidably disposed on the gun body. The acting valve is connected to the connecting mechanism. The trigger is connected to the gun body. The safety valve is connected to the acting valve for allowing a safety compressed air coming from the compressed air source to drive the acting valve to move the connecting mechanism forwards when the trigger is pulled. The trigger valve releases a firing compressed air coming from the compressed air source to project at least one nail only when the trigger is pulled, a workpiece blocks the connecting mechanism, and the trigger opens the trigger valve.
US07931179B1
A holder for compound tray and tools that includes a flexible sheet assembly that is removably mounted to a belt positioned around a user's waist. The sheet assembly includes a number of pockets with magnets designed for holding tools inside. Reinforcement members are mounted to the upper and lower edges of the sheet assembly to hold the sheet assembly in an extended position yet there are no reinforcement members along the lateral edges to still permit some flexibility of the sheet assembly. A tray holder assembly is mounted to the reinforcement adjacent to the lower edge. A tray holder supporting assembly, like cords, keeps the tray holder in a substantially horizontal position. Magnetic elements that are mounted to the tray and tray holder cause the tray to come toward the tray holder providing stability to the structure. Locking members can also be removably mounted to the tray and tray holder assembly to keep them together.
US07931175B2
A nozzle (1) is disclosed for use in connection with the providing of a fluid material from a container, where the nozzle comprises a first nozzle base part (2), a nozzle tip part and a link (4) connecting the nozzle parts (2, 3). The link (4) has a first pivotal state and a second locked state when the link is under pressure by the material flow The link (4) has a first surface (8) and second surface (10), the surfaces being pivotally connected to each other, and where said surfaces (8, 10) are angled in relation to the longitudinal center axis of the nozzle. The invention also relates to a use of the nozzle (1).
US07931170B2
A pet waste bags dispenser includes a pouch body, a pouch cover, means for detachably attaching the front cover edge of the pouch cover on the front wall of the pouch body, and a bag dispenser, wherein the bag dispenser allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The pet waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the pouch body, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The pet waste bags dispenser further includes a pouch carrier for the pouch body to be carried around, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.
US07931168B2
A portable manway hinge device has a pair of elongated hinge members where each hinge member has a pair of longitudinally-aligned, elongated apertures, a support member slidably connected to each of the elongated apertures where the support member has a pin receiving end, and a linkage member pivotally connected to each of the pair of elongated hinge members.
US07931161B2
A wall mountable wire grid organizer rack assembly includes a support grid structure including a perimeter frame and a plurality of transverse support members connected with the perimeter frame. A plurality of accessories are removably connected with the support members, and at least one stretch removable adhesive strip is arranged between the support grid and the wall for securing the rack to the wall.
US07931160B2
A wall mountable shelf assembly includes an elongated support rail, at least one accessory slidably connected with the support rail, and at least one stretch releasing adhesive strip arranged between the support rail and the wall for securing the shelf assembly to the wall.
US07931159B2
A suspension display rack has a board, a rail, and multiple brackets. The board has a back-strip. The back strip has two first positioning holes. The rail is mounted on a front surface of the board and has an upper lug and a lower lug formed respectively on a top and a bottom of the rail. The brackets are mounted on the rail and each bracket has a bar engaging with the board, a holder (21) and a seat. When the board is mounted securely on a wall or a tool car, tools can connect to the seats of the brackets for positioning.
US07931157B1
Display bins for sheet goods which are easily assembled and disassembled are formed of bottom panels, front and rear display panels for holding sheet goods at suitable angles from the vertical for display. The front and rear display panels can be removably attached to both the bottom panel and at least two support brackets for use. All the components can be separated and stacked in a flat package for shipment or storage.
US07931156B2
A merchandise display system includes a base-and-divider assembly. The base-and-divider assembly includes a base portion adapted for operative coupling to a front rail, and a divider portion for dividing displayed merchandise into rows. The divider portion protrudes from the base portion such that the divider portion separates the base portion into a first portion and a second portion. A spring-urged pusher is mounted to a pusher track for pushing merchandise toward the front of a shelf. A retaining wall curves inwardly from a front edge of the divider portion along at least a portion of the first portion.
US07931155B2
A dishwasher including a basket having a holder whose position may be easily changed using a lever from an active state to a passive state, by folding ergonomically, so that different kinds of kitchenware may be washed, such as saucepans, pans, etc. or plates, glasses, etc. The active position of the holder is utilized to hold such kitchenware such as plates, glasses etc. at right or certain inclined angles in order for the mentioned type of kitchenware to be washed easily at the lower and upper basket.
US07931154B2
A process for manufacturing of an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, comprising the steps of extruding a polymer solution through the outer ring slit of a hollow fiber spinning nozzle, simultaneously extruding a center fluid through the inner bore of the hollow fiber spinning nozzle, into a precipitation bath, whereby the polymer solution contains 10 to 26 wt-% of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) or polyarylethersulfone (PAES), 8 to 15 wt-% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 60 to 80 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP), the center fluid contains 60 to 70 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 30 to 40 wt-% water, and the precipitation bath contains 70 to 82 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 18 to 30 wt-% water.
US07931151B2
A suspension packaging system can include a foldable member configured to form a cavity as well as a suspension device for suspending an article to be packaged within the cavity. The suspension portion can include foldable portions configured to cooperate with a retention member having pockets. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. The entire device, with the exception of the retention member, can be made from a single piece of material, such as corrugated cardboard, which thus reduces waste and simplifies bulk distribution of such a suspension packaging system.
US07931148B2
A clamshell package for supporting an article is provided including a covered manufacturing hinge adapted to divide the clamshell into first and second parts adapted to form a cavity. The first and second parts partially overlap to form a flange adjacent the manufacturing hinge. The second part includes an uncovered operating hinge, about which the second part is adapted to pivot away from the first part to an open position. The clamshell package includes a panel adapted to engage the manufacturing hinge and flange to retain the manufacturing hinge in a folded position, with the panel being spaced from the operating hinge.
US07931147B2
The present invention generally relates to a package which allows a product to be displayed. In one embodiment, the package of the present invention can stand alone independently on an integrated cardboard base or can be hung from a bracket or shelf as a point of sale display. In another embodiment, the package of the present invention is able to be separated into its component parts so that such parts can be, if so required, independently recycled. In still another embodiment, due to its ability to be separated the package of the present invention can comprise various components formed from dissimilar materials (e.g., paper and plastic).
US07931145B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a cassette comprising a top plate, a base plate, a plurality of posts arranged between the top plate and the base plate and defining an operation space, a securing device comprising a stop mechanism and a clamping mechanism and arranged along with one post. The stop mechanism comprises a stop projection provided on an outer side of the one of posts, a stop bar parallel to the one post and slidable disposed through the stop projection, and a stop block disposed on a side of the stop bar. A lower end of the stop bar extends beyond a plane of the base plate when the stop block is bearing against an upper surface of the stop projection. The clamping mechanism comprises a first connection part with a rotation shaft in a middle portion of the first connection part being fixed to the one post and with one end connected with the stop bar in a transmission way, and a securing portion, which connects with the other end of the first connection part and is driven by the first connection part to move horizontally with respect to the one post when an up-and-down movement of the stop bar leads to rotation of the first connection part.
US07931139B2
A pasteurizer with a conveyor belt for transporting the goods to be pasteurized, the conveyor belt having an endless structure 39 comprising several metal bodies 13, 22, and several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, comprising an endless structure having several metal bodies, with several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, the conveyor belt 3 comprising several identical modules 29 in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction, each module 29 having several identical bodies in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction.
US07931137B2
A case turner comprising a powered roller conveyor with a bump turn and a tapered roller just downstream of the bump turn to assist in turning cases completely 90°. The larger diameter of the tapered roller is on the opposite side of the conveyor from the bump turn.
