US07953289B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a storage module, a calculator, a converter, and a filter. The storage module stores a filter coefficient corresponding to a first feature value indicating an image structure of a first pixel block of a predetermined size comprising a plurality of pixels. The calculator calculates a second feature value indicating an image structure of a second pixel block comprising a target pixel to be processed and pixels surrounding the target pixel in an input image. The second pixel block is larger than the first pixel block. The converter converts the second feature value to the first feature value indicating the image structure corresponding to the first pixel block with the target pixel at the center. The filter performs filtering on the first pixel block with the target pixel at the center using the filter coefficient.
US07953287B2
A method of blurring an image includes acquiring two images of nominally a same scene taken at a different light exposure levels. At least one region of one of the images includes pixels having saturated intensity values. For at least one of the saturated pixels, values are extrapolated from the other image. At least a portion of a third image is blurred and re-scaled including pixels having the extrapolated values.
US07953281B2
A transcoding method and apparatus designed to reduce, with a high picture quality, the computation processing volume required for transcoding are provided. A recording and reproduction apparatus 100 includes an encoder 101, a transcoder 102, an intermediate information storage memory 105, a stream storage memory 106, a compression expansion means 107, an input image storage memory 108, and a user interface 110. When performing encoding in an encoder 104 with a second compressive encoding method, the intermediate information is read from the intermediate information storage memory 105, processed into a utilizable format, and utilized during encoding with the second compressive encoding method.
US07953270B2
Methods and arrangements for identifying content, and employing such identification, are detailed. One method embeds a plural-bit digital watermark into content, but first checks to see if the content is previously watermarked. Another method applies a digital watermark detection procedure to only a sub-portion of a digital content item. Yet another arrangement involves plural-portion content, where one portion is watermarked with first data governing its rights management, and another portion is watermarked with second data governing its rights management. Still another method concerns distribution of content items, where each is watermarked with a unique ID as part of the distribution process. Yet another method concerns deriving an identifier from content, and using the content to access related metadata from a remote computer system. Still other methods concern arrangements for recognizing content, and then providing links to information about the content creator, etc., in response. A variety of other technologies and improvements are also detailed.
US07953267B2
There is described a method for a periodic and three-dimensional representation of a periodically variable structure. A number of rotation images is generated for this purpose. The required rotations relating to the same event of the periodic process are started at intervals offset by a defined angle. From the rotation images, new image series are assembled with which three-dimensional representations relating to different phase ranges of the period are reconstructed.
US07953252B2
A digital image acquisition device is for acquiring digital images including one or more preview images. A face detector analyzes the one or more preview images to ascertain information relating to candidate face regions therein. A speed-optimized filter produces a first set of candidate red-eye regions based on the candidate face region information provided by the face detector.
US07953249B2
This invention provides an improved method for evaluating the quality of images using a test Skr-matrix system. The index k refers to the fractal level in an Skr-matrix, having matrices themselves as elements. The index r≦k refers to the Kronecker sub-level to which a typical internal sum structure is present. Skr-matrices can be explained in terms of cognition numbers, basic components, eigenvalues and sine-like eigenvectors. Skr-matrices also form vector spaces in which matrix distances can be properly calculated. The image Skr-quality parameters are derived from an intermediate quasi-Skr-matrix and its best-Skr-approximation in relation to a theoretical reference Skr-matrix. Useful applications are in the field of analogue and digital cameras, scanners, vision sensors, monitors, printers, spectrophotometers, infrared cameras, copying machines, TV-screens, GPS screens, X-rays, Gamma rays, Laser rays, or every other component in the image production and image handling field.
US07953248B2
A true/false determining apparatus that can determine the genuineness of a material with high accuracy. Coherent light is radiated onto a surface of an object. Reflected light of the coherent light reflected by the object detecting unit is detected. A part to be used as a pattern sample from intensity distribution of the reflected light detected by the detecting unit is selected. Pattern data is generated from the intensity distribution of the reflected light in selected the part. The generated pattern data is matched against reference pattern data.
US07953244B2
A system integrating machine vision, interactive module and rehabilitation equipment primarily comprises a rehabilitation equipment, at least one image-capture device for continuously capturing images of specific limbs or a trunk of a user operating the rehabilitation equipment so as to generate digital image data, and a machine vision recognition unit for processing the digital image data into characteristic image data that can be analyzed and applied by a host computer belonging to the machine vision recognition unit. Then, the host computer can transform the characteristic image data into direction signals and velocity signals with respect to movements of the user's limbs and trunk and afterward output the signals to an interactive module.
US07953236B2
An audio user interface (UI) for comparing and selecting audio streams is presented. In general, the present invention allows a user to preview and navigate among multiple audio streams (audio sources) using three dimensional (3D) positional audio techniques to position the various sources in an audio field programmatically in such a way as to fool the brain into thinking the sound is located at a particular location in the space surrounding the user. When the user selects a preview mode, the various streams are placed in the space in a carousel-like manner. The user can move the sources forward or backward. As this is done, other audio streams can be added and dropped. Selecting a sound source will cause it to fill the audio field and the other sources will then cease to play.
US07953230B2
A method and system for processing of physiological signals is provided. The system processes information signals in subband-domain associated with the physiological signals in time-domain. The information signals are obtained by one or more over-sampled filterbanks. The method and system possibly synthesizes the subband signals obtained by subband processing. The method and system may implement the analysis, subband processing, and synthesis algorithms on over-sampled filterbanks, which are implemented on ultra low-power, small size, and low-cost platform in real-time. The method and system may use over-sampled, Weighted-Overlap Add (WOLA) filterbanks.
US07953214B2
Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device. The call screening device may thus switch between allowing all incoming calls to ring through except those specifically designated to be blocked and screening all incoming calls except those specifically designated to be permitted to ring through. One or more override codes entered in a touch-tone keypad by the calling party may permit an incoming call to ring through despite an active screening mode.
US07953204B2
Method and systems are disclosed for radiating a moving target inside a heart. The method includes acquiring sequential volumetric representations of an area of the heart and defining a target tissue region and/or a radiation sensitive structure region in 3D for a first of the representations. The target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region are identified for another of the representations by an analysis of the area of the heart from the first representation and the other representation. Radiation beams to the target tissue region are fired in response to the identified target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region from the other representation.
US07953200B2
A method for controlling an output phase of a phase interpolator, by forming an M bit control word, designating N bits of the control word as a fractional number portion, designating M-N bits of the control word as a whole number portion, adjusting a phase jump of the phase interpolator at a designated clock cycle by a first number of phases as designated by the whole number portion plus a second number of phases as designated by the fractional number portion. The designated clock cycle can be identified by numbering clock cycles with a count value from counter having a repeating period of 2N, and for each clock cycle identified by a multiple of the count value of 2k within the repeating period, where k is a bit-wise position within the fractional number portion having a value of 0≦k≦N-1, the second number of phases can equal a binary value of the fractional number portion at the kth position, for any k.
US07953197B2
There is provided a mobile station device capable of effectively performing interference suppression symbol synthesis while suppressing the lowering of the transfer rate when using the repetition technique in multi-carrier communication. In the mobile station device (100), when the interference level exceeds a threshold value, a switching control unit (110) controls a switch (109) to connect a P/S unit (106) to a weight multiplication unit (113) and controls a switch (111) to connect a channel estimation unit (108) to a weight calculation unit (112). The weight calculation unit (112) calculates an interference suppression weight based on MMSE from a pilot symbol and a channel estimation value. The weight multiplication unit (113) multiplies a data symbol by the interference suppression weight. A synthesis unit (114) synthesizes the data symbol multiplied by the interference suppression weight in repetition unit.
US07953194B2
A system, method, and apparatus for handling transition errors is presented herein. The transition errors include handling unreported time base discontinuities during trick mode transition, miscalculated time stamps during trick mode transition, erroneous sequence end codes, and unreported broken group of picture transmission. Unreported time base discontinuities are detected by comparing the program clock reference (PCR) value of the data packet to the system time clock (STC). If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the STC is set to the PCR value. Miscalculated time stamps are detected by examining the difference in PTS values between temporally adjacent data packets. If the difference is not within a margin of error from predetermined value, the PTS is disabled. Unreported broken groups of pictures are handled by skipping the first two B-frames of the first group of pictures following a trick mode transition. Erroneous sequence end codes are detected by determining whether a packet containing a sequence end code is associated with a time base change. If the packet is not associated with a time base change, the sequence end code is disregarded.
US07953191B2
The gain control method for the RF and IF amplification stages of a bursty data frame reception system enables, following a step for evaluating the received signal strength, the gain adjustment step of the RF amplification stage to be temporarily deferred until a frame structure symbol is received, during which the gain adjustment step of the IF amplification stage takes place simultaneously with that of the RF gain, while retaining an overall gain linearly dependent on the input signal strength. The corresponding device comprises a control element 46 which generates the control signal for the RF and IF gain amplifiers
US07953189B2
When a correlation judging circuit judges that the correlation degree between r pulses in a reception signal and a generated substantially the same template as the r pulses is small, a pulse number adjusting circuit outputs a pulse number signal representing s pulses in place of the r pulses, and a template generating circuit generates the substantially the same template as the s pulses, whereby the correlation judging circuit judges the correlation degree between the r pulses in the reception signal and the generated substantially the same template as the s pulses. Accordingly, even when a confronted transmitter changes the number of pulses contained in a reception signal, synchronization capture of the reception signal can be established.
US07953184B2
There are provided a direct sampling type wireless receiver and a method using the same that reduce nonlinearity and DC offset by using a multi-port network and a carrier frequency direct conversion method with a low sampling rate of a direct sampling method in a wireless communication receiver. A direct sampling type wireless receiver according to an aspect of the invention includes: a reference signal generation unit supplying a first reference signal having a predetermined frequency and a second reference signal having a higher frequency than the first reference signal; a down sampling unit sampling an input RF signal according to the first reference signal; an analog-to-digital converting unit converting the signal sampled by the down sampling unit into a digital signal according to the second reference signal; and a multiple-input multiple-output port unit dividing the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converting unit into a plurality of digital signals, generating a plurality of carrier signals having different phases from each other by shifting phases of the digital signals, and outputting a plurality of phase signals having different phases from each other by adding the plurality of carrier signals and the plurality of digital signals to each other.
US07953181B2
A MIMO transmitting apparatus wherein a low power consumption and a high performance can be achieved by taking the influence of variation in communication distance into account. In this apparatus, a low power consumption design part (701) selectively decides, based on the distance from the other end of communication, whether to perform a pre-coding. When deciding to perform the pre-coding, the low power consumption design part (701) instructs a modulating part (702) to perform a low-order QAM modulation, while instructing a pre-coding part (703) to perform a pre-coding. When instructed to perform a low-order QAM modulation, the modulating part (702) uses a low-order QAM modulation scheme to modulate an input information bit sequence. When instructed to perform a pre-coding, the pre-coding part (703) uses a pre-coding matrix to pre-process the input information bit sequence.
US07953171B2
Training symbol formats are provided for use in a MIMO based wireless communication system that uses adaptive power loading. In at least one embodiment, power loading information is used to calibrate constellation points for user data.
US07953161B2
Presented herein are inverse quantization and transform system(s) and method(s). In one embodiment, there is presented a method for deblocking. The method comprises reconstructing a macroblock, said macroblock comprising four blocks; and completing deblocking of a first one of the four blocks, with blocks from three neighboring blocks.
US07953159B2
There is provided a receiving apparatus configured to extract particular information from multiple pieces of information included in a received signal, the receiving apparatus including: an extraction condition storage circuit 21 configured to store a first extraction condition for detecting a particular data pattern which identifies the particular information and a second extraction condition for supplementing the first extraction condition; a grouping circuit 22 configured to divide and collect the first extraction condition based on the second extraction condition to output multiple group extraction conditions; and determination circuit 23 configured to determine whether or not the data patterns of the multiple pieces of information satisfy the multiple group extraction conditions.
US07953158B2
A method including providing a stream of content to a processor, transforming kernels within the stream of content through affine modeling, transforming the affine modeled kernels, stream contracting kernel processes, and stream blocking the kernel processes.
US07953155B2
Information needed to generate an encoded version of a matrix of j transform coefficients c0 . . . cj−1 representing a block of digital video data is determined by forming a numerical signature σ of the matrix and looking up a value for the information needed in an array employing the signature σ as an index to the array.
US07953149B2
A multi-scanner scans a signal according to several different patterns. A scanning pattern selector determines which scanning pattern produced the most efficient coding result, for example, for runlength coding, and outputs a coded signal, coded most efficiently, and a selection signal which identifies the scanning pattern found to be most efficient.
US07953142B2
A variable code-tracking loop filter in a receiver having the ability to change its parameters multiple times in response to received signals. Parameters for the code-tracking loop filter may be varied based on phase and frequency errors from an error detector. In one implementation, the code-tracking loop filter is able to repeatedly vary a single parameter, such as its received bandwidth, based on the phase and frequency errors, while in another, the code-tracking loop filter may vary two or more parameters, such as the loop bandwidth and the natural frequency.
US07953139B2
A code division multiple access communication system transmits a pilot and traffic signal over a shared spectrum. The pilot and traffic signal have an associated code and are received over the shared spectrum. The received signals are sampled and the samples are delayed to produce a window. A weighted value for each despread pilot code window sample is determined using an adaptive algorithm. Each window sample is despread with a traffic code. Each despread traffic code window sample is weighted according to a weight corresponding to its respective pilot code sample.
US07953138B2
A method and system for processing communication signals is provided and may comprise, quantizing a channel estimate at a MIMO receiver onto a codebook based on a cost function, wherein the codebook comprises a plurality of unitary matrices. A codebook index may be fed back from the MIMO receiver to a MIMO transmitter, wherein the codebook index is associated with one of the plurality of unitary matrices that minimizes the cost function. The cost function may be minimized by choosing a smallest scalar cost from a plurality of scalar costs, wherein each one of the scalar costs is generated from one or more sums and one or more products of elements of a product matrix, and wherein the product matrix is generated from one of the plurality of unitary matrices, a matrix comprising the channel estimate, and their respective Hermitian Transposes.
US07953136B2
According to the present invention, there is provided a transmission circuit transmitting a power signal using frequency hopping system from an antenna connected to the transmission circuit through a transmission path, the transmission circuit including: a controller outputting an amplitude set value for each hopping frequency of the power signal before being transmitted according to power level of the power signal at the antenna; a pre-driver controlling the amplitude of the power signal before being transmitted for each hopping frequency according to the amplitude set value; and a power amplifier outputting the power signal to the transmission path according to the signal output from the pre-driver.
US07953134B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a substrate, a first cladding layer over the substrate, an active region on the first cladding layer, and a second cladding layer on the active region, wherein the active region includes a first type barrier layer that is doped and a second type barrier layer that is undoped, the first type barrier layer being closer to the first cladding layer than the second type barrier layer.
US07953133B2
A two terminal semiconductor device for producing light emission in response to electrical signals, includes: a terminal-less semiconductor base region disposed between a semiconductor emitter region and a semiconductor collector region having a tunnel junction adjacent the base region; the base region having a region therein exhibiting quantum size effects; an emitter terminal and a collector terminal respectively coupled with the emitter region and the collector region; whereby application of the electrical signals with respect to the emitter and collector terminals, causes light emission from the base region. Application of the electrical signals is operative to reverse bias the tunnel junction. Holes generated at the tunnel junction recombine in the base region with electrons flowing into the base region, resulting in the light emission. The region exhibiting quantum size effects is operative to aid recombination.
US07953125B2
A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) is partitioned into Line Cards, I/O Cards, and a midplane to provide enhanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability. Each I/O Card provides a cabling interface for coupling an assigned Line Card to other portions of a Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Network. A plurality of RF signals is coupled via connectors between each Line Card and a corresponding I/O Card, via the midplane. This permits a Line Card to be removed for servicing without requiring recabling of the corresponding I/O Card. Preferably, a rectangular-multi-pin collinear connector-cascade (Line Card jack, midplane double-plug, and I/O Card jack) is used to couple the plurality of RF signals. The connector-cascade is configured with protective RF ground pins adjacent and surrounding each of a plurality of RF signal pins. This approach permits each Line Card to be removed or inserted in a single action, without attention to individual RF interconnects, yet meets all system RF requirements while using relatively inexpensive connectors. The I/O Cards preferably include a distributed backup bus that permits one of the Line Cards in the CMTS to serve as a designated backup. The backup bus enables assignment of the designated backup Line Card to the I/O Card associated with a failing Line Card, without requiring recabling of any I/O Card. In conjunction with a signal processing architecture that permits dynamically programmable channel assignments, the backup bus facilitates rapid and fully automated failover. The Line Cards are preferably further partitioned into easily replaceable sections, including IF-to-RF and signal processing modules.
US07953118B2
Aspects of the present invention are directed at establishing a multimedia network session in which the transmission of media streams is synchronized. In one embodiment, a method is provided for synchronizing incoming audio and video streams. The method includes establishing a communication channel between a first computing device that is receiving an incoming audio stream with the second computing device that is receiving an incoming video stream. Once the communication channel is established, the current network conditions that describe attributes of the incoming audio stream are obtained by the first computing device. Then, the delay in the incoming audio stream is calculated. When the delay is known, the method causes the incoming video stream to be delayed to match the delay in the incoming audio stream.
US07953116B2
The invention features a method and apparatus for receiving a data package, the data package being digital data embedding a plurality of documents and a manifest that includes one or more pairs of identifiers. Each pair comprises an alias-source identifier and an alias-destination identifier, and each alias-destination identifier points to a dynamic content resource within the data package. A target identifier is received in a request to perform an operation with the target identifier as an operand and, if the target identifier matches any of the alias-source identifiers in the one or more pairs of identifiers, the alias-destination identifier paired with the matching alias-source identifier is used instead of the target identifier in performing the operation.
US07953115B2
When a transmission rate of each of lines that transmit data simultaneously between two STAs by using a plurality of radio channels and/or MIMO can be set independently, one data frame is fragmented in accordance with the transmission rates of the respective lines so as to generate a plurality of data packets having the same packet time length and data sizes equal to or smaller than a maximum data size. Those data packets are transmitted simultaneously by using a plurality of radio channels, or one radio channel and MIMO, or a plurality of radio channels and MIMO.
US07953107B2
A system and a method for the use of services within at least one communication network with internet mechanisms and at least one automation system, as well as a service access unit to connect an automation system to a communication network. A system is proposed for the improved use of services within at least one communication network with internet mechanisms and at least one automation system, with components of the automation system being coupled together by a conventional field bus, with a service access unit being provided to connect the conventional field bus to the communication network, with the service access unit being provided as client for the services provided in the communication network and with the service access unit having a transformation unit, provided to adapt a first communication protocol of the services to a second communication protocol of the field bus.
US07953106B2
In a transmission apparatus of a Gigabit Ethernet signal, in order to improve line efficiency, time division multiplexing is used. Further, if it is possible to branch/insert plural multiplexed Gigabit Ethernet signals at arbitrary nodes, it is possible to construct a more flexible network. For this reason, importance of a time division multiplexing apparatus having a function of branching/inserting Gigabit Ethernet signals is growing. A Gigabit Ethernet signal is monitored at the previous and subsequent stages of a cross connect unit, IFGs are inserted to the signal and switching is waited. If a signal state at the cross connection unit is an IFG, transmission path switching is performed, thereby performing transmission path switching without instantaneous interruption.
US07953100B2
A network service access gateway is described that provides a pluggable state management architecture for storing state information. The gateway typically processes requests between entities such as external applications and subscriber mobile devices. In processing data, the gateway can implement multiple storage providers which are selected according to the data access requirements of the specific request. Each storage provider can implement a different caching or data management technique in order to provide access to the required information. Examples of the storage providers include in-memory only caches, write-through disk based storage provider, write-behind disk based storage provider and non-cached disk-based storage provider. The particular storage provider can be selected based on a configuration file and according to the traffic path associated with the request.
US07953096B2
A communication system includes a source PNNI node. The system includes a destination PNNI node. The system includes a network having logical group nodes representing peer groups through which the source node and the destination node communicate by establishing an SPVC using a DTL which identifies the group nodes representing the peer groups with only a partial node ID. A method for communicating includes the steps of forming a DTL which identifies logical group nodes representing peer groups with only a partial node ID. There is the step of establishing an SPVC using the DTL through which a source PNNI node and a destination PNNI node of a network communicate.
US07953085B2
In a multinode data processing system in which nodes exchange information over a network or through a switch, the mechanism which enables out-of-order data transfer via Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) also provides a corresponding ability to carry out broadcast operations, multicast operations, third party operations and conditional RDMA operations. In a broadcast operation a source node transfers data packets in RDMA fashion to a plurality of destination nodes. Multicast operation works similarly except that distribution is selective. In third party operations a single central node in a cluster or network manages the transfer of data in RDMA fashion between other nodes or creates a mechanism for allowing a directed distribution of data between nodes. In conditional operation mode the transfer of data is conditioned upon one or more events occurring in either the source node or in the destination node.
US07953084B2
A method is provided for distributing multicast channels from a multicast/predictive multicast cache located in at least one selected network device of a multicast network. The network device upon receiving a channel request from an end-user transmits the requested channel from the multicast cache if the requested channel is available in the multicast cache. Else, the network device requests the multicast source for the requested channel along with a group of one or more multicast channels centered at the requested channel. The network device transmits only the requested channel and other channels are cached in the multicast cache on the network device. Upon receiving a request for removing a channel the network device caches the channel for a prescribed duration before evicting the channel.
US07953083B1
A multicast query propagation scheme for a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is provided. A number of first level (L1) peer nodes are associated with a second level (L2) peer node to form an L1 peer group. The L2 peer node operates as a super peer node for the L1 peer group and allocates two Source-Specific Multicast (SSM) channels operating as a control and query channel for the L1 peer group. Similarly, a number of other L1 peer groups are formed. An L2 peer group is formed by a third level (L3) peer node and the L2 peer nodes. The L3 peer node operates as a super peer node for the L3 peer group and allocates two SSM channels operating as a control and query channel for the L2 peer group. Using the control and query channels of the L1 and L2 peer groups, queries are propagated throughout the P2P network.
US07953071B2
An outlet for a LAN, containing an integrated adapter that converts digital data to and from analog video signals, allowing the use of analog video units in a digital data network or telephone line-based data networking system, eliminating the need for digital video units or external adapter. The outlet may include a hub for connecting an analog video signal via an adapter, and retaining the data network connection. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the analog video adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular telephone service, analog video connectivity, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet would have a standard telephone jack, an analog video jack and at least one data networking jack. Such outlet can be used to retrofit existing LAN and telephone wiring, and original equipment in new installations.
US07953069B2
An audio and/or visual transmission quality device estimates transmission quality as perceived by a user based on observation and processing of objective metrics. The device preferably includes a primary integrator to generate an instantaneous estimate of user annoyance based on occurrence of frame loss events in a received signal. The device further preferably includes secondary integrators to process the instantaneous estimate of user annoyance in selected time intervals and generate a plurality of time-varying estimates of user annoyance valid over the selected time intervals. The device may further include a plurality of scaling modules to scale the plurality of time-varying estimates and generate a corresponding plurality of estimates of transmission quality as perceived by the user. The device may further include a modulation network to modify a sensitivity of the primary integrator to the occurrence of frame loss events in the received signal.
US07953068B2
A method of transporting image or video information between end user terminals via a packet switched network whilst a circuit switched connection is established between the end users includes establishing a circuit switched connection between a plurality of end user terminals for carrying voice traffic. The method also includes using the. Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) to encapsulate image or video information transmitted between end user terminals via a packet switched network, where MSRP related traffic is routed between said end user terminals via one or more MSRP enabled nodes. Additionally, the method includes installing service policies into the or at least one MSRP node from a session initiation protocol (SIP) application server (AS) located in the control-plane of an IMS network and checking multimedia service requests against the installed policies to control end user terminal access to certain packet based services.
US07953067B2
A method, a network apparatus, and a tangible machine-medium thereof for detecting a looping network packet are provided. A receiving module receives a network packet. A memory stores a routing table comprising an address related variable, a sequence number related variable and a radius related variable. A determining module determines whether the network packet is a looping network packet by comparing the parameters of the routing table with those of the network packet. With these arrangements, the routing loop caused by transmission of the network packets can be detected using current network structures.
US07953065B2
A point to multipoint device for use in a wireless network to provide wireless communication with a plurality of telecommunications units is described, for communication from the point to multipoint device to the telecommunications units, the point to multipoint device being operable to employ multiple sets of beams, at any point in time one set being used. The point to multipoint device comprises beam set generation logic for generating the multiple sets of beams arranged into one or more groups, each group comprising one beam from each set. Within each group the beams of that group are orthogonal with respect to each other, and each beam within each set is generated randomly with respect to other beams in that set. An interface is provided for receiving a synchronization signal issued to all point to multipoint devices in the wireless network.
US07953055B2
A multi-channel Media Access Control (MAC) method and apparatus for a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) device with a single radio interface are provided. The multi-channel MAC method includes sensing a common channel when a channel coordination window starts from a start point of a window repeating at regular periods, allocating at least two devices to a destination channel for the started channel coordination window using a channel utilization vector indicating use/nonuse for each of multiple channels, and transceiving a frame over the allocated destination channel.
US07953054B2
A communication system and method for enhancing the effectiveness of wireless and wired systems. The communication system comprising a communication management system performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamic addressing of communication devices within the network of communication devices with an extended caller identification system to become a true unified communications system.
US07953050B2
A relay transmission method and apparatus are provided. The method includes: configuring a subframe of a Time Division Duplex (TDD) relay frame for a subframe of relay link (S201), where the configuring the subframe of the TDD relay frame for the subframe of relay link includes: configuring a downlink (DL) subframe of the TDD relay frame for a DL subframe of relay link, and/or configuring the DL subframe of the TDD relay frame for an uplink (UL) subframe of relay link, and/or configuring a UL subframe of the TDD relay frame for the UL subframe of relay link; and performing relay transmission according to the subframe of relay link (S202). When data is transmitted, a subframe that can be used for relay link transmission is configured, data transmission performed by using relay link complies with inherent constraints of a TDD frame structure in the prior art.
US07953049B2
Receiver resources are allocated based on how subframes are allocated within in a frame between downlink and uplink transmissions and how often the receiver is expected to report feedback information associated with the downlink transmissions. Additional time is available for processing received data blocks if the feedback information derived from those blocks must be reported later than expected due to the unavailability of uplink subframes. According to one embodiment, received signals are processed by receiving transmission configuration information indicating how downlink and uplink subframes are allocated within a frame in the time domain. Based on the transmission configuration information, the receiver determines whether a delay that exceeds a feedback reporting interval assigned to the receiver will occur when reporting feedback information associated with the downlink subframes. Receiver resources are allocated based on whether a delay will occur when reporting the feedback information.
US07953037B2
The invention provides an electronic device for acquisition of a dummy paging message. In an embodiment, the electronic device comprises a dummy pattern generator, a receiver, and a paging channel handler. The dummy pattern generator provides a first artificial pattern according to a previously received result corresponding to a dummy paging message. The receiver receives a first burst for a paging message. The paging channel handler controls the receiver to recover a first data content for the paging message according to the first burst and the first artificial pattern, determines whether the first data content represents a dummy paging message, and directs the receiver not to activate to receive remaining bursts for the paging message when the first data content represents a dummy paging message. The dummy paging message is employed for synchronization between a mobile station comprising the electronic device, and a serving base station.
US07953033B2
First and second data is transmitted simultaneously by modulating a first set of signal constellation points, corresponding to the first data, with second data thereby creating a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points comprises two subsets corresponding to two values of the first data. The constellation points are selected such that the minimum distance between the first and second subsets is not less than the minimum distance between the constellation points of the first set of constellation points.
US07953030B2
A method and apparatus controls power consumption of stations having a hierarchical structure when the stations transmit and receive a wireless signal to and from one another on a CSMA/CA wireless LAN. The controlling involves extracting information on frame transmission speed and transmission period information on first and second layers of the hierarchical structure from the wireless signal; determining a power-controlled period for each of the first and second layers based on the extracted information; and reducing the power consumption of the first and second layers by switching a current mode of the first and second layers to a predetermined mode for the power-controlled period if a reception address included in the extracted information is not identical to an address of the station.
US07953013B2
A transmission apparatus and method updates a communication mode selection table that updates a communication mode selection table correctly and selects an optimal MCS according to an actual channel condition. A buffer temporarily stores calibration data to be transmitted for updating a table. A scheduler performs scheduling of data to be transmitted based on a CIR on a downlink reported from a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses. When there is no data to be transmitted, the scheduler sends calibration data from the buffer. When calibration data is transmitted as a result of the scheduling, the scheduler notifies an address information generation section of the communication terminal apparatus to which the calibration data is transmitted. In one mode, first data is transmitted from a first communication apparatus to another communication apparatus, the first communication apparatus receives from the other communication apparatus, information on an error rate when the other communication apparatus receives the first data; and the first communication apparatus transmits second data to the other communication apparatus based on a communication mode determined using the information on the error rate.
US07953009B2
In a vehicle communication method in which communication between a plurality of communication devices is performed and an amount of communication data sent from each communication device is changed, features are as follows. That is, if the amount of communication data sent from the first communication device is to be increased, the amount of communication data sent from the second communication device is decreased so that a total sum of the amounts of communication data sent from all the communication devices does not exceed a predetermined value.
US07953008B2
The present invention is directed to a network device, method and apparatus for processing data. The present invention includes at least one ingress module for performing switching functions on incoming data. The invention further includes a memory management unit (MMU) for storing the incoming data, and at least one egress module for transmitting the incoming data to at least one egress port. Further, in the present invention, the memory management unit further comprises a cell copy count pool (CCP) memory, wherein the CCP determines when a memory cell can be made available.
US07953006B2
For enabling multiple point-to-multipoint (PTM) services in a radio communication network system, when joining sessions relating to multiple PTM services is requested by a user equipment first, a first context between the user equipment and network elements providing the multiple PTM services is created, wherein the first context relates to signaling, and when activation of one of the sessions for which the first context has been created is requested by the user equipment first, a second context between the user equipment and network elements providing an PTM service of the multiple PTM services is created, to which PTM service the session relates, wherein the second context relates to user data of the PTM service.
US07953004B2
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related node for outputting packets from a playout buffer in a node in a packet-switched network including one or more of the following: configuring a Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) pseudowire terminating at the node; receiving a plurality of fixed-length packets transmitted over the TDM pseudowire; adding the plurality of fixed-length packets to the playout buffer such that the playout buffer reaches a current fill level; inserting at least one dummy packet into the playout buffer, wherein a total length of the at least one dummy packet is equal to a target fill level of the playout buffer minus the current fill level and the target fill level represents a minimum fill level required before output of packets from the playout buffer; and outputting the plurality of fixed-length packets and the at least one dummy packet from the playout buffer.
US07952997B2
A scalable solution to managing congestion in a network is disclosed. In one implementation, such a solution comprises a means for managing traffic including at least one flow monitor and a plurality of flow control regulators that together manage congestion within a network. Each of the flow control regulators monitor traffic at a corresponding ingress point and determine a state of the ingress point corresponding to the traffic monitored at the ingress point. Each flow control regulators forward the state (or information representative of the state) to the flow monitor. The flow monitor detects congestion based upon the states of the flow control regulators and, in the event of congestion, determines a target bandwidth for the ingress points. The flow monitor provides a control signal to at least one of the flow control regulators, and at least one of the flow control regulators control flows at its corresponding ingress point based upon the control signal received from the flow monitor.
US07952992B1
In a media gateway, a single RTM is placed in bi-directional communication with a active TPM and also in bi-directional communication with a backup TPM. This is accomplished in part by implementation of a signaling and control bus interface between the LIU/Framer hardware of the RTM and the control processing unit (CPU) of the TPM. This interface provides for arbitration between multiple control sources, and for snooping of the input connection state and signaling information between the LIU/Framer and any other control entity. The interface also prevents contention by multiple control sources driving signal information to the LIU/Framer device.
US07952986B2
A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
US07952984B2
An optical recording medium and a method of recording and reproducing of the optical recording medium are provided, which are capable of recording and reproducing data with reliability even when blue or blue violet laser light is used as irradiation light. The optical recording medium has a recording layer in which a recording mark composed of a plurality of cavities is formed by irradiation of the laser light. The recording layer is configured so that, in a plan view taken in a direction of irradiation of the laser light, cavities lying in an area of the center and its vicinities of the recording mark, out of the plurality of cavities, include cavities greater than ones lying around the area.
US07952982B2
A data storage medium includes a piezoelectric film (101) having a surface (111) including a halogen. In one embodiment, the halogen exists in an atomic concentration of at least approximately 10 percent. The result is a hydrophobic surface conducive to long-lasting scanning probe tips, low contamination, and stable surface charge. A data storage device incorporating the data storage medium includes an enclosure (205) containing the data storage medium and an adjacent scanning probe (230) wherein the enclosure has a relative humidity of at least approximately 40 percent and at least a portion of the scanning probe is coated with a layer of water.
US07952981B2
A semiconductor laser device has a cathode grounded and an anode connected to a collector of a transistor. The transistor has an emitter grounded and a base connected to a first external terminal via a first resistor. A digital transistor has a collector connected to the base of the transistor, an emitter grounded, and a base connected to a second external terminal via a resistor. When a voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined first voltage is applied to the base of the transistor, the transistor is put into a conducting state, and the semiconductor laser device is grounded via the transistor and thereby protected from static electricity and leak current.
US07952969B2
The present invention discloses read and write power control methods and system for an optical recording device that records information on an optical disk having read-only areas. The read and write power control methods respectively introduce the steps of determining a specific level of a former power control signal output based on a former power control, and then according to the specific level, setting a predetermined level of a power control signal to induce a present power control for rapidly outputting a proper power of the pick-up head. Accordingly, the level transition of the read/write power control signal can be shortened and even eliminated. An unstable read/write power output for the pick-up head can be avoided.
US07952968B2
A method and apparatus for recording data on an optical disk calculates an optical power at a first recording speed, compares the calculated optical power to a predetermined value, and then determines whether to apply the first recording speed based on a result of the comparison. The optical power at the first recording speed is calculated based on a reference optical power and a measured optical power, and the predetermined value may correspond to the maximum allowable power of a laser pickup. The method and apparatus may be used to control the speeding, timing, and/power of a data recording operation, as well as to compensate for temperature variations and/or power margins of one or more circuits in an optical disk device.
US07952965B2
An optical pickup device such that the driving force of the drive unit provided on the same optical base as that of the objective lens exerts no adverse influence on controlling of the objective lens is provided. The optical pickup device 1 has an objective lens 11 that condenses laser light onto an optical disk 3, a first drive mechanism 15 that moves the objective lens 11 on the optical base 6, a second drive mechanism 8 that moves a movable member 9 different from the objective lens 11 on the optical base 6, first control means 27 that outputs a first driving signal TDS to operate the first drive mechanism 15, and second control means 25 that outputs a second driving signal EDS to operate the second drive mechanism 8. A derivative value of the second driving signal EDS is added to the first driving signal TDS and inputted to the first drive mechanism 15.
US07952963B2
Systems and methods for telescopic data compression in sensor networks are disclosed herein. An exemplary method of the disclosed subject matter for telescopically compressing data received from a plurality of sensors in a network adapted to detect a field includes broadcasting a first set of sampling positions to sensors, forming a first set of clusters of sensors based on the sampling positions, receiving data from the sensors contained within the clusters, performing local interpolation of the received data, reconstructing a representation of the field using the interpolated data, and determining areas of interest based on the reconstructed representation of the field.
US07952962B2
Directional microphone or microphones for position determination. One or multiple directional microphones are implemented in various locations to perform acoustic wave capture of acoustic waves associated with object (e.g., a player, a gaming object, a game controller, etc.). The generator of such acoustic waves may be co-located with the object (e.g., integrated into the object if the object is a device such as a gaming object, a game controller, etc., or integrated into clothing worn by a player such as on a hat, a jacket, etc.). The acoustic waves described herein may be generated by any number of means/devices including audio output devices, speakers, pulse wave generators, audio oscillators, etc. Moreover, such acoustic waves may be ultrasonic. A game module and/or processing module processes directional vectors associated with positions of the directional microphones when detecting relative maximum amplitude of an acoustic wave emits by an acoustic wave generator.
US07952960B2
The methods described herein are conceptually similar to classical migration/imaging for surface seismic data. However, instead of using computed (estimated) Green's functions in the imaging process, the instant invention utilizes measured (near-exact) Green's functions from VSP data to image the surface seismic data. Although the instant invention is best utilized where the velocity profile is approximately 1D (i.e., v(z)), the methods disclosed herein can also be extended to instances where there are some lateral velocity variations. Under these conditions, the instant invention allows for imaging surface seismic data and ‘self-imaging’ VSP data without first having to estimate a velocity model. The measurements obtained from the VSP data can also be used as a tool for calibrating computed Green's functions and migration operators.
US07952952B1
The number of fusible links and other circuit components required to provide memory cell redundancy are reduced by sharing physical memory locations among address banks that store memory addresses. Non-trial and error algorithms and techniques determine the number of addresses and the number of identical least significant bit (LSB) values that can share the same physical memory location. By sharing physical locations for identical LSB values, circuit hardware on a memory device (including fusible links and compare circuitry) is reduced. Thus, less die area is needed to provide the same degree of redundancy.
US07952951B2
Disclosed are a fuse box and a semiconductor integrated circuit having the same. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a plurality of banks, column control blocks, and column fuse blocks. The plurality of banks including a plurality of mat rows and mat columns. The banks are arranged in row and column directions and disposed away from each other. The column control blocks are disposed in a space between the banks which are extended to the column direction. The column fuse blocks are disposed adjacent to the column control blocks and have a plurality of fuse boxes. The fuse boxes include fuse sets arranged in two rows. The fuse boxes are disposed to correspond to the one mat column. Each fuse box has an interconnection fuse and address fuses which are arranged with a constant interval and are the same type.
US07952949B2
Data is read from a memory matrix (10) with a plurality of bit lines (12). A differential sense amplifier (14) receives a signal derived from a first one of the bit lines (12) on a first input. The differential sense amplifier (14) receives a reference signal from a reference output of a reference circuit (15) to a second input. A second one of the bit lines (12), which is adjacent to the first one of the bit lines (12), is coupled to the reference circuit (15), so that a bit line signal value on the second one of the bit lines (12) affects a reference signal value on the reference output, at least partly reproducing an effect of crosstalk of the bit line signal value (12) on the second one of the bit lines (12) on a bit line signal value on the first one of the bit lines (12).
US07952937B2
A wordline driver, for a non-volatile memory device, comprises a wordline driver output, a first power source, adapted to provide an erase level voltage for erasing portions of the non-volatile memory device, a second power source, adapted to provide read and program level voltages for reading and programming portions of the non-volatile memory device and first switching means, including an isolation transistor, adapted to connect the wordline driver output to a one of the first and second power sources dependent upon an operating mode of the wordline driver. The wordline driver further comprises a programmable switch controller for providing a variable control signal to a control electrode of the isolation transistor. The programmable switch controller is arranged to set the variable control signal to a value dependent upon the operating parameters of the non-volatile memory device and such that the endurance of the isolation transistor is maximised.
US07952933B2
A semiconductor memory device comprises memory cells, a bitline connected to the memory cells, a read circuit including a precharge circuit, and a first transistor connected between the bitline and the read circuit, wherein a first voltage is applied to a gate of the first transistor when the precharge circuit precharges the bitline, and a second voltage which is different from the first voltage is applied to the gate of the first transistor when the read circuit senses a change in a voltage of the bitline.
US07952928B2
Read throughput is increased in a non-volatile memory device by sensing storage elements which are of interest as soon as a word line voltage has propagated to them, but before the word line voltage has propagated to other storage elements which are not of interest. The delay which would be incurred by waiting for the voltage to propagate along the entire word line is avoided. The sensing can occur during programming, as a verify operation, or after programming, as where user data is read. Further, the storage elements may be sensed concurrently, e.g., via sense amplifiers. Data from the storage elements of interest is processed and data from the other storage elements is discarded. A time for sensing the storage elements of interest can be set by identifying which storage elements are being verified or include data which is requested by a read command.
US07952924B2
A NAND Flash memory device is described that can reduce bit line coupling and floating gate coupling during program and verify operations. Consecutive bit lines of an array row are concurrently programmed as a common page. Floating gate coupling during programming can therefore be reduced. Multiple verify operations are performed on separate bit lines of the page. Bit line coupling can therefore be reduced.
US07952918B2
A magnetoresistive random access memory (RAM) may include a plurality of variable resistance devices, a plurality of read bitlines electrically connected to respective variable resistance devices, and a plurality of write bitlines alternating with the read bitlines. The magnetoresistive RAM may be configured to apply a first write current through a first write bitline adjacent to a first variable resistance device when writing a first data to the first variable resistance device, and apply a first inhibition current through a second write bitline adjacent to a second variable resistance device, the second variable resistance device being adjacent to the first write bitline, and between the first write bitline and the second write bitline, and the first write current and the first inhibition current flowing in a same direction.
US07952913B2
One method for operating an SRAM cell includes applying a potential to a back gate of a pair of cross coupled p-type pull up transistors in the SRAM during a write operation. The method includes applying a ground to the back gate of the pair of cross coupled p-type pull up transistors during a read operation. The charge stored on a pair of cross coupled storage nodes of the SRAM is coupled to a front gate and a back gate of a pair of cross coupled n-type pull down transistors in the SRAM during the write operation and during a read operation.
US07952907B2
An FRAM device includes first ferroelectric capacitors, second ferroelectric capacitors, first plate lines and second plate lines. The first ferroelectric capacitors can be connected between word lines and bit lines. The second ferroelectric capacitors can be connected between the word lines and bit line bars. The first plate lines can be connected to upper electrodes of the first ferroelectric capacitors. The second plate lines can be connected to upper electrodes of the second ferroelectric capacitors. Thus, the first ferroelectric capacitors connected to the bit lines and the second ferroelectric capacitors connected to the bit line bars can be connected to the different plate lines, so that data can be output from any one of the bit line and the bit line bar. As a result, a layout of a core region can be simplified.
US07952905B2
Provided are a data storage device using magnetic domain wall movement and a method of operating the data storage device. The data storage device includes a first magnetic layer for writing data having two magnetic domains magnetized in opposite directions to each other and a second magnetic layer for storing data formed on at least one side of the first magnetic layer. The data storage device may further include a data recording device connected to both ends of the first magnetic layer and the end of the second magnetic layer which is not adjacent to the first magnetic layer, a read head formed a predetermined distance from the end of the second magnetic layer which is not adjacent to the first magnetic layer, and a current detector connected to the read head and the data recording device.
US07952903B2
Multimedia three-dimensional memory module (M3DMM) is an ideal storage for pre-recorded multimedia library (PML). Among all semiconductor storage technologies, (3D)2-MM (i.e. three-dimensional memory-based M3DMM), particularly mask-programmable (3D)2-MM, has the largest storage capacity and is the only one that can store a pre-recorded movie library (PmL) at a reasonable price.
US07952890B2
An electromagnetic interference shield system is provided. Each EMI shield may include a frame providing the structure around the electronic device components to be shielded, and a cover operative to be placed over the frame to prevent electromagnetic radiation from passing over the frame. Each frame may be coupled to a circuit board, and enclose electronic components in need of shielding. Each cover may be coupled to its corresponding frame using at least one snap that extends from the periphery of the cover towards the frame and circuit board. To minimize the space taken by the EMI shields, the snaps of adjacent covers may be offset or staggered so that opposing snaps engage voids left between snaps of the opposing cover, thus reducing the space needed between adjacent EMI shields by up to the width of a snap.
US07952878B2
A heat dissipation device for dissipating heat generated by a heat-generating component mounted on a printed circuit board, includes a heat absorbing board with a bottom thereof attached to the heat-generating component, two heat sinks, two heat pipes respectively connecting the heat absorbing board and the two heat sinks, two centrifugal fans and two clips. Each of the centrifugal fans is located at a lateral side of a corresponding heat sink. Each of the clips includes an engaging portion riveting with the heat absorbing board and two locking portions extending from two ends of the engaging portion and locked onto the printed circuit board to thereby secure the heat absorbing board on the heat-generating component.
US07952868B2
A computer enclosure is used to install a computer motherboard therein. The computer motherboard includes a number of peripheral component interconnect (PCI) sockets for mounting a number of PCI cards. When some of the number of PCI sockets are not used, the disclosure provides a data storage device bracket which is arranged neighboring some unused PCI socket in the computer enclosure. The data storage device bracket holds at least one data storage device therein, which can fully utilize a space of the computer enclosure.
US07952867B2
A portable terminal having a long-stroke hinge is disclosed. The portable terminal includes a first main body, a second main body sliding on the first main body, a first member with elasticity having a first end fixed to the first main body and a second end that is horizontally moveable, and a second member having a first end rotatably coupled with the second end of the first member and a second end fixed to the second main body.
US07952859B2
A fixing device is provided on a casing of an industrial communication product, which includes a fixing plate, at least one elastic piece with an end, a pulling element, and an elastic element. The fixing plate is provided with at least two first connecting portions. The elastic piece is disposed corresponding to the first connecting portions. The pulling element is provided with two stoppers and at least two second connecting portions. The two second connecting portions are slidingly connected to the two first connecting portions. The pulling element is movable between a first position and a second position; wherein when at the first position, the end of the elastic piece abuts the second connecting portion; when at the second position, the end of the elastic piece is stopped by the second connecting portion, and thereby unlocking the industrial communication product, thus making the product accessible for repair and testing.
US07952845B2
A V-band radio frequency (RF) electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit uses meander inductors and diodes connecting in series to provide ESD protection. When operated in low frequency, the static electricity input from a RF pad may discharge to ground or to a voltage VDD through the meander inductor and the diode, so that a core circuit is not damaged by ESD. When operated in high frequency, the high frequency stray effect of the core circuit is substantially reduced due to impedance isolation generated by the meander inductors. Therefore, a low-noised amplifier (LNA) can receive an accurate high frequency input signal.
US07952828B2
A hard disk drive which includes a voice coil motor driving portion which supplies drive current to a voice coil motor, and a controller which compares a supply voltage supplied to predetermined chips installed on a printed circuit board with a parking reference voltage previously set to a voltage higher than a power-on-reset voltage and controls the voice coil motor driving portion to apply current to a voice coil of the voice coil motor through the voice coil motor driving portion to park a magnetic head in a predetermined parking zone, when the supply voltage is lower than the parking reference voltage.
US07952824B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for storage medium flaw detection. For example, some embodiments provide flaw detection systems that include an input circuit, a data processing circuit and a defect detection circuit. The input circuit is operable to receive an input signal and to provide a filtered output. The data processing circuit is operable to receive the filtered output and to compute a difference between the filtered output and an expected output, and the defect detection circuit receives the difference between the filtered output and the expected output and compares a derivative of the difference with a threshold value, and asserts a defect signal when a magnitude of the derivative of the difference exceeds a threshold value.
US07952820B2
The present invention relates to an optical part holding member made of ceramic and a production method thereof, and provides an effective permeability to prevent dew condensation. The optical part holding member is made of a silicon nitride ceramic base composite material to hold an optical part, which is produced through a process of nitriding in which silicon is caused to react with nitrogen. By using the silicon nitride ceramic base composite material containing silicon carbide and an iron compound, an airflow volume of 50 ml or more per minute is achieved in an effective airflow area of 1.5 cm2 when an air pressure is added with a pressure difference of 0.4 MPa between both surfaces of a sample of the silicon nitride ceramic base composite material having 1 mm thickness, and the optical part holding member having effective permeability to prevent dew condensation is obtained.
US07952816B2
Optical system for processing a light beam comprises first and second optical means that are convergent and divergent respectively and form an afocal optical device. The first optical means comprises a single convergent lens. According to the invention, this convergent lens provides an order 0 beam and an order 2 beam resulting from the light beam to be processed passing through this lens after having been subjected to a 0 reflection and 2 reflections respectively on the lens faces, and the lens is optimised for the order 2 beam and has an aperture f/# less than 4 for this order 2 beam, with a wave front quality less than λ peak-to-valley, where λ is the wavelength of the light beam to be processed.
US07952812B2
An object is to provide: a zoom lens system that has a reduced overall length, a high resolution, and a variable magnification ratio as high as 9 or greater and that is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking where the view angle at a wide-angle limit is 70° or greater; an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and compact camera. The zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each consisting of at least one lens element, and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit and a fifth lens unit. In zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit at the time of image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move in an optical axis direction, while the fourth lens unit and the fifth lens unit are each consists of one lens element. An imaging device and a camera employ this zoom lens system.
US07952803B2
A lithographic apparatus includes a first diffraction grating configured to create a first plurality of spatially coherent radiation beams and a second diffraction grating configured to receive at least a portion of the first plurality of spatially coherent radiation beams and to create, based on the first plurality of spatially coherent radiation beams, a second plurality of spatially coherent radiation beams. The apparatus also includes a beam combiner adapted to redirect and combine at least a portion of the second plurality of spatially coherent radiation beams onto a surface of a substrate to form an interference pattern.
US07952788B2
The width and location of a hysteresis window of an interferometric modulator may be altered by adjusting various physical characteristics of the interferometric modulator. Thus, depending on the particular application for which the interferometric modulators are manufactured, the width and location of the hysteresis window may be altered. For example, in some applications, reducing the power required to operate an array of interferometric modulators may be an important consideration. In other applications, the speed of the interferometric modulators may be of more importance, where the speed of an interferometric modulator, as used herein, refers to the speed of actuating and relaxing the moveable mirror. In other applications, the cost and ease of manufacturing may be of most importance. Systems and methods are introduced that allow selection of a width and location of a hysteresis window by adjusting various physical characteristics.
US07952785B2
A manufacturing method of electrochromic devices (10) includes the steps of providing a first and second sheet including a first (22) and second (24) plastic substrate, respectively, at least partially coated with a first (12) and second (14) electron conducting layer, respectively. The first sheet is at least partially coated with a first electrochromic layer (16). The second sheet is at least partially coated with a counter electrode layer (18). The first and second sheets are laminated with an electrolyte layer (20) interposed in-between into an electrochromic laminate sheet (30). The electrochromic device is at least partially defined by forming a seal (50) through the electrochromic laminate sheet (30) at a distance (D) from a peripheral edge (31). The distance (D) is preferably larger than the mean diffusion lengths of oxygen, water or an electrolyte component in the electrolyte during a predetermined time period.
US07952784B2
In order to avoid firstly decidedly periodic loading of an output-buffered constant current power supply unit (17) and secondly physiological loading as a result of only intermittently appearing primary colors (R, G, B) when activating mixed light color loci, primary color light sources (11R, 11G, 11B) are energized in pulse-width-modulated fashion periodically in a temporally offset manner, but in addition in each instance, in time-parallel fashion with respect thereto, also those primary color light sources of further primary color light sources (11R, 11G, 11B) whose primary colors in the cyclic activation are not being energized at that time are likewise energized in a pulse-width-modulated manner (FIG. 2). If, in addition, white light light sources (11W) are intended to be used, they are expediently in each case energized simultaneously with one of the primary color light sources (11R, 11G, 11B) and the other two of these primary color light sources, on the other hand, are energized in a temporally offset manner simultaneously in pairs.
US07952780B2
A pair of support members each having a spring section in a part thereof support a mirror element, and a pair of drive mechanisms arranged respectively corresponding to a pair of the support members transform the spring sections of the corresponding support members, thereby changing a distance between each of support points at which the support members support the mirror element and a base. Accordingly, the mirror element can be translated by driving all of the drive mechanisms, or the mirror element can be inclined with respect to the base by driving some of the drive mechanisms.
US07952775B2
A gray scale image cleaning algorithm for improved check code line OCR. An image processing system for processing a gray scale image is provided that includes: a system for generating a first thresholded black white image from the gray scale image; a system for generating a second thresholded black white image from the gray scale image, wherein the second thresholded black white image is generated with a higher threshold value than the first thresholded black white image; and a system for logically combining the first and second thresholded black white images to generate a composite image.
US07952774B2
Correction patterns are formed on a conveyor belt that conveys a transfer paper. The correction patterns are include positional-deviation correction patterns arranged at both sides of the conveyer belt and density correction patterns (patches) formed in the central region of the conveyer belt in the main scanning direction.
US07952772B2
Apparatus and method for chemical and biological agent sensing. An example sensing apparatus includes a resonator having a resonance frequency. The resonator includes a coil of a photonic crystal fiber. The photonic crystal fiber has a solid region configured to guide a substantially single optical mode of light having, a cladding surrounding an exterior of the solid region, and at least one hollow core within the cladding. The cladding contains at least one hollow core. The photonic crystal fiber is configured to introduce a fluid that may contain an analyte to the hollow core. The photonic crystal fiber is configured so that the light interacts with the fluid. The resonator is configured to produce a resonance signal centered at the resonance frequency. A predetermined change in the resonance signal indicates a presence of a quantity of the analyte in the fluid.
US07952766B2
A dividing unit divides image data into a plurality of blocks. An extracting unit extracts a feature index of a first color component and a feature index of a second color component in each of the blocks. A registration unit registers information about a correspondence between the feature index of a second color component and a change in the feature index for the first color component. A code embedding unit embeds a predetermined code into the image data, by changing the feature index of the first color component based on the feature index of the second color component, using the information registered.
US07952763B2
Systems and methods, including computer software products, for processing gray colors in a conversion between color spaces involve identifying a non-pure gray color value in a color space that represents a substantially gray color. The methods further include converting the non-pure gray color value to a corresponding pure gray color value in the color space. The methods also include determining a first difference vector between the non-pure gray color value and the corresponding pure gray color value. The methods further include determining a distance between the corresponding pure gray color value and a selected color value. The corresponding pure gray color value represents a nearest pure gray color value to the selected color value. The methods also includes determining a correction factor based on the first difference vector and the distance and applying the correction factor to the selected color value to produce a corrected color value.
US07952759B2
This disclosure provides methods, apparatus and systems for generating a multidimensional printer profile for a color printer. Specifically, the disclosure provides a method to blend multiple GCR functions or strategies to produce a final GCR blended printer profile, for example a printer profile LUT.
US07952749B2
An apparatus capable processing form data including a variable region acquires image data to be inserted into the variable region of the form data. The apparatus calculates a scaling rate between the acquired image data prior to being scaled for insertion into the variable region and corresponding image data that has been scaled for insertion into the variable region. The apparatus determines image data to be check-printed based on the calculated scaling rate and generates print data for check-printing the image data to be check-printed in a condition in which the image data to be check-printed has been scaled for insertion into the variable region.
US07952733B2
In an image transfer system that an information terminal device and a plurality of printers are connected to a network to be able to output image data in the information terminal device to any of the printers through the network, the information terminal device broadcasts a searching inquiry request to each of the printers, each of the printers sends a searching inquiry response having an IP address of each of the printers relative to the searching inquiry request, and when a printer to output the image data in the information terminal device is selected from each of the printers, the printer sends a communication start request command to the information terminal device.
US07952728B2
Disclosed is a robot-controlled optical measurement array (1) comprising an optical sensor (2) that is fastened to a spacer (3). Reference marks (22) are provided on the spacer (3) and/or on a sensor (2) housing (2′). Said optical measurement array (1) is calibrated by means of an auxiliary device (13) that is placed on the optical measurement array (1) and is provided with a sensor target (16) which is disposed on the auxiliary device so as to lie within one measurement space (17) of the optical sensor (2) when the optical measurement array (1) and the auxiliary device (13) are in the assembled state. In order to calibrate the optical measurement array (1), measured values of the sensor target (16) are generated with the aid of the sensors (2), said measured values being used for calculating the three-dimensional position of the sensor coordinate system (10) in relation to the sensor target (16). Furthermore, measurements of the three-dimensional positions of the reference marks (22) and the auxiliary device are taken using an additional (stationary) measuring apparatus (21). The three-dimensional position of the sensor coordinate system (10) relative to the reference marks (22) can be determined with great accuracy from a combination of all of said measurements.
US07952722B2
An optical image measurement device comprises: a light source configured to output a light having low temporal coherence and low spatial coherence; an optical system configured to split the light into a signal light and a reference light and superimpose the signal light having passed through a measured object and the reference light, thereby generating an interference light; a light receiver configured to receive the interference light and output an electric signal; and a forming part configured to form an image of the measured object based on the electric signal, wherein: the light receiver has a light receiving face on which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged 2-dimensionally; and the optical system projects the interference light onto the light receiving face so that a size of the spatial coherent region of the interference light becomes equal to or larger than a size of the light receiving element.
US07952705B2
The present disclosure relates to the fields of microchips with microfluidic optical chambers for multiplexed optical spectroscopy. Embodiments of the present invention allow for ultra small sample volume, as well as high detection speed and throughput, as compared to conventional optical sample cuvettes used in optical spectroscopy. Particular embodiments relate specifically to the spectroscopic detection of many biochemical assays for disease diagnosis or other suitable analysis.
US07952702B2
The disclosure relates to a system and device for evaluating imperfections in a lens for a display for an electronic device. The evaluation device comprises: a substrate; and a pattern imposed on the substrate. The pattern comprises a series of lines in a grid imposed on the substrate wherein when the pattern is viewed through the lens, the series of lines having thickness of between approximately 10 and approximately 150 microns, spaced in intervals between approximately 20 microns and approximately 300 microns from center to center, the pattern is distorted around an area where a defect is present in the lens. With the device, the lens is identifiable as being defective if the pattern appears as a moiré distortion in the area when viewed through the lens.
US07952698B2
A drop on a sample surface in a gaseous environment has a curved surface with a symmetry axis and a defined volume. To determine the contact angle, an object is imaged based on the reflection property of the surface of the drop, the position of the object with respect to the optical axis of an optical measuring system and the position of the object with respect to the sample surface, with the symmetry axis of the drop being arranged in or in the vicinity of the optical axis. The distance between the image and the optical axis of the drop is measured. The radius of curvature of the drop is determined based on the measured distance, and the contact angle is determined from the radius of curvature.
US07952696B2
An exposure measurement apparatus is configured by including a size measurer measuring respective sizes of at least a pair of transferred patterns having mutually different optimal focus positions out of a plurality of transferred patterns formed by being transferred onto a transfer object, a difference value calculator obtaining a difference value between the size of one transferred pattern and the size of the other transferred pattern, a focus variation amount calculator calculating a focus variation amount of the transfer object using the difference value, and an exposure variation amount calculator calculating an exposure error amount of a wafer.
US07952695B2
A scanning optical spectrometer with a detector array is disclosed, in which position of focused spot of light at the input of a dispersive element such as arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) with a slab input, is scanned using a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) tiltable micromirror so as to make the dispersed spectrum of light scan over the detector array coupled to the AWG. Sub-spectra recorded using individual detectors are concatenated by a processor unit to obtain the spectrum of input light.
US07952690B2
For acquiring a 3-D image of a scene, the scene is illuminated with modulated light emitted by an illumination unit and imaged onto an array of lock-in pixel sensor cells, which detect the previously emitted light after it has been scattered or reflected by an object or a living being in the scene. One determines the modulation phase of the light detected at the lock-in pixel sensor cells and provides a reference modulation phase that stands in a known relationship with the modulation phase of the light at the time of the emission. Based upon the reference modulation phase and the modulation phase of the light detected at the lock-in pixel sensor cells one then calculates depth information on the scene. The modulated light is emitted by a plurality of individual light emitting devices of the illumination unit, each of the light emitting devices emitting a part of the modulated light, and the reference modulation phase is provided as an average of the modulation phases of the parts of modulated light emitted by the light emitting devices.
US07952683B2
An exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system, an original stage having a first reference mark, a substrate stage, and a measurement instrument configured to measure first image properties of a mark formed on the original with the projection optical system, via the original and the projection optical system. The measurement instrument is also configured to measure the properties of a second image with the projection optical system of the first reference mark, via the reference mark and the projection optical system. The exposure apparatus also includes a calculating unit for calculating a first heat change coefficient due to the projection optical system and a second heat change coefficient due to the original, with relation to the properties of images formed by the projection optical system.
US07952673B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which exhibits the excellent wide viewing angle characteristic and the high-speed responsiveness. A pixel region includes a switching element which is operated in response to a scanning signal from a gate signal line, a pixel electrode to which a video signal from a drain signal line is supplied through a switching element, and a counter electrode which generates an electric field between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode. The pixel region is constituted of divided respective regions. In one region, the counter electrode made of a light-transmitting material which is formed on the center except for a slight periphery of the region below an insulation film and the pixel electrode which is constituted of a group of electrodes which extend in one direction and are arranged in parallel to each other in the direction which intersects one direction above the insulation film in a state that the group of electrodes are overlapped to the counter electrode are formed. In another region, the counter electrode which is constituted of a group of electrodes which extend in one direction and are arranged in parallel to each other in the direction which intersects one direction below the insulation layer and the pixel electrode which is constituted of a group of electrodes which extend in one direction and are arranged in parallel in the direction which intersects one direction above the insulation film and is arranged alternately with the counter electrode are formed.
US07952672B2
A liquid crystal display device which can enhance optical transmissivity is provided. One pixel region is divided into a first pixel region, a second pixel region and a third pixel region in order from one video signal line to another video signal line, the first pixel region and the third pixel region adopt the so-called IPS-Pro type structure, and the second pixel region adopts the so-called IPS structure in narrow meaning. A line width of linear electrode in the second pixel region is set to 2.5 μm or less.
US07952670B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display that includes a gate electrode and line formed on a transparent insulating substrate, a gate insulating film covering the gate electrode and line, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating film, a source electrode, a source line, and a drain electrode formed on the semiconductor layer, and a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode. The semiconductor layer is integrally formed of three portions which are a crossover portion of the source line and the drain line, a TFT portion, and a connecting portion connecting the crossover portion to the TFT portion. A part of the crossover portion on the connecting portion side and the whole connecting portion are covered by the source electrode and the source line.
US07952661B2
A reflection-type display device (200) with a plurality of pixel regions (40) includes: a light modulation layer (1); a front substrate (10) and a rear substrate (12) between which the light modulation layer (1) is held; electrode structures (18 and 56) for varying optical characteristics of the light modulation layer (1) for each pixel region (40); a retroreflective layer (2) which is placed on a rear side of the light modulation layer (1); and a non-retroreflection member (53) which is placed on the rear side of the light modulation layer (1) and which has reflection characteristics different from retroreflection. The front substrate (10) includes a light shielding layer (20) which defines an opening (50) in the each pixel region (40), and the opening contains a non-retroreflection region (50n), which is defined by the non-retroreflection member (53), and a retroreflection region (50r), which is defined by the retroreflective layer (2).
US07952655B2
A display device includes a display module, a rear cabinet and a front cabinet. The front cabinet has a front frame portion, a first rib and a second rib. The front frame portion defines a window. The first rib has a peak ridge. The first rib is integrally formed on the front frame portion, extends along the front frame portion to surround the window and protrudes rearward from the front frame portion so that the peak ridge contacts with a peripheral edge portion of the front face of the display module. The second rib has a flat top face. The second rib is integrally formed on the front frame portion, is located outward of the first rib with respect to the window with a spacing therebetween and protrudes rearward from the front frame portion. The second rib has shorter height than the first rib.
US07952651B2
The present invention has a pixel which includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element.
US07952646B2
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes receiving video data, measuring a temporal feature of motion movement of the data, measuring per-pixel spatial content features of the data, performing a local content analysis to classify pixels; and performing noise reduction filtering on the pixels.
US07952641B2
A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system including: a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts; a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.
US07952640B2
In an image pickup element module, a heat releasing member disposed to be thermally coupled to an FPC substrate and an image pickup element is formed of a PPS resin material having good thermal conductivity. Further, this image pickup element module is configured so that a phase-changing heat storage which is insert-molded or formed into a sheet shape is disposed to be thermally coupled to the heat releasing member.
US07952635B2
A low noise readout apparatus and method for CMOS image sensors having a photosensitive element configured to collect charge when light strikes the photosensitive element, a reset gate adjacent the photosensitive element and configured to drain excess charge from the photosensitive element, a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, in series and adjacent the photosensitive element, the first electrode actuated to transfer a signal charge from the photosensitive element to the first electrode, the second electrode actuated to transfer the signal charge from the first electrode to the second electrode, the third electrode actuated to transfer the signal charge from the second electrode to the third electrode and onto a sense node, and a readout circuit coupled to the sense node, the readout circuit measures a voltage corresponding to the signal charge transferred to the sense node.
US07952631B2
A CMOS imager is integrated on a single substrate along with logic and support circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager. Integrating a CMOS imager and peripheral circuitry allows for a single chip image sensing device.
US07952628B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a reflection timing control signal output unit, a data holding unit, and a collective-reflection processing unit. The reflection timing control signal output unit outputs a reflection timing control signal for controlling a timing of outputting operation setting data. The data holding unit latches the operation setting data inputted from outside and outputs the operation setting data. The collective-reflection processing unit collectively latches the operation setting data in synchronism with the reflection timing control signal, and outputs the latched operation setting data to a driving section. The reflection timing control signal output unit receives a vertical synchronization signal and an end-of-communication signal representative of an end of communication of a series of operation setting data from outside, and outputs the reflection timing control signal to the collective-reflection processing unit in synchronism with the vertical synchronization signal after the end-of-communication signal is received.
US07952627B2
A solid-state image capturing apparatus is provided, and, in a pixel of a 3TR structure, the solid-state image capturing apparatus increases the reset electric potential of the signal charge accumulation section upon a reset operation so that an electric potential difference between the signal voltage and the reset voltage upon transferring of a signal charge is sufficiently secured, a complete transferring of the signal charge is easily performed from the photoelectric conversion element to the signal charge accumulation section, and a stable condition is provided.
US07952609B2
A networked digital security system is disclosed that preferably includes a centralized administrator web server coupled via a communication network such as the Internet to a plurality of customer servers and-a plurality of customer work stations. The centralized web server advantageously provides a point of control and management of the networked digital security system. The customer servers and customer work stations are preferably located at the customer's monitored sites. The customer servers are coupled to one or more intelligent camera units, which are preferably fully integrated intelligent units that gather, analyze, and transmit video, audio, and associated detected alarm event information to their associated customer server and the administrator web server. The camera units also include an intelligent automatic gain controller, an encoder buffer controller, and a network bandwidth priority controller. The system supports several compression algorithm standards.
US07952608B2
A surveillance device has a support secured to a structure, a first image collection device secured to the support, a second image collection device and a servo motor, the second image collection device being moveable with respect to the support by the servo motor, the second image collection device having an optical axis whereby the servo motor is constructed and arranged to regulate the direction of the optical axis of the second image collection device. Inherent intelligence in the device or in a remote computer is used to direct the servo motor in accordance with algorithms recognizing and analyzing motion in the area being monitored by first image collection device.
US07952603B2
Apparatus for marking a bitmap image on tape includes a source of a modulatable laser-beam. The beam is directed to an oscillating mirror on a carriage translatable across the width direction of the tape. The oscillating mirror directs the beam to a focusing lens mounted on the carriage. The focusing lens is arranged to focus the beam to a focal-spot on the tape. As the carriage is translated, the focal-spot is swept reciprocally in a wave-like path across the tape. Modulation of the beam is arranged such that pixels of a plurality of rows of the bitmap image are printed in one traverse of the carriage. The tape is advanced incrementally and repeated traverses of the carriage are made to complete printing of the bitmap image.
US07952597B2
There is provided an image display device which can control image retention-preventing means in a static image displaying part, according to a change with the passage of time in a luminance difference. The drive of the image retention-preventing means is cancelled when accumulated elapsed-time during which the luminance difference is returned to approximately an original value elapses.
US07952595B2
A method for deforming an image using a physical model includes inputting the image, discrediting the image into a grid, applying forces to the grid upon receiving an input command for dragging the grid, updating a mesh deformation of the grid according to the forces, and wrapping the image according to a deformed mesh to produce a deformed image, wherein a wrapped image is displayed on an display device.
US07952591B2
A method to separately assign and modify multiple attributes of information and structure to an individual block or to a larger unitary whole comprised of multiple blocks is disclosed. A number of block instances of a block is determined. Each block instance is associated with one or more structure attributes. A number of data elements is determined. Each data element is associated with one or more information attributes. The data elements are mapped to the block instances. The mapped block instances are displayed contiguously.
US07952589B2
A data processing apparatus generates a memory address corresponding to a first memory, and interpolates data read out from the first memory. The data processing apparatus selects a part of the memory address, checks if the first memory stores data corresponding to the selected part of the memory address, and transfers the data, for which it is determined that the first memory does not store the data, and which corresponds to the part of the memory address, from a second memory to the first memory. The data processing apparatus determines to change a part to be selected of the memory address based on the checking result indicating that the first memory does not store the data corresponding to the selected part of the memory address, and changes the part of the memory address corresponding to the characteristics of the memory address.
US07952566B2
An apparatus includes a display section with a touch screen, and the touch screen is adapted to display at least one graphical user interface object and detect a touch position on the touch screen. The apparatus has a haptic feedback generating unit attached to the touch screen and is adapted to generating haptic feedback. A pressure sensing unit is attached to the touch screen and adapted to detect pressure applied to the touch screen. A controller section is adapted to control and drive the display section. The graphical user interface object displayed on the touch screen has a plurality of logical states. The controller section determines a current logical state of the graphical user interface object and a form of the haptic feedback to be generated depending on the detected touch position.
US07952563B2
A touch position detecting method, a device using the method, and a touch screen display device having the device are disclosed. A touch sensing unit senses a touch event and outputs a sensing data. A reference update unit updates a reference data with an n-th frame sensing data provided from the touch sensing unit, based on a predetermined update signal. A position detecting unit detects the touch position by using the reference data and an (n+i)-th frame sensing data from the touch sensing unit. Therefore, the touch position is easily detected by determining a difference between the reference data and the sensing data at a certain time.
US07952559B2
A haptic device comprises an actuator and a mass. The actuator has a shaft. The actuator is elastically coupled to the mass and/or a base.
US07952539B2
The present invention relates to a driving apparatus for supplying a driving signal to a plasma display panel, and a plasma display apparatus employing the same. A reset signal supplied during a reset period of a first subfield of a plurality of subfields includes a first rising period where a voltage rises up to a first voltage, and a first sustain period where the first voltage is sustained. A reset signal supplied during a reset period of a second subfield includes a second rising period where a voltage rises up to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and a second sustain period where the second voltage is sustained. The second voltage is higher than a sustain voltage. In accordance with the present invention, if it is sought to reset discharge cells of a PDP in a reset period, a signal whose voltage gradually rises up to a voltage higher than the sustain voltage is applied to a scan electrode. Accordingly, wall charges of the scan electrode for addressing can be controlled effectively, the highest voltage of the reset signal can be lowered and, therefore, driving margin can be secured. Further, since the sustain period of the highest voltage is included, stabilized discharge can be generated irrespective of variation of an APL of a display screen.
US07952533B2
A frequency reconfiguration array antenna includes a metal plate and a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna element includes a plurality of radiators and at least one switch for connecting the radiators, and a gain of at least one frequency bandwidth from among the plurality of frequency bandwidths reconfigured by the antenna elements is higher than gains of other frequency bandwidths.
US07952532B2
An antenna device of the invention comprises divider/combiner means 12 that divides or combines a received signal into signals having a first phase distribution represented by an odd function, phase adding/removing means 14-1 that adds phases having a second phase distribution represented by an even function to the signals, or removes the phases from the signals, and a plurality of antenna elements 20 arranged in an array configuration, that transmits or receives the signals to which the phases have been added.
US07952531B2
A planar circularly polarized antenna comprises at least one coplanar waveguide feed line and a plurality of driven loops electrically connected to the feed line, wherein the driven loops and the feed line are substantially coplanar. At least one of the plurality of driven loops may be of a size different from at least another one of the plurality of driven loops and at least one of the plurality of driven loops may have a resonant frequency different from at least another one of the plurality of driven loops.
US07952527B2
According to the present invention, there is disclosed an antenna circuit characterized by comprising: a substrate, a surface circuit consisting of a planar coil circuit portion and at least one pair of opposed electrodes connected to the planar coil circuit portion formed on the substrate, at least one terminal for formation of broken line, formed in a conductor constituting the surface circuit, and a broken line which penetrates through the substrate and the surface circuit and which has, in the terminal for formation of broken line, at least one uncut part passing through the terminal for formation of broken line.
US07952518B2
Systems and methods according to various embodiments provide for navigation in attenuated environments by integrating satellite signals with Internet hotspot signals. In one embodiment, a receiver unit adapted to perform geolocation comprises an antenna adapted to receive a precision time signal from a satellite and receive additional aiding information from a wireless network station, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code. The receiver unit also comprises a processor and a memory adapted to store a plurality of computer readable instructions which when executed by the processor are adapted to cause the receiver unit to: use the precision time signal and the aiding information to determine a precise absolute time, determine positioning information associated with the receiver unit, use the positioning information to request location information of the wireless network station, and determine an absolute geolocation of the receiver unit using the positioning information and the location information.
US07952505B2
A semiconductor device includes: input terminals identified by channel numbers and configured to receive analog signals; analog input pads identified by pad numbers and connected with whole or part of the input terminals; a data holding section configured to hold a data of the input terminals; a channel designating section configured to generate a channel designation signal to designate one of the channel numbers; and a channel translating section configured to translate the channel number indicated by the channel designation signal into a specific one of the pad numbers based on the held data. An A/D converting section is configured to convert the analog signal inputted from the analog input pad corresponding to the specific pad number into a digital signal.
US07952496B2
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. During text entry, a user is able to delimit a language entry session, such the entering of a word, by actuating a multiple-axis input device or another input device. The user can also reinitiate the language entry session by actuating a linguistic input member at a location abutting the delimited word.
US07952491B2
Various approaches for a traffic control preemption system that includes a receiver, a light emitter, and control circuitry. The receiver includes a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse, and a threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. The control circuitry is coupled to the light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and a frequency of light pulses in each burst and a frequency of the bursts cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.
US07952480B1
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system that tracks tags in real-time based on EPC codes and on other priority codes written into transponder memory fields of the tags. As an example, a priority code may be written into a memory of an RFID transponder identifying a high-value item or a small high-value item that is likely to be stolen. Based on the use of this priority code, those items can be preferentially tracked as opposed to items of low value or size such that they are unlikely to be stolen. Such use of priority codes and local filtering alleviates the need to go back to large centralized databases associating unique numbers with other parameters and potentially the history of the item.
US07952467B2
Control information is exchanged between a component and a remote control device using RFID and then transmitted to a TV using RFID so that the TV can display components to be controlled and/or remote control device buttons and/or functions of remote control device buttons for particular components to be controlled, to train the user.
US07952466B2
A method for controlling access to data contained within a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with an item includes reading the RFID tag; receiving a first value from a personal communication device associated with a purchaser of the item; creating a key using the first value received from the personal communication device and a second value associated with the item; and initially transmitting the key to both the RFID tag and the personal communication device. The RFID tag is configured to automatically program one or more electrically programmable fuse devices therein so as to prevent subsequent reading of data therein by an RFID reading device, upon receipt of a valid key initially transmitted thereto. The RFID tag is further configured to automatically program one or more additional fuse devices therein so as to restore read access to the data therein, upon receipt of a valid key subsequently transmitted thereto.
US07952465B2
A wireless tag determination system includes a detection information storage configured to store information detected from a wireless tag by a tag reader, as detection information. A determination requesting unit is configured to request a determination for reliability of existence of the wireless tag within a detection range of the tag reader. A reliability determination unit is configured to determine the reliability by use of the detection information, in response to the request.
US07952461B2
A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.
US07952456B2
The invention relates to an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine. Said ignition coil comprises a primary coil base (2) carrying a primary winding (1) and having an especially cylindrical shape, a low voltage connection area (10) for connecting the primary winding (1) to a low voltage, a secondary winding (3) inductively coupled to the primary winding (1) and disposed on an especially cylindrical secondary coil base (4), for providing a high voltage for the spark plug of the internal combustion engine. The primary coil base (2) and the secondary coil base (4) are mounted concentric to one another. The ignition coil also comprises a high-voltage connection area (5) in which the secondary winding (3) contacts the spark plug. The aim of the invention is to improve the ignition coil of the aforementioned type with respect to its electromagnetic compatibility. For this purpose, an electrically conducting layer (16) which has a substantially cylindrical shape and mechanical damping properties is provided inside an annular space defined by the outer winding of the two windings (1, 3). Said layer is configured as a sandwich structure and consists of at least two partial layers (16a, 16b) with an interposed intermediate layer (17).
US07952455B2
A magnetic device having a housing with a front wall. A first magnet assembly includes a north and south pole and a second magnet assembly also includes a north and south pole. The magnet assemblies are pivotally mounted in the housing and pivotal between a first position in which the north pole of the first magnet assembly and the south pole of the second magnet assembly face each other and are positioned adjacent the front wall of the housing, and a second position in which the north pole of the first magnet assembly and the south pole of the second magnet assembly face each other and are retracted from the front wall. An actuator pivots the magnet assemblies between their first and second positions while a spring urges the magnet assemblies toward the second position.
US07952446B2
A microcomputer includes: a CPU executing a predetermined calculation process; and a PWM timer generating a PWM pulse. The PWM timer includes a RAM for storing a duty value of the PWM pulse and a PWM controller for generating the PWM pulse. The PWM controller includes a PWM counter for counting up from a predetermined value as an initial value. The PWM pulse has an unit waveform, which is generated based on comparison between the duty value of the RAM and an output value of the PWM counter. The RAM outputs a new duty value at every comparison without functioning the CPU so that the duty value of the PWM pulse is changed in chronological order.
US07952443B2
An assistant measuring circuit for an oscillator is provided. The oscillator provides N oscillating signals with different phases. The assistant measuring circuit includes N buffers, N reflection-type modulators, and a controller. An ith buffer among the N buffers receives and further transmits an ith oscillating signal among the N oscillating signals. An ith modulator among the N modulators has an ith signal input end, an ith signal output end, and an ith signal control end. The ith oscillating signal is transmitted to the ith signal input end through the ith buffer. The signal output ends of the N modulators are all electrically connected to a measuring end. The controller is used for providing an ith control signal to the ith signal control end.
US07952440B2
A crystal device has an area defined inside a ceramic case thereof, and this area is made larger to increase the design freedom for mounting of a crystal unit (crystal element) in the crystal device. The crystal device is configured such that at least one crystal element is housed in a ceramic case in a rectangular form as seen in plan view. The crystal device includes the ceramic case having a bottom wall and a frame wall, and whose cross section is formed to be concave, and a metal cover jointed to a metal ring provided at an end face of the opening of the ceramic case by seam welding, to hermetically encapsulate the crystal element therein. The crystal device is configures such that one of the widths of the long side and the short side of the metal ring is shorter than the other one.
US07952439B1
Multiple microwave oscillators can be phase locked such that the power output of multiple oscillators can be coherently combined to achieve a single output which has the total sum power of the multiple oscillators. Multiple oscillators assembled in a power combining array are phase locked using a locking signal provided at each oscillator via strategic placement of a partial obstruction between combined multiple oscillators and a load. This locking signal includes a minimum threshold level and preselected phase. A method for phase locking multiple microwave oscillators includes steps of combining power output of multiple microwave oscillators to achieve a single output to a load and inserting a partial obstruction between said at least two multiple oscillators and said load. The partial obstruction configured to provide a combined microwave oscillator signal including a minimum threshold and preselected phase.
US07952431B2
Linearization circuits of the invention are used in conjunction with power amplification circuits that comprise a power amplifier core. Exemplary linearization circuits comprise a replica of the power amplifier core. In operation, the linearization produces an envelope signal from an RF signal. The envelope signal is used to control the replica to produce an analog output signal which represents the inverse of the AM to AM distortion of the power amplifier core. The linearization circuit then biases the RF signal with the inverted non-linear signal of the replica to control the power amplifier core. The power amplifier core and the replica thereof can be defined on the same semiconductor die so both respond to process variables similarly.
US07952429B2
The invention relates to an amplifier capable of delivering a plurality of output signals, these output signals being controlled by a plurality of input signals. A multiple-input and multiple-output amplifier of the invention comprises a common input terminal, 4 signal input terminals, 4 signal output terminals, a common terminal amplifier, 4 active sub-circuits and a feedback network. Each active sub-circuit has a sub-circuit input terminal connected to one of the signal input terminals, a sub-circuit output terminal connected to one of the signal output terminals and a sub-circuit common terminal. The feedback network has four C terminals and one R terminal. Each of said C terminals of the feedback network is coupled to the sub-circuit common terminal of one of said active sub-circuits. The output terminal of the common terminal amplifier is coupled to said R terminal of the feedback network.
US07952423B2
A method for improving analog circuits performance using a circuit design using forward bias and a modified mixed-signal process is presented. A circuit consisting plurality of NMOS and PMOS transistors is defined. The body terminal of the NMOS transistors are coupled to a first voltage source and the body terminal of the PMOS transistors are coupled a second voltage source. Transistors in the circuit are selectively biased by applying the first voltage source to the body terminal of each selected NMOS transistor and applying the second voltage source to the body terminal of each selected PMOS transistor. In one embodiment, the first voltage source and the second voltage source are modifiable to provide forward and reverse bias to the body terminal of the transistors.
US07952416B2
The intercept of a logarithmic amplifier is temperature stabilized by generating a signal having the form H log H where H is a function of temperature such as T/T0. The first H factor is cancelled, thereby generating a correction signal having the form Y log H. The cancellation may be implemented with a transconductance cell having a hyperbolic tangent function. The H log H function may be generated by a pair of junctions biased by one temperature-stable current and one temperature-dependent current. The pair of junctions and the transconductance cell may be coupled together in a translinear loop. A user-accessible terminal may allow adjustment of the correction signal for different operating frequencies.
US07952408B2
Phase noise detection systems for a device under test (DUT) are provided that can be embedded within a chip. According to one embodiment, the embedded phase noise detection system can include an active delay line cell, a phase shifter, and a phase detector. The active delay line and phase shifter separately receive the output signal of the DUT. The phase detector can include a double-balanced mixer followed by an active RC filter. The double-balanced mixer receives, as input, the outputs from the active delay line and phase shifter and can produce different dc voltages proportional to the difference from the input phase quadrature. An auto-adjustment circuit can also be included to help the input signal from the phase shifter to the mixer maintain quadrature.
US07952400B2
A disclosed reset device for outputting a reset signal based on a magnitude of an input power supply voltage includes: a power supply voltage monitoring unit including a comparator to which a detection voltage detected based on the magnitude of the power supply voltage and a reference voltage to be used as an inversion reference for the reset signal are input, the comparator comparing the detection voltage with the reference voltage and outputting an output voltage in accordance with a result of the comparison; and a reset signal outputting unit including a CMOS inverter to which the output voltage output from the power supply voltage monitoring unit is input, the unit outputting the reset signal. An impedance unit is disposed between a P-channel MOS transistor constituting the inverter and a power supply voltage line and/or between an N-channel MOS transistor constituting the inverter and a ground line.
US07952399B1
A frequency divider circuit includes a master-slave flip-flop having a master flip-flop and a slave flip-flop. The slave flip-flop is connected to the master flip-flop. The master flip-flop includes a first plurality of logic gates and is configured to receive a first clock signal. The slave flip-flop includes a second plurality of logic gates and is configured to receive a second clock signal. The second plurality of logic gates is implemented using single-ended diode-transistor logic (DTL).
US07952397B2
According to one general aspect, an output driver configured to drive output signals from a core device may include a voltage convertor, an output stage, and a biasing unit. In various embodiments, the output driver is configured to operate in either a core device voltage mode or a high voltage mode. In some embodiments, the voltage convertor may be configured to receive a pair of differential input signals from a core device, wherein a maximum voltage of the input signals is equivalent to a core device voltage, and convert the input signals to a pair of intermediate input signals. In one embodiment, when in high voltage mode, the maximum voltage of the intermediate input signals may be equivalent to a high voltage that is higher than the core device voltage. In some embodiments, the output stage configured to receive the intermediate input signals, and produce a pair of differential output signals having a maximum voltage of, based upon the operating mode of the output driver, either the core device voltage or the high voltage. In various embodiments, the biasing unit configured to provide a biasing current to the output stage, wherein the biasing current is configured to produce a desired common mode voltage within the output stage.
US07952376B1
Method and apparatus are disclosed related to testing and testability of adaptive equalization circuitry. Where an equalization circuit is provided in an IC, a modified internal loopback provides a testing signal. A local comparator circuit with flexible connectivity offers analog signal testing analysis in conjunction with a low-cost external tester. Flexible use and connectivity of the comparator and external connection points, and block isolation circuitry make accurate, faster, and lower cost testing methods possible.
US07952375B2
A probe for contacting and testing ICs on a semiconductor device includes a dielectric insulating material tip. The dielectric tip does not contaminate the surface being probed unlike metal probe tips. A contact scrub is further not required with signals being capacitively or inductively coupled from the probe tip to the IC. Testing can be performed during early fabrication steps of the wafer without the need for applying a metalization layer to the wafer to form bond pads. Testing can be performed by inductively coupling an AC signal to the probe tip, with coupling enhanced by including a magnetic material in the dielectric probe tip. Using an AC test signal enables testing of ICs without requiring separate power and ground connections.
US07952374B2
An apparatus for analyzing an integrated circuit to which one or more test signals are applied. An example apparatus includes an objective lens that views reflections from the integrated circuit, a device that houses at least two optical fibers, a component that receives reflections from the objective lens and directs the received reflections to the device, and a photo-diode that receives a reflection received by the device. The apparatus includes a beam splitter that directs reflections from the integrated circuit to a detector. A processing device generates an image signal based on a signal received from the detector and a display outputs an image based on the image signal. The component includes a scan mirror that reflects the collimated reflections to a collimating lens that focuses the reflections from the scan mirror toward the device.
US07952369B2
A device for sensing a position of a probe relative to a reference medium, the probe comprising a heater element with a temperature dependent electrical resistance and being adapted to determine probe position by measuring a parameter associated to a thermal relaxation time of the heater element.
US07952368B1
An apparatus and a method for measuring a diode chip are provided. The diode chip is placed on a thermal conductive element. The apparatus measures an instant starting current and a first temperature, which is associated with the instant starting current, of the thermal conductive element. After the diode chip operates, the apparatus adjusts the temperature of the thermal conductive element to a second temperature, such that the current of the diode chip is adjusted to be equal to the instant starting current. The apparatus calculates a property of the diode chip according to a real power of the diode chip and a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.
US07952359B2
First and second resistors are provided between a first input/output terminal and a power supply terminal, and between a second input/output terminal and the power supply terminal, respectively. Third and fourth resistors are connected to the second and first input/output terminals, respectively. First and second current-switching switches couple either the first input/output terminal side or the second input/output terminal side with a first current source and a second current source, respectively, according to the value of pattern data. A level shift circuit shifts the electric potentials at the second terminals of the third and forth resistors by a predetermined level. A comparator circuit compares the electric potentials at the second terminals of the third and fourth resistors level-shifted by the level shift circuit with those at the second terminals of the fourth and third resistors, respectively, and generates first and second comparison signals according to the comparison results.
US07952355B2
An MR imaging apparatus is disclosed, wherein the MR imaging apparatus includes a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, and an RF transceiver system controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly. The MR imaging apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the plurality of gradient coils and the RF transceiver system and programmed to obtain MR image signals at different echo times from a subject containing metabolites having known characteristics. The controller is further programmed to reconstruct images of the metabolites in a selected region of interest (ROI) using a probabilistic mathematical expression based on known information regarding an image acquisition process and using a spatial distribution of the metabolites to account for artifacts in the images.
US07952352B2
An instrument locally measuring mobility of a protic solvent in a sample 115 based on the gradient magnetic field NMR method has a sample stage 116 on which the sample 115 is placed, a magnet 113 applying a static magnetic field to the sample 115, a G coil 151 and a G coil 153 applying a gradient magnetic field to the sample 115, a small-sized RF coil 114 smaller in size than the G coil 151 applying an oscillating magnetic field for excitation and acquiring an NMR signal corresponded to the oscillating magnetic field for excitation and the gradient magnetic field; a pulse control unit 108 allowing application of the gradient magnetic field and oscillating magnetic field for excitation to be executed according to a predetermined pulse sequence; and an operation unit 130 calculating the mobility at the specific position of the G coil 151, based on information of the NMR signals acquired corresponding to different gradient magnetic fields.
US07952344B2
A frequency characteristic measuring apparatus measures a device under test in which the frequency of an input signal and the frequency of an output signal differ from each other, simplifying the configuration of a tracking generator and peripheral circuits associated with the tracking generator, and simultaneously measuring the characteristics of the input signal and the output signal of the device under test. A spectrum analyzer has mixers, local oscillators and IF sections as first and second measuring units for measuring frequency characteristics of two input signals by performing frequency sweep in correspondence with a first or second frequency range, a mixer and an oscillator as a tracking generator section which operates by being linked to the frequency sweep operation in the first measuring unit, and a section which generates a trigger signal designating measurement start timing.
US07952339B2
A synchronous rectifying drive type semiconductor circuit wherein voltages between drains and sources of power switching elements are detected, temporarily held and compared with a reference voltage. First control signals are generated for turning on the power switching elements depending on comparison result and dead times for the power switching elements are minimized by ORing first control signals and second control signals inputted at input terminals. The first control signals cause the power switching elements to be in “on” state for a constant time until the second control signals as “on” control signals arrive at the input terminals, and then the first control signals as “on” control signals are terminated before the second control signals as “off” signals arrive at the input terminals, thereby swiftly turning off the power switching elements by the second control signals arriving at the input terminals.
US07952337B2
A switching voltage regulator circuit includes, in part, a latch, a pair of switches, a sensing circuit, an amplifier, a digital control block, and a comparator. The switches are responsive to the latch, and the sensing circuit is responsive to a current flowing through the switch that is on. The amplifier is responsive to a reference voltage signal and a voltage feedback signal to generate a first intermediate voltage signal. The digital control block receives the reference voltage signal and the voltage feedback signal and generates a second intermediate voltage signal operative to cause the difference between the voltage feedback signal and the reference voltage signal to be less than a predefined value. The first and second intermediate voltages define a threshold value. The comparator is adapted to receive the output of the sensing circuit and the threshold value and to change the state of the latch in response.
US07952333B2
A circuit (1) is described for determining the current (Iload) in a load (6), the circuit having a main transistor (2) and a sense transistor (3), each transistor having a main current path (4, 5) and a control terminal (9, 10), the main current paths each operably connected in parallel between the load and a ground terminal (7) and the control terminals being connected together. Means is provided for setting the voltage across the main current path (5) of the sense transistor (3) to a voltage level substantially equal to a predetermined portion of the voltage across the main current path (4) of the main transistor (3).
US07952331B2
A controlled frequency generating system (CFG) may be constructed with a main generator and an exciter driven by a common shaft. Excitation power may be provided from the common shaft; as distinct from prior-art systems which may require independent excitation power sources. While controlling the output voltage and frequency of the main generator, the bi-directional controller extracts power from a main generator output and may supply the extracted power to supplement excitation power when needed at certain rotational speeds. The controller may extract power from the exciter when, at other rotational speeds, the exciter produces excess power. The extracted excess power may be delivered to the output of the main generator to maintain a desired level of output power at a desired frequency, irrespective of speed of rotation of the CFG.
US07952328B2
A multi-battery charging system comprises a computing device having a controller configured to control a plurality of power regulators, each of the plurality of power regulators for regulating charging power to a respective battery, at least one of the power regulators disposed external to the computing device.
US07952326B2
A method and system for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a power tool includes a housing, a cell, a controller, and a circuit. The circuit is operable to enable the controller to operate when the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller is below an operating voltage threshold of the controller.
US07952322B2
A portable inductive power source, power device, or unit, for use in powering or charging electrical, electronic, battery-operated, mobile, and other devices is disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment the system comprises a pad or similar base unit that contains a primary, which creates an alternating magnetic field by means of applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field from the pad and transferring it to a mobile or other device. In some embodiments the receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. Embodiments may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.
US07952313B2
A motor control apparatus includes: an electric motor having an outer rotor and an inner rotor which can alter mutual relative phases; a phase alternation device which alters the relative phase; a phase position sensor which detects a phase position with respect to the relative phase; and a fail-decision control unit which sets the relative phase as a maximum value or a minimum value (that is, a most forcing phase and a most weakening phase) in a phase variable area of the phase alternation device in accordance with a rotation number of the electric motor when the phase position sensor does not work.
US07952312B2
A controller computes a pinching amount of an object caused by a window glass. The controller estimates a prior pinching amount of the object caused by the window glass before the controller computes the pinching amount of the object. The controller confirms occurrence of the pinching of the object based on the computed pinching amount and the estimated prior pinching amount of the object.
US07952307B2
A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.
US07952306B2
A method of operating a power system is provided. The method may include running one or more of a plurality of generator units that each include a power source, a first electric generator, and a second electric generator. Additionally, the method may include supplying electricity from one or more of the first electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a first set of one or more electric power loads. The method may also include supplying electricity from one or more of the second electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a second set of one or more electric power loads.
US07952294B2
An apparatus method and system are provided for power conversion, to supply power to a nonlinear load such as a plurality of light emitting diodes. An exemplary apparatus comprises a first power converter stage, a second power converter stage, a plurality of sensors such as first and second sensors, and a controller. The first power converter stage includes a power switch and a first inductor having a first inductance. The first and second sensors are both coupled to a common reference node, with the first sensor adapted to sense a first parameter of the first power converter stage, and the second sensor adapted to sense the output current level. The second power converter stage includes a second inductor having a second inductance, and is couplable to provide an output current to the nonlinear load such as LEDs. The controller is coupled to the power switch, the first sensor and the second sensor, and the controller is adapted to turn the power switch into an on state for an on-time duration substantially proportional to a ratio of the second inductance to the first inductance.
US07952293B2
Power factor correction and driver circuits and stages are described. More particularly, power factor correction circuits are described that utilize an auxiliary inductor winding for power regulation. Driver circuits configured for electrical loads such as series arrangements of light emitting diodes are also described. An exemplary embodiment of a driver circuit can implement a comparator and/or a voltage regulator to allow for improved output current uniformity for high-voltage applications and loads, such as series configurations of LEDs. Embodiments of PFC stages and driver stages can be combined for use as a power supply, and may be configured on a common circuit board. Power factor correction and driver circuits can be combined with one or more lighting elements as a lighting apparatus.
US07952287B2
A two-dimensional circuit for a traveling-wave tube for millimeter and sub-millimeter electromagnetic waves synchronously interacts with an electron beam in a vacuum electronic microwave amplifier or oscillator. The circuit is a solid body having a length along the tube axis. The solid body has an electrically conductive top section and an electrically conductive bottom section. The top section is configured with a plurality of vertical vanes having a width and height and configured parallel to each other. The bottom section is similarly configured such that when the circuit is viewed in cross section along the length, the vanes on the bottom section are staggered with respect to the vanes on the top section. The top section and the bottom section are separated from each other to define a tunnel through the solid body along the length.
US07952280B2
Disclosed is an EEFL and LCD device using the same, the EEFL comprising: a glass tube coated with a fluorescent material therein and filled with discharge gas, main electrodes at both ends of the glass tube and sub-electrodes formed at an outer surface of the glass tube and being respectively spaced from the main electrodes, or comprising: a glass tube coated with a fluorescent material therein and filled with discharge gas, main electrodes at both ends of the glass tube, sub-electrodes at an outer surface of the glass tube and being respectively spaced from the main electrodes and electrode connection lines connecting each of the main electrodes and the sub-electrodes to each other.
US07952276B2
In a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display, an organic light emitting layer and a second electrode are sequentially formed on a first sub-electrode, and a laser beam is irradiated onto the organic light emitting layer to partially remove the organic light emitting layer, so that the first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode. Thus, even though the second electrode is formed to have a small thickness in order to maximize an amount of light that is generated by the organic light emitting layer and exits to an exterior through the second electrode, the second electrode is electrically connected to the first sub-electrode, thereby reducing an electrical resistance of the second electrode.
US07952270B2
An electroluminescent device comprising at least one electroluminescent light source (2) with an electroluminescent layer (21) for emitting a primary radiation with an emission characteristic around a mean emission direction (5), and at least one light-converting element (3) for converting at least part of the primary radiation into a secondary radiation, wherein the shape of the light-converting element (3) is adapted to the emission characteristic of the electroluminescent light source (2) so as to generate a defined correlated color temperature as a function of a viewing angle (10).
US07952263B1
A spark plug for use with an internal combustion vehicle engine preferably includes a housing having a single primary electrode and a single grounding electrode located subjacent to the single primary electrode. The single primary and grounding electrodes are spaced apart and thereby define a gap therebetween. A present invention further includes a mechanism for separately inducing a plurality of electric sparks between the single primary electrode and the single grounding electrode, respectively. Each of the electric sparks preferably has a separate and mutually exclusive firing point initiating from the single primary electrode and terminating at the single grounding electrode.
US07952260B2
An ultrasound imaging system (100). An exemplary system (100) includes a plurality of transducer elements (136) formed in subarrays (140) and a plurality of subarray circuit units (160′), with each circuit unit (160′) connected to a subarray (140) of the transducer elements (136). The circuitry in each unit (160′) comprises a plurality of integrated circuits (330, 340, 350), with at least a first (340) of the integrated circuits formed over a second (330) of the integrated circuits in a stacked configuration. In an example illustration the first integrated circuit (340) includes a first plurality of first bond pads (345) along a surface (342) thereof and the second integrated circuit (330) includes a second plurality of second bond pads (335) along a surface (331) thereof, with bond wires (344) extending between pairs of first and second bond pads to provide input/output signal connections therebetween.
US07952254B2
A stator of an outer rotor type motor is provided. The stator may include a helical core having stacked layers formed by winding a single metal sheet having a predetermined shape in a helical direction, a base and teeth that protrude from the base. The stator may also include an insulator made of electrical insulation material that surrounds the helical core, recesses formed in the base of the helical core that reduce stress due to the winding of the single metal sheet and disposed under the teeth, and auxiliary recesses formed in a bottom of the recesses.
US07952249B2
A rotor is deployed such that the rotor becomes coaxially rotatable with a stator. A shaft is fixed onto the axis of a rotor iron-core. 1-pole constituting magnet slots are deployed into V-character pattern along an outer circumference portion of the rotor iron-core. Permanent magnets are embedded into the magnet slots. For the 1 pole, the 2 pieces of same-polarity permanent magnets are embedded into the V-character pattern. The configuration of each embedded permanent magnet is designed as follows: From the thickness of the permanent-magnet edge portion on the inner-diameter side of the rotor iron-core, which becomes the center of the V-character pattern, the thickness of the permanent magnet gradually increases toward the outer-diameter side of the rotor iron-core, which become the right and left edge portions of the V-character pattern. Simultaneously, curved lines are provided on both edge portions of the permanent magnet.
US07952248B2
A generator that collects oscillation energy to convert to electric energy, the generator including a support portion made of non-piezoelectric material, a piezoelectric body disposed on the support portion and having a polarization direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the support portion, the piezoelectric body being configured to oscillate in an oscillating direction to generate the oscillation energy, the oscillating direction perpendicular to the polarization direction, a first electrode provided on a first surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, a second electrode provided on a second surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, and a weight disposed on a third surface of the piezoelectric body facing the support portion.
US07952241B2
A cooling fan includes a fan ring to be attached to an end surface of a rotor core near the outer circumference thereof, and a plurality of fins connected to the fan ring. The fan ring has positioning leg portions provided on an end surface thereof facing a thrust direction. The fan ring is positioned in relation to the rotor core through insertion of the positioning leg portions into core slots of the rotor core. The fan ring has wire accommodation recesses which are formed on the end surface of the fan ring facing the thrust direction and communicate with the core slots.
US07952237B2
A primary component for a linear motor includes at least one laminated core. A winding for creating a first magnetic field is arranged in the grooves of the laminated core. Permanent magnets create a second magnetic field and are arranged on the teeth of the laminated core. The primary component is provided for arrangement with a secondary component, and the primary component and the secondary component are spaced from each other by an air gap. The primary component includes a flat cover, arranged on the side of the primary component facing the air gap.
US07952234B2
A plurality of DC-DC converters are cascade-connected via a plurality of control signal lines which are used in common for start sequence control and stop sequence control. Each of the plurality of DC-DC converters is constituted including a sequence control circuit which commences a start operation along with activation of a control signal line on a previous stage side and activates a control signal line on a subsequent stage side along with completion of the start operation, and commences a stop operation along with deactivation of the control signal line on the subsequent stage side and deactivates the control signal line on the previous stage side along with completion of the stop operation.
US07952222B2
A hydraulic control system includes a key detector that detects whether an ignition key is in an on state, a control portion that outputs different control signals according to whether the engine is on if the key is on, and a valve, such as a solenoid valve, that controls gear shifts according to the control signals from the control portion. A hydraulic control method includes determining whether an ignition key is on; determining whether an engine is on or off if the key is on; and controlling a valve, such as a solenoid valve, that controls gear shifts, differently depending on whether the engine is on or off, such as by applying different duty values to the valve. A low duty value may be applied to the valve when the engine is off, and a higher duty value may be applied to the valve when the engine is on.
US07952220B2
An aircraft electrical system includes a generator that supplies electrical AC power to a plurality of accessories associated with a gas turbine engine. The generator also supplies power to an aircraft DC bus in parallel to the supply to the accessory bus.
US07952212B2
Applications of smart polymer composites to integrated circuit packaging.
US07952202B2
A method of forming a device associated with a via includes forming an opening or via, and forming at least a pair of conducting paths within the via. Also disclosed is a via having at pair of conducting paths therein.
US07952198B2
A BGA package primarily includes a leadless leadframe with a plurality of leads, a chip disposed on the leads, a die-attaching layer adhering to an active surface of the chip and the top surfaces of the leads, a plurality of bonding wires electrically connecting the chip to the leads, an encapsulant, and a plurality of solder balls. Each lead has a bottom surface including a wire-bonding area and a ball-placement area, moreover, a plurality of lips project from the bottom surfaces of the leads around the ball-placement areas. The encapsulant encapsulates the chip, the bonding wires, the die-attaching layer, and the top surfaces, the bottom surfaces except the ball-placement areas. The solder balls are disposed on the ball-placement areas.
US07952197B2
The invention discloses an electrical component with a carrier substrate, on which at least one semiconductor chip is mounted. Terminal areas are arranged on the underside of the carrier substrate and contact areas designed for the assembly with semiconductor chips are arranged on the upper side. The carrier substrate has a functional area that is divided into sections, wherein each section is assigned at least one function such as, e.g., as a filter, a frequency-separating filter, a balun, etc. A separate area of the carrier substrate is assigned to each section. The following applies to at least one of the sections: the contact area and/or the terminal area that is conductively connected to the section lies outside the base of this section. The connecting line that conductively connects the input or output of the respective section to the contact area and/or the terminal area is preferably shielded from the section by a ground area.
US07952193B2
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for chip cooling. One embodiment of an inventive method for bonding a liquid metal to an interface surface (e.g., a surface of an integrated circuit chip or an opposing surface of a heat sink) includes applying an adhesive to the interface surface. A metal film is then bonded to the adhesive, thereby easily adapting the interface surface for bonding to the liquid metal.
US07952187B2
A system and method for forming a wafer level package (WLP) (i.e., wafer level chip size package) is disclosed. The WLP includes a silicon integrated circuit (IC) substrate having a plurality of die pads formed on a top surface thereof and a plurality of polymer laminates positioned thereon. Each of the polymer laminates is comprised of a separate pre-formed laminate sheet and has a plurality of vias formed therein that correspond to a respective die pad. A plurality of metal interconnects are formed on each of the plurality of polymer laminates so as to cover a portion of a top surface of a polymer laminate and extend down through the via and into contact with a metal interconnect on a neighboring polymer laminate positioned below. An input/output (I/O) system interconnect is positioned on a top surface of the wafer level package and is attached to the plurality of metal interconnects.
US07952180B2
An integrated circuit having an MCM structure, an interface circuit used in the integrated circuit, and an apparatus incorporating the integrated circuit are disclosed. The integrated circuit includes at least two semiconductor devices formed on a common substrate. The semiconductor devices are interconnected via an interface circuit, capable of converting a single-ended signal received from one semiconductor device to a differential signal, and providing the differential signal to another semiconductor device. The interface circuit includes a pair of bonders, which physically connect the semiconductor devices.
US07952172B2
A light receiving element 1 has a semiconductor substrate 101; a first mesa 11 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having an active region and a first electrode (p-side electrode 111) provided over the active region; a second mesa 12 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having a semiconductor layer and a second electrode (n-side electrode 121) provided over the semiconductor layer; and a third mesa 13 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having a semiconductor layer, wherein the third mesa 13 is arranged so as to surround the first mesa 11.
US07952164B2
The semiconductor device includes a resistor cell that includes a diffused layer resistor, a P-well contact and an N-well contact. The diffused layer resistor is arranged on a semiconductor substrate and is formed by a diffused layer. The P-well contact surrounds an outer rim of the diffused layer resistor and is formed by another diffused layer. The N-well contact is arranged surrounding the outer rim of the P-well contact and is formed by a further diffused layer. Both the P-well and N-well contacts are partitioned into contact portions. Control electrode layer portions are arranged between neighboring contact sections of the P-well contact so the contact sections of the P-well contact and the control electrode layer portions alternate. Control electrode layer portions are arranged between neighboring contact sections of the N-well contact so that the contact sections of the N-well contact and the control electrode layer portions alternate with one another.
US07952160B2
Inductors packaged with a voltage regulator for an integrated circuit within the same package are deposited to a sufficient thickness to reduce resistance and improve the quality factor. Furthermore, the voltage regulator switches currents through the inductors at a relatively high frequency such that the overall size and inductances of the inductors may be reduced. As a consequence, integrating both the integrated circuits including a voltage regulator and associated inductor array in a single package is facilitated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07952151B2
A semiconductor device may include a substrate, an active semiconductor region of the substrate, and a gate electrode. The active semiconductor region may include a channel region between first and second junction regions. The channel region may include a first semiconductor material, the first and second junction regions may include a second semiconductor material, and the first and second semiconductor materials may be different. The gate electrode may be on the channel region with portions of the first and second junction regions being free of the gate electrode.
US07952150B1
The present invention relates to providing an enhancement-mode (e-mode) Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) with a complementary depletion-mode (d-mode) FET on a common group III-V substrate. The depletion mode FET may be another MOSFET, a MEtal-Semiconductor FET (MESFET), a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT), or like FET structure. In particular, the e-mode MOSFET includes a gate structure that resides between source and drain structures on a transistor body. The gate structure includes a gate contact that is separated from the transistor body by a gate oxide. The gate oxide is an oxidized material that includes Indium and Phosphorus. The gate oxide is formed beneath the gate contact.
US07952147B2
A semiconductor device with improved transistor operating and flicker noise characteristics includes a substrate, an analog NMOS transistor and a compressively-strained-channel analog PMOS transistor disposed on the substrate. The device also includes a first etch stop liner (ESL) and a second ESL which respectively cover the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor. The relative measurement of flicker noise power of the NMOS and PMOS transistors to flicker noise power of reference unstrained-channel analog NMOS and PMOS transistors at a frequency of 500 Hz is less than 1.
US07952139B2
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device that includes an active cell area having a plurality of power transistor cells. Each of said power transistor cells has a planar Schottky diode that includes a Schottky junction barrier metal covering areas above gaps between separated body regions between two adjacent power transistor cells. The separated body regions further provide a function of adjusting a leakage current of said Schottky diode in each of said power transistor cells. Each of the planar Schottky diodes further includes a Shannon implant region disposed in a gap between the separated body regions of two adjacent power transistor cells for further adjusting a leakage current of said Schottky diode. Each of the power transistor cells further includes heavy body doped regions in the separated body regions next to source regions surrounding said Schottky diode forming a junction barrier Schottky (JBS) pocket region.
US07952135B2
A semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory cell which includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, a control electrode formed over the first insulating film, the first insulating film acting as a gate insulator for the control gate electrode, a second insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, and a memory gate electrode formed over the second insulating film and being adjacent to the control gate electrode, the second insulating film acting as a gate insulator for the memory gate electrode and featuring a non-conductive charge trap film, the control gate electrode having a different type conductivity than that of the memory gate electrode. The second insulating film may be a laminated multi-layered insulator featuring a non-conductive charge trap film as an intermediate layer therein which is made of a silicon nitride film.
US07952133B2
Provided are a flash memory and a method for manufacturing the same. The flash memory includes a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation region and an active region; a stacked gate on the semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer covering the semiconductor substrate and the stacked gate; a drain contact penetrating the insulation layer on one side of the stacked gate; and a source line penetrating the insulation layer on an opposite side of the stacked gate.
US07952132B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a source region, a drain region, a channel region, a charge storage layer, and a control gate electrode. The source region and drain region are formed separately from each other in a surface of a semiconductor substrate. The channel region is formed in the semiconductor substrate and located between the source region and the drain region. The charge storage layer is formed on the channel region with a first insulating film interposed therebetween. The control gate electrode is formed on the charge storage layer with a second insulating film interposed therebetween. The control gate has an upper corner portion rounded with a radius of curvature of 5 nm or more.
US07952129B2
Embodiments according to the inventive concept can provide semiconductor devices including a substrate and a plurality of active pillars arranged in a matrix on the substrate. Each of the pillars includes a channel part that includes a channel dopant region disposed in a surface of the channel part. A gate electrode surrounds an outer surface of the channel part. The plurality of active pillars may be arranged in rows in a first direction and columns in a second direction crossing the first direction.
US07952115B2
A packaged light emitting device includes a substrate, a solid state light emitting device on the substrate, a first generally toroidal lens on the substrate and defining a cavity relative to the solid state light emitting device and having a first index of refraction, and a second lens at least partially within the cavity formed by the first lens and having a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction. The second index of refraction may be higher than the first index of refraction. The lenses may be mounted on the substrate and/or may formed by dispensing and curing liquid encapsulant materials.
US07952112B2
A submount for red, green, and blue LEDs is described where the submount has thermally isolated trenches and/or holes in the submount so that the high heat generated by the green/blue AlInGaN LEDs is not conducted to the red AlInGaP LEDs. The submount contains conductors to interconnect the LEDs in a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the AlInGaP LEDs are recessed in the submount so all LEDs have the same light exit plane. The submount may be used for LEDs generating other colors, such as yellow, amber, orange, and cyan.
US07952106B2
A semiconductor is disclosed. The semiconductor may include a transparent layer having a first surface. The semiconductor may further include a first doped layer formed over the first surface of the transparent layer. The first doped layer may have a plurality of first-type metal electrodes formed thereon. The semiconductor may further include a second doped layer formed over the first surface of the transparent layer. The second doped layer may have a plurality of second-type metal electrodes formed thereon. The semiconductor may also include an active layer formed over the first surface of the transparent layer and disposed between the first doped layer and the second doped layer. The first-type metal electrodes and the second-type metal electrodes may be alternately arranged and the distances between each first-type metal electrode and its adjacent second-type metal electrodes may be substantially equal.
US07952099B2
A TFT LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: forming a thin film transistor on a substrate to form a gate line and a gate electrode connected with the gate line on the substrate; forming a gate insulating layer and a semiconductor layer on the gate electrode; forming an ohmic contact layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a transparent pixel electrode layer and a source/drain electrode metal layer in sequence on the resultant substrate, wherein the transparent pixel electrode layer is electrically insulated from the gate line and the gate electrode, and the transparent pixel electrode layer forms an ohmic contact with two sides of the semiconductor layer via the ohmic contact layer; and performing masking and etching with a gray tone mask with respect to the resultant substrate to form a transparent pixel electrode, a source/drain electrode and a data line simultaneously.
US07952093B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reliable semiconductor device comprising TFTs having a large area integrated circuit with low wiring resistance. One of the features of the present invention is that an LDD region including a region which overlaps with a gate electrode and a region which does not overlap with the gate electrode is provided in one TFT. Another feature of the present invention is that gate electrode comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer and portion of the gate wiring has a clad structure comprising the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer with a low resistance layer interposed therebetween.
US07952071B2
Provided is a defect inspection apparatus and an inspection (or evaluation) method with highly improved accuracy, which would not be provided by the prior art, in the defect inspection apparatus used in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device.Provided is a method for inspecting a sample surface with a projection type electron beam inspection apparatus, comprising the steps of: forming such an irradiation area on the sample surface by an electron beam generated from an electron gun 21 that has approximately a circular or elliptical shape of a size larger than a pattern on the sample surface; irradiating the electron beam substantially onto a center of the pattern on the sample surface; and forming an image on an electron detection plane of a detector from secondary electrons emanating from the sample surface in response to the irradiation of the electron beam for inspecting the sample surface.
US07952070B2
A method and apparatus of combining two independent multipoles in an interlaced fashion to form a resultant multipole structure is introduced. Such an arrangement enables ions from two separate sources to be merged along a predetermined longitudinal direction but also enables in the reverse path, predetermined portions of ions from a single source to be directed along one or more ion channel paths to also enable, for example, simultaneous collection by a Time of Flight (TOF) mass analyzer and an ion trap.
US07952064B2
A method for processing and/or analyzing image information representing radiation in a spatially resolved manner using an optical system coupled to at least one detector includes the step of collecting said image information with said optical system using at least one micromechanical mirror moved such that the image information is scanned and coupled sequentially into the at least one detector.
US07952061B2
An optical antenna assembly including multiple optical antenna elements, each of the optical antenna elements are arranged in a regular pattern and carried by a supporting body. The regular pattern of the plurality of optical antenna elements is nonuniform. Certain ones of the optical antenna elements are configured to respond to the one or more waves of light.
US07952056B2
Systems and methods for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurements of the emitted light in two intensity ranges are performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector. A processor receives output signals from the two detectors and provides an output representing the luminous intensity of the sample over a detection range greater than the detection range of each individual detector, thereby providing a detection system having an enhanced dynamic range.
US07952054B2
There is disclosed a heating element 10 comprising: at least a heat-resistant base member 1; a conductive layer 3 having a heater pattern 3a formed on the heat-resistant base member; a protection layer 4 with an insulating property formed on the conductive layer; and a corrosion-resistant layer 4p that is an oxide having an oxygen amount of stoichiometric ratio or less formed on the protection layer. There can be provided a heating element in which a corrosion-resistant layer whose resistivity or hardness is controlled is formed on a protection layer and through which the corrosive gas is difficult to be transmitted even under an environment of a high temperature and a corrosive gas and by which degradation due to corrosion of a conductive layer, particularly, a power-supply-terminal portion can be avoided and additionally which can fulfill a high function as an electrostatic chuck even when having a chuck pattern and which has a long operation life and is capable of being produced at a low cost.
US07952052B2
A welding torch maintenance center that uses a microcontroller to control the operation, to configure the maintenance center, to repeat the reaming process for excessive spatter deposit inside the nozzle, to spray the nozzle with anti-spatter fluid, to cut the welding wire, to provide a tool center point check signal, and to provide diagnostic information.
US07952045B2
A material piece scooping device, which extracts a material piece from a surface of an object to be scooped by cutting electric discharges between an electric discharge electrode and the object to be scooped, includes a rotation drive section 40, an arm portion 30 driven by the rotation drive section to rotate around a rotational axis X, an electrode holder 20 supported by the arm portion, and an electric discharge electrode 10 detachably mounted on the electrode holder. A sliding section for sliding the arm portion in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis and an arm length adjusting section for adjusting a length of the arm portion from the rotational axis thereof are provided, so as to adjust a trajectory of the electric discharge electrode as the arm portion rotates. The material piece can be scooped from the object along a line of the trajectory gnawing into the object.
US07952043B2
A keyboard with backlighting functionality includes: a membrane circuit substrate having an upper circuit sheet, an insulator sheet, and a lower circuit sheet laminated together in sequence; a press key set having a plurality of press keys that are disposed on the membrane circuit substrate, and that are capable of being pressed so as to cause the membrane circuit substrate to transmit input signals; and at least one light-emitting element mounted onto a lower surface of the upper circuit sheet that faces the insulator sheet. The membrane circuit substrate is configured as a backlighting sheet that allows light from the light-emitting element to propagate therein, and is formed with a plurality of reflecting dots for directing the light that propagates in the membrane circuit substrate toward the press keys of the press key set.
US07952037B2
A method and apparatus of forming portions of tobacco, and of removing the same by an conveyor having at least one path of holders for a respective portion, in which the holders are filled with individual portions of the contents at least two filling lines of one or more filling stations, and, prior to the individual filling operations, individual portions of the contents are weighed and weighed portions that satisfy the predetermined conditions—acceptable portions—are filled cyclically into the holders and weighed portions that do not satisfy the predetermined conditions are detected and ejected as defective portions, characterized by components and steps of (a) following detection of a defective portion, that holder which the filling line originally predetermined for filling this holder would have filled with the contents portion, on which the defective portion is based, had the contents portion satisfied the predetermined conditions—defective-portion holder—is sensed, and a filling line other than that originally predetermined for filling the defective-portion holder—compensating filling line—fills the defective-portion holder, preferably outside the original filling cycle thereof, with an acceptable portion that satisfies the predetermined conditions.
US07952029B2
An insulated wire including a conductor, an inside coat of one or more layers arranged to cover the conductor, and an outside coat arranged to cover the outermost layer of the inside coat, wherein at least the layer of the inside coat which is in contact with the conductor is made from an olefin resin including a functional group, and the outside coatis made from a non-halogenous flame-retardant resin composition. The functional group is preferably one or more groups selected from a carboxylic acid group, an acid anhydrous group, an epoxy group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkenyl cyclic imino ether group, and a silane group.
US07952026B2
A busway system includes a plurality of busbars arranged in a flat stacked configuration. The system further includes at least one uninsulated stab having a base in direct contact with one of the busbars at a first length portion of the busbars. The stab also has a tip extending away from the base and angled at the length of the busbars such that the tip is positioned at least in part at a second length portion of the busbars. The stab is insulated from other stabs via one or more of a MYLAR® sheet and a wall of a plug-in opening base.
US07952024B2
A U-turn bus bar comprises a body portion constituting a linear essential part formed of a conductive plate member, having an overall thickness (t) and an overall width (2b); at least a terminal portion expanded in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body portion; and a connection hole formed at one end of the body portion. The body portion includes a U-turn bend formed by bending the body portion into a U-turn shape.
US07952017B2
A light concentrator is described, for a device for the conversion of solar radiation into electrical, thermal or chemical energy, capable of conveying the radiation towards a surface of the conversion device. The concentrator comprises at least one portion of Fresnel lens of rotational symmetry, one face of which has a plurality of crests disposed concentrically about a center so as to form a segmented transverse profile of the portion of Fresnel lens. The profile is formed in such a manner that the focal distance of the Fresnel lens is variable in dependence on the radial distance from the center of the lens. The variation of the focal distance is determined such that, when the Fresnel lens is illuminated by polychromatic radiation, the superposition of the distributions of irradiance, produced by the lens at the individual wavelengths constituting the spectrum of the incident radiation, generates a substantially uniform distribution of polychromatic irradiance on the conversion device.
US07952013B2
Content is selected on the basis of changes of a walking tempo. The walking tempo is detected (S5). In a state determination process (S7), it is determined whether the walking tempo tends to increase, be constant, or decrease. A walking tempo corrective coefficient is calculated on the basis of the determined result and a corrective walking tempo is calculated with the walking tempo corrective coefficient (S9). It is determined whether or not music is changed on the basis of the corrective walking tempo rather than the actually detected walking tempo (S11). When music is changed, relevant music content is searched. Controls are performed in such a manner that when the walking tempo is decreasing, the foregoing state is kept for a while, when the walking tempo is increasing, music is quickly selected according to the increase of the walking tempo, and when the walking tempo is stable, music is not selected.
US07952009B2
A technique for the creation of novel sounds in cymbals and resultant cymbals through the use of multiple and/or off center cups.
US07952007B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH544603. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH544603, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH544603 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH544603.
US07951985B2
In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons. The reaction zone is contained within a reactor and the reactor or an internal component of the reactor has at least one surface that is chemically exposed to the feed and is formed from a refractory material that exhibits a carbon uptake (mass of carbon absorbed per unit of exposed metal surface area) of less than 25 g/m2 when exposed to mixture of 50 vol % methane and 50 vol % H2 at 900° C. for 168 hours.
US07951976B1
Several metal-supported catalyst compositions based on nano-crystalline zinc oxide were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Carbon dioxide temperature programmed desorption (CO2 TPD), and nitrogen adsorption at −196° C. The Pd-supported nano-ZnO mixed with different oxides such as Cr2O3, CrO3, MgO, and γ-Al2O3 showed high catalytic activity in acetone condensation in gas-phase process under hydrogen flow. This reaction involves the base-acid coupling of acetone to form mesityl oxide, followed by its hydrogenation to methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The novel catalyst 1% wt. n-Pd/n-ZnCr2O4 was utilized during gas-phase reaction during production of MIBK. MIBK selectivity was 70-72% at 66-77% acetone conversion at 300-350° C. Diisobutyl ketone (DIBK) was the main by-product, with a total MIBK+DIBK selectivity up to 88%. The prepared catalysts showed stable activity and may be used repeatedly and for a longer period of time.
US07951967B2
A method and an apparatus for preparing fatty acid alkyl ester for bio-diesels are disclosed, wherein fatty acid, specifically fatty acid distillate reacts with alcohol, without a catalyst. The method does not require the purification process of the catalyst and glycerin, and has the superior conversion ratio of fatty acid. The method for preparing fatty acid alkyl ester for bio-diesel fuels comprises the step of esterifying fatty acid raw material with alcohol, under a temperature of 200 to 350° C. and a pressure of atmospheric pressure to 10 bar. The apparatus for preparing fatty acid alkyl ester for bio-diesel fuels, comprises: the first reactor for esterifying fatty acid raw material with alcohol under a temperature of 200° C. to 350° C. and a pressure of atmospheric pressure to 10 bar and for converting 80 to 90% of total fatty acid into fatty acid alkyl ester; and the second reactor for converting remaining fatty acid unconverted at the first reactor into fatty acid alkyl ester.
US07951960B2
The black color material includes a condensation product of a pyrrole compound represented by the following formula (1) and a squaric acid represented by the following formula (2):
US07951949B2
The present invention is directed to macrocyclic aminopyridyl compounds represented by general formula (I), which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved.
US07951948B2
Spirocyclic cyclohexane compounds corresponding to formula I a method for producing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them.
US07951947B2
A compound represented by following formula (23): wherein R11 and R12 each represents a substituent; R13, R14 and R15 each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; m1 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; and m2 represents an integer of from 0 to 6.
US07951937B2
A process of azeotropic removal of dimethylformamide, abbreviated as DMF, from a process stream containing DMF requiring its removal, is described wherein the said Process Stream being obtained in a process for preparation of 4,1′,6′ trichlorogalactosucrose, abbreviated as TGS, or TGS-6-ester including TGS-6-acetate or TGS-6-benzoate, comprising steps of (a) evaporation of the said process stream under reduced pressure to a concentrate to effect removal of a part of DMF azeotropically, (b) diluting the concentrate obtained at the end of step (a.) of this claim with water, preferably to about 5 to 10 times the volume of the said concentrate, and (c) repeating the cycles of evaporation under reduced pressure and dilution with water for more number of times until content of DMF in the concentrated mass is reduced to 0.5% or less of the concentrate.
US07951927B2
The present invention refers to a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acid(s) into the DNA of a cell by using a member of the human mariner transposases. The invention further refers to this transposase and to transposons used in the inventive gene transfer system, comprising a nucleic acid sequence with flanking repeats (IRs and/or IR/DRs). Furthermore, applications of this gene transfer system are also disclosed such as gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, gene discovery (including genome mapping), mobilization of genes, library screening, or functional analysis of genomes in vivo and in vitro. Finally, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are also encompassed.
US07951914B2
A genetically modified cyclic-nucleotide controlled ion channels where the subunits thereof are altered in such a manner that they have a higher sensitivity for cAMP in relation to cGMP in comparison with the Wildtype according to Seq ID No. 1 and 2.
US07951910B2
The invention relates to peptides with the Marburg I polymorphism of FSAP and to their preparation and uses, in particular in therapy and diagnosis. The peptides are suitable for use as immunizing antigens for preparing FSAP MR I specific antibodies.
US07951909B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. More particularly, the peptide immunogen comprises a main functional/regulatory site, an N-terminal fragment of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptide linked to a helper T cell epitope (Th) having multiple class II MHC binding motifs. The peptide immunogen elicits a site-directed immune response against the main functional/regulatory site of the Aβ peptide and generate antibodies, which are highly cross-reactive to the soluble Aβ1-42 peptide and the amyloid plaques formed in the brain of Alzheimer's Disease patients. The antibodies elicited being cross reactive to the soluble Aβ1-42 peptide, promote fibril disaggregation and inhibit fibrillar aggregation leading to immunoneutralization of the “soluble Aβ-derived toxins”; and being cross-reactive to the amyloid plaques, accelerate the clearance of these plaques from the brain. Thus, the composition of the invention comprising the peptide immunogen is useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.
US07951896B2
The present invention relates to NCO-terminated prepolymers that are stable to sedimentation, to a process for the production of these NCO-terminated prepolymers, and to the production of polyurethanes from these NCO-terminated polymers.
US07951882B2
Copolymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, are prepared by polymerizing propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8α-olefin and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.
US07951880B2
The methods and compositions disclosed herein describes a solution containing at least one block co-polymer that is a liquid at lower temperatures and transitions to a gel at higher temperatures. The compositions are useful, for example, as an alternative to saline or silicone-gel as fillers for prostheses.
US07951878B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing halogen-free flameproof epoxy resins, in which a halogen-free epoxy resin is reacted with a polyfunctional aldehyde or ketone and a phosphinic acid derivative, wherein the phosphinic acid derivative contains at least one P—H-active structural unit of the formula ═PH(O) and is used in an amount equivalent to the polyfunctionality of the aldehyde or ketone, to a halogen-free flameproof epoxy resin obtainable by this method, to the use of the epoxy resin as a base material for the manufacture of printed circuit boards and printed circuits and to intermediates used to prepare the epoxy resins.
US07951875B2
The present invention relates to hydrogenated nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art.
US07951871B2
A method for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a blend that includes the rubber and a thermoplastic polymer, where said dynamically vulcanizing is effected with a cure system that includes a hydrosilating agent and a catalyst, where the hydrosilating agent includes a compound including at least 3 silicon hydride groups defined by the formula where each R is independently a monovalent organic group or hydrogen, and where the silicon atoms of the respective silicon hydride groups are spatially separated by at least 6 atoms.
US07951867B2
The present invention is directed to silicone formulations which are capable of being rapidly cured to tough elastomeric materials through exposure to UV radiation, and optionally through exposure to moisture as well. The cured products demonstrate high resistance to flammability and combustibility.
US07951865B1
The present invention is an improved polymeric resin composition comprising or consisting essentially of from about 70 wt % to about 79 wt % units derived from ethylene and from about 21 wt % to about 30 wt % units derived from an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbons. Resins of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing transparent laminates useful as glazing elements that provide a greater measure of safety than non-laminated glazing elements. Laminates of the present invention have 3% haze or less without the addition of amines.
US07951864B2
The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.
US07951858B2
The invention concerns novel bituminous products, as well as novel aqueous emulsions of bituminous products, mixtures thereof with coated granules, useful for sealing application, building and maintaining road surfaces, sidewalks and runways, road surfaces, sidewalks, bicycle paths, parking lots and runways.
US07951849B2
The present invention relates to the field of gels. The invention also relates to an improved method for manufacturing gels. In particular the invention relates to a new class of material, fluid-bicontinuous particle-stabilized gels, and a method of making the same. The fluid-bicontinuous particle-stabilized gels comprise at least a first fluid, a second fluid, and a continuous layer of particles positioned at a continuous interface between the first fluid and the second fluid.
US07951839B2
The present invention related to a determination of a stereochemistry, a synthesis and dauer effect of 6R-(3,6-dideoxy-L-arabino-hexopyranosyloxy) heptanoic acid as a pheromone isolated from the Caenorhabditis elegance related to suppression of aging and stress. It becomes possible to develop medical substances using the pheromone relating to aging, stress, metabolism, signal transfer system in vivo, and anticancer, obesity and a suppressing agent for aging and stress.
US07951829B2
The invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I): to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and to methods of treatment using them.
US07951828B1
An isoxazoline-substituted benzamide compound of formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein A1, A2 and A3 independently of one another are carbon atom or nitrogen atom, G is benzene ring, etc., W is oxygen atom or sulfur atom, etc., X is halogen atom, C1-C6haloalkyl, etc., Y is halogen atm, C1-C6alkyl, etc., R1 is —CH═NOR1a, —C(O)OR1c, —C(O)NHR1d, phenyl substituted with (Z)p1, D-14, D-52, D-53, D-55 to D-59, etc., R1a is C1-C6alkyl, etc., R1c is C1-C6alkyl, etc., R1d is hydrogen atom, —C(O)R15, —C(O)OR15, etc., R2 is C1-C6alkyl, —CH2R14a, C1-C6alkynyl, —C(O)R15, —C(O)OR15, etc., further when R1 is —CH═NOR1a, —C(O)OR1c or —C(O)N(R1e)R1d, R2 may be hydrogen atom, R3 is C1-C6haloalkyl, etc., R14a is cyano, —OR25, etc., R15 is C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C4alkoxy C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkylthio C1-C4alkyl, C3-C6cycloalkyl, C2-C6alkenyl, etc., R25 is C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4haloalkyl, —C(O)R32 or —C(O)OR32, etc., R32 is C1-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, etc., Z is halogen atom, cyano, nitro, C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, etc., m is an integer of 0 to 5, n is an integer of 0 to 4, p1 is an integer of 1 to 5. The pesticide containing these compounds.
US07951827B2
Novel dicationic 3,5-diphenylisoxazole compounds are described. Synthetic routes to these novel compounds are provided. Several of the compounds displayed in vitro activity versus Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Plasmodium falciparum comparable to that of furamidine. A majority of the novel compounds also were less toxic to VERO cells than furamidine.
US07951821B2
This invention discloses and claims a compound of general formula (I) in which R1 represents either a hydrogen atom, or an optionally substituted alkyl group, or a cycloalkylalkyl group, or an optionally substituted phenylalkyl group, or an alkenyl group, X represents a hydrogen atom or one or more substituents chosen from halogen atoms and trifluoromethyl, alkyl and alkoxy groups, R2 represents one or more substituents chosen from halogen atoms, optionally substituted alkoxy and optionally substituted amino. The compounds of this invention exhibit therapeutic utility.
US07951813B2
Disclosed are novel quinazolinone derivatives of formula: wherein: R1 is optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; R2 is 3-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, 3-NHR4 or 4-NHR4, in which R4 is hydrogen, —C(O)R5, —C(O)NHR6, or —SO2R6; in which R5 is optionally substituted lower alkyl or optionally substituted lower alkoxy; and R6 is optionally substituted lower alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or halo; V is oxygen, sulfur, or —NH—; and W is lower alkylene of 1-3 carbon atoms, which are useful as ALDH-2 inhibitors for treating mammals for various disease states, such as treatment for cocaine dependency and alcohol dependency.
US07951811B2
[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED]An object of the present invention is to provide an antagonist against CRF receptors and/or an agonist for δ 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, gastrointestinal diseases, drug dependence, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema, cephalic external wound, inflammation, immunity-related diseases, alopecia, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, epilepsy, dermatitides, schizophrenia, pain, etc.[SOLUTION]A pyrrolopyrimidine or pyrrolopyridine derivative substituted with a cyclic amino group represented by the following a [I] has a high affinity for CRF receptors and/or δ receptors, and is effective against diseases in which CRF is considered to be involved.
US07951808B2
Imidazole compounds, compositions, and methods of using them in leukocyte recruitment inhibition, in modulating H4 receptor expression, and in treating conditions such as inflammation, H4 receptor-mediated conditions, and related conditions.
US07951806B2
The present invention relates to an inhibitor of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition that has an inhibitory action on PAI-1 activity and is useful in the prevention and treatment of various diseases whose onset is associated with PAI-1 activity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a novel compound having PAI-1 inhibitory activity represented by the following general formula (I), and a salt thereof. Each symbol is defined as those in the specification.
US07951805B2
Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): Formula (I) where x, y, G, J, L, M, V, W, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5a, R6, R6a, R7, R7a, R8, and R8a are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
US07951790B2
The present invention relates to progesterone receptor antagonists of general formula I: in which R1 can be a hydrogen atom and R2 a hydroxyl group or R1 and R2 together can be an oxo group.
US07951777B2
The present invention is concerned with composition and methods for treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions. In particular it is concerned with prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions by administering compositions comprising vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and/or active fragments) thereof.
US07951766B1
A composition containing an epoxide of fatty acid esters, such as epoxidized methyl soyate prepared by alcoholysis of epoxidized triglycerides, suitable for degreasing, paint removal, cleaning and the like is provided herein. The component can be blended with both conventional and soy-based co-solvents and other components such as surfactants and the like.
US07951765B2
The present invention relates to a photoresist stripper composition for removing the photoresist in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device. More particularly, the photoresist stripper composition comprises 3-20 wt % of hydrazine hydrate or amine compound; 20˜40 wt % of polar solvent; 0.01-3 wt % of corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of imidazoline derivative, sulfide derivative, sulfoxide derivative, aromatic compound or aromatic compound with hydroxyl group; 0.01-5 wt % of monoalcohol compound of C2-C10; and 40-70 wt % of deionized water. The photoresist stripper composition for manufacturing the semiconductor can remove the photoresist film thermoset by hard bake, dry etching, ashing or ion implantation and denatured by the metallic by-product etched from the bottom metallic film in said process at low temperature easily and quickly, and minimize the corrosion of the bottom metallic wiring in the removing process of the photoresist.
US07951758B2
The hydrolytic stability of magnesium overbased products is significantly improved by the addition or inclusion of a mixture or reaction product of an alkylphenol resin with a mixture of an alkenyl succinic anhydride and the acid thereof, and an alkyl amine. These magnesium overbased products are useful additives to fuel oils to improve their corrosion-causing tendencies. In one non-limiting embodiment, the alkylphenol resin is nonylphenol resin and the succinic anhydride is a partially hydrolyzed succinic anhydride having from 14 to 26 carbon atoms, along with the acid thereof. The mixtures and reaction products also serve as asphaltene inhibitors in the fuel oils.
US07951750B2
An image-forming method, having: superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet so that at least one receptor layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet can be contacted with a thermal transfer layer of the heat-sensitive transfer sheet; and providing thermal energy in accordance with image signals given from a thermal head, thereby to form an image; wherein the heat-sensitive transfer sheet has the thermal transfer layer that contains a thermally transferable colorant on one surface of a substrate film, and a heat-resistant sliding layer that is formed so as to contain a hardener on the other surface; and wherein the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has, on a support, the at least one receptor layer that contains a latex polymer, and at least one heat insulation layer that contains hollow polymer particles but does not contain a resin having poor resistance to an organic solvent.
US07951748B2
A method of preparing a shaped catalyst, which method comprises molding a dough into shaped particles and drying the shaped particles, wherein the dough comprises a support material, or a precursor thereof, and a silver component; the shaped catalyst, and a use of the shaped catalyst.
US07951736B2
An SiC fiber bonded ceramic constituted of both a base material which comprises both inorganic fibers made mainly of a sintered SiC structure containing 0.01 to 1 wt % of oxygen (O) and at least one of Groups 2A, 3A and 3B metals and a 1 to 100-nm and carbon (C)-base boundary layer formed among the fibers and a surface part which is made mainly of an SiC-base ceramic structure and formed on at least part of the surface of the base material, characterized in that the boundary portion between the surface part and the base material takes such a gradient structure that the structure of the base material changes into the structure of the surface part gradually and continuously.
US07951735B2
This invention relates to the use of novel glass materials comprising rare earth aluminate glasses (REA1™ glasses) in the gain medium of solid state laser devices that produce light at infrared wavelengths, typically in the range 1000 to 3000 nm and for infrared optics with transmission to approximately 5000 nm in thin sections. The novel glass materials provide stable hosts for trivalent ytterbium (Yb3+) ions and other optically active species or combinations of optically active species that exhibit fluorescence and that can be optically excited by the application of light. The glass gain medium can be configured as a waveguide or placed in an external laser cavity, or otherwise arranged to achieve gain in the laser waveband and so produce laser action.
US07951732B2
Elastic laminates and articles for manufacture are provided. The elastic laminate can include one or more facing layers comprising one or more thermoplastic resins and one or more propylene-based polymers, and one or more inner layers comprising one or more propylene-based polymers. Each facing layer can include at least 50% by weight of the one or more propylene-based polymers where the propylene-based polymer has (i) 60 wt % or more units derived from propylene, (ii) isotactically arranged propylene derived sequences, and (iii) a heat of fusion less than 45 J/g.
US07951728B2
A method for selective oxidation of silicon containing materials in a semiconductor device is disclosed and claimed. In one aspect, a rapid thermal processing apparatus is used to selectively oxidize a substrate by in-situ steam generation at high pressure in a hydrogen rich atmosphere. Other materials, such as metals and barrier layers, in the substrate are not oxidized.
US07951720B2
Forming contact holes of a semiconductor device includes forming a reaction layer that is provided with a reaction pattern on a semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a self-assembled monolayer is formed by injecting a polymer from a functional group that is capable of being chemically bonded to the reaction pattern. A coating layer is then formed on substantially all of the structure that includes the self-assembled monolayer. Afterwards, the contact holes are formed on the semiconductor substrate by performing an etching process.
US07951715B2
The method comprises the step polishing the surface of a film-to-be-polished formed over a semiconductor substrate 10 with a polishing pad while a polishing slurry containing abrasive grains, and an additive of a surfactant is being supplied onto the polishing pad 104 to thereby planarize the surface of the film-to-be-polished, and the step of further polishing the surface of the film-to-be-polished with the polishing pad while the polishing slurry and water are being supplied onto the polishing pad, after the surface of the film-to-be-polished has been planarized. In the finishing polish, not only deionized water but also the polishing slurry are supplied on to the polishing pad, a position for the polishing slurry to be supplied to and a position for the deionized water to be supplied to are suitably set, and a ratio of a supply amount of the polishing slurry and a supply amount of the deionized water is suitably set, whereby the intra-plane film thickness of the film-to-be-polished as finish-polished can be uniform.
US07951714B2
Disclosed are embodiments of an improved high aspect ratio electroplated metal structure (e.g., a copper or copper alloy interconnect, such as a back end of the line (BEOL) or middle of the line (MOL) contact) in which the electroplated metal fill material is free from seams and/or voids. Also, disclosed are embodiments of a method of forming such an electroplated metal structure by lining a high aspect ratio opening (e.g., a high aspect ratio via or trench) with a metal-plating seed layer and, then, forming a protective layer over the portion of the metal-plating seed layer adjacent to the opening sidewalls so that subsequent electroplating occurs only from the bottom surface of the opening up.
US07951710B2
The present invention discloses a display device and a manufacturing method thereof by which a manufacturing process can be simplified. Further, the present invention discloses technique for manufacturing a pattern such as a wiring into a desired shape with good controllability. A method for forming a pattern for constituting the display device according to the present invention comprises the steps of forming a first region and a second region; discharging a composition containing a pattern formation material to a region across the second region and the first region; and flowing a part of the composition discharged to the first region into the second region; wherein wettability with respect to the composition of the first region is lower than that of the second composition.
US07951708B2
A method of forming a diffusion barrier for use in semiconductor device manufacturing includes depositing, by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, an iridium doped, tantalum based barrier layer over a patterned interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer, wherein the barrier layer is deposited with an iridium concentration of at least 60 atomic % such that the barrier layer has a resulting amorphous structure.
US07951707B2
An etching method for semiconductor element is provided. The etching method includes the following procedure. First, a to-be-etched substrate is provided. Then, a silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRO) layer is formed on the to-be-etched substrate. Afterwards, an anti-reflective layer is formed on the SRO layer. Then, a patterned photo resist layer is formed on the anti-reflective layer. Afterwards, the anti-reflective layer, the SRO layer and the to-be-etched substrate is etched so as to form an opening.
US07951705B2
Structures having low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer having at least one low-k sublayer and at least one air barrier sublayer are described herein. The multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are diffusion barriers to metal and barriers to air permeation. Methods and compositions relating to the generation of the structures are also described. The advantages of utilizing these low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer is a gain in chip performance through a reduction in capacitance between conducting metal features and an increase in reliability as the multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are impermeable to air and prevent metal diffusion.
US07951689B2
A highly reliable semiconductor device capable of high speed operation is manufactured over a flexible substrate at a high yield. A separation layer is formed over an insulating substrate by a sputtering method; the separation layer is flattened by a reverse sputtering method; an insulating film is formed over the flattened separation layer; a damaged area is formed by introducing hydrogen or the like into a semiconductor substrate; an insulating film is formed over the semiconductor substrate in which the damaged area is formed; the insulating film formed over the insulating substrate is bonded to the insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate is separated at the damaged area so that a semiconductor layer is formed over the insulating substrate; the semiconductor layer is flattened so as to form an SOI substrate; and the semiconductor device is formed over the SOI substrate.
US07951688B2
A method for obtaining individual dies from a semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a device layer, and the device layer in turn includes active regions separated by predefined spacings. Thick metal is selectively formed on backside of the device layer such that thick metal is formed on backside of active regions but not on backside of the predefined spacings. The semiconductor structure is then cut along the predefined spacings to separate the active regions with thick metal on their backside into individual dies.
US07951686B2
A trench is formed in a surface layer of a semiconductor substrate, the trench surrounding an active region. A lower insulating film made of insulating material is deposited over the semiconductor device, the lower insulating film filling a lower region of the trench and leaving an empty space in an upper region. An upper insulating film made of insulating material having therein a tensile stress is deposited on the lower insulating film, the upper insulating film filling the empty space left in the upper space. The upper insulating film and the lower insulating film deposited over the semiconductor substrate other than in the trench are removed.
US07951681B2
An ESD protection circuit using a novel substrate-triggered lateral bipolar junction transistor (STLBJT) for providing a discharging path between power rails. The ESD protection circuit comprises an ESD detection circuit and a STLBJT device. The STLBJT device formed in a P-type substrate includes N-type collector and emitter regions coupled to the power rails, respectively. The substrate region between the collector and emitter regions, on which there is no field oxide device, serves as a base of the STLBJT device. The STLBJT device further includes a first P-type region coupled to the ESD detection circuit and a second P-type region coupled to one of the power rails, which are spatially separated from the collector/emitter regions, respectively. The STLBJT device is turned on by substrate-triggering responsive to the signal coming from the ESD detection circuit and establishes the discharging path between the power rails.
US07951666B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a deep trench capacitor structure and a method of forming the structure that incorporates a buried capacitor plate contact that is simultaneously formed using an adjacent deep trench. This configuration eliminates the need for additional photolithographic processing, thereby, optimizing process windows. This configuration further eliminates the need to form the deep trench capacitor through an N-doped diffusion region connector and, thereby, allows for greater design flexibility when connecting the deep trench capacitor to another integrated circuit structure (e.g., a memory cell or decoupling capacitor array). Also, disclosed herein are embodiments of another integrated circuit structure and method, and more specifically, a memory cell (e.g., a static random access memory (SRAM) cell)) and method of forming the memory cell that incorporates one or more of these deep trench capacitors in order to minimize or eliminate soft errors.
US07951661B2
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation structure having a grounded conductive layer to define an active region, and a gate formed over the active region and the device isolation structure.
US07951657B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a method of forming, on an SOI wafer, a planar FET with embedded and faceted source/drain stressors. The method incorporates a directional ion implant process to create amorphous regions at the bottom surfaces of source/drain recesses in a single crystalline semiconductor layer of an SOI wafer. Then, an etch process selective to different crystalline planes over others and further selective to single crystalline semiconductor material over amorphous semiconductor material can be performed in order to selectively adjust the shape (i.e., the profile) of the recess sidewalls without increasing the depth of the recesses. Subsequently, an anneal process can be performed to re-crystallize the amorphous regions and an epitaxial deposition process can be used to fill the recesses with source/drain stressor material. Also disclosed are embodiments of a planar FET structure and a design structure for the planar FET.
US07951656B2
A stack including at least an insulating layer, a first electrode, and a first impurity semiconductor layer is provided over a supporting substrate; a first semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added is formed over the first impurity semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type is added is formed over the first semiconductor layer under a condition different from that of the first semiconductor layer; crystallinity of the first semiconductor layer and crystallinity of the second semiconductor layer are improved by a solid-phase growth method to form a second impurity semiconductor layer; an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type and an impurity element imparting a conductivity type different from the one conductivity type are added to the second impurity semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode layer is formed via a gate insulating layer.
US07951654B2
A semiconductor device is fabricated by forming a first crystalline region by irradiating a laser beam to a first region of an amorphous semiconductor film by relatively moving the laser beam with respect to the first region of the amorphous semiconductor film. A second crystalline region is formed by irradiating the laser beam to a second region of the amorphous semiconductor film including a portion of the first crystalline region by relatively moving the laser beam with respect to the second region of the amorphous semiconductor film. The wavelength of the laser beam falls in a range of 370 rim through 650 nm. In general, crystalline performance of the first crystalline region, the second crystalline region, and a region of overlap between the first crystalline region and the second crystalline region are the same.
US07951652B2
Provided are a mask layout method and a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor device can include a main pattern, a first dummy pattern, and a second dummy pattern. The main pattern can be disposed on a substrate. The first dummy pattern and the second dummy pattern can be disposed around a side of the main pattern. The first dummy pattern can have an inner open region. The second dummy pattern can be disposed on the inner open region of the first dummy pattern, such that the first dummy pattern surrounds the second dummy pattern.
US07951649B2
The invention relates to the collective fabrication of n 3D module. It comprises a step of fabricating a batch of n dies i at one and the same thin plane wafer (10) of thickness es comprising silicon, covered on one face with electrical connection pads (20), called test pads, and then with a thin electrically insulating layer (4) of thickness ei, forming the insulating substrate provided with at least one silicon electronic component (11) having connection pads (2) connected to the test pads (20) through the insulating layer. The components are encapsulated in an insulating resin (6) of thickness er, filling the spaces between the components, then separated from one another by first grooves (30) with a width L1 and a depth P1 such that ei+er
US07951641B2
An improved lead foil operation procedure for photovoltaic module manufacture is disclosed. The procedure includes lift, cut, and fold lead foil.
US07951640B2
Solar cells fabricated without gasification of metallurgical-grade silicon. The substrates are prepared by: melting metallurgical grade silicon in a furnace; solidifying the melted metallurgical grade silicon into an ingot; slicing the ingot to obtain a plurality of wafers; polishing and cleaning each wafer; depositing aluminum layer on backside of each wafer; depositing a layer of hydrogenated silicon nitride on front surface of each wafer; annealing the wafers at elevated temperature; removing the hydrogenated silicon nitride; and, removing the aluminum layer. The front surface may be textured prior to forming the solar cell. The solar cell structure comprises a metallurgical grade doped silicon substrate and a thin-film structure formed over the substrate to form a p-i-n junction with the substrate. The substrate may be doped p-type, and the thin film structure may be an intrinsic amorphous layer formed over the substrate and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the intrinsic layer.
US07951621B2
An LED chip package structure with high-efficiency light-emitting effect includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, and a package colloid unit. The substrate unit has a substrate body, and a positive electrode trace and a negative electrode trace respectively formed on the substrate body. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate body. Each LED chip has a positive electrode side and a negative electrode side respectively and electrically connected with the positive electrode trace and the negative electrode trace of the substrate unit. The package colloid unit has a plurality of package colloids respectively covered on the LED chips. Each package colloid has a colloid cambered surface and a colloid light-emitting surface respectively formed on a top surface and a front surface thereof.
US07951617B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a group III nitride semiconductor stacked structure having a high-quality A-plane group III nitride semiconductor layer on an R-plane sapphire substrate.The inventive group III nitride semiconductor stacked structure comprises a substrate composed of R-plane sapphire (α-Al2O3), a buffer layer composed of aluminum gallium nitride (AlxGa1-xN: 0≦X≦1) formed on said substrate and an underlying layer composed of an A-plane group III nitride semiconductor (AlxGayInzN1-aMa: 0≦X≦1, 0≦Y≦1, 0≦Z≦1, and X+Y+Z=1; wherein, M represents a group V element other than nitrogen (N), and 0≦a≦1) formed on said buffer layer, wherein the pit density of the surface of said underlying layer is 1×1010 cm−2 or less.
US07951612B2
Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins. Because of the ability to pressurize and regulate pressure within the reaction compartment, and to individually heat each slide, each slide and a liquid solution or reagent thereon can be heated to temperatures that could not be obtained without the enclosed pressurized environment of the reaction compartment. A reagent dispensing strip having a plurality of reconfigurable reagent modules may also be used.
US07951606B2
A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.
US07951605B2
The invention relates to devices for continuously measuring the concentrations of more than one target analyte. Specifically, the devices comprise a plurality of analyte binding domains, with each domain being capable of specifically and reversibly binding to at least one of the target analytes. The devices further comprise a membrane surrounding these binding domains that is permeable to the target analytes. The devices convey binding information to a detector. The invention also relates to methods of using the devices, including monitoring chronic disease states in an individual.
US07951602B2
Mass defect labeled peptides and methods of identifying peptides are provided. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure include mass defect labels for polypeptides that include at least one cysteine and/or at least one tryptophan and methods of using the mass defect labels to identify polypeptides. One embodiment, among others, includes a mass defect labeled peptide including at least one cysteine residue labeled with 2,4-dibromo-acetanilide. Another embodiment, among others, includes a mass defect labeled peptide including at least one tryptophan residue labeled with 4,6-dibromo-2-trifluoromethylphenylsulfenyl chloride.
US07951601B2
Methods of performing confocal laser microscopy on a polymer array disposed on a silicon wafer substrate, the method comprising the steps of providing a silicon wafer substrate having a top side and a bottom side, coating the top side of the silicon wafer with an oxide coating to provide an oxide coated wafer, covalently coupling a plurality of probes to the top side of the coated wafer to provide a fixed polymer array, hybridizing the fixed polymer array with a plurality of labeled ligands, and assaying for one or more hybridized ligands using confocal laser fluorescence microscopy to detect hybridization are provided.
US07951596B2
Compositions and methods for preparing nucleic acid nanotubes using DNA origami techniques are described, which provide for nanotubes of predictable and uniform length. The nucleic acid nanotubes thus formed are suitable as liquid crystal preparations enabling liquid-crystal NMR spectroscopy of proteins solubilized in detergent.
US07951594B2
A method for promoting maturation and development of vigorous conifer (gymnosperm) somatic embryos comprising the use of S(+)-ABA as the substantive form of ABA.
US07951593B2
The present invention relates to a gingival fibroblast culture medium free of animal serum, comprising an animal cell culture medium, free of animal serum, to which is added: from 0.1 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml bFGF, and/or from 1 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml insulin.
US07951590B2
The present invention relates to a storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, animal tissue or organ and a method of preserving an animal cell, animal tissue, animal blood or an organ. The storage agent has polyphenol as an effective ingredient. The storage agent stabilizes protein or is added to blood, corpuscles or platelets. Also, the storage agent prevents or treats an organ injury caused by a transplant operation.
US07951589B2
The present invention describes monoclonal antibodies specific for the chemotactic epitope of the uPAR. In particular, the invention comprises monoclonal antibodies against uPAR fragments specifically recognizing in whole or in part the chemotactic sequence of uPAR connecting domain 1 to domain 2.
US07951576B2
Methods for preparing cells and viruses such as poxviruses are provided herein.
US07951564B2
A method for evaluating microsatellite instability associated with a tumour, which entails the steps of amplifying microsatellite loci in a biological sample containing genomic DNA from the tumour and determining sizes of DNA amplification products, wherein at least one microsatellite locus selected from the group consisting of NR 21, NR 22, NR 24 and NR 27, is amplified.
US07951562B2
This invention relates to a multifunctional enzyme having lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity and to the use of the enzyme in glycosylating hydroxylysine residues. In particular this invention relates to a method for producing glycosyltransferase activity, which comprises that a nucleotide sequence encoding lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity is introduced and expressed in a chosen host and the protein product is recovered from the host cell or from the culture medium.
US07951557B2
A device, system and method for producing glycosylated proteins in plant culture, particularly proteins having a high mannose glycosylation, while targeting such proteins with an ER signal and/or by-passing the Golgi. The invention further relates to vectors and methods for expression and production of enzymatically active high mannose lysosomal enzymes using transgenic plant root, particularly carrot cells. More particularly, the invention relates to host cells, particularly transgenic suspended carrot cells, vectors and methods for high yield expression and production of biologically active high mannose Glucocerebrosidase (GCD). The invention further provides for compositions and methods for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.
US07951549B2
The present invention provides tumor cell preparations for use as models of the EMT process for use in the identification of anti-cancer agents, wherein said tumor cell preparations comprise cells of the epithelial tumor cell line H358, which are stimulated by receptor ligands to induce EMT, or which have been engineered to inducibly express a protein that stimulates EMT. The present invention also provides methods of identifying potential anti-cancer agents by using such tumor cell preparations to identify agents that inhibit EMT, stimulate MET, or inhibit the growth of mesenchymal-like cells. Such agents should be particularly useful when used in conjunction with other anti-cancer drugs such as EGFR and IGF-1R kinase inhibitors, which appear to be less effective at inhibiting tumor cells that have undergone an EMT.
US07951546B2
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US07951541B2
Kits for use in a method of detecting an amplification product by hybridizing it with a probe, the amplification product is amplified from a target nucleic acid with the primers, including placing F3, F2 and F1 regions in this order from a 5′ terminal side and B3c, B2c and B1c regions in this order from a 3′ terminal side, and additionally an FP region in the region from the F2 to F1 regions and/or a BPc region in the region from the B2c to B1c regions in the target nucleic acid, determining the respective regions in such a manner that the FP and F2 regions and/or the BPc and B2c regions have an unoverlapping region of at least 10 bases or more and overlapping regions of 10 bases or less, and designing the primers according to the regions.
US07951538B2
A new method is found to determine an increased risk for side effects of an SSRI treatment in a person by genotyping the person for the presence of the 102 C/C DNA sequence in the 5-HT2A receptor gene. This provides for a method to improve the treatment of an SSRI responsive disorder and in particular depression.
US07951529B2
The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying breast cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as breast cancer or non-breast cancer. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.
US07951525B2
Polymers for use in photoresist compositions include a repeat unit having a formula of: wherein Z represents a repeat unit of a polymer backbone; X is a linking group selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene, araalkylene, carbonyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkylene, oxy, oxyalkylene, and combinations thereof, and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, and cycloalkyl groups with the proviso that X and R are not part of the same ring system. Also disclosed are processes for patterning a relief image of the photoresist composition, wherein the photoresist composition has an outgassing rate of less than 6.5E+14 molecules/cm2/s.
US07951522B2
A chemically amplified positive photoresist composition for thick film that is used for forming a thick-film photoresist layer with a film thickness of 10 to 150 μm on top of a support, comprising (A) a compound that generates acid on irradiation with active light or radiation, (B) a resin that displays increased alkali solubility under the action of acid, and (C) an alkali-soluble resin, wherein the component (B) comprises a resin formed from a copolymer containing a structural unit (b1) with a specific structure.
US07951519B2
A toner for development of an electrostatic image includes at least a crystalline polyester resin and a colorant. The toner shows a dielectric loss index ∈″ of 0.1 or less at 0.1 Hz and 500 V at 30° C. and 90% RH.
US07951511B2
The present invention provides a cathode and a fuel cell, which are built to prevent escape of liquids, e.g. water and fuel solution, from the cell. Thus, according to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cathode suitable for use in a fuel cell having a proton conducting membrane, the cathode comprising a plurality of layers including a catalyst layer and a hydrophobic porous support layer, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers is a liquid water leak-proof layer, which allows gas to pass through it and prevents passage of liquid water and/or aqueous fuel solution.
US07951510B2
A bipolar plate for use in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell having an electrically conductive polymer coated on at least one region of a surface of the plate in contact with a flow field. The coated region is hydrophobic or hydrophilic as compared to an uncoated region of the surface to prevent liquid accumulation. Electroconductive polymer coatings are applied by electrochemical polymerization.
US07951509B2
A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells, wherein each solid oxide fuel cell comprises an electrolyte located between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, a plurality of gas separators, and at least one compliant cathode contact material. The contact material may be a metallic felt, foam or mesh, an electrically conductive glass or an electrically conductive ceramic felt located between at least one of the plurality of gas separators and a cathode electrode of an adjacent solid oxide fuel cell.
US07951508B2
A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first and second metal plates. The coolant flow field is connected to inlet buffers and outlet buffers. Protrusions for limiting the flow of a coolant are provided at the inlet buffers and the outlet buffers on upper and lower opposite end positions of the coolant flow field.
US07951498B2
A control algorithm for operating an integrated fuel cell system includes the following steps: determining whether a power output of a fuel cell is within a first predetermined range of an electrical load coupled to the fuel cell; lowering a reactant flow to the fuel cell when the power output is within the first predetermined range; detecting an increase of the electrical load; determining whether the increase exceeds a second predetermined range; and increasing a reactant flow to the fuel cell when the increase exceeds the second predetermined range.
US07951487B2
A positive electrode 2 includes a positive electrode current collector lead 70 connected to a core exposed part 78 formed at a longitudinal center of a current collector core 72. A negative electrode 3 includes a double-coated part 14 including an active material layer 13 and a porous protective film 28 formed on each surface of a current collector core 12, a core exposed part 18, and a single-coated part 17 which is located between the double-coated part 14 and the core exposed part 18, and includes the active material layer 13 and the porous protective film 28 formed only on one of the surfaces of the current collector core 12. A plurality of grooves 10 are formed in each surface of the double-coated part 14, while the grooves 10 are not formed in the single-coated part 17. A negative electrode current collector lead 20 is connected to the core exposed part 18. The negative electrode 3 is wound in such a manner that the core exposed part 18 constitutes a last wound end.
US07951482B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a substantially rectangular battery case for housing the electrode assembly and the non-aqueous electrolyte. The thickness α, the width β, and the height γ of the battery case satisfy the relation α<β≦γc. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a porous heat-resistant layer disposed between these electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer. The ratio of the pore volume included in a predetermined area of the porous heat-resistant layer to the battery theoretical capacity is 0.18 to 1.117 ml/Ah. The predetermined area has the same area as the positive electrode active material layer. The porosity of the porous heat-resistant layer is 35 to 85%.
US07951477B2
A battery module includes a plurality of cells. The battery module also includes a housing configured to substantially enclose the plurality of cells. The battery module further includes a lower tray configured to receive the plurality of cells. The lower tray is located inside the housing adjacent a bottom of the housing. The lower tray has a top side and a bottom side The top side has a plurality of sockets configured to receive the plurality of cells in a closely packed arrangement. The bottom side is configured to define a chamber between the lower tray and the bottom of the housing. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the battery module and is configured to receive released gas from the plurality of cells.
US07951470B2
According to the present invention, a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and a lighting system, each of which has a broad spectrum like sunlight and has high color rendering properties, can be obtained. One embodiment of the present invention has a light-emitting device which includes at least two kinds of luminescence center materials, and at least one kind of the luminescence center materials is a quinoxaline derivative represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 are individually hydrogen or an alkyl group having 4 carbon atoms (a straight-chain structure or a branch structure).
US07951469B2
A welding material, to be used for welding a base metal made of an austenitic alloy comprising C≦2.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn: 0.01 to 3.0%, P: more than 0.03% to not more 0.3%, S≦0.03%, Cr: 12 to 35%, Ni: 6 to 80%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities to a base metal made of another austenitic alloy, which comprises C: more than 0.3% to 3.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn≦3.0%, P≦0.03%, S≦0.03%, Cr: more than 22% to 55%, Ni: more than 30% to not more than 70%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities can suppress the weld solidification cracking which occurs in an austenitic alloy having a high P content and showing fully austenitic solidification. Therefore, the said welding material can be widely used in such fields where a welding fabrication is required. The said welding material may contain a specific amount or amounts of one or more elements selected from Cu, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ti, Ta, Zr, Hf, Co, B, Ca, Mg and REM.
US07951464B2
A composite material may be provided with unique alignment characteristics. The composite material may include a matrix material and a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix material, wherein the plurality of fibers is magnetically aligned in a uniform spacing within the matrix material.
US07951460B2
The present invention is directed to a laminate having a layer construction of metal-insulating layer-metal or a layer construction of metal-insulating layer, which laminate meets conditions for developing large adhesive strength between the insulating layer and the metal, as well as to an insulating film and an electronic circuit using the laminate. The laminate has a layer construction of first metal layer/insulating layer/second metal layer or a layer construction of metal layer/insulating layer. The insulating layer 1 has a multilayer structure of two or more layers. The layers on the side of the adhesive interface with each metal layer (a copper foil 3 and an SUS foil 4), out of the layers constituting the insulating layer 1, each are a thermoplastic resin layer 2. The minimum value of the storage modulus at a temperature at or above Tg of the thermoplastic resin layer 2 is not more than 106 Pa.
US07951444B2
The dial with an enamel coating (2) includes a base plate (1) made of ceramic material with portions in relief (4, 8) obtained by partial or through shaping or machining, formed by an insert (10) also having an enamel coating (12) and whose thickness defines a recess (4) or an embossment (8).
US07951443B2
A taping tape includes: a base material 12 having elasticity; an adhesive layer attached to one side of the base material 12; and plural slits 14 that are formed along one direction on an inner side of the base material 12 and are arranged parallel to each other. Both side edge portions 12a and 12b of the base material 12 in the vicinities of end portions of the slits 14 are formed obliquely to each other towards a longitudinal direction center of the base material 12 from the vicinities of the end portions of the slits 14 to base material end portions 12c and 12d positioned on extensions of the slits 14. The end portions of the slits 14 curve towards the center of the base material 12 along the side edge portions 12a and 12b.
US07951440B2
A paper-roll core that is a soluble, disposable carrier for cleaning and/or disinfecting chemicals. The paper-roll cores are toilet paper roll cores and paper towel roll cores and are rapidly soluble in water and may release cleansers, disinfectants, colors, etc., upon dissolving. Described are: methods of using, manufacturing, advertising, and distributing the paper-roll cores; and methods of advertising and distributing such paper-roll cores to children, who will particularly enjoy the novelty; and methods of modifying existing paper-roll core manufacturing equipment to manufacture soluble cleanser-dispensing paper-roll cores.
US07951438B2
A metallized laminate film exhibiting improved moisture barrier property as well as maintaining a high bio-polymer content and degradability property is disclosed. The laminate film includes a first core layer of polylactic acid polymer and a second skin layer comprising a polyolefin metal receiving layer. The metal receiving layer or the core layer, or both, may be blended with an amount of polar-modified tie-resin to improve bonding. Alternatively, a discrete tie-resin layer may be interposed between the polyolefin metal receiving layer and the crystalline polylactic acid polymer core layer. The polyolefin metal receiving layer may be discharge-treated on the side opposite the core layer and metallized.
US07951437B2
An inflatable automotive protective cushion and method of formation. The protective cushion includes a multilayer film coating with an adhesive layer and an overlying barrier layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to bond to a textile substrate and the barrier layer is adapted to block air permeability.
US07951435B2
Disclosed is an inkjet recording material comprising at least a base layer and an ink receiving layer. The ink receiving layer is composed of a mixture of a hydrophilic component containing a hydrophilic resin and a hydrophobic resin having hot-melt property. And the mass ratio between said hydrophilic component and said hydrophobic resin having hot-melt adhesive property in the mixture is from 60:40 to 20:80 (the hydrophilic component:hydrophobic resin). The inkjet recording material is excellent in moisture resistance, while exhibiting high ink absorption capacity.
US07951434B2
A polarizing plate is provided and is excellent in characteristics of optical compensation, small in a change of polarization performance over time and excellent in moisture and heat resistance. The polarizing plate contains a polarizing film and two transparent protective films provided one on each side of the polarizing film, in which at least one of the two protective films is an optical compensatory sheet containing a cellulose acylate film. The polarizing plate has specified single-plate transmittance and polarization degree P and has specified ranges of variations of the transmittance and the polarization degree P after a passage of a specified period of time under a high-temperature high-humidity atmosphere and a high-temperature low-humidity atmosphere. The liquid crystal display device of VA mode using the polarizing plate is provided.
US07951425B2
The present invention relates to a process for the metal coating of nano-fibers by electrospinning, to the metal coated nano-fibers obtained by this process and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibers. The process is characterized in that a polymer nano-fiber with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fiber and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.
US07951424B2
The present invention provides a method for the selective placement of carbon nanotubes on a particular surface. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which self-assembled monolayers formed on an unpatterned or patterned metal oxide surface are used to attract or repel carbon nanotubes from a dispersion containing the same. In accordance with the present invention, the carbon nanotubes can be attracted to the self-assembled monolayers so as to be attached to the metal oxide surface, or they can be repelled by the self-assembled monolayers bonding to a predetermined surface other than the metal oxide surface containing the self-assembled monolayers.
US07951423B2
The invention relates to a method for production of a surface-structured substrate, comprising the steps: (i) production of a first substrate, nanostructured with inorganic nanoclusters on at least one surface, (ii) application of a substrate material for a second substrate, different from the first material to the nanostructured surface of the first substrate as obtained in step (i) and (iii) separation of the first substrate from the second substrate of step (ii), including the inorganic nanoclusters to give a second substrate nanostructured with the nanoclusters. The invention further relates to a surface-structured substrate obtained by said method and the use of the surface-structured substrate for application to a stent or implant material for the adhesion of cells, viruses and/or bacteria and the serum-free culture of cells, for example, for skin replacement and, furthermore, all applications of said substrate in which biological systems can be imitated, modified, examined or quantified by the structured application of biologically-active molecules and the application thereof in optical or electronic components and chemical and biological sensor systems.
US07951422B2
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for nanowire growth and harvesting. In an embodiment, methods for nanowire growth and doping are provided, including methods for epitaxial oriented nanowire growth using a combination of silicon precursors, as well as us of patterned substrates to grow oriented nanowires. In a further aspect of the invention, methods to improve nanowire quality through the use of sacrifical growth layers are provided. In another aspect of the invention, methods for transferring nanowires from one substrate to another substrate are provided.
US07951421B2
A method of depositing a layer onto a substrate, comprising heating an evaporator to a temperature capable of completely evaporating the evaporant to be deposited, dispensing into the evaporator one or more quantized units of the evaporant where the evaporant is completely vaporized, providing an area vapor dispenser having a plurality of apertures, and directing the vaporized evaporant from the evaporator to the area vapor dispenser so that the evaporant is dispensed through the apertures to deposit the layer on the substrate.
US07951407B2
A method of stimulating or enhancing an ornithine-urea cycle in ruminant gut tissues, which entails either feeding to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant feed or feed supplement containing an effective amount of a compound which stimulates activity of one or more enzymes required in the ornithine-urea cycle.
US07951396B2
Preparing a nanoliposome for encapsulating a protein includes preparing a dispersion by dispersing a phospholipid in an aqueous solution containing the protein, applying a shearing force to the dispersion; adding an additional amount of the phospholipid to the result of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion and then applying a shearing force higher than that of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion, and repeating the step of adding the additional amount of the phospholipid and applying the higher shearing force with an additional amount of the phospholipid and a shearing force higher than the prior step to obtain a nanoliposome having a desired diameter and encapsulation efficiency.
US07951391B2
The present invention relates to the use of fucans with a weight-average molar mass of between 5000 and 100 000 g/mol, for the purposes of bone grafting, engineering and regeneration.
US07951388B2
The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.
US07951379B2
The invention provides a therapeutic drug that uses hollow protein nanoparticles displaying an antibody against a specific cell or specific tissue. The effectiveness of the drug has been proved by animal testing. The invention also provides a therapeutic method using such a drug. In a drug according to the present invention, a substance to be transferred into a cell for treating a disease (for example, a cancer treating gene such as a thymidine kinase gene derived from simple herpes virus) is encapsulated in hollow nanoparticles of a particle-forming protein (for example, hepatitis B virus surface-antigen protein that has been modified to lack its infectivity to hepatocytes and display an antibody). The particle surface of the drug displays an antibody, such as a cancer specific antibody, that recognizes an antigen molecule displayed on the surface of a specific cancer cell.
US07951369B2
The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human MN3 antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof. The antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof, as well as combinations with other suitable antibodies, are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of granulocyte related disorders and diseases, such as leukemia.
US07951368B2
Compositions comprising nonpolar amino acids and specific binding agents to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are provided. Methods of making and using such compositions are also provided.
US07951366B2
The present invention provides an isolated and substantially purified recombinant human arginase having sufficiently high enzymatic activity and stability to maintain Adequate Arginine Depletion in a patient. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified invention enzyme and method for treatment of diseases using the pharmaceutical composition.
US07951355B2
A process for producing a purified synthesis gas stream from a contaminated feed synthesis gas stream is disclosed. A part of the feed synthesis gas stream is subjected to a water gas shift step. The water gas shift step is used in combination with bulk contaminant removal followed by polishing to thereby remove the contaminants from the synthesis gas stream so as to provide the purified synthesis gas stream having a desired low level of contaminants.
US07951343B1
A toothbrush holder includes an outer body with a bottom section coupled thereto. A seal is intercalated therebetween and extends along the circumference of the outer body. An inner body is seated within the outer body and includes a plurality of chambers equidistantly aligned with a center thereof. The inner body has a diameter less than a diameter of the outer body and has a vertically oriented central shaft formed with the chambers. A top plate is attached to the chambers and is provided with a plurality of apertures counter-sunk therein and vertically aligned above the chambers. A dome-shaped lid is connected to an outer perimeter of the outer body, and disposed adjacent to the top plate. The apparatus includes a mechanism for automatically locking the lid to the outer body after the lid is adapted to a closed position.
US07951342B2
A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140). The sterilizer (20) uses sensed pressure within the sterilizer chamber (24) to control heating of the chamber (24) to a predetermined sterilization temperature set point during a sterilization cycle. A motor (114) controls a door lock mechanism to open the door (32) of the sterilizer (20) following the sterilizing portion of the sterilization cycle.
US07951338B2
A catalytic converter having an excellent purification efficiency and small pressure loss and a method for producing the same is provided. A catalytic converter comprises a catalyst coating layer which is coated on the surface of the partition walls of the honeycomb structural body having partition walls which divide and form a plurality of cells functioning as fluid passages. 10% or more of the plurality of the cells are plugged by the plug portions which are formed at the one end or the middle of the passage, the average maximum distance of image of the honeycomb structural body is 10 μm or more and the porosity of the honeycomb structural body is 40% or more, the catalyst coating layer contains at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of alumina, ceria, titania, silica and zirconia, and also a catalyst containing at least one precious metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium and palladium, or metal exchanged zeolite or vanadium is supported in the catalyst coating layer as the catalytic active constituent, the average maximum distance of image of the catalyst coating layer is 10 μm or more, and the porosity of the catalyst coating layer is 40% or more.
US07951335B2
The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a reaction vessel liquid introducing device, a liquid introducing and reaction measuring device, and a liquid introducing device, and is directed to being able to perform temperature control of a liquid stored within the reaction vessel with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction vessel comprises: a storage chamber in which a liquid is storable, that has an opening part; a reaction chamber that is formed thinner or narrower than the storage chamber; and at least one flow passage that communicates between the storage chamber or the exterior and the reaction chamber. The reaction vessel is formed such that it is connectable to a liquid introducing section provided externally, and the liquid can be introduced into the reaction chamber by connecting to the liquid introducing section.
US07951334B2
The use of direct-write nanolithography to generate anchored, nanoscale patterns of nucleic acid on different substrates is described, including electrically conductive and insulating substrates. Modification of nucleic acid, including oligonucleotides, with reactive groups such as thiol groups provides for patterning with use of appropriate scanning probe microscopic tips under appropriate conditions. The reactive groups provide for chemisorption or covalent bonding to the substrate surface. The resulting nucleic acid features, which exhibit good stability, can be hybridized with complementary nucleic acids and probed accordingly with use of, for example, nanoparticles functionalized with nucleic acids. Patterning can be controlled by selection of tip treatment, relative humidity, and nucleic acid structure.
US07951333B2
A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for the detection of a target biomolecule and a microfluidic system including the same are provided. The device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution including chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structures transmitting fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and beads disposed in the microfluidic structures, the beads having capture probes on the surfaces thereof which are selectively bonded with target protein; and a detection probe disposed in the microfluidic structures and selectively bonded to the target protein, and which includes a material required to express an optical signal, wherein the microfluidic structure mixes the beads, biological samples, and the detection probe to react and washes and separates the beads after the reaction.
US07951326B2
The present invention provides a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing a phase of a Pr5Co19 type crystal structure having a composition defined by a general formula A(4−w)B(1+w)C19 (A denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium); B denotes an Mg element; C denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; and w denotes a numeral in a range from −0.1 to 0.8) and having a composition as a whole defined by a general formula R1xR2yR3z (15.8≦x≦17.8, 3.4≦y≦5.0, 78.8≦z≦79.6, and x+y+z=100; R1 denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium); R2 denotes an Mg element, R3 denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; the numeral of Mn+Al in the z is 0.5 or higher; and the numeral of Al in the z is 4.1 or lower).
US07951325B2
The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy and particulates.
US07951319B2
Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.
US07951307B2
An oxynitride phosphor consisting of a crystal containing at least one or more of Group II elements selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, at least one or more of Group IV elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf, and a rare earth element being an activator R, thereby providing a phosphor which is excited by an excitation light source at an ultraviolet to visible light region and which has a blue green to yellow luminescence color that is wavelength converted.
US07951306B2
An oxynitride phosphor consisting of a crystal containing at least one or more of Group II elements selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, at least one or more of Group IV elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf, and a rare earth element being an activator R, thereby providing a phosphor which is excited by an excitation light source at an ultraviolet to visible light region and which has a blue green to yellow luminescence color that is wavelength converted.
US07951304B2
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets and postcrosslinking the polymer particles, wherein the postcrosslinked polymer particles are at least partly coated.
US07951301B2
A method produces of a ceramic circuit board that has a ceramic substrate on a top side of the circuit board, solderable contact pads for components, and solderable contacts on an underside of the circuit board. The metallization for the solderable contact pads is produced by depositing a metal from a solution directly onto the ceramic substrate.
US07951294B2
A hood for mounting over an outlet in a wall of a catch basin is disclosed. The hood includes a hood wall that forms a prow in a horizontal plane. The prow extends along an axis of the hood thereby achieving optimal flow conditions in the catch basin. In some embodiments the hood wall is shaped to be at least partially sealably mounted to the interior wall of a catch basin have a circular cross section in a horizontal plane. This novel hood shape facilitates installation of the hood in the circular catch basin, while also reducing the flow of oil and other pollutants into the outlet pipe in the circular catch basin. In some embodiments a perforated screed is also disclosed that surrounds the hood to aid in the capture of floatable pollutants.
US07951290B2
A process is provided to produce high cetane quality and low or preferably ultra low sulfur diesel and a fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) quality feedstock from a processing unit including at least a hydrotreating zone and a hydrocracking zone. In one aspect, the processing unit includes reactor severity requirements in both the hydrotreating zone and the hydrocracking zone effective to produce the FCC feed quality and the diesel sulfur quality to permit a high quality hydrocracked product to be formed at lower pressures and conversion rates without overtreating the FCC quality feedstock stream. In another aspect, a portion of the hydrotreated effluent is selected for conversion in the hydrocracking and the remaining portion of the hydrotreated effluent is directed to subsequent processing, such as fluid catalytic cracking.
US07951281B2
Described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing in electrochemical operating systems the deposition of a metal oxide on an electrode surface. The metal oxide is formed by electrochemically assisted reduction of volatile metal oxides formed from a metallic component exposed to oxidative environments. In one example, described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing poisoning of a cathode by applying a negative protection potential to the metallic component. In another example, described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing the deposition of a metal oxide on a cathode surface by removing oxygen from the metallic component itself and thereby decreasing the amount of released volatile oxide from the metallic component by use of an auxiliary oxygen pump cell. In another example, described herein is a method for diminishing or preventing the formation of volatile suboxides formed from a component composed of an oxide species by reduction in a fuel chamber or reducing environment, which includes applying a positive protection potential to the component.
US07951272B2
The present invention is made to provide a method of producing a ZnO thin film in which the c-axis is oriented in-plane over a large area. A ZnO target 28 as the material of the thin film is sputtered by using a magnetron sputtering system, and a flow of material (material flow) directed from the cathode 23 to the anode 24 is generated in a plasma. The material flow has a high density at its central part and has a low density as it departs from the central part. A substrate 20 is fixed at a position displaced from the central axis of a region 30 where the material flow is generated so as to be inclined relative to the central axis. Thereby, a temperature gradient is naturally formed on the substrate 20, and the c-axis of the ZnO thin film deposited on the substrate 20 is oriented in-plane to the temperature gradient direction. Since the substrate 20 is fixed so as to be inclined relative to the material flow, the area where the c-axis is consistently oriented in-plane becomes larger than before.
US07951270B2
Recycling a metal/organic laminate continuously involves providing a reactor having a first chamber with a first rotary stirrer, a second chamber with a second rotary stirrer, each chamber containing particulate microwave absorbing material, introducing laminate and additional absorbing material into the first chamber under a reducing or inert atmosphere, stirring and applying microwave energy sufficiently to pyrolyze organic material, transferring a portion of the mixture to the second chamber where it is stirred and microwave energy applied to pyrolyze remaining organic material, delaminate or delaminated metal migrating toward and floating on the upper surface of the mixture, where the second stirrer rotates in a horizontal plane and fluidizes the mixture to give the upper surface of the mixture a radial profile biasing metal floating to migrate radially outwardly, and recovering metal from an exit.
US07951268B2
An apparatus for the production of a fibrous web, especially a tissue or hygienic web, the fibrous web runs through a press nip which is formed by a press unit and a backing roll and the web is subsequently run through a creping nip which is formed by the backing roll and a creping roll around which a textured belt is looped. Moreover, the creping roll is equipped with its own drive. The creping roll can be pressed against the backing roll through a pivoted lever whose pivoting axis which is parallel with the axes of the creping roll and is positioned such that the connecting line between the pivoting axis and the creping roll axis forms an angle of approximately 90° with the connecting line between the creping roll axis and the backing roll axis, when viewed in a vertical plane relative to these axes.
US07951266B2
A method of making absorbent cellulosic sheet with increased wet/dry CD tensile ratio includes treating the fiber at high consistency with debonder in a pulper, for example. The process enables the use of large amounts of debonder in a wet-press process in order to achieve wet/dry CD tensile ratios of greater than 30%.
US07951258B2
Method and arrangement for manufacturing core composite layer workpieces (sandwich structures) from at least one first and at least one second cover sheet (1, 2) between which a core sheet (30) including especially short cut fibers (9) is provided, are disclosed with which a continuous and substantially break free manufacture can be conducted which leads to composite layer structures with reasonable costs. Single manufacturing parameters can specifically be varied with different embodiments so that in a relatively simple manner composite layer structures with desired physical properties can be obtained, for example with respect to their strength, stiffness, flexibility, mechanical and acoustic absorption capabilities, working properties, and so on. Composite layer structures for new applications can be manufactured as well.
US07951257B2
A process for continuous manufacture of a flexible complex including at least one tight pocket including the steps of depositing an anti-adhesive agent on at least one sheet of coated fabric in zones for forming the pocket or pockets, and continuously assembling the sheet of coated fabric on which the anti-adhesive agent was deposited with the sheet of coated fabric by heating and/or pressure.
US07951254B2
A film bearing advertising can be applied to a moving handrail for a set period of time. The film bearing the advertising can include a first film layer and a first layer of adhesive on the underside of the first film layer, the film being generally elongated and having a width corresponding to a width of the moving handrail. The film can be aligned and adhered, continuously and progressively, to the handrail. The advertising can include a pattern repeated at regular intervals along the length of the film. The advertising can include at least one of text, images and logos. After the set period of time, the film can be removed. After removing the film, the surface of the handrail can be cleaned. A second film bearing second advertising can be applied for a second set period of time. First and second advertisers can be charged different advertising rates.
US07951252B2
A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.
US07951245B2
A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13. The concentrate may be provided as a one-part or two part solution. Certain formulations have been found to be shelf stable as one-part concentrate or ready-to-use solutions, even with significantly different properties amongst the components. The compositions of the invention are also used in cleaning processes for surfaces, especially vehicle surfaces in car wash systems. The compositions are used in such processes where there are single or multiple liquid application steps.
US07951244B2
A method and apparatus for cleaning printed circuit boards are provided. The method includes providing a cleaning apparatus with a housing having a conveyance mechanism for carrying printed circuit boards through the housing. The cleaning apparatus has at least a prewash station, a wash station and a final rinse station therein. The printed circuit boards are carried on the conveyance mechanism to the prewash station. A plurality of fluidic oscillator nozzles of the prewash station are utilized to direct liquid onto the printed circuit boards. Each fluidic oscillator nozzle outputs a stream of liquid with an instantaneous direction that oscillates back and forth relative to a nozzle axis over time.
US07951241B2
A carbon black aqueous dispersion exhibits excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium and exhibits excellent rubbing resistance (quick-drying properties), discharge stability, and the like as an aqueous black ink for an inkjet printer or the like. The carbon black aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous medium and carbon black dispersed in the aqueous medium, acidic groups produced on the surface of the carbon black by liquid-phase oxidation being neutralized with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid, and hydrogen atoms of the acidic groups being replaced by the basic amino acid and the basic compound. The method of producing the carbon black aqueous dispersion includes subjecting carbon black to liquid-phase oxidation, removing reduced salts from the resulting slurry, neutralizing the carbon black with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid to replace hydrogen atoms of acidic groups by the basic amino acid and the basic compound, and purifying the resulting product.
US07951240B2
In a process of producing a roofing shingle coating asphalt from a low flashpoint asphalt feedstock, an asphalt feedstock which has a low flashpoint of from 490° F. (254° C.) to 540° F. (282° C.) is partially blown, and wax is added to the asphalt feedstock. The process produces a coating asphalt having a low melt viscosity of from 50 cps to 150 cps at 400° F. (204° C.), a softening point of from 190° F. (88° C.) to 235° F. (113° C.) and a penetration of at least 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.). In another embodiment, the process produces a roofing shingle coating asphalt having good weatherability from a poor weathering asphalt feedstock. In a further embodiment, the process produces roofing shingles including a filled coating containing a poor tear filler without sacrificing the tear strength of the shingles.
US07951235B2
A process is provided for printing an image on a substrate, the process comprising applying to the substrate an ink composition which comprises a liquid medium and a compound of Formula (1): wherein: A and D each independently represent optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; E represents optionally substituted pyrazolyl; Z represents H, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkoxy or optionally substituted aryloxy; and p is an integer from 0 to 5; provided that E does not have an optionally substituted carbonamide group of formula —CONR1R2 directly attached to it, wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted aryl. The printing is preferably ink jet printing. Also provided are compounds of Formula (1) and ink compositions containing the same.
US07951234B2
The present invention relates to a water-soluble azo compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n represents an integer number of 1 or 2, x represents an integer number of 2 to 4 and y represents an integer number of 2 to 11, respectively and an ink composition containing this; and provides a yellow coloring matter which has a highly vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, gives various high fastnesses to recorded matter and is excellent in storage stability when prepared as an ink composition, and an ink composition containing this.
US07951229B2
An air filter including a plurality of air-pervious sheets of electret filtration material. The sheets are disposed in a parallel relationship to form a stack of sheets, and each of the sheets has a plurality of slits formed therein for subsequent expanding to form openings. The stack is connected together at opposing ends, such as by bonding. The sheets can be pleated by mounting in a frame. The frame has opposing ends to which the opposing ends of the stack are mounted. The filter media initially has no frame and is not pleated, but is in a flat pad form that is expanded to be installed into a frame. The frame is then mounted in an appliance, such as a room air filter. When the filter is inserted into the filter housing it is expanded and can take a pleated form.
US07951221B2
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the treatment of divided metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds, including mixing, inside a chamber, of metal residues with at least one calcium/magnesium compound capable of reacting exothermically with water; exothermic reaction of the at least one calcium/magnesium compound with the water that the metal residues contain; rise in temperature of the metal residues subject to an exothermic reaction; dehydration of the metal residues during this exothermic reaction; oxidation of the organic compounds during the mixing, by bringing the metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds mixed with the at least one calcium/magnesium compound into contact with a gas stream containing at least partly oxygen; and removal from the chamber of a handleable dehydrated treated product having a residual content of organic compounds of less than 1% by weight of the treated product.
US07951213B1
Superabrasive compacts, methods of fabricating such compacts, and drilling tools that may utilize such compacts are disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, a superabrasive compact includes a substrate and a superabrasive table attached to the substrate. At least one constituent of the superabrasive table exhibits a substantially monotonic distribution of size, concentration, or both in a selected direction of the superabrasive table. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a superabrasive article is disclosed. A plurality of particles may be provided that exhibit a substantially monotonic distribution of particle size, concentration, or both in a selected direction. The particles may be subjected to a high-temperature, high-pressure process to consolidate and form a self-supporting body.
US07951207B2
The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one supramolecular polymer to the at least one pigment has a value greater than 0.25, and also a process for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present disclosure may make it possible to obtain, on the keratin fibers, colored coatings for keeping the hairs individualized while at the same time preserving the physical qualities of the fiber.
US07951197B2
A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.
US07951188B2
The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantating in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.
US07951185B1
Methods and systems of delivering a stent at an elevated temperature are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering a stent include allowing reactants to react within a delivery system exothermically. The heat generated from the exothermic reaction increase a temperature of a stent mounted on a support member. The increase in temperature increases the flexibility of the stent which reduces or eliminates formation of cracks in the stent when it expands. A system can include a first reactant disposed within at least a portion of the support member, a catheter in fluid communication with the support member, or both. The first reactant being disposed in such a way to react exothermically with a second reactant disposed within the delivery system.
US07951178B2
Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having hybrid apertures.
US07951168B2
A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US07951162B2
A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece.
US07951150B2
An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The instrument also includes first and second opposing jaw members coupled to the shaft, the first jaw member having a conductive surface and movable relative to the second jaw member. The second jaw member is fixed relative to the shaft and includes an electrode rotatable along the longitudinal axis. The rotatable electrode has a sealing surface and a cutting edge. One or more non-conductive stop members are disposed on the first and/or second jaw members that are dimensioned to control the distance between the electrically conductive surfaces when tissue is held therebetween. The jaw members are connected to an electrosurgical energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween.
US07951147B2
A novel surgical clamp having a pair of jaws, which may be used to ablate or create leisons in tissue. In embodiment, the jaws have an articulated position wherein the jaws are separated and not parallel to one another, an opened position wherein the jaws are separated and substantially parallel to one another, and a closed position wherein the jaws are adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. One or more of the jaws can articulate independent of the other jaw. Other embodiments are described in the attached specification.
US07951143B2
The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow blood and other biological fluids to flow into and out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow produced the desired cooling effect and is accomplished, for example, by a reciprocating plunger or piston, or by a balloon that is alternately inflated and deflated.
US07951137B2
A method and system is provided for responding, from internally within a patient, to an atrial arrhythmia in a heart including measuring from within the patient at least one electrocardiogram characteristic indicative of the atrial arrhythmia, and controlling from within the patient drug therapy delivery to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. Drug therapy is initiated to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to one aspect of the present invention, the drug therapy is staged within the patient prior to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to another example embodiment, the heart is paced from within the patient at a predefined rate responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic, pacing occurring alone, or in combination with drug therapy.
US07951133B2
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951130B2
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951123B2
A wax heating device for wax treatment of human skin that includes a contained a controlled exothermic chemical reaction to melt wax on a flexible element for contacting human skin. A heating pouch contains a first portion. A heater element has an inner area with a first portion holding a heat generating material and a second portion holding an actuation agent, with a seal that is broken to actuate the heat generation and melt the wax.
US07951114B2
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US07951109B2
A storage and dispensing cap for a liquid receptacle having a cap body storage chamber for use with a receptacle such as a bottle, pouch or intravenous bag that is used to store a liquid for use with a syringe that is inserted into the receptacle for drawing the liquid contents into the syringe. A liquid, powder or capsule in the cap body chamber is mixed into the liquid receptacle for use with the syringe. A sleeve penetrator is mounted inside said cap body chamber and is sized in length to permit rupture of the bottom floor of said cap body chamber when manually depressed for dispensing whatever material is placed inside said cap body chamber and sleeve penetrator into said syringe bottle. An open passage from the cap body to the inside of the receptacle is provided once the storage chamber is ruptured by manually depressing the penetrator to allow the syringe needle end to be inserted into the liquid receptacle.
US07951108B2
A mixing syringe and method for using the mixing syringe are provided. The mixing syringe comprises a housing having a first compartment for containing a first component, an outer plunger having a second compartment for containing a second component, and an inner plunger. Prior to use, a seal separates the first and second components. To prepare the mixture, the seal is pierced and the two components are mixed. The mixing syringe and its method of use are particularly suited to applications in which at least one of the mixture components is a relatively highly viscous material.
US07951101B2
An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position.
US07951094B2
A hollow medical device includes a coil member having a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of turns extending therebetween, and a lumen extending through the turns. The coil member further includes at least one weld extending from one turn to an adjacent turn.
US07951092B2
A guidewire loader apparatus is provided for loading a guidewire into a lumen opening of a guidewire lumen of a medical device. The loader apparatus includes a first member defining a respective medical device receiving portion and a respective guidewire receiving portion in communication therewith via a respective interface portion. The loader apparatus further includes a second member configured for placement in an opposed relationship to the first member. The second member defines a respective medical device receiving portion and a respective guidewire receiving portion in communication therewith at a respective interface portion. The first member and the second member cooperatively associate with one another between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the medical device can be positioned into at least one respective medical device receiving portion. In the second position, the respective device receiving portions cooperate to align and support the medical device in a manner placing the lumen opening of the medical device substantially adjacent to the cooperating, respective interface portions. This permits aligned sliding receipt of an end of the guidewire into the cooperating, respective guidewire receiving portions, through the cooperating respective interface portions and into the lumen opening of the medical device.
US07951091B2
A guide wire comprising an elongate, flexible core having a proximal region, a proximal end, a distal region, and a distal end, and the distal region having a tapered portion; a plurality of wire strands wrapped helically parallel to one another and disposed on at least a portion of the tapered distal region of the core; a polymer tie layer disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of wire strands; and a lubricious polymer layer disposed on the polymer tie layer.
US07951084B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic transmitting unit, an image signal generating unit and a signal addition unit. The ultrasonic transmitting unit transmits an ultrasonic wave having a wave surface except a plane wave surface and a focused focal wave surface to a subject so that shapes of wave surface portions change mutually in time on a same scanning line. The image signal generating unit receives reflected waves produced by the wave surface portions and generating image signals according to the reflected waves received. The signal addition unit obtains an image signal of which a speckle noise is reduced by adding the image signals mutually.
US07951079B1
A computer-assisted method and apparatus for providing information pertaining to consumptions of a consumer.
US07951077B2
A method and instruments for performing breast augmentation mammaplasty in a patient are provided. The method includes making an incision to gain access to an area underneath the breast of the patient, and providing a retractor including a shaft and a tubular member connected to the shaft. The tubular member includes a hollow endoscope guide portion and a generally flattened blade portion, where the endoscope guide portion transitions into the blade portion such that an end of the blade extends beyond an end of the endoscope guide. The method further includes inserting the retractor at least partially through the incision to aid in placing a breast implant within the patient.
US07951073B2
Various embodiments of a surgical device that combines tissue cutting and spraying in a single device and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, an end effector proximate the distal end of the elongated member, and a nozzle member configured to substantially seal the distal end of the elongated member. The nozzle member may define a flow path in fluid communication between inside and outside of the elongated member when the distal end of the elongated member is sealed with the nozzle member.
US07951070B2
An object observation method and system including an endoscope, at least one treating device, a first detecting portion for detecting information indicating an observation direction of the endoscope, a second detecting portion for detecting information indicating a treatment direction of the treating device, a three dimensional virtual image data storing portion for storing three dimensional image data prepared in advance, a virtual image data processing portion for creating virtual image data based on the information indicating the observation direction and the treatment direction, first and second three dimensional image display monitors, each having first and second image display devices, and switch sections for instructing change of display mode of the second image display devices.
US07951065B2
A kit and method for supporting a pelvic floor of a person with stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. The method involves using barbed sutures as part of a sling for supporting the pelvic floor or urethra of a person experiencing stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. A surgeon implants the sling along with the barbed sutures, using one of several known methods. The barbed sutures may be interwoven with the sling and the supports for the sling, so that once the sling and its supports are placed into the patient, barbs of the sutures will resist movement. The sutures may also be woven into the supports to resist movement.
US07951058B2
A tool for the manual folding of a package blank into a package, includes a bottom plate (2) with an abutment (3) erect from the front edge of the bottom plate, a tongue (4) protruding in front of the abutment from the front edge of the bottom plate, and a jaw (6) acting against the tongue from above, as well as a lip (8) protruding from the abutment, which is spring loaded and back-springing and which is retractable into the abutment against the spring force in dependence of the fact that a part of a package blank in one fold operation is made to pass by the lip, and which thereafter springs back to support the package blank in the attained folded position. A package blank, a method for preparing a package and the use of a tool for preparing a package by folding a package blank are also disclosed.
US07951057B2
A storage container includes a receptacle having a circumferential sidewall and a sleeve fixedly attached to the receptacle having a circumferential sidewall with a left edge, a right edge, and marginal portions adjacent the left and right edges wherein the edges meet to form a butt seam. The receptacle sidewall and the sleeve sidewall define an insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer includes a first edge and a second edge wherein the first and second edges do not extend under the marginal portions such that the insulating layer has a smaller circumference than that of the sleeve sidewall. A method for forming a storage container is also provided.
US07951035B2
A vehicle driveline having an axle assembly with an input pinion, which is configured to receive a rotary input, a input ring gear, which is meshingly engaged with the input pinion, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system. The first output member is configured to drive a first vehicle wheel on a first side of a vehicle. The second output member is configured to drive a second vehicle wheel on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side. The power distribution system is driven by the input ring gear and distributes drive torque between the first and second output members. The power distribution system includes a first continuously variable transmission. A method for operating a vehicle driveline is also provided.
US07951034B2
In a condition of a vehicle which remains stationary or is about to stop and of a forward second speed having a clutch and a brake engaged, an N range is changed from a D range based on a shift lever operation and a forward range pressure is discharged from a manual shift valve. At this time, an orifice and a check ball are used to delay discharge of oil paths which communicate with a linear solenoid valve relative to discharge of an oil path a1 which communicates with a linear solenoid valve. Specifically, release of the brake is delayed relative to release of the clutch, so that a shift by way of a forward first speed through engagement of a one-way clutch can be prevented.
US07951027B2
The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission using a belt which comprises: a driving portion including a main cylinder having a space in which oil can be filled and operating as a pulley, a plurality of subsidiary cylinders disposed at a circumferential surface of the main cylinder and expanding in the radial direction due to the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the driving shaft, the subsidiary cylinders each being formed with belt grooves at the distal end for seating belts thereon; a driven portion having a structure identical to that of the driving portion, and disposed at a position spaced apart from the driving portion by a predetermined distance; belts seated on the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driving portion and the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driven portion, for transmitting the power of the driving portion to the driven portion.
US07951019B1
Disclosed herein are various inventive methods and apparatus related to an apparatus and method for teaching bunting techniques to baseball or softball players. A bunting mat may be provided that contains a plurality of lines that aide a player in better understanding bunting techniques, including aiding a player with appropriately positioning their feet for a bunt.
US07951018B2
A golf tee is provided for supporting a golf ball. The golf tee is adapted to sit on top of the ground and comprises a support rim or at least three support points for supporting a golf ball and an open body having a lower end suitable for placement on the ground and an upper end suitable for connection to the support rim. An optional neck may be used connecting the upper end of the open body to the support rim. The open body comprises a plurality of support columns and optionally one or more support rings connecting the support columns. The support columns are separated by holes thereby increasing the surface area of the golf tee. The open body and holes are adapted to receive grass and can allow for substantial level placement of the tee relative to the ground even when the grass is dense or longer. The support columns and holes result in a golf tee having a high drag and relatively low weight thereby providing a golf tee which travels a relatively short distance when struck by a swinging golf club.
US07951017B2
The present invention provides a golf ball composed of a core and a cover having an outside surface on which are formed a plurality of dimples. Letting BV and CV be the initial velocity (m/s) of, respectively, the ball and the core as measured by a method using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument and letting BE and CE be the deflection (mm) of, respectively, the ball and the core when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf), the ball initial velocity BV is from 70.0 to 76.0 m/s and the ball satisfies the formula −1.0≦(BV/BE)−(CV/CE)≦3.0. The golf ball of the invention has a flight distance that can be reduced compared with official golf balls currently in use, yet has the same good feel on impact and excellent controllability, scuff resistance and durability to repeated impact as a game ball.
US07951014B2
A device for picking up balls or golf balls (10) is disposed in the region of the grip (11) of a club (12). It includes several holding elements, which are displaceable under the effect of at least one resilient element from a rest position on the grip into an actuatable position in which they are capable of picking up the golf ball. By the holding element being at least two gripping arms (13, 14), which are fitted into each other in the rest position under the effect of at least one resilient element, a compact device for picking up that is simple to operate is created.
US07951010B2
The invention relates to a device (101) to provide helical rotating projection of a thread-forming thread core (102).According to the invention, internally in a cylindrical space (103) of a fluid cylinder-piston device (104), there is arranged a movably actuatable piston (105) provided with a number of helical holes (106). In that connection, a helical (109) shaft (108) shape-adapted to the respective hole (106) and helix (107) is receivable in said respective helical hole (106), and that the respective shaft (108) is, via a gear (110), connected with a mechanism (111) for the transmission of rotating (112) as well as axial (113) displacement motion to said thread-formed thread core (102). Finally, a stop member (114), which is arranged to limit the displacement motion (115) of the piston, is arranged internally in the cylinder space (103) of said piston cylinder.
US07951009B2
A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even at an operating angle, and can improve high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. A cage includes four pockets, a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball. An offset amount in the cage is made large to be almost the same as an offset amount of track grooves. Track grooves on a joint inner side are deepened and cage thickness on an opening side is increased.
US07951008B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to different techniques for managing the storage of accumulated information in selected non-volatile memory sources at a gaming machine. In one implementation of the present invention relates to a technique for automatically and dynamically swapping critical data and/or other game related information between the non-volatile RAM and the alternate storage (e.g., disk drive) of a gaming machine as new games are activated and/or existing games are deactivated at the gaming machine.
US07951002B1
A disclosed gaming machine provides a game server. The game server may be used to provide a number of game services, including accounting, bonus game play, progressive game play, game serving and game configuration, to a group of gaming machine connected in a network The gaming machines can employ a number of standard components including a game server, a concentrator, and a translator. The concentrator gathers game information from a number of gaming machines connected in a network segment. The translator may be used to convert one communication protocol to another communication protocol for the transmission of game information. The game information may be utilized by the game server to provide a game service. When used for game serving, the game server may allow a player to select a game from a list of games stored on the game server on one gaming machine for game play on another gaming machine.
US07950997B2
A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.
US07950995B2
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a wagering game which uses a random number generator to affect outcomes. The random number generator can be weighted by the player in exchange for a change in payouts. The random number generator can also be weighted in exchange for a cash purchase from the player or a cash payment to the player.
US07950985B2
A carrier head that has a base assembly, a retaining ring assembly, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The flexible membrane has a main portion and an outer annular portion, wherein a junction between the main portion and the outer annular portion comprises a peripheral edge hinge and an annular recess above the hinge along the outer wall of the outer annular portion.
US07950982B2
A lapping device comprises a mounting surface for coupling at least one non-parted slider row. At least one lever arm is coupled to at least one distal end of the mounting surface. The lever arm comprises a coupling feature at an end of the lever arm for receiving a force-vectoring device. The lever arm also comprises a pivot point opposite the coupling feature of the lever arm wherein the pivot point is beyond a distal end of the non-parted slider row.
US07950974B2
A device for cutting weeds carried by water inducted into a housing includes an intake, an outlet, an impeller for pumping water from the intake to the outlet as the impeller rotates about an axis, the impeller including a blade formed with a leading edge facing the intake, and a baffle secured against movement and including a cutting edge located adjacent the leading edge when the leading edge rotates to the location of the cutting edge.
US07950973B2
The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by a respective pair of rotating supports. The tracks are arranged so that the tracks can be rotated between a lowered position supporting the amphibious vehicle and providing traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where the tracks rest vertically above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability therein. The track assemblies are hydraulically driven to rotate the wheels and tracks between the lowered and raised positions.
US07950972B1
An electrical female terminal includes a female terminal body and a spring assembly. The female terminal body extends along and about a longitudinal axis and has a top wall, an opposite bottom wall and a pair of opposing side walls that connected to each other to form a generally box-shaped passageway extending through the female terminal body. The spring assembly has a beam portion, an interconnect portion and a contact portion. The beam portion is connected to one of the side walls. The interconnect portion is connected generally perpendicularly to the beam portion and interconnects the beam portion and the contact portion. The contact portion is connected to the interconnect portion and projects forwardly from the interconnect portion in a cantilevered manner. When a male terminal pin is inserted into the electrical female terminal, the spring assembly twists towards the one side wall to which the beam portion is connected.
US07950970B1
A terminal assembly includes a contact terminal having a base board, a driven terminal having a retention portion and an insulating block. Two opposite ends of the base board form a pair of contact portions located at one side of the base board for contacting a corresponding external terminal group. A portion of an edge of the retention portion extends to form an elastic arm. The insulating block is integrated with the contact terminal and the driven terminal by means of a substantial middle portion of the base board and a free end of the elastic arm being integrated in the insulating block. The base board of the contact terminal and the elastic arm of the driven terminal are intersected with and non-contacting with each other.
US07950966B1
An audio jack connector for mating with an audio plug connector has an insulating housing. The insulating housing defines an inserting hole extended from the front to the rear for receiving the audio plug connector and a recess communicating with the inserting hole at a rear end thereof. A terminal received in the recess has a base plate. Two opposite sides of the base plate extend downwards to form two fixing wings. Two facing contacting arms extend frontward from two front edges of the two fixing wings. Free ends of the contacting arms arch towards each other to form two smooth V-shaped contacting portions protruded into the inserting hole. Each of the contacting portions has two spaced smooth ribs protruded from an inner surface thereof and spreading towards two ends of the contacting portion from a peak of the contacting portion to form a smooth V-shape.
US07950964B1
A card connector includes a first housing extending along a front-to-rear direction and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a vertical direction thereof. Multiple groups of terminals are mounted on the first housing with tails projecting out of the first surface. A second housing extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and is fixed on the first housing. A group of converting terminals are mounted on the second housing with solder tails projecting out of the second surface and connecting portions projecting out of the first surface. A flexible printed circuit defines an input end and an output end thereof. The flexible printed circuit is attached to the first surface of the first housing with the tails of the multiple groups of terminals connecting with the input end and connecting portions of the converting terminals connecting with the output end.
US07950963B2
A connector includes a wiring board; a lead connecting the wiring board electrically to an external board; and a conductive layer connecting the lead to the wiring board so as to allow the lead to move when the conductive layer is melted. The lead includes first through third regions. The first region, in contact with the conductive layer, is sandwiched between the second and third regions lower in wettability with respect to the liquid melt of the conductive layer than the first region. The wiring board includes a first region and second regions. The first region, in contact with the conductive layer, is sandwiched between the second regions lower in wettability with respect to the liquid melt than the first region. The center of the first region of the lead is offset and away from the external board relative to the center of the first region of the wiring board.
US07950960B2
A transition for connecting a coaxial cable to a conductive metal part such as an antenna has a base and a sleeve. The base is pressed into the groundplane of the antenna to provide a permanent conductive and mechanical connection. A low profile transition has a base and a channel portion parallel to the face of the base.
US07950956B2
A ready to use tracer wire connector kit comprising a pod and cover that can be mated together around a tracer wire connector that can be retained in the pod or removed from the pod as the tracer wires are joined therein with the pod and cover encapsulating and protecting the junction of tracer wires in the tracer wire connector and a method and system wherein underground difficult to detect devices and systems can be indirectly located.
US07950954B2
The present invention includes a fastening mechanism comprising a base and a metal frame. The base has an accommodating slot arranged for accommodating a memory card, a first fastener and a second fastener. The first fastener and the second fastener are electrically connected to a battery and the memory card, respectively. When the metal frame is in a fastening position and fastened to the first fastener and the second fastener, the memory card can be clamped between the base and the metal frame. Then an electrical path is formed among the first fastener, the second fastener and the metal frame, thereby supplying the memory card with power of the battery. The present invention further includes a portable electronic device with the above fastening mechanism in which the electrical path is opened, while removing the memory card, so as to prevent supplying the memory card with power of the battery.
US07950950B2
A wire containment cap has twisted pair slots for routing twisted wire pairs through the wire containment cap. The twisted pair slots are provided with funnel-shaped entrances to assist in routing the twisted wire pairs from a rear end of the wire containment cap toward wire slots of the wire containment cap. The wire containment cap may be provided in shielded or unshielded versions, and is adapted for use with a communication jack assembly.
US07950941B1
An extension socket assembly has a housing, a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, two plug tabs and a switch device. The first conductive strip is mounted in the housing. The second conductive strip is mounted in the housing and is composed of a front segment and a rear segment electrically disconnectable from the front segment. The plug tabs are connected to the housing and are respectively connected electrically to the first conductive strip and the front segment of the second conductive strip. The switch device has a switch connected electrically to the front segment and the rear segment of the second conductive strip with two switch wires. Accordingly, the extension socket assembly can be easily and convenient switched on or off by the extension switch device.
US07950940B2
Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform.
US07950938B1
A universal plug adapter is provided plugs of different specifications to be selectively extracted and positioned to meet and connect an external wall socket. The plug thus supplies power to a railed recess, in which railed recess a rail-positioned socket having different specifications is installed and electrically connected, so as to form the universal plug adapter. Therein, the rail-positioned socket has sockets of different specifications for plugs of different specifications to insert. Additionally, the rail-positioned socket rail-positioned socket may be tailed with a functional electric device, such as a nightlight, an alarm, a wireless router, a USB socket or sockets of different specifications, for easy and convenient use.
US07950937B2
A card connector essentially includes an insulation body, a metal shell and an ejection lever. The insulation body includes a pair of two guide arms formed at two sides of the insulation body, a plurality of conductive terminals and an ejection apparatus formed at one of the two guide arms. The metal shell is engaged with the insulation body for receiving a card. The ejection lever is pivotally attached to an inner surface of the metal shell thereby forming a pivot mechanism, and operatively connected to the ejection apparatus such that the ejection lever rotates around the pivot mechanism when the ejection apparatus is actuated. The metal shell includes an integrally formed bulge protruding from the metal shell, and the bulge is formed in the vicinity of the pivot mechanism so as to reinforce the strength and rigidity of the metal shell.
US07950931B2
The present invention provides an electrical junction box that can prevent water in a casing from attaching to a circuit board. The electrical junction box may include a casing, an upper connector housing and fuse-mounting sections that are disposed on and are open in an upper wall in the casing, a circuit board contained in the casing, an upper frame portion that is disposed below the upper connector housing and fuse-mounting sections in the casing to cover an upper part of the circuit board, side frame portions that extend downward from side edges of the upper frame portion and are disposed adjacent to sides of the circuit board, slopes that are formed on an upper surface of the upper frame portion and slant down to the side frame portions, and groove portions that extend in a vertical direction on outer surfaces of the side frame portions. The casing may be provided with first drainage portions that are open at positions opposite lower end edges of the groove portions.
US07950926B2
The invention relates to an electrical contact arrangement (1) for telecommunications and data systems technology, comprising at least one electrical contact (K1) and a printed circuit board (2), the contact (K1) being connected to the printed circuit board (2) both electrically and mechanically. The contact (K1) comprises a contact region (7) on which an electrical contact for contacting the counter-contact is generated. The distance (L el) between the contact region (7) of the contact (K1, K8) and the electrical contact point (K8) for contacting the printed circuit board (2) is shorter than the distance (L mech) between the contact region (7) of the contact (K1, K8) and the mechanical contact point (9) for contacting the printed circuit board (2).
US07950923B2
An occlusal plane analyzer (5) is composed of an analysis board (7) made of a magnetic material and held above a lower jaw model (2), a magnet (8) which can attract the analysis board (7) with magnetic force and which has a circular support hole (15) going through in an attraction direction of the magnetic force, and a Monson curve imparting tool (9) composed of a spherical body section (17) which is made of a magnetic material with a diameter larger than an inside diameter of the support hole (15) and which can be attracted to the support hole (15), an extended section (18) extending from the spherical body section (17), and a spherical surface regenerating section (19) further extending from a distal end of the extended section (18) for drawing a circular arc concentric with the spherical body section (17).
US07950922B2
A portico furnace includes a number of porticos (1), which are arranged parallel to one another and which define the spans of the furnace, and supports (2, 6) that are attached to the porticos (1), between which are positioned interjoists (3) that constitute the walls of the furnace. At least some of the interjoists (3) consist of a chimney block (4) with an axis that is parallel to the supports (2, 6).
US07950920B2
A combustion device in the form of a paraffin stove (10) comprises a fuel reservoir (12), a burner (14), stand pipe (16) which extends between the reservoir (12) and the burner (14) and a stove top (18). The reservoir (12) comprises a rigid, air-tight outer container (22) and a deformable bladder (25) for holding paraffin (27) which is located within the container (22). The bladder has an outlet (44) which is connected to the stand pipe (16). A conduit (51) which can be connected to a source of compressed air is connected to the container (22) for pressurizing the container (22) to exert a force on the bladder (25) sufficient to cause the paraffin to be delivered to the burner (14) where it is ignited to produce a flame.
US07950914B2
A Moineau style stator includes a helical reinforcement component that provides an internal helical cavity. A resilient liner is deployed on an inner surface of the helical reinforcement component. The helical reinforcement component includes a solder or braze material and is typically metallurgically bonded to an inner wall of a stator tube. In exemplary embodiments, the helical reinforcement component includes a composite mixture of solder and aggregate. Exemplary embodiments of this invention address the heat build up and subsequent elastomer breakdown in the lobes of prior arts stators by providing a helical reinforcement component. Solder reinforced stators tend to be less expensive to fabricate than reinforced stators of the prior art.
US07950913B2
In a seal system for a scroll type fluid machine, a seal mechanism is provided between a backpressure plate and a holder, so as to surround an orbiting backpressure chamber. The seal member comprises a seal attachment groove, a seal member and a Y-shaped packing. The seal attachment groove is stepped on its outer circumference to define a shallow bottom portion. The seal member includes, on its outer circumference side, a cutout portion matching the shallow bottom portion. The Y-shaped packing is disposed between a deep groove peripheral wall of the seal attachment groove and the cutout portion of the seal member, and a backpressure chamber is defined on a reverse surface side of the seal member. By this arrangement, a slide surface of the seal member can be larger than an effective area of the backpressure side of the seal member. Thereby it is possible to reduce a difference between a load Ff acting on the slide surface and a load Fb acting on the reverse surface.
US07950906B2
A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, a pump motor, a seal section, a shaft coupling the pump motor to the pump, a bearing assembly for axially retaining the shaft in place, and an electrical insulator for electrically isolating the pump bearing assembly from electrical current leaking from the motor and through the shaft. The electrical insulator can be made from polyetheretherketone, polyimide, polyketone, and mixtures thereof.
US07950904B2
The present invention relates to a compressor which secures a sufficient refrigerant inhaling passage so as to minimize a refrigerant inhaling resistance and also to increase lubricating action with respect to a thrust bearing supporting a swash plate, in a structure that refrigerant is inhaled to a cylinder bore through a hollow drive shaft, thereby improving the performance of the compressor.
US07950903B1
A turbine blade with a dual serpentine flow cooling circuit to provide cooling to the airfoil section and to the blade tip section. An aft flowing multiple pass serpentine circuit includes a first leg located adjacent to the leading edge region of the blade and is connected to a leading edge impingement cavity through a row of impingement holes. A showerhead arrangement is connected to the impingement cavity to provide film cooling to the leading edge of the blade. A second aft flowing serpentine circuit is located in the tip region and is connected to the impingement cavity to supply the cooling air to the second serpentine. A row of impingement holes and exit cooling slots is arranged along the trailing edge region and connected to the first serpentine. A trailing edge discharge hole is located in the tip region to discharge cooling air from the second serpentine. The second serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side to discharge film cooling air. The first serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side and the suction side to provide film cooling to selected areas of the pressure and the suction side walls.
US07950893B2
A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.
US07950892B2
A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.
US07950889B2
In aircraft construction, connection elements for connecting layers of insulating material onto walls are subject to special requirements for ease of installation, weight considerations, and resistance to heat. The invention provides a connection arrangement, in particular for superimposed layers of material, whose function is not impaired under extreme heat. The connection arrangement is comprised by a pin with a head or head arrangement, engaging positions, and a retaining element. The pin, the head or the head arrangement, and retaining element are made up of a skeleton and an outer material where the skeleton is made of a material more resistant to heat than the outer material. Following destruction or removal of the outer material by heat, the remaining skeleton parts of the pin, head part, and retaining element maintain their connections and structure keeping the layers of material in place.
US07950886B2
The invention provides for a retainer for stabilizing a threaded member. The retainer may include a base portion having an opening and an outer perimeter lying in a first plane, the opening having a plurality of elongated sections each extending toward the outer perimeter so as to define in the base portion one or more arms. Each of the aims may have a head section having at least one groove, the head sections being located in a second plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The elongated sections may be symmetrically arranged about an axis. The grooves may be arranged to define at least a portion of a helix. The outer perimeter of the retainer may be circular.
US07950878B2
An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, runoff and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.
US07950873B2
A set of concrete pavers is formed by a plurality of pavers being arranged in a paver row, and a plurality of paver rows being arranged to form a row. A number of parallel, adjacent rows form linear or meandering joints in the end-paver region of the rows when the rows are laid together. At least one section of the upper delimiting surface of the pavers is convexly cambered towards the outside, and projections on the side faces of the pavers form support elements for the adjacent pavers. The support elements, in combination with projections on adjacent pavers, create spaces that act as water-drainage openings in the joint regions. The pavers in each set include not only paving blocks with a length-to-height ratio of less than or equal to 4 but also at least one paving slab with a length-to-height ratio greater than 4.
US07950871B2
The invention relates to a vehicle restraint system provided for delimiting roadways and including guide barriers (1) which are placed next to one another in a detachable manner. Each guide barrier (1) includes a housing-type base body (2) that can be placed upright on the ground and a guide rail (14) arranged above the base body (2). The guide rail (14) and the base body (2) can be coupled together by means of tension rods (19), wherein each tension rod (29) is connected to the guide rail (14) with an upper end (20) and can be tightened at a bottom end (22) in an abutment (23) arranged in the base body (2). The guide rail (14) and the base body (2) are suitably arranged at a vertical distance from one another by spacers (30), with the tension rod (19) extending through the spacers (30).
US07950868B2
A modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed.
US07950867B2
A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing. Rings for retaining the loose-leaf pages are mounted on the hinge plates for movement with the hinge plates between an open and closed position. A lever is mounted on the housing and includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is disposed to engage the hinge plates and move the rings from the closed to the open position. The hinge plates are supported by the housing so that at least one of the hinge plates is in continuous engagement with the second portion of the lever when the rings are in the closed position. The at least one hinge plate has an upper surface facing toward the housing and a lower surface facing away from the housing and is in continuous engagement with the second portion of the lever.
US07950865B2
The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device comprising: a reservoir containing at least one composition for application; an applicator element that is secured to the reservoir at least during application; an applicator-element holder; and a support for fastening the applicator-element holder on the reservoir, the support including a tubular sheath surrounding the applicator-element holder and the applicator element over at least a fraction of its length, the tubular sheath and the applicator-element holder presenting facing surfaces in contact; at least one hollow longitudinal channel being formed in one of the surfaces, so as to enable the composition coming from the reservoir to flow towards the applicator element.
US07950863B2
Product applicators that are separable from a product reservoir and that heat a portion of product. A product applicator fitted with an electronic heating element capable of connecting to a low voltage power source. Most of the electric circuitry is incorporated into a circuit subassembly, for example a flexible substrate with printed-on circuit. The preferred heating element is a flexible heater. Heat emanates from the surface of the separable applicator so that the product that is closest to the applicator surface is heated prior to and/or during application.
US07950859B2
A lens cover slidably mounted to a lens comprises a main body and two guide plates protruding from opposite sides of the main body. Each guide plate has a plurality of contact portions. Each contact portion includes a plurality of projection strips protruding from a surface thereof and facing the lens.
US07950858B2
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed with a body mounting flange on its outer circumferential surface. The body mounting flange is to be mounted on a knuckle of the vehicle. The outer member inner circumference includes double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange formed on one end. A cylindrical portion extends from the wheel mounting flange. At least one inner ring is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring outer circumference is formed with an inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner members. Seals are mounted within annular openings formed between the outer member and the inner member. The inner ring is axially secured relative to the wheel hub by a caulked portion. The caulked portion is formed by radially outwardly plastically deforming the end of the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. Outer side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are balls. The inner side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are tapered rollers. The fundamental rated load of the inner side row of tapered rollers is set larger than that of the outer side row of balls.
US07950847B2
The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.
US07950844B2
The cook pot stirrer is a stirring mechanism incorporated into a lid that covers a cooking vessel. The cook pot stirrer is adapted for stirring liquid content of the cook pot. The mechanism includes a battery power source connected to a motor having reduction gearing connected to a removably attachable stirring tool. A speed control adjusts motor speed, thereby regulating the speed of the stirring device. A protective dome covers the stirring mechanism to isolate the motor and electronics from the contents of the pot. The protective dome is removable for maintenance and battery replacement. Stirring tools of various lengths, heights and surface areas may be provided for use in a variety of cooking situations.
US07950841B2
A method and apparatus for cooling a mixture with an injection system. The injection system is adjustable to accommodate the relative position and particular specifications of a given container (e.g., concrete mixer). In one embodiment, the injection system is operable to inject a coolant directly into the mixture while in the mixing process.
US07950840B2
A structure for LED Christmas light is provided, including a light holder, being a hollow body having a separating part connected to the inner wall of the light holder to divide the hollow interior of the light holder into two cavities. Each of the two opposite sides of the inner wall of the light holder connected to the separating part forms a slot and face the surface of the separating part of the two cavities, with each having a guiding channel. Two wire sets are fixed inside the two cavities. An LED light bulb has a positive pin and a negative pin inserted inside the guiding channel, respectively, and being electrically connected to the wire sets. A light cap has a holding part passing the LED light bulb to tightly engage to the top of the light holder so as to fix the LED light bulb to the light holder.
US07950835B2
A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs.
US07950832B2
An LED luminaire is provided with a light emitting module composed of plural kinds of LEDs emitting lights of different colors, a lens unit having a lens for diffusing the mixed-color light from the light emitting module, a light output controller for controlling electric current fed to each of the LEDs, and a light sensor for sensing the light from the light emitting module. The light output controller performs feedback control on the electric current fed to each of the LEDs based upon light levels of the sensed light, so that the light emitted from the light emitting module has desired chromaticity. The lens unit contains a light guide for guiding the light from the lens to the light sensor and can guide the light from the light emitting module to the light sensor with a high efficiency.
US07950829B2
The high efficiency light emitting diode apparatus mainly comprises a connector, a heat dissipating body, a light generator, a central venting portion, and a transparent casing. This connector has a flow guider, a flow chamber and a vent. The light generator contains several LEDs. The heat dissipating body includes an inner passage and an outer passage. The central venting portion has a central channel. An inner flow path and an outer flow path are formed. So, the heat dissipating effect of the flow paths is excellent. The structure forming two flow paths can enhance the heat dissipating effect. The auxiliary element can strengthen the overall illuminating effect. Plus, the auxiliary element can make the light more uniformly.
US07950823B2
A lamp fixing unit capable of simplifying the manufacture of a backlight assembly by eliminating the need for manual procedures is presented. The lamp fixing unit includes a fixing member and a lamp holder. The fixing member includes a fixing body and at least one receiving portion. The lamp holder includes a holder body and a conductive socket. The holder body includes a board insertion portion, a power supply member, and a lamp fixing member. Thus, the power supply member may be easily coupled to and uncoupled from the lamp holder, and the lamp may be easily grounded.
US07950817B2
Display cases having lighting assemblies and methods of illuminating display cases with such lighting assemblies. Embodiments of the lighting assemblies may be used in display cases of any type and particularly in those where the purchaser selects via an external mechanism (e.g., buttons) a product from a variety of products stored inside the display, such as a vending machine. Lighting assemblies are installed within a vending machine, such as on or within the vending machine shelves or product dividers, and their light emission controlled depending on the product being selected from the vending machine. In on embodiment, all light sources within the vending machine except those illuminating the selected product are dimmed. In this way, the product being selected by the purchaser can be emphasized. In other embodiments, color or multi-color LEDs are used to emit light that best compliments the color of products housed within the vending machine.
US07950816B2
It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements.
US07950813B2
Adoption of composite cube-corner retroreflective elements in which groups of each at least two sub-retroreflective elements which are each defined by three lateral faces mutually crossing at approximately right angles, as being configured by three-directional V-shaped parallel groove groups having substantially symmetrical sections and intersecting with each other, and which are arrayed in the closest-packed state, projecting on one side of their common sub-plane (SH-SH), each of said groups of sub-reflective elements being disposed on one main retroreflective element which is defined by three lateral faces mutually crossing at approximately right angles, as being configured by three-directional V-shaped parallel groove groups having substantially symmetrical sections and intersecting with each other, and which is disposed on the main plane (S-S).
US07950809B2
A hologram element that forms a predetermined illumination pattern on an irradiated surface by diffracting incident light is disclosed. The illumination pattern is formed by making light in a first wavelength region diffracted in a first region, and the illumination pattern is formed by making light in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region diffracted in a second region on the same plane as the first region.
US07950807B2
Disclosed herein is a projector that can be loaded with lamps of a plurality of kinds, each of a plurality of the lamps loadable into the projector being given a lamp serial code formed by arranging lamp information including at least a minimum wattage and a maximum wattage of the lamp and a check sum in predetermined order. The projector includes: a lamp power supply for driving the lamp loaded in the projector, the lamp power supply being provided in advance with a plurality of mode ranges each as a range from a minimum wattage to a maximum wattage of output of the lamp power supply, and one predetermined mode range of the plurality of mode ranges being freely set in the lamp power supply; and a control circuit for controlling the lamp power supply.
US07950800B2
A method of capturing a substantially front-view image of the face of a wearer wearing at least one frame (10), the image being captured by an image-capture appliance (1), and calculating the geometrico-physiognomic parameter (H, TETA) by processing the captured image. The calculation of the geometrico-physiognomic parameter (H, TETA) includes identifying in the image the image of a predetermined remarkable point (RC) that is directly or indirectly associated with the wearer's face or with the frame, and it takes into consideration a magnitude representative of the absolute vertical angle of observation (GAMMA) formed between firstly an observation line (DO) connecting the pupil (7) of the image-capture appliance (1) to the remarkable point (RC), and secondly its projection onto a horizontal plane (PF).
US07950799B2
The present invention provides an ophthalmic lens comprised of two lens materials with a gap between them of less than about 5 mm. The gap is formed and maintained by particles on the perimeter of the surfaces of both lens materials. Methods are also provided for creating a gap between two lens materials and for producing an ophthalmic lens with a gap between two lens materials.
US07950798B2
Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate on both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths.
US07950788B2
A printing device includes a supply of colorant and a mechanism. The mechanism is receptive to removable insertion of a first print cartridge and a second print cartridge. One of the first print cartridge and the second print cartridge can be inserted into the mechanism at any given time. The first print cartridge at least ultimately uses the supply of colorant of the printing device to form the images on the media. The second print cartridge has a self-contained supply of colorant that is exclusively used in lieu of the supply of colorant of the printing device to form the images on the media.
US07950785B2
A method of controlling a liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes: a pressure detecting step of detecting whether the pressure inside a functional liquid tank is below a lower-limit pressure of a working pressure or not; a step of confirming, when the pressure inside the functional liquid tank is below the lower-limit pressure, whether a functional liquid droplet ejection head is in imaging operation or not; and a pressurization control step of, upon confirmation that the functional liquid droplet ejection head is not in imaging operation, pressurizing the functional liquid tank to an upper-limit pressure of the working pressure.
US07950776B2
An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a substrate, nozzle chambers formed on the substrate, and at least one heater element suspended in each nozzle chamber.
US07950770B2
This patent specification describes a droplet-ejecting head including a nozzle substrate having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting droplets, and an actuator configured to be driven to generate energy for ejecting droplets through each nozzle. The nozzle substrate is cleaned by a cleaning liquid containing microbubbles before being bonded to another member.