US07966385B2

A virtual network is configured in a communication system in such a manner that the virtual network is not required to have associated therewith any particular physical home location, or more generally any dedicated arrangement of physical network infrastructure elements. The communication system includes a communication network, such as a wireless network or the Internet, connectable to one or more user communication elements. Information is received from a given one of the communication elements indicating association of the given communication element with a particular virtual network, and responsive to the received information the virtual network is configured to include the given communication element. The virtual network may be comprised entirely of remote users. Emulated data network and voice network functionality may be provided to those users without requiring their corresponding entity to have a physical home location for data network and voice network elements, or any particular dedicated arrangement of such physical network infrastructure elements.
US07966383B2

Embodiments of the present invention include a computer-implemented systems and methods for accessing metadata across a network. A metadata server receives requests to access a data source from one or more clients. The metadata server is coupled between one or more backend servers and the clients. The backend servers may be coupled to the data sources of interest. The metadata server provides a metadata service proxy for establishing communications with the backend servers and for signaling the backend servers to establish connections to data sources. Data sources may be stateful or stateless. For stateless data sources, the metadata server may dynamically create reusable metadata service provider proxies that receive metadata from metadata service providers on the backend servers. For stateful data sources, unique metadata service provider proxies may be dynamically created and used to service client requests.
US07966382B2

Provided are a method, system, and program enabling access to media content in media servers in remote networks. Available devices are discovered in a network capable of being controlled, wherein the devices include at least one media renderer and media servers. An access list is maintained indicating network addresses of a subset of the discovered media servers available in the network. A determination is made of discovered media servers having network addresses indicated in the access list and the media content in the determined media servers is discovered. Indication of the discovered media content from multiple media servers is made in an aggregate content directory of media content. Discovered media renderers are enabled to access media content indicated in the aggregate content directory.
US07966377B2

A method for use when an original email is sent from an originator to a receiver, having a real email address, at a destination email address, which includes a concatenation of an alias and a magic number, is provided and includes replacing the destination email address with the real email address of the receiver, adding a new header field to the original email indicating that the destination email address was an original destination of the original email and forwarding the original email to the receiver at the real email address. If the receiver replies with a reply email, the method further includes setting a from header field in the reply email with a new header field indicating that the destination email address was an original destination of the original email, and if the original email is appended, removing the new header field from the original email.
US07966376B2

A method, system, and computer program product for disabling the capturing of chat session text. A chat session participant may store a profile for informing other chat session participants of preferences regarding the capture of chat session text. A chat session user may disable another user's ability to capture text. A chat session user may request that another user not capture text.
US07966375B2

One aspect of the invention is a method for restricting access to one or more email attachments includes receiving an email addressed to a first recipient and including at least a first attachment. The email is processed to determine whether a valid authorization code is associated with the email (and/or the attachment (s)). The valid authorization code identifies the email (and/or the attachment(s)) as an authorized communication. Access by the recipient to the first attachment is prevented if the processing of the email determined that no valid authorization code is associated with the email (and/or the attachment(s)).
US07966374B2

A facility for presenting an adaptive message is described. The facility receives a message in the computer system. Based upon the contents of the received message, the facility tests two or more digital content capabilities of the computer system. The facility then selects one of a number of different digital content elements based upon the results of the testing. The facility presents the selected digital content element.
US07966373B1

An automated system for delivery of messages to multiple recipients, and for processing of responses to the messages, includes a message client, message server, and system database. A message is created using a universal message form. The message content can be translated into multiple formats and sent to one or more different recipients using one or more different types of messaging devices, including pagers, telephones, fax machines, and e-mail readers. A recipient profile manager allows each recipient to select the messaging devices to be used for message delivery as well as preferred messaging schedules, priorities, and message security. Receipt of the messages by the recipients is verified, response requirements collected and consolidated from multiple sources and presented to the message originator in a structured format.
US07966371B2

A browser based web conferencing method is disclosed, wherein a request to receive a screen update image of a first layer is transmitted over a network, and the screen update image of the first layer is displayed. A request to receive a screen update image of a second layer is transmitted over the network, and the screen update image of the second layer is displayed, wherein the screen update image of the second layer overlaps the screen update image of the first layer. An image-load script is executed in connection with receiving one of the screen update images, wherein the image-load script executes the request-update script after all of the screen update images of the first layer have been displayed.
US07966368B2

Systems and methods useful in communicating messages over a peer-to-peer network, optionally over transient connections to participants in a collaborative session (e.g., an “electronic whiteboard” session), are described. Examples include establishing a session for data transfer, wherein participants easily enter and leave the session without losing data or connections between the participants. Participants in a session may gain access to and catch up with data previously transmitted. Various data structures are useful for communicating messages. Such data structures may be used for transmitting message data or identification data to participants.
US07966355B2

An enhanced flash memory card, including a flash memory for storing a file system a wireless modem for downloading data from a remote computer to the flash memory, and a driver that controls the modem by associating designated flash card file system commands with modem actions to be performed.
US07966354B2

For a storage system which holds backup data of a first data storage extent in one or more second data storage extents in use of a first backup method, a backup status in a first backup method in a prescribed period is acquired and a first backup performance in a first backup configuration is computed based on this backup status. Meanwhile, a second backup performance in a second backup configuration is estimated based on a prescribed assumption in a prescribed period. Information is outputted based on the computed first backup performance and the estimated second backup performance.
US07966353B2

Herein described is a method and system for providing shared access to data residing within non-data pool related file systems. Aspects of the invention incorporate the use of one or more share access mechanisms by which access to the data occurs. The one or more share access mechanisms may be enabled or disabled by way of one or more selections that are made using a user interface. In a representative embodiment, the user interface may comprise a web browser. The method may involve assigning one or more values to one or more variables such that one or more name-value pairs are generated. The one or more name-value pairs are stored in a non-volatile memory. Execution of a software program may enable the one or more share access mechanisms when one or more assigned values are equal to one or more enabling values.
US07966352B2

A system and process for harvesting context information from selected content is described. One may use a stylus to indicate what content is to be captured. The context information that may be associated with selected content may include URLs, file names, folder names, text from the content, and ink.
US07966351B2

In the current invention, a method and apparatus for efficiently deleting large files is described. This is done by having a special inode for pointing to data blocks to be freed, and subsequently freeing the data blocks from the special inode in a controlled manner.
US07966335B2

In an example embodiment, a system for determining respective reputation values for a users of a network-based community is provided. The respective reputation values may be based on a user attribute associated with the user. The system may comprise a processor-implemented reputation component configured to determine respective reputation values for one or more users of a network-based community. Additionally included is a processor-implemented reporting component configured to receive a communication from the user identifying content as objectionable within the network-based community. The system also includes a processor-implemented evaluation component configured to evaluate the identified content based on the respective reputation values of the user to determine an action to take with respect to the content. Additionally included is a processor-implemented validation component configured to remove identified content from publication based on the respective reputation values transgressing a threshold value.
US07966330B2

Techniques are described for performing partition pruning in situations where previous database servers could not. Specifically, techniques are provided for (1) performing partition pruning based on predicates that involve non-prefix subsets of composite partitioning keys, (2) performing partition pruning when a global index access path is used to execute a query, and (3) performing partition pruning when predicates on partitioning columns are OR-ed together. More generally, techniques are described for partition pruning based on a non-contiguous set of not-pruned partitions.
US07966326B2

An address book data download request issued from a data communication apparatus is received. On the basis of authority of a user of the data communication apparatus which has issued the download request and a security level set for each address information in address book data stored in a storage medium, address information is extracted from the address book data. Address book data containing the extracted address information is transmitted to the data communication apparatus.
US07966312B2

A technique for providing an updatable result set from multiple joined tables derived from a plurality of databases includes testing for at least one unique index from each of the multiple joined tables. A technique for providing an updatable result set from multiple joined tables that may include null values for outer-joined tables includes testing for a connection to the unique indexes and the null values.
US07966301B2

A system and method for combining the precision estimate of a database entry's coordinate value such that the precision information is included as part of the one-dimensional index. This is done by constructing a hierarchical index in which the size of the grid is related to the precision of the coordinate value. A grid index is a gridding of an n-dimensional space into a regular partition of the grid space into grid units, for which for a point in space, x, there is a function index (x), which retrieves a unique integer value for the grid that contains Point x, and a function coordinate (y, s), which returns a point associated with the index y at scale s. A hierarchical grid index is effectively a number of grid indices overlaid on the same space, with grid units of different sizes. In this case, each of the functions employs an additional argument that specifies the size of the grid unit to use. Thus, assuming that the grid size, s, is drawn from a set of grid sizes, S, Index (x,s) returns a unique integer value for the grid of size s that contains Point x. Hierarchical indexes may be used to enhance the performance of database queries. A query that seeks results from a small grid size, ssmall, does not seek matches at a large grid size, slarge. Similar calculations can be performed for a finite area A.
US07966300B2

An intermediate server device is installed among a financial institution server device, a local government server device and an applicant terminal device. The intermediate server device transmits application processing information received from the applicant terminal device to the financial institution server device after adding data for verification and application ID. Partially masked application processing information is sent to the local government server device for verification. Then the intermediate server device manages verification history for certification request information with application IDs requested from the financial institution server device based on the application IDs.
US07966299B2

A database is used to store user interface state information. The database is accessed by a key having a service ID field, a caller ID field, and a caller context ID field. The caller context ID is used to identify the context in the application program from which the user interface is called. In this manner, the system can differentiate between calls from different portions of the application program which can have different user expectations of the desirable user interface state.
US07966298B2

Disclosure of approaches for processing database transactions against a database. In one approach, a first transaction is received that specifies an operation for changing state of a first record stored in a first database page. In processing the operation, the state of the record is changed, and information is stored in a companion page. The information includes a transaction identifier, data describing the specified operation, a page identifier of the first page, a before look and an after look of the first record for an update operation, and an after look of the first record for an insert operation. In response to a commit of the first transaction, a process determines whether a second transaction, that specifies a change in state for a second stored in the first page, is in-process. In response to determining that the second transaction is in process, the companion page is stored in an audit trail. In response to determining that no such second transaction is in process, a transaction identifier of the first transaction and associated data of the first page are stored in the audit trail.
US07966289B2

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to file systems. Specifically, certain embodiments include systems and methods for reading objects in a file system. In some embodiments, a first processing thread traverses a portion of a file system and represents file system objects in a data structure. A portion of the data and/or metadata associated with the represented objects may be prefetched to a memory. In some embodiments, a second processing thread consumes the objects represented in the queue. For example, in a file system backup embodiment, the second processing thread may transfer data and/or metadata associated with the objects to an archive target.
US07966283B2

A system and method to perform data indexing in a transaction processing environment are described. Data is periodically extracted from one or more database servers storing the data. A database stored in a storage device is then updated with the extracted data to obtain an updated database. Finally, the updated database is transmitted to one or more search servers.
US07966272B2

Disclosed are methods, systems, and processor program products that include executing an optimization scheme to obtain a first solution set, presenting the first solution set to at least two users, receiving rankings of the first solution set from the at least two users, aggregating the rankings, and, generating a second solution set based on the aggregated rankings. The optimization scheme can include a genetic algorithm. In embodiments, at least a part of the first solution set can be presented to the users based on the parts of the solution set associated with the user (e.g., user's knowledge).
US07966270B2

The embodiments of the invention provide a systems, methods, etc. for adaptive content processing and classification in a high-availability environment. More specifically, a system is provided having a plurality of processing engines and at least one server that classifies data objects on the computer system. The classification includes analyzing the data objects for the presence of a type of content. This can include assigning a score corresponding to the amount of the type of content in each of the data objects. Moreover, the server can remove a data object from the computer system based on the results of the analyzing. The results of the analyzing are stored and the computer system is updated with feedback information. This can include allowing a user to review the results of the analyzing and aggregating reviews of the user into the feedback information.
US07966267B2

A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.
US07966265B2

A method for screening applicants includes remotely accessing a screening entity's web page by a potential candidate. The candidate is asked, via the pre-screening web page, to input responses to a set of queries tailored to the screening entity and the candidate's responses to the queries are stored. A phone call is automatically initiated to the candidate in response to at least one of the candidate's responses. An interactive information gathering process is started with the candidate using both the telephone and the computer. In the process, audio prompts to the candidate are generated via the telephone and the candidate's verbal responses are recorded via the telephone. A profile of the candidate is stored in a database including the verbal responses from the candidate for later access and analysis by the screening entity. The recorded responses are analyzed by the screening entity to make quality judgments about the candidate.
US07966251B2

A credit event referenced asset having a par value includes (a) a provision for a right of a creditor to receive interest on the asset for a credit term, wherein the interest is reduced if a credit event occurs with respect to a reference entity, and (b) a provision for a right of the creditor to receive the par value at a maturity date of the asset.
US07966247B1

An automated system for conducting an auction and a method for operating the system. The system comprises a plurality of bid entry terminal and a bidding information processor communicatively coupled to the bid entry terminals. Bidders at the bid entry terminals observe displayed information and enter bids accordingly. The bidding information processor and the bid entry terminals communicate and process information in order to conduct an auction. The method involves conducting an auction in which the price paid by bidders is independent of their own bids, in which participants are provided with information concerning their competitors' bids as the auction progresses, and in which the confidentiality of high values is maintained. This provides the advantage of improving the economic efficiency of the auction design over the existing art.
US07966242B1

A system and method for hedging contract risks is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for hedging contract risks may comprise: receiving information related to a supply contract between a seller and a buyer, the buyer being committed to purchase inventory from the seller over a period of time; estimating potential liquidation damages that the seller will suffer if at least one credit event causes the buyer to default on the supply contract; and providing the seller a put option, whereby, upon the at least one credit event, the seller can choose to sell a claim of liquidation damages against the defaulting buyer at a strike price, the strike price being an amount that varies based at least in part on the estimated potential liquidation damages and the time at which the at least one credit event occurs.
US07966240B2

Comparison values are calculated for evaluating a commercial transaction. A request for quote received from a buyer agent includes a product specification data set that identifies items that differ in accordance with at least one parameter. Price data sets received from seller agents identify items and prices in response to the product specification data set. At least one of the price data sets identifies an item having a different parameter value as compared to the item in another price data set. A comparison value for each price data set is generated by determining a price total from the price data set and calculating a summed market price total by summing market price totals for each of the items. Calculating market price totals includes obtaining metric data indicative of market prices. The summed market price total is compared to the price total for the price data set to generate the comparison value.
US07966233B1

An arrangement collects data from disparate system back-end sources, such as a contracts system, a billing system, a service provisioning system, and analyzes the data to determine whether any inconsistencies exist. If so, the system issues a modification request to compensate for the inconsistency.
US07966231B2

A method and a system for determining taxes attributable to a financial transaction create a tax rate table, link an entity of the financial transaction to the tax rate table through a product rule, and calculate taxes based on the tax rate table according to one component of the financial transaction. The tax rate tables can be linked by a default product rule, which is a defined by a global variable. Alternatively, specific product rules can be used to link specific entities, such as tax jurisdiction records, or legal entity records. In one application, the method and the system calculate revenue tax, cost tax, input tax, and profits for each transaction. The method and the system may further include multi-currency support analysis for a financial transaction so that a financial transaction can be analyzed under a common currency, even though the financial transaction is conducted using one or more currencies in one or more jurisdictions.
US07966224B1

A system, method and computer program product are provided for providing recommendations. In use, a plurality of contacts is identified, where each contact has a relationship with a user. In addition, information associated with activities of at least one of the contacts is received such that a recommendation may be generated for the user, based on the information.
US07966220B2

Individual employees are permitted to be individuals and plan their work as individuals. Individuals are only asked to plan their work within a limited tasking horizon. Employees track their progress using verbs that are designed to capture the reasons behind positive and negative predictive ability. Verbs are analyzed and expected predictive error, also know as risk, is calculated. Once verbs are captured they can be analyzed for ways to improve predictive ability. In addition, the risk can be factored into the initial planning stage so as to include an expected predictive error in the initial planning. The cost, effort, churn and risk values of projects are then illustrated in a comparison form with historical limitations from past similar projects.
US07966217B2

This invention generally relates to a method for facilitating the purchase of goods and services through access to online websites that populate the World Wide Web. More particularly the method discloses the use of widely distributed resealable packets of liquid that bear website addresses to prompt or facilitate explicit access to websites without use of search engine interfaces. Further, website hosting by the manufacture of the packets coordinates website form and content with packet incentives and database supported website customization.
US07966216B1

In accordance with one embodiment, a system and method for providing consumers marketing devices based on their use of supplementary income includes obtaining consumer financial data associated with a given “consumer” from one or more sources. At least part of the consumer financial data is then analyzed to determine if the given consumer typically receives supplementary income and, if so, how the consumer typically treats any supplementary income received. A supplementary income profile is then created for the given consumer. Data representing the supplementary income profile for the given consumer is then stored and at least part of the data representing the supplementary income profile for the given consumer is provided to one or more product marketers. One or more product marketers then provide a marketing device to the given consumer. The marketing device itself, and/or the time when the marketing device is provided to the given consumer, and/or the terms of the marketing device, is/are based, at least in part, on the data representing the supplementary income profile for the given consumer provided to one or more product marketers and analysis of the data representing the supplementary income profile for the given consumer performed by the product marketers.
US07966215B1

A combination reservation and navigation system includes a reservation communication device and a customer communication device. The reservation communication device provides the reservation information to various customer communication devices associated with customers responsive to organizing the reservation information. The reservation communication device receives customer information, including a request for a reservation for the parking space, from the customer communication device. The reservation communication device transmits electronic navigation information to the customer communication device associated with the customer over a communication link responsive to the customer making the reservation. The electronic navigation information assists the customer in traveling from a customer geographic location to a business geographic location of the parking space reserved by the customer.
US07966208B2

The invention provides a method of rescheduling timing of when items on purchase orders are scheduled to be received in a linear programming production planning system. This methodology performs a pre-processing rescheduling of the timing of purchase order receipts into the earliest time period allowable in a pre-processing step. After this pre-processing, the invention solves the core production planning system equations using the rescheduled purchase order receipts. Then, the invention performs post-processing rescheduling, which sorts the purchase order receipts according to rescheduling flexibility, and subsequently sequentially reschedules the timing of each of the purchase order receipts in the order established by the sorting process. This process of sequentially rescheduling reschedules the timing of purchase order receipts into the latest time period allowable.
US07966205B2

A user interface for a fare summary tool is described. The user interface is for display on a monitor and includes a fare evaluation result table that displays fare rule summaries for fares in slices of an itinerary. A method for producing a rule summary is also described. The method retrieves fares and fare rules for a city pair over a specified time period and evaluates the retrieved fares against the retrieve rules to return a status corresponding to pass, fail defer. The method produces a summary of the results of evaluating the rules that indicates the status of the rules for each category of rules and displays the summary on a user output device.
US07966204B1

Systems consistent with the present invention automatically process data associated with insurance claims to identify insurance claims with subrogation potential. Text from an insurance claim file may be automatically analyzed to extract data that can be quantified to determine whether the claim may have subrogation potential.
US07966202B1

A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for the modeling of insurance coverage. Coverage parameters of a policy are displayed as graphical elements within a user interface (UI) of a computing device along with a plurality of claim scenario parameters for selection by a user. Once selected, the claim scenario parameters are applied to relevant claim data and a claim scenario is generated. The claim scenario is then applied to the policy coverage parameters of the policy to determine and graphically display coverage parameter disparities, which are then graphically modified to offset any coverage parameter disparities. As coverage parameters are modified, corresponding adjustments to the premium of the current policy are made and displayed within the UI. A resulting policy is generated, using the modified coverage parameters of the current policy and adjusted premiums, and then fulfilled, electronically or physically.
US07966198B2

A method and system for pricing, designing, and marketing, insurance policy contracts is disclosed. The policy contracts comprise a first period of coverage for a first benefit amount for which a premium is paid to an insurer on behalf of an insured person by a sponsoring organization and a second period of coverage for a second benefit amount for which a premium is paid to the insurer by the insured person, wherein prior to the first period of coverage, the insurer obtains authorization from the insured to have premiums for the second period paid automatically from an account, comprising the steps of charging the sponsoring organization a premium for the first period of coverage upon entering into a policy contract between the insurer and the insured, and automatically charging one or more premiums to the account of the insured at the end of the first period and during the second period of coverage.
US07966194B2

A method and apparatus that eliminates blind networking and allows targeted networking amongst event attendees, both for personal as well as professional reasons, while also making events ubiquitously available anytime anywhere beyond the physical limitations of time and space, such that anyone anywhere in the world can not only attend the event from the comfort of his office desk or home but also network with the other event attendees without physically attending the event is disclosed. Event hosts can be any non-profit/for-profit organization or entity hosting events of any nature in any realm. Another embodiment of the invention provides enhanced, multiple levels of profile content privacy that give complete freedom, control, and flexibility to the users to express themselves fearlessly by controlling the specific chosen contents in their profiles for input, storage, analysis, retrieval, and/or display to specific chosen authorized users or groups. Another embodiment of the invention provides integration in a chat/instant messaging to allow a user to set up an online meeting with one or more participants in the chat and/or that allows a user to find a meeting place where one or more participants can decide to meet in person locally or globally in various parts of the world. Another embodiment of the invention is related to sales and revenue generation, particularly for e-commerce/e-services companies whose products or services, which include but not limited to, yellow page, directory, or business information databases by area, reach large numbers of users directly.
US07966185B2

A text-to-speech system that includes an arrangement for accepting text input, an arrangement for providing synthetic speech output, and an arrangement for imparting emotion-based features to synthetic speech output. The arrangement for imparting emotion-based features includes an arrangement for accepting instruction for imparting at least one emotion-based paradigm to synthetic speech output, as well as an arrangement for applying at least one emotion-based paradigm to synthetic speech output.
US07966183B1

Automatic speech recognition verification using a combination of two or more confidence scores based on UV features which reuse computations of the original recognition.
US07966179B2

A method and apparatus for distinguishing a voice region from a non-voice region in an environment where various types of noise and voice are mixed together are provided. The method includes the steps of converting an input voice signal into a frequency domain signal by preprocessing the input voice signal, performing sigmoid compression on the converted signal, transforming a spectrum vector generated by the sigmoid compression into a voice detection parameter in scalar form, and detecting the voice region using the parameter.
US07966164B2

A method for selecting a candidate reservoir for enhanced oil recovery from a plurality of reservoirs comprising selecting a reservoir, calculating a normalized raw score based on target oil for the reservoir (STarget Oil), calculating a normalized raw score based on recovery factor for the reservoir (SRecovery Factor), and evaluating the plurality of reservoirs based on STarget Oil and SRecovery Factor.
US07966154B2

A system determines athletic performance. A pressure sensor senses change in elevation. A microprocessor processes signals from the pressure sensor to determine speed corresponding to the change in elevation. A display reports the speed to a user.
US07966149B2

Methods and systems to detect transient operations from abnormal operations, and to detect abnormal operations in a coker heater, include collecting on-line process data. The collected on-line process data is generated from a plurality of process variables of the process, or coker heater. A first representation of the operation of the process, or coker heater, is generated based on a first set of the collected on-line process data generated from a first set of the process variables. The first representation is adapted to be executed to generate a first result. A second representation of the operation of the process, or coker heater, is generated based on the first result and based on a second set of the collected on-line process data generated from a second set of the process variables. The second representation is adapted to be executed to generate a prediction of data generated from the second set of the process variables. The prediction is analyzed to detect an abnormal operation or to detect whether one or more abnormal operations comprises a transient operation of the process.
US07966148B2

By repeatedly obtaining acceleration data, a gravity direction acceleration acting in a gravity direction of a housing and a horizontal direction acceleration acting in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction are calculated. By using a first coefficient, a first step count in accordance with a change in the gravity direction acceleration is calculated and by using a second coefficient which is different from the first coefficient, a second step count in accordance with a change in the horizontal direction acceleration is calculated. Based on a predetermined condition, one of the first step count and the second step count is selected as a user's step count.
US07966144B2

A clock circuit for an integrated circuit having at least one MOS transistor. The clock circuit includes a first circuit for inducing a degradation of the transistor as a function of time and means for measuring a parameter of the transistor that reflects a lowering of the performance of the transistor resulting from the degradation. This also includes a method of generating a counting value of clock circuit by inducing continuous degradation of an MOS transistor. The method could include measuring a parameter of transistor, reflecting a lowering of performance of transistor resulting from said degradation. The method could also include measuring the temperature and calculating the counting value of the clock from the value of said parameter, from the measured temperature and from a law of variation of the parameter as a function of time and temperature.
US07966143B1

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising: in a sensor node network comprising a plurality of sensor nodes, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having location coordinates that are initially unknown, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having neighbors, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes capable of determining distances only to that sensor node's neighbors: for each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes, communicating with that sensor node's neighbors; and based only on communications between neighbors, in a fully distributed manner, generating a sensor node network layout that indicates the location coordinates of each sensor node.
US07966133B2

The invention provides crystalline O-methyltransferases and isolated non-native O-methyltransferases as well as sets of their structural coordinates. Also provided are methods of predicting the activity or substrate specificity of putative O-methyl-transferases, methods of identifying potential substrates of O-methyltransferases, and methods of identifying potential inhibitors of methyltransferases.
US07966128B2

An information provision apparatus (1) comprises an observed-object detection apparatus (11) and an information output unit (41), and outputs from the information output unit (41) information on an observed object detected by the observed-object detection apparatus (11). The observed-object detection apparatus (11) comprises: a line-of-sight detector (21) for detecting a line of sight of a driver; an object detector (22) for detecting an object which is on a line of sight of a driver, based on the direction of the line of sight detected by the line-of-sight detector (21), on a current position of a vehicle, and on map information; and an observed-object calculator (23) for determining from objects detected by the object detector (22) an observed object observed by a driver, based on time for which the object is on a line of sight. This allows an object observed by a driver to be detected even if there is no trigger from the driver.
US07966117B2

A method for controlling rotation speed of at least one rotary element in the driveline of a vehicle is provided. At least one operating parameter is detected repeatedly, which operating parameter corresponds to an actual value of a torque in the driveline, which is delivered to the rotary element. A desired value of a torque to the rotary element is determined on the basis of friction against the ground of at least one of the ground engagement elements of the vehicle, which ground engagement element is driven via the rotary element. The rotation speed of the rotary element is controlled so that the actual value moves toward the desired value.
US07966116B2

A method for controlling dual clutch transmission with at least two partial drive trains, each arranged to be coupled with an engine by means of a clutch, in that, a first clutch of an actively operated partial drive train currently transmitting torque is opened, whereas a second clutch of the partial drive train not actively operated is closed in the already engaged gear and determining a reduction of a maximum possible lateral guiding force of at least one drive wheel and determining torque transmitted by the clutches, wherein, in the case of reduction of the maximally possible lateral guiding force below a default value and in the case that torque is transmitted by both clutches, the torque of one of the clutches is reduced.
US07966107B2

A guidance system for manually guided vehicles such as reach stackers or straddle carriers is disclosed. In accordance with the disclosure, the position of the vehicles is permanently automatically detected and supplied to a guiding system for carrying out. Starting from transport job lists made available externally, the travel jobs are assigned to the individual vehicles in an optimized form. Suitable travel routes for the travel jobs are determined and the travel jobs, including the travel routes, are automatically transferred to the vehicle operators. Their carrying out is monitored.
US07966105B2

A technique for controlling the state of a power supply in a mobile asset such as a cargo trailer. The technique detects motion status such as may be provided by a vibration sensor. The motion status signal is filtered by other signals, such as with inputs from a global positioning system sensor, and is then further used to select a power consumption mode. The power consumption mode may be further controlled based on configuration information that may indicate that a vibration source such as a refrigeration unit is present on the trailer.
US07966101B2

The phase and time information of a voltage at a power supply outlet is detected at points, and sent to a data server. With one end of a system used as a phase angle reference, the data server observes phase differences at another end, and at a center. The data server then extracts an inter-system fluctuation component from an obtained fluctuation, and constructs an expanded combined vibration model for data sets obtained through first- and second-order differentiations of the component. The expanded combined vibration model is obtained by expanding a combined vibration model to include a known model of a PSS provided for a generator of interest. Time-series data regarding state variables of the PSS at the time of construction of the expanded combined vibration model are obtained, and PSS parameters are determined directly therefrom by the expanded combined vibration model, thereby achieving stabilization of dominant modes.
US07966095B2

A color paint formula adjusting system and the method thereof are provided, which allow a user to log onto with a stand-alone or a network, input color paint and adjust it. By computer-aided computing of mix ratio of resin, the color paint is made satisfactory to restrictive conditions of physical and chemical properties, with the color unchanged, wherein the color paint is manufactured by mixing a plurality of color pastes. And color paste content data and color paint mix ratios are stored in a database. The mixture contents input by the user and the amounts thereof to be added are corrected by color paint formula adjusting system.
US07966093B2

The invention integrates software and knowledge engineering with robotics technology to improve robot-to-robot and robot-to-human conversational interface and provide on-the-fly translations of situational requirements into adaptive behavior models and further down to service scenarios for a collaborative robot teams.
US07966086B2

A playback apparatus can communicate with a second server, which temporarily stores in a first buffer compressed digital data that is received from a first server, and when the first buffer has stored a first data volume of the compressed digital data, which is a volume that is sufficient for a decoding of the compressed digital data, reads the compressed digital data out of the first buffer and decodes it into decompressed digital data. The playback apparatus includes a second buffer, which temporarily stores the decompressed digital data that is received from the second server; a D/A conversion portion (340), which converts into analog data the decompressed digital data that is temporarily stored in the second buffer; and a notification information generation portion (370), which generates notification information that conveys storage statuses of the first buffer and the second buffer.
US07966072B2

Methods and compositions for treating a subject for obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, or related conditions, are provided. The subject methods include applying an electrical stimulus to a subject in a manner that modulates chest cavity capacity in a manner effective to treat the subject. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods.
US07966070B2

Methods and apparatuses are provided for an electrical device that employs a feedthrough including a hermetic seal that seals an interior region of the electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical contact disposed within the interior region of the electrical device, and a wire terminal that includes an encircled portion that is encircled by the feedthrough, and a first end that electrically connects with said electrical contact. When the electrical device is constructed, the first end of the wire terminal is coated with a conductive metal that is more resistant to oxidation than the wire terminal. The first end of the wire terminal is secured to the electrical contact using a mechanical device such as a crimping connector or a spring connector.
US07966068B2

Detecting a lead fracture in an active implantable medical device for pacing, resynchronization and/or defibrillation of the heart. This device senses the heart rhythm through an endocardial lead comprising at least one endocardial electrode collecting the depolarization potentials, and detecting the myocardium contractions through an endocardial acceleration sensor. The device detects an incipient or total lead fracture by correlating the signals representative of successive ventricular and/or atrial depolarizations (P, R) with the signals representative of successive acceleration peaks (e.g., PEA I). In the case of a lack of correlation, a signal of suspicion of lead fracture is delivered, notably to generate an alarm signal through recording of markers in a memory of the device readable by an external programmer, RF transmission and/or production of an audible signal.
US07966067B2

Devices, systems and methods for controlling (inhibiting or enabling) the delivery of electrotherapeutic signals to a heart using sensing of local and/or global ECG signals to detect ventricular arrhythmia or indication of possible ventricular arrhythmia in the heart. The devices, systems and methods process the sensed signals and are capable of delivering electroptherapeutic signals to the heart in the presence of a supra-ventricular arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, while inhibiting the delivering electroptherapeutic signals in the presence of PVCs and/or extopic beats, and/or ventricular arrhythmia. The electrotherapeutic signals may include, among others, pacing signals and cardiac contractility modulating signals.
US07966064B2

A medical system with a medical device and with a supply unit. The supply unit is designed to be separably connected to the medical device and to supply the medical device with electric energy without interruption. The medical system has an isolating transformer and a changeover device, wherein the changeover device is connected to the isolating transformer and to the medical device and is designed to connect the medical device or the supply unit to an electric supply network via the isolating transformer as desired.
US07966059B2

A system for magnetically navigating a medical device in an operating region within the body of a patient. The system includes a magnet having a front field projecting from the front of the magnet sufficient to project a magnetic field into the operating region in the patient. The magnet is mounted for movement between a navigation position in which the magnet is located adjacent to the patient with the front of the magnetic generally facing the operating region, and an imaging position in which the magnet is spaced from the patient and the front generally faces away from the operating region.
US07966055B2

In a method for representation of the heart in a magnetic resonance system at least one MR overview image of the heart is acquired. An image plane with a predetermined position relative to the magnetic resonance system is selected for this overview image. The acquired MR overview image is displayed and a number of marking points are established in the displayed overview image. Further image planes for representation of the heart are calculated using some of the established marking points. Further MR images are acquired in the calculated image planes.
US07966054B2

Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
US07966052B2

Two garments with textile based electrodes are disclosed. First, a wrist band for use with a cardiac patient remote monitoring system includes two fabric layers with integral textile-based electrodes. The textile based electrodes include a fabric portion having stretch-recovery non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having stretch-recovery electrically conductive yarn filaments. The skin contacting surface of the band includes a conductive region formed as a continuous ring or stripe. A connector links the conductive region to a lead to a device. Second, an infant garment includes textile based electrodes at the torso region and optionally at other regions in order to monitor the infant's biophysical characteristics as the garment is worn.
US07966051B2

A fluorescent agent accumulation concentration measuring apparatus is configured to include a single-wavelength LED to radiate excitation light to a test bottle loaded in the inside, a barrier filter to transmit only fluorescence from the test bottle, a photoreceptor to receive the fluorescence through the barrier filter and output an electric signal, a detection processing circuit to conduct signal processing of the electric signal from the photoreceptor and detect the fluorescence intensity, and an operation circuit 26 to compare the detection result from the detection processing circuit with an analytical pattern stored in a pattern storage portion and calculate the peak time of the accumulation concentration in a tissue of a sample in the test bottle.
US07966049B2

A slide module includes a first slide member configured to slide upwardly and downwardly, a second slide member slidably mounted to the first slide member, and an elastic force unit disposed between the first slide member and the second slide member, and having an elastic member mounted between a first rod and a support member, and between a second rod and the support member, wherein an elastic force is generated when the first slide member is slid upwardly and downwardly with respect to the second slide member.
US07966048B2

According to the portable device of an aspect of the present invention, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are brought into movable linkage between the first position where the silhouettes of the first enclosure and the second enclosure are overlapped and the second position where the second enclosure is moved in parallel from the first position. In addition, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are rotatably and movably linked between the first position and the third position where the second enclosure is rotatably moved from the first position at a predetermined angle.
US07966041B2

The present invention involves a radio communication terminal comprising a camera module and an information receiving device, wherein said camera module comprise at least one mounting opening, said radio communication terminal further comprise at least one pin, which is connected to said information receiving device, and at least one resilient member, and said pin is adapted to be inserted into said mounting opening of said camera module and to interact with said resilient member to lock the camera module to the information receiving device.
US07966039B2

One or more functions are exposed by a mobile device to a host connected to the mobile device. A function of the one or more functions is executed at the mobile device in response to a request from the host, wherein the function is associated with a host task. The result of the function is returned to the host.
US07966027B1

A Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) parameter is used for managing message content of a message within a wireless communication network, such as an SMS message. A content rating is associated with a short code corresponding to the content and the content rating is inserted, for example, into a Tag Length Variable (TLV) field of the message. The content rating can be compared with a subscriber rating to determine whether to block or approve delivery of a message based upon the comparison.
US07966026B2

A method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary terminal devices or mobile devices. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a calling name delivery service (or caller-ID service), delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. The components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of mobile network users. The system further includes a mapping converter if the location data provided by the network is not meaningful to a subscriber.
US07966020B2

A group of wireless device users are notified of an event. A location data determination algorithm is provided to a wireless device, where the algorithm determines a frequency at which the device interacts with network elements to determine its location. The location data is stored in a notification server and used to identify a user at a specific location. When a governmental or commercial entity wishes to issue a notification, a message is provided to those users whose location is identified as being in an area defined by the entity.
US07966000B2

A mutual authentication method is provided for securely agreeing application-security keys with mobile terminals supporting legacy Subscriber Identity Modules (e.g., GSM SIM and CDMA2000 R-UIM, which do not support 3G AKA mechanisms). A challenge-response key exchange is implemented between a bootstrapping server function (BSF) and mobile terminal (MT). The BSF generates an authentication challenge and sends it to the MT under a server-authenticated public key mechanism. The MT receives the challenge and determines whether it originates from the BSF based on a bootstrapping server certificate. The MT formulates a response to the authentication challenge based on keys derived from the authentication challenge and a pre-shared secret key. The BSF receives the authentication response and verifies whether it originates from the MT. Once verified, the BSF and MT independently calculate an application security key that the BSF sends to a requesting network application function to establish secure communications with the MT.
US07965997B2

A system and method are disclosed to support multiple wireless account for a given subscriber. A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, linking various accounts to a wireless enabled device of a wireless service subscriber. In one embodiment, device addresses like telephone numbers and electronic mail addresses for devices that may call or be called by the subscriber may be associated one of the various accounts. In operation, a call may be completed between the subscriber's wireless enabled device and one of the other devices, and a call metric for the call may be tracked. A billing entry for the call may be generated from the call metric and the call may be charged to an appropriate account selected from the various accounts. The process of determining the appropriate account may include, for example, determining if the device address for the other device is associated with one of the accounts linked to the subscriber's wireless enabled device.
US07965996B1

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for calculating a rate associated with an electronic message, utilizing an identifier of an associated session. In use, an identifier of a session is associated with an electronic message corresponding to the session. Furthermore, a rate associated with the electronic message is calculated, utilizing the identifier of the session.
US07965995B2

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for transmitting a message to at least one group of users selected from a population of the users. The method comprises the steps of assigning to each member of the one group a common characteristic or indication, collecting from each member of the population an address to which the message may be sent, selecting the common characteristic of a group of message recipients and determining therefrom the users of a particular group or groups based upon the selected common characteristic, whereby messages may be quickly and efficiently sent to all of the users of the selected group(s).
US07965994B2

Certain embodiments for an analog zero-IF interface for GSM receivers, where a receiver may receive RF signals and downconvert the RF signal to a VLIF signal in the analog domain. The VLIF signal may be further downconverted to a baseband signal in the analog domain. The baseband signal may be an analog signal. Aspects of the invention may comprise amplifying the received RF signal, mixing the amplified RF signal down to a VLIF signal, filtering the VLIF signal, amplifying the VLIF signal, mixing the filtered VLIF signal to a baseband signal, and filtering the baseband signal. The local oscillator signal to the mixer that may downconvert the RF signal to a VLIF signal may be an output of a programmable local oscillator, and may be one of a plurality of frequencies. The mixer that generates the baseband signal may be a harmonic-reject mixer.
US07965993B2

A method and device for compensation of received signal components at a user equipment (UE) used for receiving signal components from a radio base station (RBS). The signal components have at least a first and a second polarization orientation, respectively. The intended reception of the signal component (Yh(n)) having the first polarization deviates from the polarization orientation of the transmitted signal component (Xh(n)) having the first polarization by a first angle (φ), and the intended reception of the signal component (Yv(n)) having the second polarization deviates from the polarization orientation of the transmitted signal component (xv(n)) having the second polarization by a second angle (θ). The method comprises the steps: determining the correlation values (Ryvv, Ryvy, Ryyv, Ryyy) for the received signals (Yh, Yv) at a first time (k) and a second time (m); using these values to determine the deviation angles (φ, θ) performing said compensation using the deviation angles (φ, θ).
US07965992B2

The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.
US07965978B2

A transmitting/receiving method that can easily detect an influence exerted in transmission channels at a transmitter/receiver is provided. An acquiring unit 12 acquires left audio data and right audio data of audio data received by a metadata calculator 1. An adding unit 141 then calculates added data based on an added value for a predetermined time of a sum of the acquired left audio data and right audio data. Similarly, a subtracting unit 142 calculates subtracted data based on an added value for predetermined time of a difference between the acquired right audio data and left audio data. An addition unit 17 adds the added data and the subtracted data calculated by these adding unit 141 and subtracting unit 142 to the received audio data, and a transmission unit 18 transmits the audio data to which the added data and the subtracted data are added.
US07965967B2

The pattern data generating unit generates pattern data indicative of a pattern of a plurality of marks including a plurality of first marks each having a first color and a plurality of second marks each having a second color so that a first target-total is equal to a second target-total. The first target-total is a total of deviations of first target-positions from a reference position in a predetermined direction. The second target-total is a total of deviations of second target-positions from the reference position in the predetermined direction. The controlling unit controls the image-forming unit to calibrate the second target-positions based on the offset of a second actual-total from a first actual-total.
US07965953B2

An image-forming device includes a media path extending through the image-forming device, and at least one image transfer nip positioned along the media path. An electrode is positioned subsequent to the nip with respect to the media path and is coupled to a voltage source. An electric field produced by the electrode and voltage source limits the degree of post-nip toner scattering by applying an electrostatic force to toner particles on media sheets passing along the media path. The image-forming device further includes a processor for monitoring a plurality of ambient conditions, for adjusting the voltage applied to the electrode, and optionally, for repositioning the electrode with respect to the media path.
US07965947B2

An optical system and method includes a source-free optical network unit coupled to an optical fiber for receiving an original carrier signal with downstream data over the optical fiber. The optical network unit includes a modulator configured to remodulate the original carrier signal with upstream data to produce an upstream data signal for transmission back down the optical fiber in a direction opposite to a direction in which that original carrier signal was received.
US07965940B1

Methods and apparatus for providing distance extension and other transport functions such as error monitoring, provisioning, and link/service management in a fiber channel path are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a transport node includes a processing arrangement and an output interface. The processing arrangement creates a first ordered set that includes information associated with an ability for the transport node to receive a first fiber channel frame, and inserts the first ordered set between a second ordered set and a third ordered set of a fiber channel stream. The output interface transmits the fiber channel stream, which includes the information regarding whether the transport node is capable of receiving the first fiber channel frame.
US07965939B2

A system for providing bi-directional RF services over relating to a point-to-multipoint Passive Optical Network (PON).
US07965928B2

The invention provides a pump, in particular for water-bearing domestic appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or the like, comprising a pump housing and a heater device which is in thermal contact with the liquid-bearing interior of the pump housing. The pump according to the invention is simple and cost-effective to produce. For this reason, the pump housing (2) is produced at least partially from plastic, with the heater device (11, 12) being at least partially connected to the plastic in an interlocking manner.
US07965925B2

The invention describes a method for transforming a liquid (8) into a gaseous state for a cutting process with a water-steam cutting device (1), consisting of a torch (6), an evaporator (25), an energy supply and a supply line (31) for a liquid (8), an appropriate temperature (27) being generated for evaporation of the liquid (8). To create a method of this type it is now provided that the temperature (27) is regulated during operation such that a sensor (28) senses the temperature (27) of the evaporator (25) and transmits it to a regulation unit which correspondingly supplies a heating element (24) with the energy necessary and by which a required pressure (34) of the liquid (8) supplied to the torch (6) is regulated so that an approximately constant temperature (27) of the evaporated liquid (8) is provided for a cutting process.
US07965914B2

A microring resonator and methods critically couple a microring waveguide to an adjacent bus waveguide. A method of determining parameters of a critically coupled microring resonator includes modeling a coupled portion of the microring resonator as a U-shaped waveguide spaced apart from a straight waveguide by a gap and selecting a straight waveguide width and a gap size to optimize an output coupling ratio between the U-shaped waveguide and the straight waveguide. A method of producing the microring resonator includes using the determined parameters to produce, and a critically coupled microring resonator includes, a ring-shaped or microring waveguide spaced from the bus waveguide by a gap.
US07965911B1

An optical wavelength routing device utilizes a free space optical beam propagating therethrough is provided. The device includes at least one optical fiber input, at least one optical fiber output, an optical element having an actuator with at least one tilt axis and a diffraction element having a surface thereon. The device also includes an optical beam-splitting element having spatially varying optical properties. An optical beam transfer arrangement is positioned between the optical element and the diffraction element such that tilt actuation of the optical element elicits a proportional change in an angle of incidence of the optical beam onto the diffraction element, wherein the center of rotation for the angular change is the surface of the diffraction element. Optical routing between the fiber input and the fiber output can be configured by the positioning of the optical element.
US07965905B2

Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to a device and a method of enabling the stabilization of a series of retinal angiography images to provide a coherent serial display, the method comprising: locally matching a pair of overlapping images, said locally matching includes at least providing a best offset vector for the images, wherein the best offset vector is provided based upon a matching of features from overlapping portions of the images; globally matching at least a triplet of matching pairs of images, wherein pairs of globally matching images include locally matching pairs whose best offset vector sum is substantially zero; choosing a key image; and aligning all the remaining images to the key image.
US07965901B2

Hard imaging methods, hard imaging device fabrication methods, hard imaging devices, hard imaging device optical scanning systems, and articles of manufacture are described. A hard imaging method includes providing image data corresponding to a hard image to be formed and generating light responsive to the image data. The method further includes scanning the light to form a latent image corresponding to the hard image to be formed and accessing correction data corresponding to scanning errors of a scan lens intermediate a rotating reflection device and a photoconductor. The method also includes modifying the image data using the correction data before the generating and the modifying including modifying to reduce the introduction of image errors resulting from the scanning using the scan lens.
US07965897B2

An image representation format for representing a digital image comprises: image information stored as a bitstream representing sequential image blocks, each block comprising one or more components, each component comprising one or more data units and each data unit being represented as a Huffman-coded stream of coefficients of basis functions, wherein a zeroth order coefficient is represented as a difference to the previous zeroth order coefficient of the corresponding component, and a block information table, which comprises: indicators to the first coefficient of a specified order of each image block in said bitstream, information indicating the number of bits in the bitstream between adjacent coefficients of said specified order of the image block, and the zeroth order coefficient of at least the first data unit of each component, said zeroth order coefficient being represented in a non-differential form.
US07965893B2

The present invention provides a method of detecting borders in a chest image. The method comprises calculating the gray level difference between neighboring pixels of the chest image to get a differential image; filtering the differential image to reduce noise and enhance the target; binarizing the filtered image; picking out the outside edges of the area with high gray level from the binarized image; and determining a final border from the edges according to the character of the border to be found. The present invention also provides an apparatus and a storage medium for implementing the above-mentioned method and a method and an apparatus for automatically measuring the Cardiothoracic Ratio of a chest image.
US07965892B2

A binary image is generated by binarizing a multilevel image. An edge image is generated by extracting an edge component in the multilevel image. The binary image is segmented into a plurality of regions with different attributes. An outline candidate of a halftone region is extracted from the edge image. A second region segmentation result is output on the basis of the information of the outline candidate and information of the region segmentation result.
US07965874B2

When an image representing biological information is input from a biological information input unit 10, such as a fingerprint sensor or the like, for obtaining an image representing biological information, such as a fingerprint or the like, statistical quantities, such as the mean value and standard deviation of the pixel values of the sampled image, are calculated. Then, using the statistical quantities, a region containing biological information is extracted, its sensitivity variations are eliminated and the effects of stains, such as a residual fingerprint is nullified, thereby generating a favorable biological image with high contrast.
US07965873B2

Changing of setting of a predetermined function or file that is selected is controlled only be performing fingerprint authentication while data regarding the predetermined function or file is displayed on a display unit. While data regarding a function arbitrarily selected by an input unit from a plurality of functions is displayed on the display unit, a control unit authenticates a user based on fingerprint information representing a fingerprint pattern read by a fingerprint sensor and registered fingerprint information pre-stored in a fingerprint information area. If the authentication is successful, the control unit changes a “user restriction flag” associated with the function selected by the input unit in protection setting information stored in a user restriction flag storage area to an effective state or an ineffective state.
US07965871B2

A moving-state determining device acquires a first overhead image from a bird's-eye image obtained at first image pickup timing and acquires a second overhead image, which can be regarded as the same road surface area as that of the first overhead image, for each of moving directions assumed for the moving body from a bird's-eye image obtained at second image pickup timing different from the first image pickup timing by a predetermined time period. The device compares a degree of similarity between the first overhead image and each of a plurality of second overhead images to acquire the second overhead image with the largest similarity degree as the same road surface area as that of the first overhead image. The device acquires the moving direction and a lateral displacement amount in the moving from a coordinate conversion condition based on which the second overhead image has been obtained.
US07965868B2

A system and method of processing infrared imagery to determine projectile trajectories and the locations of shooters with a high degree of accuracy. The method includes image processing infrared image data to reduce noise and identify streak-shaped image features, using a Kalman filter to estimate optimal projectile trajectories, updating the Kalman filter with new image data, determining projectile source locations by solving a combinatorial least-squares solution for all optimal projectile trajectories, and displaying all of the projectile source locations. Such a shooter-localization system is of great interest for military and law enforcement applications to determine sniper locations, especially in urban combat scenarios.
US07965867B2

A method for tracking a number of objects or object parts in image sequences utilizes a Bayesian-like approach to object tracking, computing, at each time a new image is available, a probability distribution over all possible target configurations for that time. The Bayesian-like approach to object tracking computes a probability distribution for the previous image, at time (t−1), is propagated to the new image at time (t) according to a probabilistic model of target dynamics, obtaining a predicted distribution at time (t). The Bayesian-like approach to object tracking also aligns the predicted distribution at time (t) with the evidence contained in the new image at time (t) according to a probabilistic model of visual likelihood.
US07965863B2

An electronic system where messages include information carried by digital watermarks. The digital watermarks are used to control the transmission and/or receipt of messages including images or audio transmitted over the system. The system prevents the accidental dissemination of information to unauthorized receivers. Furthermore, while no security system is fool-proof, the system helps guards against the intentional, but unauthorized, dissemination of information to unauthorized receivers.
US07965861B2

Methods and systems for securing digital imagery are provided. In one respect, embedding, compression, encryption, data hiding, and other imaging processing techniques and systems may be provided for digital image security. In one non-limiting example, a method for producing a compressed and encrypted image is provided. An image may be converted into a binary bit stream, and the bit stream may be decomposed into a plurality of segments. A binary sequence based on a first key may be generated and may be used to generate a code matrix. A distance between the code matrix and the distance may be determined for each of the plurality of segments. Using a combined first and second key, a compressed and encrypted image may be obtained.
US07965860B2

The present invention relates to a device for scanning a split-cast model, said split-cast model covering the area of a plurality of tooth sites and comprising a plurality of model parts, said device comprising: an optical scanning system (2) for one or for a plurality of split-cast models having a scanning area (3) with a width between 5 mm and 100 mm, the scanning system being adapted to be used for acquiring first data from a survey scan covering a plurality of model parts and second data from an individual scan covering only one model part, said first and second data representing the model with different/identical resolutions and/or different/identical completeness, a memory means for storing at least said first and second data, means for 3D matching said first and second data, a base plate, and further comprising a holding device for a split-cast model and/or individual model parts, which is adapted to be arranged on said base plate. In addition, the present invention relates to a device for scanning a split-cast model comprising a plurality of model parts, said device comprising a scanning system (2) for scanning the split-cast model, including a scanning area and a holding device (33) which is capable of holding a split-cast model as well as a model part. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a scanning device with a loading unit.
US07965858B2

An encoding data processing apparatus configured to parse a compression encoded bit stream to identify frames of a video image, and to determine for image frame areas of the compression encoded bit stream providing spare data capacity as a result of the fixed data portion not being completely filled with macroblocks; to first check within the macroblocks whether an additional amount of data required to represent the entire visible watermark can be accommodated in a memory space formed by the spare data capacity of the image frame; and after it has been determined that the additional data for representing the entire visible watermark can be accommodated within the spare data capacity, to change selected macroblocks of the image frame to represent the visible watermark; to generate a bit pattern representing the macroblocks in the original image frame which have changed to represent the visible watermark; and to insert all the additional data into the areas providing the spare data capacity of the fixed data portions of the image frame.
US07965857B2

A loudspeaker comprising a magnet unit that generates a magnetic field, and a membrane which is mounted in a frame and which is provided with an electrical conductor arranged in a pattern on the membrane, which membrane is positioned in the magnetic field in such a manner that a force is exerted when current is fed through the conductor pattern on the membrane, which force is capable of setting the membrane in motion so as to produce sound, the frame being provided with metallic cooling members that partially cover the conductor pattern, wherein said cooling members are mounted in a metal housing, making contact with said housing over the larger part of their surface area, or are integral with such a metal housing.
US07965850B2

A resonant frequency characteristic in a resonant space is detected, based on a base amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting a sound wave of a specified measurement signal from a speaker 13 disposed in a sound space 40 and by receiving the sound wave in a microphone 14 disposed in the sound space 40, a first amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting, from the speaker 13, a sound wave of the measurement signal and a signal output from the microphone 14 and by receiving the sound wave in the microphone 14, and a second amplitude frequency characteristic obtained by outputting, from the speaker 13, a sound wave of the measurement signal and a phase inverted signal obtain by inverting a phase of the signal output from the microphone 14 and by receiving the sound wave in the microphone 14.
US07965848B2

An intermediate channel representation of a multi-channel signal can be reconstructed highly efficient and with high fidelity, when upmix parameters for upmixing a transmitted downmix signal to the intermediate channel representation are derived that allow for an upmix using the same upmixing algorithms as within the multi-channel reconstruction. This can be achieved when a parameter re-calculator is used to derive the upmix parameters that takes into account also parameters having information on channels that are not included in the intermediate channel representation.
US07965843B1

Methods and apparatus are provided for improving both node-based and message-based security in a fibre channel network. Entity to entity authentication and key exchange services can be included in existing initialization messages used for introducing fibre channel network entities into a fibre channel fabric, or with specific messages exchanged over an already initialized communication channel. Both per-message authentication and encryption mechanisms can be activated using the authentication and key exchange services. Messages passed between fibre channel network entities can be encrypted and authenticated using information provided during the authentication sequence. Security services such as per-message authentication, confidentiality, integrity protection, and anti-replay protection can be implemented.
US07965840B2

A method of transmitting and receiving data in which cipher-transmission of digital information data for which forbidden codes including timing identification codes are predetermined can be carried out with enciphered digital information data without containing undesirable forbidden code. Digital information data contained in word sequence data which also contain time reference code data composed of the timing identification codes are subjected to enciphering process without producing the forbidden code to produce the enciphered digital information data which do not contain any forbidden code. Enciphered word sequence data are constituted with the enciphered digital information data and the time reference code data to be transmitted.
US07965832B2

In a telephony call management system, a method of distributing calls among a plurality of packet-based load balancing resources can include receiving over a telephony channel a call request specifying call information, comparing the call information with selection criteria to select one of the plurality of packet-based load balancing resources, and querying the selected packet-based load balancing resource to resolve the call request. A response from the selected packet-based load balancing resource can be received which indicates whether the call request can be resolved.
US07965830B2

The invention concerns a network element (4) for a telecommunication network (1) and a method of mapping address information according to a network numbering plan of the telecommunication network (1) to service access codes or network element addresses. The network element (4) receives address information according to the network numbering plan of the telecommunication network (1) and extracts a search key from the received address information. It provides a memory (42) with a data structure for representing, retrieving and modifying translation information mapping address information according to the network numbering plan to service access codes or network element addresses. The data structure has a tree structure with nodes and leaves operatively chained together wherein at least one of the nodes holds information nominating which part of the search key will be used to determine the branching of the respective node. The network element (4) applies the search key on the data structure of the memory by a key walk logic searching the key structure, the key walk logic extracts the part of the search key nominated by the respective node and determines the branching of the node by means of the extracted part of the search key.
US07965828B2

Included are embodiments for detecting presence in a call control protocol environment. At least one embodiment of a method includes subscribing to events associated with a communication system and receiving a notification for an event, the event being associated with a communication between a first communications device and a second communications device.
US07965824B2

Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business by selectably mixing one or more sound files with a telephone caller's voice message, either as background for that message or embedded within the message. Or, the mixing may occur within a telephone conversation between parties. The disclosed techniques enable alleviating some of the problems that result from distance communication (as contrasted to face-to-face communication). In particular, context information (such as emotional context) can be provided through appropriate use of background sound and/or embedded audio files. The disclosed techniques may also make communication through voice mail exchange more enjoyable and/or increase its productivity.
US07965820B2

The invention relates to a fiducial marker having a marking grid that is used to correlate and view images produced by different imaging modalities or different imaging and viewing modalities. More specifically, the invention relates to the fiducial marking grid that has a grid pattern for producing either a viewing image and/or a first analytical image that can be overlaid with at least one other second analytical image in order to view a light path or to image different imaging modalities. Depending on the analysis, the grid pattern has a single layer of a certain thickness or at least two layers of certain thicknesses. In either case, the grid pattern is imageable by each imaging or viewing modality used in the analysis. Further, when viewing a light path, the light path of the analytical modality cannot be visualized by viewing modality (e.g., a light microscope objective). By correlating these images, the ability to analyze a thin sample that is, for example, biological in nature but yet contains trace metal ions is enhanced. Specifically, it is desired to analyze both the organic matter of the biological sample and the trace metal ions contained within the biological sample without adding or using extrinsic labels or stains.
US07965813B2

A method and system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity. An image of a body extremity is acquired using a mammography x-ray system whereby a bone mineral density can be performed on the image. The system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity includes: a support for supporting the body extremity; a detector for capturing an image of the body extremity; and an x-ray source adapted to project an x-ray beam through the body extremity toward the detector, the x-ray source having a voltage of no more than about 45 kVp and having a target/filter combination of rhodium/rhodium, molybdenum/molybdenum, molybdenum/rhodium, or tungsten/rhodium.
US07965810B2

A method of identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest, includes extracting vasculature from the region of interest; identifying a subject geometry of the extracted vasculature; and comparing the subject geometry to a predetermined geometry to identify a blockage. A device for identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest is also presented.
US07965799B2

Method and apparatus for block boundary detection is described. A signal is received. The signal is quantized to provide a quantized signal to at least one correlator, the quantized signal being a sequence of samples. The sequence of samples and a reference template including totaling partial results from the at least one correlator are cross-correlated to provide a result, the result being a symbol timing synchronization responsive to the cross-correlation also known as block boundary detection. The cross-correlation is provided in part by combining by exclusive-ORing a regression vector obtained from the sequence of samples and a coefficient term vector obtained from the reference template.
US07965788B2

To provide a receiving apparatus which is capable of demodulating information data from a multi-level modulated signal, which is generated by using a Y-00 protocol, without using high-performance component parts. In the receiving apparatus, the soft decision section 211 performs soft decision on the multi-level signal 22, in which a fixed decision level is used. A converted data identification section 214 performs logical decision on a value of the converted information data 25 in accordance with a highest-order bit of a multi-level code sequence 23 and a decision result 24 of the soft decision. A data reproduction section 215 performs an XOR operation between the converted information data 25 and a lowest-order bit of the multi-level code sequence 23, and outputs a resultant thereof as information data 23. Accordingly, the receiving apparatus identifies the information data 23 by using only some of the bits of the multi-level code sequence 23, whereby precision requirements for the component parts to be used can be eased.
US07965786B2

Clean and reliable channel sensing during dynamic frequency hopping over a plurality of overlapping wireless regional area network (WRAN) cells is conducted using a minimum number of channels. By coordinating a phase-shift of the operation periods of each WRAN cell over a minimum number of working channels, interruption-free communication and data transmission for each of the WRAN cells as well as interference-free channel sensing can be achieved.
US07965778B2

A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a receiving unit, an SI handler, and a decoding unit. The receiving unit receives broadcast signals including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure a data group, and the data group may include a signaling information region in some of a plurality of data regions. Also, the signaling information region may include TPC signaling data and FIC signaling data. The SI handler acquires channel configuration information of the mobile service data from the broadcast signal using pre-decided IP access information, and extracts encoding format information for each IP stream component within a corresponding virtual channel service RTP-packetized and received from the acquired channel configuration information. The decoding unit decodes the mobile service data of the corresponding IP stream component based upon the extracted encoding format information.
US07965777B2

A transmission side apparatus selectively inserts video stream data and MPEG data into a video storage area to store video stream data in a frame structure of an SDI system and generates SDI data of which the identification ID indicating a type of data included therein by an SDI data insertion processing device and transmits the SDI data to a coaxial cable from a transmission interface device. A reception side apparatus receives the SDI data transmitted via the coaxial cable by a reception interface device, extracts data to be transmitted from a video storage area of received SDI data and determines whether the data to be transmitted is the video stream data or the MPEG data by an SDI data extraction processing device to output it. Therefore, a high-speed MPEG data transmission assuring frame/field accuracy becomes possible by using an existing technology and device.
US07965766B2

A stream generation apparatus generates a stream including coded pictures and a command for managing a buffer which holds a decoded picture, the command being added to one of the coded pictures as a reference picture. A judging unit judges whether or not the coded picture to which the command is added is skipped at the time of trick-play, and an adding unit adds, in the case where the coded picture is judged to be skipped, repetition information indicating the same contents as the command to another coded picture that follows, in decoding order, the coded picture judged to be skipped and that is not skipped at the time of the trick-play. A generating unit generates the stream including the coded pictures, the command and the repetition information.
US07965763B2

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving a jitter profile and a step response of a channel coupled between a transmitter and a receiver and a bit pattern to be transmitted, transmitting the bit pattern along the channel from the transmitter to the receiver with the jitter profile and the step response, receiving the bit pattern at the receiver and converting the bit pattern to a data stream by interpolating the step response according to a jitter of a current bit to obtain a jittery step response, superposing the jittery step response onto the data stream, calculating the jitter at each transition bit of the bit pattern by determining a time difference between actual and ideal crossing points, incrementing a jitter distribution function with the jitter, and generating a timing curve for the channel using the jitter distribution function. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07965744B2

A transmission system includes a transmission apparatus and a receiving apparatus for repeatedly transmitting and receiving a frame with plural time slots at a constant frequency, in which digital audio data of plural channels and auxiliary data required to playback the digital audio data are transmitted using previously allocated time slots. A multiplexer is provided for multiplexing, assuming an area made up of previously allocated time slots that are included in respective frames amounting to a number of a multiple of n as block data when the predetermined encryption unit is n bytes. The digital audio data and the auxiliary data are allocated as the block data wherein the auxiliary data is allocated to the time slots that are located at the same positions of respective plural frames within the block data, and the digital audio data is allocated in the time slots that are located at the same position in the respective frames amounting to the number of a multiple of n in the block data. An encryptor encrypts at least the digital audio data from the multiplexed block data in the predetermined encryption unit and a communication unit transmits the data encrypted in the encryptor, wherein the receiving apparatus decodes the encrypted data transmitted from the transmission apparatus.
US07965743B2

A method and system for achieving synchronization at a local site to a wireless communication system transmitting data in a plurality of data packets distributed among a plurality of frequencies alternating in a sequence determined in accordance with at least two characteristics of said remote site by blindly determining at least one of said two characteristics are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of recording a plurality of occurrences of a selected one of the plurality of frequencies, determining the at least one first characteristic from at least one of the data packets, determining locally the at least one second characteristic wherein the determined at least one first characteristic and the at least one second characteristic match the selected frequency at each of the recorded detected occurrences, determining a time period for determining the first and second characteristics; and adjusting the at least one second characteristic by the time period.
US07965740B2

A method of generating a data block to be transmitted from a protocol layer to a receiving side in a wireless communication system, the protocol layer having a header compression function, comprises generating at least one of a control packet which includes control information and a compressed packet generated by header compression for an upper layer data block, and generating a first lower layer data block which includes type indication information and the control packet, if the control packet is generated, the type indication information indicating a type of control information included in the generated control packet.
US07965737B2

A method is provided for transforming a first transport level address into a second transport level address: the first address representing at least one digital data broadcasting service from at least one non-meshed broadcasting network and comprising data identifying the at least one digital data broadcasting service; the second address including a source field and/or a destination field in datagrams addressed to at least one communication network. The method includes the following steps: recovering data identifying the at least one digital data broadcasting service; inserting at least part of the identifying data in the second address of the datagrams.
US07965733B2

Methods and systems to perform collision detection (CD) in a communication network are disclosed. Methods and systems over multipacket reception (MPR)-capable physical layers are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for transmitting information in a network includes the steps of initiating transmission over a communication channel, monitoring a feedback channel, modifying transmission parameters for the transmission over the communication channel (where modifying includes stopping transmission and adjusting transmission parameters), if a feedback transmission is detected while monitoring the feedback channel, a duration of the feedback transmission being smaller than duration of the transmission over the communication channel, and determining whether transmission was successful, if transmission continues after modifying transmission parameters. Other embodiments of methods for transmitting and receiving information, as well as systems that implement the methods, are also disclosed.
US07965727B2

An IP encapsulator in a broadcast distributing system divides broadcast data received from an image distributing source into packets, and IP-encapsulates the packets. The IP encapsulator transmits the IP-encapsulated packets to a subscriber line terminal (SLT) via a network. The SLT includes a memory that stores therein broadcast data, and performs TOS control and transfer-route switching control based on memory occupancy of the SLT.
US07965723B2

A method and device for data traffic smoothing are provided. Arriving data packets are buffer-stored and passed on by taking account of an overhead of management information which is attached to the data packet in a protocol conversion process, which is carried out later. This protocol conversion process is carried out at a later time, for example by a DSL modem. The data transmission rate measured from the point of view of the network element carrying out the data traffic smoothing is not the criterion to be adjusted, but the data transmission rate after protocol conversion. A quality of service both for low and high data packet lengths is ensured, and the bandwidth of a DSL connection can therefore be exploited fully both for the VOIP and for data transmission.
US07965717B2

A multi-staged services policer implements multiple policies, at an edge device of network, on the data traffic of a single customer. In such a multi-staged services policer, services policers in a given stage may receive information from policers in subsequent stages. This information may be used when policing in the given stage.
US07965714B2

The invention relates to a method for processing a packet. The method includes receiving the packet by a physical network interface, determining a target virtual network interface card (VNIC) using the destination address and a virtual switching table (VST), transferring the packet to a receive ring (RR) associated with the target VNIC, wherein the RR is located on the NEM, determining, by the target VNIC, that the packet is in the RR, determining, by the target VNIC, that the packet is to be processed using an offload engine, transferring the packet to offload memory located on an offload computer, wherein the offload computer is operatively connected to the NEM via the chassis interconnect and wherein the offload engine is executing on the offload computer, processing the packet by the offload engine to obtain a processed packet, and transferring the processed packet to a target computer memory using the chassis interconnect.
US07965707B2

A system and method are provided for providing multiple aliases and associated policy profiles for a user of a VoIP communication system. The user configures a multitude of aliases by the user wishes to be contacted, and associates with each alias a policy stored at a user terminal. The aliases are stored within the network so as to be associated with contact information for the user terminal. A proxy processes call requests by determining the contact information associated with an alias entered by a caller, and forwards the call request to the user terminal associated with the contact information. The user terminal determines the alias used by the caller, and processes the connection request in accordance with the policy. The invention allows users to add and delete aliases in order to effect temporary and private contact information. Calls can be handled depending on which alias was used by a caller, rather than on an identification of the device used by the caller. The proxy may also store proxy policies in association with the aliases and process call requests accordingly, such as billing a call request to a customer account specified by the proxy policy corresponding to the alias entered by a caller.
US07965694B2

An access point in a wireless packet communication system is disclosed. The access point has an antenna for receiving IP data encoded according to a wireless IP communication protocol. The access point also has a combiner having an input coupled to said antenna and having first and second outputs. The access point further has a first decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a first channel at a first output of said combiner. The access point also has a second decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a second channel at a second output of said combiner. The access point further has a router for receiving unencoded IP data from said first decoder at a first input, and receiving unencoded IP data from said second decoder at a second input, said router having a single output for passing unencoded IP data from said first decoder and said second decoder.
US07965690B2

A telecommunications system includes a mobile network having a plurality of portable communication devices, and a fixed network which includes a signaling agent, a plurality of directory agents, and a plurality of spaced apart attachment points to which the mobile network can attach. In use, each directory agent stores a routing table for routing data to a respective mobile communication device associated with that directory agent. When the point of attachment of the mobile network changes, the mobile network sends a change-of-address message to the signaling agent. In response, the signaling agent is configured to forward the change of address to each directory agent, so that each can update its routing table to take into account the changed point of attachment of the mobile network. Because a signaling agent is provided, each portable device need not itself notify its directory agent when the mobile network moves, and the amount of signaling between the mobile network and the fixed network when the mobile network moves is reduced.
US07965683B2

A method and system for allocating a particular uplink control region to both HARQ ACKCH and CQICH in order to maximize uplink bandwidth for data transfer in a communication network. A control region scheduling (CRS) utility assigns a higher priority to HARQ ACKCH relative to CQICH. When both HARQ ACKCH and CQICH are to be allocated for a subscriber in the same region in the same frame, HARQ ACKCH is allocated in the region while CQICH is rejected. As the substitute to the rejected CQICH, the CRS utility may use current uplink channel quality information in combination with the corresponding HARQ ACK transmission to estimate the downlink channel quality information for the subscriber. Upon receiving the HARQ ACK information, the CRS utility updates the subscriber(s) uplink channel quality information. The CRS utility also provides a configurable option of activating or de-activating the sharing of the uplink control region.
US07965672B2

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for cell selection, which can prevent the occurrence of an error in the cell selection in a mobile communication system supporting the hierarchical cell structure. The method includes: when the number of times of cell reselection during a cell reselection time period given to a particular User Equipment (UE) located within a micro cell exceeds a predetermined maximum number of times, determining if a sum of actual occupancy time intervals of the particular UE in Node Bs, services of which the particular UE has used up to then, is smaller than a predetermined value; and when the sum of actual occupancy time intervals of the particular UE in Node Bs, services of which the particular UE has used up to then, is smaller than the predetermined value, determining that the UE is in a low speed state and maintaining the micro cell as a service cell for the UE.
US07965664B2

An apparatus is provided for facilitating integration of a wireless field device (such as a wireless sensor or actuator) and a wired protocol that is used in a process control system. The apparatus supports a wireless field device protocol for communicating with the wireless field device. The apparatus also supports a wired field device protocol for communicating with other components of the process control system over a network. The apparatus could map a wireless application model associated with the wireless field device protocol to a wired application model associated with the wired field device protocol. The apparatus could actually support multiple mappings from the wireless application model to wired application models associated with multiple wired field device protocols. As particular examples, the wired field device protocol(s) could include the HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and/or Modbus protocols. The network could represent an Ethernet network or a serial network.
US07965655B2

Distances are determined between an identified node and landmark nodes and milestone nodes in a network. The closest milestone or landmark node associated with a shortest of the measured distances is determined. A corresponding distributed hash table (DHT) overlay node is queried for distances between observed nearest nodes for the closest milestone or landmark node and the identified node. Distances between the identified node and the observed nearest nodes are calculated from distances received from the DHT overlay node and the measured distance to the closest milestone or landmark node. K-closest nodes from the identified node are selected from at least one of the closest milestone or landmark node and one or more of the observed nearest nodes based on the calculated distances.
US07965650B2

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an internet protocol (IP) packet including encoded media content. A media-quality-value is calculated based on a value of at least one parameter associated with the IP packet and based on a quality equation. The quality equation includes at least one parameter and at least one constant that are defined so that media-quality-values calculated using the quality equation substantially correlate with subjective quality measurements.
US07965649B2

A method for subcarrier quality estimation in a wireless network is disclosed. The method comprises analyzing characteristics of at least some of the subcarriers of a first signal, creating feedback data based on the analyzed characteristics, wherein the quantity of the feedback data is less than the quantity of all of a plurality of measured signal-to-interference and noise power ratio (SINR) values of each subcarrier of the first signal, and transmitting the feedback data.
US07965647B2

A method and apparatus for generating a performance indicator in a high-speed communication system. A plurality of disparate communication status signals with differing formats from a transceiver are combined in a logic module to create a single link quality indicator signal. The link quality indicator signal is used to encode different operational states of the transceiver from fully operational, to marginally operational, to failed. The link quality indicator signal is advantageously employed to drive a LED creating a visual performance indicator.
US07965645B2

Various systems and methods for intercepting transmissions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a media gateway communicably coupled to a soft switch and an acquisition facility. A first processor and a first computer readable medium are associated with the soft switch. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a transmission originating from a first communicator and indicating at least a second communicator, and to direct the transmission to the acquisition facility via the media gateway. A second processor and second computer readable medium are included, and the second computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the second processor to direct the transmission from the media gateway to the second communicator such that direction of the transmission to an acquisition facility is obscured from at least the second communicator. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.
US07965636B2

Methods of balancing network packet traffic among multiple checking functionalities (CFs) are described. A network has at least one client operatively connected to at least one source switch and multiple available CFs operatively connected to at least one destination switch. Each available CF has predetermined, but possibly different inspection capabilities. A source switch receiving packets from a client inspects each packet and can optionally choose an available CF having at least the minimum necessary inspection capabilities to inspect the particular packet, and tunnel the packet to the chosen CF.
US07965634B2

A transmission rate adjustment device for supplying MPEG-TS at a desired transmission rate includes: a buffer; a buffer write unit for both sequentially writing to the buffer transport packets of the transport stream that have been read from an MPEG2-TS file and detecting time stamps in the transport stream; and a buffer read unit for transmitting to the MPEG decoder transport packets that have been sequentially read from the buffer at a transmission rate determined by a clock obtained by frequency-dividing a system clock of the MPEG decoder by a frequency division rate designated by a frequency division rate signal. The buffer read unit not only inserts NULL packets between transport packets, but also rewrites time stamps when adjustment cannot be realized by merely inserting the NULL packets.
US07965620B2

In one aspect a method for correlating network events in a network comprises correlating the events relating to paths with events relating to links traversed by paths. In another aspect, the method includes correlating the events based on whether paths traversing the network share network resources, such as links. Preferably, the method is implemented in a network where paths traversing the network change dynamically in response to other network events and based on traffic engineering priorities.
US07965596B2

A device for recording records blocks of information on logical addresses on a record carrier at corresponding physical addresses. The logical addresses are translated into the physical addresses in dependence on defect management information that includes defect information on a defective status of physical addresses and remapping information on translating a logical address initially mapped to an initial physical address to an alternate physical address. The device has a real-time storage unit for writing real-time information blocks (77) to respective initial physical addresses irrespective of the defective status. When recording at a defective status location (76), the real-time information block is temporarily stored in a memory (80). In a separate period, when the writing of real-time information blocks is suspended, said temporarily stored real-time information blocks are additionally written to alternate physical addresses (81). The defect management information (73) is updated to indicate that the real-time information block is present at both locations.
US07965589B2

A device comprises a recordable disc, a substrate adjacent to the recordable disc, and an actuation mechanism fixed to the substrate. The recordable disc includes a base layer and a recordable layer on the base layer. Additional electrodes or magnetic components may be placed on the base layer to provide electromagnetic or electrostatic forces to rotate the recordable disc when acted on by the actuation mechanism. As an example, the invention may utilize MEMS techniques in order to integrate a disc and motor of a disc drive as a common component.
US07965586B2

A detection method and apparatus for reading magnetization information recorded in high density. A metal probe is brought close to the surface of a magnetic recording medium, in which information is recorded as magnetization, with the distance on the order of nanometers. The region is irradiated with an incident light as its polarization direction is modulated, and polarization dependency of a tunnel current or reflected polarization intensity is measured.
US07965583B2

The invention relates to a method for acquiring seismic data at a plurality of positions spread out over a zone on the seabed which includes transmitting acoustic waves in the water layer above the zone by a plurality of sources, —for each of the acquisition positions, dropping from the surface a seismic acquisition equipment, the equipment comprising a seismic acquisition unit and autonomous guiding equipment adapted to receive whilst descending acoustic signals from the sources and to control its trajectory according to the received acoustic signals so as to direct said equipment towards said position, —performing the seismic acquisition, —causing the acquisition equipments to move up to the surface, and —retrieving the acquisition equipments on the surface.
US07965582B2

Circuit and method for recovering clock data in highly integrated semiconductor memory apparatus includes a plurality of signal receiving units configured to receive signals through a plurality of input/output pads and transfer the signals according to a receiving reference clock, the signal receiving units being divided into groups, a plurality of phase detection units configured to detect phases of signals output from the groups of the signal receiving units, a plurality of phase detection control units configured to control the phase detection units so that the phase detection units sequentially detect the phases of the signals output from each of the groups of the signal receiving units and a notification unit configured to output signals output from the phase detection units.
US07965581B2

According to the system of the present invention, data (DQ) signals are outputted/received between a controller 100 and a memory 200 based on a data strobe signal sent out from the controller 100. The data strobe signal is independently and completely separated from a clock signal. The data strobe signal has a frequency different from a clock signal. Therefore, the memory 200 is not required to generate a read data strobe signal from the clock signal nor to send the read data strobe signal in synchronization with the clock signal.
US07965578B2

A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module connectable to a computer system so as to be electrically coupled to a plurality of memory devices on the memory module. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory devices activated by a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive bank address signals, a second number of chip-select signals, and row/column address signals from the computer system. The circuit is further configurable to generate phase-locked clock signals in response to clock signals received from the computer system and to provide the first number of chip-select signals to the first number of ranks in response to the phase-locked clock signals, the received bank address signals, the received second number of chip-select signals, and at least one of the received row/column address signals.
US07965576B2

Embodiments relate to an apparatus that may test a memory device. According to embodiments, a period of memory development may be reduced in a manner of testing a delay of a major part in a memory by adding a simple circuit without using expensive equipment and by which a memory development cost can be lowered. According to embodiments, a memory device may include a memory array and a redundancy memory. According to embodiments, a device may include a programmable redundancy decoder determining a drive force to corresponding to a selection signal, the programmable redundancy decoder outputting the determined drive force to a word line of the redundancy memory and a delay difference generating unit generating a delay difference signal corresponding to a delay difference between first and second word line signals outputted from the redundancy memory.
US07965572B2

A semiconductor device or an information processing system comprises a plurality of circuit units, and a control unit for controlling a start timing of large-current operations executed by the respective circuit units within a predetermined period, where the large-current operation involves a relatively large current which flows in a power supply system, as compared with other operations. The control unit controls the start timing of the large-current operation from one circuit unit to another such that the waveform of a current flowing from the power supply system is shaped into the waveform of a half cycle of a sinusoidal wave when the circuit units execute large-current operations within the predetermined period.
US07965568B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a first chip that is directly accessible from outside, a second chip that transmits and receives data to and from the first chip, the second chip being not directly accessible from outside, and a through circuit that is provided in the first chip and transmits first and second test signals input from an external device to the second chip, wherein the through circuit includes a first signal transmission path to generate a first signal by synchronizing the first test signal to a clock signal input from the external device and to output it to the second chip and a second signal transmission path to generate a second signal by synchronizing the second test signal to a test clock signal input from the external device and to output it to the second chip.
US07965566B2

The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device, and more particularly, to a circuit and method for controlling local data lines, which can reduce loading on local data lines LIO. The circuit and method for controlling local data lines in accordance with the present invention is characterized by having different line loading of local data lines depending on positions of cell mats. In addition, local data lines between arrays are connected by a switch. Accordingly, the switch is turned on/off by address information about cell mat arrays, thereby preventing unnecessary line loading of local data lines to completely remove unnecessary loading. Moreover, the present invention reduces line loading, thereby improving data processing speed.
US07965563B2

A semiconductor device having an electrically erasable and programmable nonvolatile memory, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile memory including memory cells arranged in rows and columns and disposed to facilitate both flash erasure as well as selective erasure of individual units of plural memory cells. The semiconductor device which functions as a microcomputer chip also has a processing unit and includes an input terminal for receiving an operation mode signal for switching the microcomputer between a first operation mode in which the flash memory is rewritten under control of a processing unit and a second operation mode in which the flash memory is rewritten under control of separate writing circuit externally connectable to the microcomputer.
US07965561B2

A memory device having a plurality of memory cells grouped in at least two memory sectors is disclosed. A first decoding circuit operable to receive address codes of the plurality of memory cells and to generate a plurality of decoding and selecting signals in response to the address codes. A plurality of second decoding circuits are coupled to the first decoding circuit and operable to generate driving signals for the memory cell address signal lines based at least in part on the plurality of decoding and selecting signals. A voltage shifting circuit is operable to generate a shift in the voltage of the plurality of decoding and selecting signals for generating a plurality of shifted voltage decoding and selecting signals and to provide the shifted decoding and selecting signals to the plurality of second decoding signals for generating the drive signals.
US07965559B2

The present invention describes systems and methods for improving the programming of floating-gate transistors. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a floating-gate transistor programming system including an array of floating-gate transistors and a measuring circuit comprising a logarithmic transimpedance amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. Furthermore, the floating-gate transistor programming system includes an injecting circuit comprising a digital-to-analog converter, wherein the pulsing circuit can inject charge into each of the floating-gate transistors and the measuring circuit can measure a present charge value in one of the plurality of floating-gate transistors.
US07965551B2

A method for metal bit line arrangement is applied to a virtual ground array memory having memory cell blocks. Each memory cell block has memory cells and m metal bit lines, wherein m is a positive integer. The method includes the following steps. First, one of the memory cells is selected as a target memory cell. When the target memory cell is being read, the metal bit line electrically connected to a drain of the target memory cell is a drain metal bit line, and the metal bit line electrically connected to a source is a source metal bit line. Next, a classification of whether the other metal bit lines are charged up when the target memory cell is being read is made. Thereafter, the m metal bit lines are arranged such that charged up metal bit lines are not adjacent to the source metal bit line.
US07965549B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a memory cell array. In the memory cell array, first memory cells of floating gate type are mixed with second memory cells of floating gate type. The second memory cell is sandwiched between the first memory cells. The first memory cells of floating gate type are configured to store m-level data, where m is a natural number of 2 or more. The second memory cells of floating gate type is configured to store n-level data, where n is a natural number greater than m.
US07965539B2

A nonvolatile memory element (101) of the present invention includes a resistance variable layer (112) which intervenes between a first electrode (111) and a second electrode (113) and is configured to include at least an oxide of a metal element of VI group, V group or VI group, and when an electric pulse of a specific voltage is applied between the first voltage (111) and the second voltage (113), the resistance variable layer is turned to have a first high-resistance state or a second high-resistance state in which its resistance value is a high-resistance value RH, or a low-resistance state in which its resistance value is a low-resistance value RL.
US07965537B2

A phase change memory device and a method for programming the same. The method includes determining a maximum possible resistance for the memory cells in the phase change memory device. The method includes determining a high resistance state for the memory cells in the phase change memory device. The method includes receiving a request to program a target memory cell in the phase change memory device to the high resistance state. The method also includes resetting the target memory cell in the phase change memory device to the high resistance state such that the high resistance state of the target memory cell is of less resistance than the maximum possible resistance. In one embodiment of the invention, the high resistance state for the memory cells in the phase change memory device is at least 10% less than the maximum possible resistance.
US07965534B2

A memory device of the present invention is characterized by a memory device for storing information by making use of molecular alignment of a liquid crystal compound in a liquid crystalline state formed by spot irradiation with a laser beam to carry out a selective heat treatment on an electroconductive liquid crystal semiconductor material layer containing a liquid crystal compound, comprising: a first electrode group including a plurality of linear electrodes which are parallel to each other; an electroconductive liquid crystal semiconductor material layer formed in such a manner that the layer covers the first electrode group, the layer containing a liquid crystal compound having a long linear conjugate structural moiety and exhibiting a smectic phase as a liquid crystal phase; and a second electrode group formed on the electroconductive liquid crystal semiconductor material layer and including a plurality of linear transparent electrodes being parallel to each other and extend in a direction intersecting with the first electrode group.
US07965530B2

A memory module includes a plurality of data ports configured to receive/transmit associated data and a plurality of memory devices. The plurality of memory devices include a first set of the memory devices in at least one rank, each memory device of the first set being coupled to each of the associated data ports, and a second set of the memory devices in at least one other rank, each memory device of the second set being configured to receive/transmit the associated data for the memory device through at least each associated memory device of the first set.
US07965526B2

Self-powered supplies with on-board diagnostics are presented for powering a power converter switch driver with power obtained from an associated snubber circuit, including a first converter stage with a full bridge rectifier with a crowbar circuit creating a first DC bus and a second stage with an isolated DC to DC converter, and on-board diagnostics to indicate snubber failures and abnormal conditions of the self-powered supply.
US07965517B2

A digital camera contains a circuit board and a battery box inside a housing. The housing and the battery box are made of plastic. The housing is fixed to the battery box with a tapping screw. A conductive plate for preventing the tapping screw from being charged is arranged between the housing and the battery box. Projections of the conductive plate penetrate into thread grooves of the tapping screw. The conductive plate transmits static electricity of the tapping screw to a grounding member of the circuit board.
US07965516B2

A power semiconductor module that includes a substrate having at least one power semiconductor element; a heat sink for dissipation of heat from the at least one power semiconductor element and a housing having a cutout which is arranged on a lower face of the housing facing the heat sink and holds the substrate; and to a method for production of such power semiconductor modules. The power semiconductor module has at least one holding element, which engages in a recess, which is associated with the at least one holding element, on the lower face of the housing and is designed such that it limits any movement of the substrate in the direction of the lower face of the housing.
US07965515B2

A heat radiating structure for an electronic module and an electronic device having the same structure thereon. The heat radiating structure is formed at the bottom of the electronic module to release the generated heat from the electronic module, and includes an impact absorber, which absorbs impact transferred from the outside. A heat radiating sheet is formed with a plurality of the multi-layered heat conductive sheets and is in contact with the bottom of the electronic module by covering the outside of the impact absorber.
US07965505B2

An airflow guiding cover includes a first airflow guiding portion, a second airflow guiding portion connected to an end of the first airflow guiding portion, and a third airflow guiding portion connected to an opposite end of the first airflow guiding portion. The first airflow guiding portion is collapsible and extendable along a first direction and flexible along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, to enable the airflow guiding cover to fit for different system layout.
US07965487B2

A neutralization apparatus comprising an ion generation element employing a novel, high efficiency discharge system capable of generating high concentration ions with a low ozone concentration. In the neutralization apparatus, the ion generation element is a minute electrode ion generation element consisting of a discharge electrode and an induction electrode having minute protrusions arranged in one direction on a plane, and a thin dielectric film sandwiched between them. The ion generation element is constituted of a set of a minute electrode ion generation element for generating positive ions and a minute electrode ion generation element for generating negative ions, characterized in that at least one or more ion generating elements are disposed so that the plane including each discharge electrode is parallel with the direction of gas flow and discharge electrodes are arranged perpendicularly to the direction of gas flow, and balanced control of positive and negative ions can be carried out at a position on the downstream side of gas flow by regulating a voltage applied to the discharge electrode of the ion generation element.
US07965482B2

This disclosure concerns an ESD protection including logic gates connected between a first power input and a second power input, a second potential of the second power input lower than the first potential of the first power input, wherein in the logic gates, an output of the logic gate at a front stage are connected to an input of the logic gate at a rear stage, if a protection potential between the first and the second potentials is applied to a node connecting the output to the input when the logic gates respond to an ESD surge, a breakthrough current is carried to the logic gates from the first potential toward the second potential, and if the first and the second potentials are applied to the first power input and the second power input, logic values of the logic gates are kept in a constant state.
US07965480B2

A network device comprises an interface coupling an electronic device to a differential pair of signal lines, and an integrated active common mode suppression and electrostatic discharge protection circuit coupled to the interface in parallel to differential signal lines of the electronic device.
US07965456B2

An optical component comprises at least one optically effective optical element which heats up when irradiated with light, and at least one holding element for the at least one optical element for holding the at least one optical element in a carrier structure, wherein the at least one optical element is connected to the at least one holding element in heat conducting fashion, and wherein the at least one holding element is at least partially provided with an active cooling system for carrying off heat from the at least one optical element. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature control device is provided which controls the temperature of at least a part of the mount of the optical element.
US07965453B2

A reduction projection objective for projection lithography has a plurality of optical elements configured to image an effective object field arranged in an object surface of the projection objective into an effective image field arranged in an image surface of the projection objective at a reducing magnification ratio |β|<1. The optical elements form a dry objective adapted with regard to aberrations to a gaseous medium with refractive index n′<1.01 filling an image space of finite thickness between an exit surface of the projection objective and the image surface. The optical elements include a largest lens having a maximum lens diameter Dmax and are configured to provide an image-side numerical aperture NA<1 in an effective image field having a maximum image field height Y′. With COMP=Dmax/(Y′·(NA/n′)2) the condition COMP<15.8 holds. Preferred embodiments have relatively small overall numbers of lenses which allows to fabricate the projection objectives relatively small in size with relatively low material consumption, yielding high performance, light weight, compact reduction projection objectives for dry lithography.
US07965449B2

A projection lens system includes, in order from the magnification side, a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group, and is telecentric on the reduction side. The first lens group includes a first lens formed as an aspheric lens which is disposed closest to the magnification side. The second lens group includes a second lens formed as a positive lens, in or near which an aperture diaphragm is disposed, disposed closest to the magnification side, and an aspheric lens. Between the aperture diaphragm and the aspheric lens of the second lens group, two or more negative lenses and two or more cemented surfaces are disposed. And, 0.101.75 are satisfied. Here, f denotes a focal length of the whole system, f2-1 denotes a focal length of the second lens, and N2-1 is a refractive index of the second lens at the d-line.
US07965442B2

A combined retardation optical device includes a first retardation optical plate and a second retardation optical plate. The second retardation optical plate contains a flat portion and a multi-step portion. This multi-step portion has several step-like flat surfaces with predetermined heights. The flat portion contacts with the first retardation optical plate. Both the first retardation optical device and the second retardation optical plate are made from birefringent materials. This invention is easy to switch to a different retardation condition for observation. Plus, there is no need to adjust or replace any element.
US07965439B2

A scanning device includes: an optical element in which a refractive index distribution changes according to the intensity of an electric field generated therein such that an incident laser beam is scanned; first and second electrodes provided on two opposite surfaces of the optical element; and a control unit that controls a voltage applied to at least one of the first and second electrodes such that the electric field is generated in one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction with time in the optical element.
US07965437B2

An acousto-optic modulator for a Q-switch (300) for a laser includes a monolithic acousto-optic (a-o) medium (311), a series of at least two acoustic transducers (321, 322), bonded spaced apart on the a-o medium, which emit first and second columnar acoustic beams (331, 332). These interact sequentially with an incident optical beam (Light) passing through the modulator. The transducers are oriented so that an optical ray (342) diffracted from the first acoustic column region enters the second acoustic column region at an angle outside the “acceptance angle” of the second acoustical column, i.e. outside the range of incidence angles for which the diffraction efficiency is significant, whereas the remaining light in the zeroth order will undergo further diffraction at the second acoustic column region. This arrangement significantly reduces the amount of light diffracted by the first beam being diffracted back into the zeroth order by the second acoustic beam. The second acoustic beam is arranged to diffract any light remaining in the zeroth order after passing through the first acoustic beam region. In this way the efficiency of the modulator for Q-switching operation is increased. Bragg angle; Raman-Nath diffraction, Debye-Sears-Ratio.
US07965436B2

In an embodiment, micron-size optical Faraday rotator includes a non-magnetic dielectric waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of perforations to form a photonic crystal. A magnetic cladding is disposed on at least one side of the waveguide. The Faraday rotator causes non-reciprocal Faraday rotation of an optical signal propagating within the waveguide.
US07965423B2

A facsimile method, system and apparatus for sending and receiving facsimiles over one or more networks including a fax sender connected to a network and the PSTN for sending facsimiles, an administrator connected to a network having a processor and at least one database for verifying the identity of the one or more fax receivers and fax senders, at least one fax receiver connected to at least one network for receiving facsimiles wherein the fax sender establishes a connection with the administrator, queries the database to determine the capabilities of the one or more fax receivers, and uses the capability information to send one or more facsimile transmissions to the one or more fax receivers.
US07965422B2

A system facilitates printing of microtext. A processing component allows a user to create one or more microtext characters, wherein the characters are output as a data packet. An SRE code store receives and associates one or more SRE codes with the data packet, each SRE code is representative of a bit pattern, wherein the bit pattern is a grid of bits that are filled to create a particular pattern. A font bank receives the one or more SRE codes from the SRE code store and defines such codes via a font. A raster image processor receives the font from the font bank, decodes the font and outputs instructions to print the microtext.
US07965417B2

There is provided a method of generating a tone correction table used to correct tone characteristics of image data of each component color in a color image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of outputting color patch images of each component color for respective tone levels corresponding to a plurality of different image data values, acquiring colorimetric values including brightness values, chromatic values, and reflection spectra of respective patches by measuring colors of the output color patch images, analyzing characteristics of the calorimetric values for respective tone levels based on the calorimetric values of the color patch images, selecting a tone correction table generation method according to the characteristics obtained in the analysis step, and generating a tone correction table to have tone characteristics as target characteristics according to the selected tone correction table generation method.
US07965393B2

A reference mark configuration for an interferometric miniature grating encoder readhead using fiber optic receiver channels is provided. The readhead includes primary fibers that provide reference mark primary signals processed to generate a reference signal with accuracy of approximately 0.2 microns. The readhead may include secondary fibers used to generate reference mark secondary signals processed to generate a reference signal with accuracy of approximately 20 nanometers. Spatial filter masks configured for the secondary fiber optic receiver channels provide two spatially periodic secondary signals arising from interference fringes outside of the receiving area of the primary fiber optic receiver channels. The secondary signals are out of phase with one another and their spatial frequency is higher than that of the primary signals. A signal crossing of the reference mark secondary signals is identified that is spatially adjacent to a signal crossing of the reference mark primary reference signals.
US07965392B2

An optical coherence tomography device includes: a light source 16; a light splitting section 19 that splits light source light into reference light 19 and measuring light 28 with which a sample 22 is irradiated; an interfering section 19 that allows the measuring light 28 to interfere with the reference light 29 to generate interference light; a photodetectiong section 26 that measures interference light; a movable measuring head 201 that changes the irradiating position and/or direction, irradiated with the measuring light 28, by a motion of the measuring head 20; a mechanical quantity sensor 38 that measures the motion of the measuring head 201; and an operating section 27 that obtains information on the sample 22, based on the interference light measured by a photodetectiong section 26 and the motion of the measuring head 201 measured by the mechanical quantity sensor 38. Thus, an optical coherence tomography device capable of capturing an image at a high speed with a simple structure can be provided.
US07965388B2

A structure for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is disclosed herein. A substrate has a stack configured vertically thereon. The stack encompasses at least two metal layers and at least one dielectric layer therebetween. Each layer of the stack has a controlled thickness, and each of the at least two metal layers is configured to exhibit a predetermined characteristic of plasmonic resonance.
US07965386B2

A defect inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting an extremely small defect present on the top and edge surfaces of a sample such as a semiconductor substrate or a thin film substrate with high sensitivity and at high speed. The defect inspection apparatus has an illumination optical system, a plurality of detection optical units and a signal processor. One or more of the detection optical units receives either light diffracted from an edge portion of the sample or light diffracted from an edge grip holding the sample. The one or more of the detection optical units shields the diffracted light received by the detection optical unit based on a signal obtained by monitoring an intensity of the diffracted light received by the detection optical unit in order to inspect a sample portion located near the edge portion and a sample portion located near the edge grip.
US07965375B2

Lithography mask or rewritable mask comprising at least one material with reversible changeable optical properties. Processes for manufacturing a mask, devices for processing a substrate, lithographic systems and semiconductor devices.
US07965371B2

A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device by cutting up a pair of mother substrates that are joined to each other by means of a sealant with an electro-optical material being sandwiched therebetween into a plurality of panel formation regions. The method includes: forming a groove along each of at least two pre-work cut lines in either one of the pair of mother substrates; blowing air on one edge face of a region between the grooves formed in the one of the pair of mother substrates; and removing the region between the grooves formed in the one of the pair of mother substrates by vacuuming the region. Herein, the vacuuming is applied to the other edge face of the region.
US07965368B2

The present invention provides a display device which, in a region on which a semiconductor chip is mounted, can narrow the distance between neighboring line layers and, at the same time, can increase an area of terminals which are connected with bump electrodes of the semiconductor chip. In a display device which includes a substrate having a display part and a peripheral portion, and a semiconductor chip which is mounted on the peripheral portion of the substrate, the semiconductor chip includes a first bump electrode, the substrate includes a first line, a second line which is arranged adjacent to the first line, an insulation film which covers the first line and the second line, a first contact hole which is formed in the insulation film, and a first terminal which is connected to the first line via the first contact hole, the first bump electrode is connected with the first terminal, the second line is electrically insulated from the first terminal, and the first terminal is arranged to overlap the second line by way of the insulation film as viewed in a plan view.
US07965366B2

An exemplary flexible printed circuit board (2) includes a substrate (221), a plurality of connecting fingers (225, 227) and at least one alignment mark (229). The connecting fingers and the at least one alignment mark are located on a surface of the substrate. The at least one alignment mark is disposed between two of the connecting fingers.
US07965354B2

A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display includes: light shielding parts formed on a front surface of a substrate at predetermined intervals to prevent light leakage; color filter Layers disposed between the light shielding parts on the front surface of the substrate and including color filter patterns of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) for implementing a color image; and a transparent conductive layer formed on a rear surface of the substrate, where the rear surface of the substrate is opposite the front surface of the substrate on which the color filter layers are formed, and formed in a porous structure having a plurality of holes spaced at predetermined intervals. Therefore, it is possible to shield an electrostatic field due to external static electricity and improve image display quality, thereby increasing high brightness characteristics and readability.
US07965346B2

A liquid crystal module includes a frame, a light reflecting sheet, a cold cathode tube, an optical sheet, a liquid crystal panel, a bezel, a pair of lamp frames and a restriction component. The frame includes top, bottom, left and right side plates, and a base plate disposed on a lower side of the top, bottom, left and right side plates. The pair of lamp frames is fixedly attached along the left and right side plates of the frame in an interior of the frame. The restriction component is provided between each of the lamp frames and each of the top and bottom side plates to prevent the lamp frames from rotating around a longitudinal axis of the lamp frames with respect to the frame.
US07965329B2

An image sensor includes (a) a first wafer having (i) a photosensitive area; (ii) a charge-to-voltage conversion region; (b) a second wafer having (i) a first amplifier that receives a signal from the charge-to-voltage conversion region; (c) an electrical interconnect connecting the charge-to-voltage conversion region to an input of the amplifier; (d) an electrically biased shield at least partially enclosing at least a portion of the electrical interconnect.
US07965325B2

An internal parameter storage unit stores, in advance, a plurality of sets of internal parameters each of which can be applied to correct a pixel position in a direction from an image principal point, i.e., a plurality of sets of internal parameters for accommodating errors of different magnitudes that occur in individual directions from an image principal point. An internal parameter selection unit selects a set of internal parameters from the plurality of sets of internal parameters stored in advance on the basis of the direction of a pixel position to be corrected from the image principal point, and a distortion-corrected image generator corrects distortion on the basis of the selected set of internal parameters, so that, even when a surface of a lens is not exactly parallel to a surface of an image pickup device, distortion is corrected more accurately.
US07965321B2

There is provided an imaging device capable of suppressing fluctuations in frame rate due to brightness of a subject's environment.The imaging device includes: imaging units (1, 2) for taking an image of a subject, to acquire image data; a compression unit (3) for compression in frame units the image data acquired by the imaging units (1, 2); a light quantity information calculation unit (2) for calculating light quantity information including a shutter speed and a gain value, based on the image data acquired by the imaging units (1, 2); and compression ratio determination units (5, 6) for determining a compression ratio for compression in frame units by the compression unit (3), based on the light quantity information calculated by the light quantity information calculation unit (2), characterized in that the compression unit (3) compresses the image data in frame units based on the compression ratio determined by the compression ratio determination units (5, 6).
US07965319B2

An image signal processing apparatus that includes a data path portion for processing a raw image signal and merging and concentrating with non-linear filtering portion. The apparatus also includes a color space transformation portion, geometry transformation portion, linear filtering portion and gain adjustment portion to output a processed signal. The apparatus also includes control and judgment portion for receiving the raw image and the processed signal from the data path portion and generating a plurality of adjustment signals for the non-linear filtering portion.
US07965318B2

The invention provides an image detecting module including a base, a carrier movably disposed on the base, an image detecting unit disposed on the carrier, a contact portion fixed to the carrier, and a fixed member fixed to the base. The fixed member has a protrusion movably contacting a recess of the contact portion. When an external force is exerted on the base and the carrier moves with respect to the base, the protrusion slides on a surface of the recess. When the external force is released, the protrusion slides to the bottom of the recess, such that the carrier is held in a predetermined position with respect to the base.
US07965311B2

An image display system includes a dividing apparatus which signals N divisional images formed by dividing a source image and having no overlap with each other, N transmission lines which transmit the N divisional images, N dummy pixel insertion sections which produce and insert dummy pixels based on the divisional images to the outer side of the images to produce expanded images, and N image processing sections which apply a spatial signal process to the expanded images. The image display system further includes N divisional image cutting out sections which remove image components of the dummy pixels from the spatially processed images to cut out images of a size equal to that of the inputted divisional images and an image synthesis section which patches the cut out divisional images to produce a re-synthesized image of a size equal to that of the source image.
US07965304B2

A shadow body generation unit generates a shadow model defined by a limited number of lines extending from a position of a light source to an outline of a hand. If the virtual object is partially or fully included in the shadow model and a position of the virtual object is further away from the position of the light source, the shadow body generation unit generates a shadow for a partially obscured area included in the shadow model.
US07965299B2

In a method of compositing graphic elements in a pixel-based renderer, a first graphic element is received having a first color and a first opacity, and a second graphic element is received having a second color and a second opacity. A blend output is obtained from a blend function dependent on the first color and the second color, and a resultant color is determined of a compositing operation on the first and second graphic elements, with the resultant color being dependent on the blend output and otherwise being independent of the second color.
US07965290B1

A method is provided to progressively load and further process data in a hierarchical lock-free structure. The method includes generally four steps: (a) defining the hierarchical lock-free structure, (b) loading the data into the hierarchical lock-free structure; (c) processing the loaded data, and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) such that progressively more data are loaded and become available for processing. The hierarchical lock-free structure includes a first level of data including data segments, wherein each of the data segments forms a second level of data. The structure is such that each of the data segments in the second level of data becomes available for further processing when the data segment is referenced in the first level of data. Thus, during the loading step (b), a reference is set in the first level of data to each of the data segments in the second level of data as the data segment is loaded. Then, the processing step (c) process each of the data segments in the second level of data to which a reference is set in the first level of data.
US07965263B2

A display device and a method of driving the same, win which the display device includes a light emitting element and a driving transistor supplying a driving current to the light emitting element, and in which one of a data voltage or a reverse bias voltage is applied to the driving transistor in an alternating manner, and the reverse bias voltage is an AC voltage.
US07965261B2

A method for driving an AC type surface-discharge display device having cells arranged in a matrix. Each cell has at least three electrodes including a pair of main electrodes and on every line of the matrix and an address electrode on every column of the matrix. The method includes conducting an address preparation period including applying a first charge adjusting voltage, monotonously rising or falling, to a gap between the main electrodes. The method also includes applying a charge adjusting voltage, monotonously rising or falling, to a gap between a scan electrode and the address electrode.
US07965253B2

A broadband antenna including an antenna body, a ground plane, and a bandwidth adjustment portion is described. The bandwidth adjustment portion, formed by at least one capacitor, is connected between the antenna body and the ground plane. The bandwidth adjustment portion is formed by more than one capacitor connected in series. Also, in another situation, the bandwidth adjustment portion can be formed by more than one capacitor connected in parallel.
US07965252B2

A wireless device having vertically and horizontally polarized antenna arrays can operate at multiple frequencies concurrently. A horizontally polarized antenna array allows for the efficient distribution of RF energy in dual bands using, for example, selectable antenna elements, reflectors and/or directors that create and influence a particular radiation pattern. A vertically polarized array can provide a high-gain dual band wireless environment using reflectors and directors as well. The polarized horizontal antenna arrays and polarized vertical antenna arrays can operate concurrently to provide dual band operation simultaneously.
US07965243B2

An antenna assembly includes a base (3) and an antenna (2) disposed on the base. The antenna includes a radiating element (21) with top and bottom surfaces thereof, and the bottom surface of the radiating element abuts against and is surface mounted on the base. An arm (311) is located above the top surface of the radiating element so as to prevent the radiating element from tilting upwards excessively, and most of the radiating element is exposed outside the arm.
US07965236B2

An apparatus and a method for measuring a moving distance in a mobile communication terminal. A Doppler frequency over a time interval for measuring a moving speed of the Doppler frequency is measured or calculated. The moving speed is calculated. The moving distance is calculated using the moving speed and the time interval.
US07965230B2

Methods and apparatus for improving position location performance, especially in weak coverage areas, are described herein. A SPS receiver is able to solve for position location in situations where at least two satellite signals can be received but only one time stamp can be successfully demodulated. The receiver can utilize the successfully decoded time reference to determine a time associated with bit edge transitions for signals from that satellite. The receiver utilizes the bit edge transition with the known time to set the time for at least one bit edge transition for signals from other satellites for which the time stamp is not demodulated. The receiver sets the time hypothesis to bit edge transitions occurring within a predetermined window including the bit edge transition with the known time. A position can be determined based on the time hypothesis. The time hypothesis and window placement can be modified following invalid position solutions.
US07965228B2

An antenna method and system to implement a quasi-compact range technique/technology in which a reflector antenna is used to produce a test field within a test region at a quasi-compact range, which is within a near-field of the reflector antenna but further from the reflector antenna than a compact range of the reflector antenna.
US07965221B1

A method and system for selectively disrupting voice modulated radio communications circuits wherein the original communication is recorded, delayed for a selected period then synchronized with a transmitted signal and reinjected into the transmitted signal thereby preventing the intended recipient of the signal from obtaining any intelligence therefrom.
US07965220B2

A chaff element for interfering with radar signals. The chaff element has a dielectric substrate and a pair of elongate electrically conductive elements, having a total length of approximately one-half wavelength of the radar signals or otherwise tuned to the radar signals, disposed on the dielectric substrate. A switch is arranged to electrically couple the pair of elongate elements together in response to a control signal generated by an oscillator circuit and a battery. The chaff element can be used in a method of providing a countermeasure against radar signals. A plurality of chaff elements can be deployed in an airspace above a radar unit emitting a radar signal and interfere with the radar signal by opening and closing the switches of the chaff elements while deployed in said airspace above the radar unit.
US07965219B1

A structure is described that includes a plurality of columnar pieces of metamaterial, and a plurality of columnar pieces of non-metamaterial. The columnar pieces are arranged in an alternating pattern adjacent one another, and the metamaterial and the non-metamaterial are chosen such that indices of refraction for each are equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign, at a chosen wavelength, such that incident radiation is returned directly towards its source.
US07965211B1

A power amplifier architecture includes a plurality of non-linear optically driven power amplifier modules. The plurality of non-linear optically driven power amplifier modules are selectively connectable utilizing a programmable algorithm for combining at least two modules of the plurality of non-linear optically driven power amplifier modules in a time sequence yielding a piecewise approximation of a continuous waveform. The power amplifier architecture further includes at least one RF drive selectively connected to at least one of the plurality of non-linear optically driven power amplifier modules via an optical signal link generating a separate drive signal for each of the plurality of non-linear optically driven power amplifier modules.
US07965203B2

In estimating subjective video quality corresponding to main parameters (121/221) which are input as an input coding bit rate (121B/221B) representing the number of coding bit rates per unit time and an input frame rate (121A/221A) representing the number of frames per unit time of an audiovisual medium, an estimation model specifying unit specifies, on the basis of the input coding bit rate (121B/input frame rate (221A)), an estimation model (122/222) representing the relationship between subjective video quality and the frame rate (/coding bit rate) of the audiovisual medium. Subjective video quality corresponding to the input frame rate (121A/input coding bit rate 221B) is estimated by using the specified estimation model (122/222) and output as an estimation value (123/223).
US07965202B1

A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting an abbreviated pathway on a tactical display unit. A processor generates an image data set representative of a pathway and a three-dimensional perspective scene outside the aircraft using terrain data, first location highlighter data, and second location highlighter data, where the first location highlighter data corresponds to the active flight path and second location highlighter data corresponds to a subsequent flight path. After being presented to a display system, an image represented in the image data set is presented on a tactical display unit, whereby an abbreviated pathway appears superimposed against the three-dimensional perspective scene outside the aircraft, where location highlighters are used for the depiction of the pathway comprising of at least one enhanced boundary of the active path, the second waypoint, the third waypoint, and the flight path formed between the second and third waypoints.
US07965199B2

A vehicular signaturing device and associated methodology by which to identify a vehicle. A sensor senses light energy emitted by the vehicle, such as light energy generated by a headlight assembly of the vehicle. The sensed energy is compared with database-stored information that is indexed together with standard vehicular types, models, and manufacture-year to identify the vehicular type. Once identified, the information related to identification is used pursuant to further vehicular-signaling functionality.
US07965194B2

An operation abnormality detector of electronic modules detects an abnormality in an associated device, such as the presence of a foreign body nearby the device. The detector can be used, for example, in the mouthpiece of a card reader of a self-serving banking machine. Upon detecting an abnormality, operation of the machine can be suspended by turning off its display, precluding fraud with unauthorized cards or vandalism. Upon detecting the abnormality, an alert is set to an alarm central.
US07965189B2

A radio frequency identification (RFID) architecture is described. RFID tags are interrogated by a reader, which may be located in a network of readers. The reader transmits symbols to the tags. Tags respond to the interrogations with symbols that each represent one or more bits of data. An RFID tag includes an antenna pad, a receiver, a state machine, and a modulator. The receiver is coupled to the antenna pad. The receiver receives a symbol from the antenna pad and outputs a received signal. The state machine is configured to determine a response symbol from the received signal and an operating state of the tag. The modulator is coupled to the antenna pad. The modulator is configured to backscatter modulate the received symbol with the response symbol. The modulator is configured to output the backscatter modulated symbol to the antenna pad.
US07965187B2

A system includes a tag associated with an item wirelessly transmitting data; a network device receiving the data and determining a location of the item; and a mobile unit receiving the location of the item from the network device. The mobile unit further receives the data from the tag and outputs a description of the item based on the data.
US07965185B2

An apparatus including a device having a slot formed on an exterior wall and a slot wall within the slot. A form factor may be insertable into the slot. The form factor also may include a transmitter embedded in the form factors wherein the transmitter is adapted to wirelessly communicate identification data.
US07965182B2

A method for operating a failsafe-enabled wireless device is provided that includes monitoring a signal quality for a wireless signal between a failsafe-enabled wireless device and a controller. A determination is made regarding whether the signal quality is poor. A failsafe procedure is initiated when the signal quality is poor.
US07965180B2

A wireless sensor device capable of constant operation without replacement of batteries. The wireless sensor device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the battery is recharged wirelessly. Radio waves received at an antenna circuit are converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. A sensor circuit operates with the electrical energy stored in the battery, and acquires information. Then, a signal containing the information acquired is converted into radio waves at the antenna circuit, whereby the information can be read out wirelessly.
US07965176B2

A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.
US07965172B2

Toxic waste is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Subsequently, wherever the RFID tags are detected in an area, a conclusion is drawn that there is a presence, either past or present, of the toxic waste in the area.
US07965168B2

A fuse is provided that includes a housing and a first lead and a second lead. The fuse further includes a fuse element having a current capacity. The fuse element forms a part of an electrical pathway between the first lead and the second lead. The fuse also includes a switch unit in communication with the housing and in series with the fuse element. The switch unit has an open state and a closed state. When the switch unit is in the closed state, the electrical pathway is connected to form a closed pathway between the first lead and the second lead, and when the switch unit is in the open state, the electrical pathway is disconnected to provide an open circuit between the first lead and the second lead.
US07965162B2

An electrical current sensor comprises a magnetic circuit with an air-gap, a magnetic field sensor positioned in the air-gap, and a secondary coil surrounding a branch of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit comprises at least two parts (18, 20) that are assembled together, a branch portion (45, 46) of each part being insertably received in a central cavity of the secondary coil in an axial direction (A). The air-gap (30) is arranged between overlapping branch portions of each magnetic field circuit part.
US07965157B2

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a resonator such as an electromechanical resonator may be coupled with a cancellation network to reduce and/or cancel an anti-resonance effect in the resonator, which may be due to, for example, a static capacitance inherent in the resonator. Cancellation of an anti resonance effect from the resonator response may allow a resonance effect of the resonator to be a predominant effect to allow the resonator to be utilized as a bandpass filter having a relatively higher Q, for example in a bandpass sigma-delta modulator that may be utilized in a digital RF receiver.
US07965149B2

An embodiment for low power-consumption RC oscillator is disclosed. A voltage transforming unit transforms a power supply voltage to an internal voltage. A current mirroring unit is coupled to the voltage transforming unit and receives the internal voltage to provide constant two current outputs with different phases. A current charging/discharging unit includes first and second nodes to receive the two constant current outputs of the current mirroring unit, wherein first and second capacitors are coupled to the first and second nodes, respectively. The first and second capacitors are charged by the two constant current outputs. A voltage sensing and outputting unit is coupled to the first and second nodes, senses voltage levels of the first and second nodes and outputs clock signals when one of the sensed voltage levels is greater than a logic threshold. A pulse generating unit generates pulse signals in response to the clock signals. The current charging/discharging unit further includes a connection switch to electrically connect the first and second nodes in response to the pulse signals.
US07965142B2

A gain control circuit and its gain control method, said gain control method comprising the following steps: firstly, outputting continuously a counter value; next, generating a ramp wave signal based on said counter value, and at a voltage where a control voltage signal intersects said ramp wave signal, obtaining an initial counter value based on said ramp wave signal, thus determining an initial voltage gain of an amplifier circuit; then, when a high or low voltage of an output signal of said amplifier circuit is greater or less than a predetermined detection voltage upper or lower limit, adjusting a DC voltage level of said ramp wave signal with a detection signal; and finally, obtaining at said voltage a counter value less than said initial counter value based on said ramp wave signal, hereby reducing said initial voltage gain based on said counter value.
US07965136B2

The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying test signals to a multiport amplifier (MPA) and a method, apparatus and system for determining parameter adjustments for an MPA. Applying test signals to an MPA is performed so as to provide an output signal indicative of parameter adjustments for the MPA, the multiport amplifier arrangement comprising an input network, an amplifier unit and an output network, where the method includes providing a test signal directly to a point in the multiport amplifier arrangement between an output of the input network and an input of the amplifier unit. The method of determining parameter adjustments for a multiport amplifier arrangement includes receiving first and second output signals associated with an output of the multiport amplifier arrangement, the first output signal corresponding to a first signal path through the multiport amplifier arrangement and the second output signal corresponding to a second signal path through the multiport amplifier arrangement and determining parameter adjustments based on the first and second output signals.
US07965123B2

A circuit receives an input signal characterized by a first pair of rail voltages and generates in response thereto an output signal characterized by a second pair of rail voltages. The circuit comprises first and second transistors coupled in series between a high reference voltage and a low reference voltage. The input signal drives a control lead of the second transistor. The logical inverse of the input signal drives a control lead of a third transistor, which couples a charge source to the control lead of the first transistor in response thereto in order to turn off the first transistor. The charge source can be either a voltage source or a charged capacitive node. Of importance, the third transistor does not have to overcome contention with other transistors to turn off said first transistor.
US07965119B2

A method and device for managing metastable signals. The device includes: a first latch and a second latch, a multiple switching point circuit, connected between an output node of the first latch and an input node of the second latch, wherein the multiple switching point circuit includes at least one pull up transistor and at least one pull down transistor that are selectively activated in response to a feedback signal provided from the second latch and in response to a an output signal of the first latch such as to define at least a low switching point that is lower than a high switching point of the multiple-switching point circuit; wherein a switching point of an inverter within the first latch is between the high and low switching points.
US07965118B2

Described herein are methods and apparatuses for achieving a desired duty cycle on an output of a PLL. According to one embodiment, a method is described, including generating a single ended clock signal from a differential common mode clock signal using a limiting differential amplifier, wherein the single ended clock signal has a duty cycle, generating a differential bias current signal in response to the duty cycle of the single ended clock signal, and correcting the duty cycle of the single ended clock signal to a desired duty cycle by applying the differential bias current signal to the limiting differential amplifier. According to another embodiment, a CML-to-CMOS converter circuit is described, including a limiting differential amplifier for generating a single ended clock signal from a differential common mode clock signal, wherein the single ended clock signal has a duty cycle, a low-pass filter for generating a measurement of the duty cycle of the single ended clock signal, and a second differential amplifier for (i) comparing the measurement with a reference voltage and (ii) generating a differential bias current signal in response to the comparison.
US07965108B2

A frequency synthesizer. The frequency synthesizer comprises a harmonic locked phase/frequency detector, a low pass filter, a voltage controlled oscillator, and a frequency divider. The harmonic locked phase/frequency detector receives a reference signal and a divided signal. The low pass filter is coupled to the harmonic locked phase/frequency detector. The voltage controlled oscillator is coupled to the low pass filter and provides an output signal. The frequency divider is coupled between the voltage controlled oscillator and the harmonic locked phase/frequency detector. Frequency of the divided signal is a harmonic frequency of the reference signal.
US07965107B2

A base cell for an Engineering Change Order (ECO) implementation having at least a first pair of CMOS transistors and a second pair of CMOS transistors, characterized in that said at least first pair of CMOS transistors have a common gate and said at least second pair of CMOS transistors have separate gates.
US07965101B2

A reconfigurable logic device comprises an array of tiles interconnected through a routing network, each tile comprises both a processing unit including volatile configuration memory and a Random Access Memory unit.
US07965082B2

In a method for processing radio frequency signals of a magnetic resonance imaging system in which the coil portion of the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a body coil and a local coil, radio frequency signals are supplied to the body coil, and these radio frequency signals are coupled to said local coil, and transmitted by said local coil into a region to be examined. A corresponding radio frequency system has a local coil and a body coil, with power coupling between the local coil and the body coil; during the phase for transmitting the radio frequency signals. The body coil serves to couple the radio frequency signals to be transmitted to the local coil, and the local coil serves to transmit the coupled radio frequency signals to a region to be examined. This method and system allow the transmitting function of the local coil to be achieved without having a coil plug on a patient bed to provide a radio frequency signal transmitting channel.
US07965075B2

Disclosed is a base module for a motion sensor, particularly a tacho generator, phase transducer, or transmission sensor for a motor vehicle. Said base module (22) comprises at least one busbar (11) for contacting an integrated circuit (36) used for sensing a motion. The base module (22) further comprises at least one wiring means (12, 14) which is arranged on the busbar (11). The busbar (11) and the wiring means (12) are surrounded at least in part by a sheath (26).
US07965058B2

Charging and power supply for mobile devices is disclosed. A USB-compliant charging and power supply circuit includes switch-mode battery charging circuitry for receiving power from an external power source and for supplying output power through an output node to an electronic system of an electronic communication device and a battery. Battery isolation circuitry includes a semiconductor switch connecting the output node to the battery. The battery isolation circuitry senses voltage at the output node and variably restricts current to the battery when the voltage is below a minimum voltage value by operationally controlling the semiconductor switch as current passes through it. During variable current restriction the electronic system is supplied required power with said battery being supplied any additional available power.
US07965056B2

The invention provides a control apparatus of a power conversion system for driving an induction motor via a VVVF inverter, wherein the AC voltage generated by the inverter is increased so as to expand the high-speed side property of the induction motor, to thereby improve the performance during power running and regenerative braking. In the present system, a DC power supply source having a power storage system with a capacity capable of processing the current flowing into or out of the inverter is inserted in series to the ground side of the input of the inverter, and the output voltage thereof is controlled from zero in a continuous manner to be added to the trolley voltage, which is then applied to the inverter.
US07965051B1

A user selectable optional power tinting system. A typical OPTS includes a user selection interface operable to allow a user to select a tinting option from a plurality of tinting options, a panel selection assembly coupled to the user selection interface and operable to engage a window panel corresponding to an option selected by the user selection interface, an actuator motor operable to engage the panel selection assembly when an option is selected from the user selection interface, and a plurality of differently tinted panels operable to be engaged by the panel selection assembly when an option is selected from the user selection interface, each differently tinted panel corresponding to one of the plurality of tinting options.
US07965045B2

A power supply circuit for display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply circuit having outputs connected to a plurality of capacitance elements and supplying power to a plurality of drivers, and a controller switching connection of the power supply circuit and the capacitance elements depending on a use mode. The use mode includes a first use mode connecting one terminals of the capacitance elements to the power supply circuit or ground potential and a second use mode connecting one ends of the capacitance elements to the power supply circuit or floating one terminals of the capacitance elements.
US07965041B2

A plasma display panel is formed of a front panel including display electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer that are formed on a glass substrate, and a rear panel including electrodes, barrier ribs, and phosphor layers that are formed on a substrate. The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and peripheries thereof are sealed to form a discharge space therebetween. The dielectric layer of the front panel contains Bi2O3 and at least CaO and BaO, and the content expressed in mole % of CaO is greater than that of BaO.
US07965037B2

An organic electroluminescence device, includes a substrate; an anode layer; an organic layer including at least one organic material having a fluorescence spectrum; and a cathode layer, wherein the organic electroluminescence device has a primary light outgoing direction that is parallel to a surface of the substrate, wherein the organic electroluminescence device has an optical waveguide that includes a core layer formed by the anode layer and the organic layer, and a clad layer formed by the substrate and the cathode layer, and wherein the optical waveguide has cutoff wavelengths in a transverse electric mode any one of which is within a wavelength range of a full width at half maximum of the fluorescence spectrum of any one of the organic materials included in the organic layer.
US07965030B2

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) comprising a substrate, a 1st electrode disposed on the substrate and including at least one lead, a 2nd electrode including at least one lead, an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode, and a conductive layer. At least one of (1) the substrate and the 1st electrode and (2) the 2nd electrode are transparent. The conductive layer is disposed on one of the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode, and effectively surrounds the light-emitting layer and the other of the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode.
US07965026B2

A lamp includes a filament for emitting light. The filament includes an emissive substrate which emits radiation when an electric current is applied. The substrate includes a doped surface and a coating layer supported on the doped surface. The coating layer includes at least one of a carbonitride and a boride.
US07965022B2

A piezoelectric element that is high in piezoelectric performance and large in displacement and is reliable is provided. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric material containing BaTi2O5 as the principal constituent material and an inner electrode that applies voltage to the piezoelectric material. In this piezoelectric element, an electrode material (a mixture of Ru and RuO2) excellent in lattice matching with the piezoelectric material BaTi2O5 is used as the principal constituent material of the inner electrode.
US07965018B2

Provided is an acoustic sensor for measuring a sound wave propagating through a gas such as air or a fluid such as water and an elastic wave propagating through a solid medium, and more particularly, an acoustic sensor with a piezo-arrangement film capable of detecting frequencies in a broad band or amplifying a signal at a specific frequency by comparting a waveguide into an upper waveguide and a lower waveguide by means of a compartment diaphragm and arranging piezoelectric sensors on the compartment diaphragm in several forms. The acoustic sensor can be utilized as a resonant acoustic sensor in which the piezoelectric sensors are arranged on the compartment diaphragm in the same form so that a signal at a specific frequency overlaps for high sensibility or a broadband acoustic sensor in which the piezoelectric sensors are arranged in a different form to detect frequencies in a broad band. The sensor for measuring an acoustic wave includes a waveguide including a vibrating membrane for receiving the acoustic wave, an emitting membrane for emitting the acoustic wave, and a propagation medium filled therein for propagating the acoustic wave received by the vibrating membrane; a compartment diaphragm for computing the waveguide into an upper waveguide and a lower waveguide; an omni-directional endpoint processing unit formed at an end of the waveguide for absorbing the acoustic wave received by the vibrating membrane; and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors formed on the compartment diaphragm for detecting the acoustic wave.
US07965014B2

A stator includes: a plurality of divided cores disposed to have a ring shape; a stator winding toroidally wound on the stator; and a holding member that holds the divided cores in the ring shape. Each of the divided cores includes: a bobbin part for the stator winding; a yoke extending from the bobbin part in the circumferential direction; a connection part extending from the yoke outwardly in a radial direction with a connection face that is connected to the holding member; and a tooth extending from the yoke inwardly. The connection part has a magnetic gap to increase a magnetic resistance in a path of magnetic flux, generated by the stator winding, leaked to the holding member through the connection face. The magnetic gap is a notch or a weld.
US07965006B2

A device for generating and varying stiffness, which may be applied to a joint of a robot manipulator, the stiffness generating device having a rotating shaft connected to a driven member; a rotor fixed to the rotating shaft and having arms comprising a magnetic element; a stator disposed to surround the rotor outside the arms and being connected to a drive motor; electromagnets fixed to an inner periphery of the stator and being opposed to each other about the rotating shaft, each having a core and a coil wound around the core; and means for applying current to the coils. One half of the electromagnets has N-poles at their inward ends and the other half of the electromagnets has S-poles at their inward ends. Current regulating means regulates the current being applied to the coils.
US07965000B2

A vibratory linear actuator includes a stator with a magnetic pole surface, a movable member with a magnetic pole surface, an electromagnet arranged in one of the stator and the movable member, a permanent magnet arranged in the other of the stator and the movable member and a support unit for movably supporting the movable member so that the magnetic pole surface of the electromagnet can oppose the magnetic pole surface with a gap left therebetween. The actuator is designed to vibrate the movable member by supplying an electric current to the electromagnet. The support unit includes a fixed portion to be fixed to a housing for accommodating the actuator, and the stator is configured to be fixed to the support unit as the support unit is fixed to the housing.
US07964995B2

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a wall plate system during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a wall plate system is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input. A wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s). The wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. If behavior of the current measuring system indicates that an outlet is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the outlet.
US07964993B2

Embodiments disclosed herein describe a network device including a class AB common mode suppression (CMS) circuit coupled in parallel between a line voltage source and a physical layer (PHY) device that provides active EMI suppression and Phy device termination. A network connector is coupled to provide the line voltage source to the class AB CMS circuit. The class AB CMS circuit provides current to the PHY device, terminates open-drain transmit drivers of the PHY device and suppresses common mode noise thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference. In other embodiments, the class AB CMS circuit is coupled in parallel between the network connector and a physical layer (PHY) device. The class AB CMS circuit suppresses common mode noise, and terminates open-drain transmit drivers of the PHY device, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference.
US07964974B2

An apparatus and method, the apparatus includes an electronic chip package including an electronic chip having a first and a second contact pad formed thereon, a first dielectric layer coupled to the electronic chip, a second dielectric layer coupled to the first dielectric layer such that a dielectric boundary lies therebetween, a first and a second cover pad positioned along the dielectric boundary, a metal interconnect formed along a first multi-layer via and coupled to the first cover pad and contact pad, and a metal interconnect formed along a second multi-layer via and coupled to the second cover pad and contact pad. The first multi-layer via extends through the second dielectric layer, the first cover pad, and the first dielectric layer to the first contact pad. The second multi-layer via extends through the second dielectric layer, the second cover pad, and the first dielectric layer to the second contact pad.
US07964970B2

By locally adapting the size and/or density of a contact structure, for instance, within individual transistors or in a more global manner, the overall performance of advanced semiconductor devices may be increased. Hence, the mutual interaction between the contact structure and local device characteristics may be taken into consideration. On the other hand, a high degree of compatibility with conventional process strategies may be maintained.
US07964969B2

A first insulating film is provided between a lower interconnect and an upper interconnect. The lower interconnect and the upper interconnect are connected to each other by way of a via formed in the first insulating film. A dummy via or an insulating slit is formed on/in the upper interconnect near the via.
US07964959B2

A semiconductor chip, a method of fabricating the same and a stacked package having the same are disclosed. The semiconductor chip includes a wafer, a semiconductor device disposed on the wafer, an insulating layer covering the semiconductor device and disposed on the wafer, a deep via formed to penetrate the wafer and the insulating layer, and a heat dissipation member spaced at a predetermined interval from the deep via and penetrating at least a portion of the insulating layer for dissipating heat generated by the deep via.
US07964951B2

A semiconductor device includes first and second stacked semiconductor dies on a substrate. A lid having a plurality of fins extending downwardly into the cavity is mounted on the substrate to encapsulate the semiconductor dies. At least some of the fins are longer than other ones of said fins. The lid is attached to the substrate, with the longer fins extending downwardly above a region of the substrate not occupied by the first die. The shorter fins extend downwardly above a region of said first die not covered by said second die. A thermal interface material fills the remainder of the cavity and is in thermal communication with both dies, the substrate and the fins. The lid may be molded from metal. The lid may be bonded to the topmost die, using a thermal bonding material that may be liquid metal, or the like.
US07964940B2

A chip package with asymmetric molding including a lead frame, a chip, an adhesive layer, bonding wires and an encapsulant, is provided. The lead frame includes a frame body and at least a turbulent plate. The frame body has inner lead portions and outer lead portions. The turbulent plate is bended upwards to form a bulge portion and the first end of the turbulent plate is connected to the frame body. The chip is fixed under the inner lead portions and the turbulent plate is located at one side of the chip. The adhesive layer is disposed between the chip and the inner lead portions, and the bonding wires are electrically connected between the chip and the corresponding inner lead portions, respectively. The encapsulant encapsulates at least the chip, the bonding wires, the inner lead portions, the adhesive layer and the turbulent plate.
US07964937B2

A multilayer dielectric substrate that mounts a semiconductor device in a cavity formed on a substrate. The multilayer dielectric substrate includes an opening formed in a surface-layer grounding conductor on the substrate in the cavity, and an impedance transformer, with a length of about ¼ of an in-substrate effective wavelength of a signal wave, electrically connected through the opening to the cavity. The multilayer dielectric substrate further includes a short-circuited end dielectric transmission line with a length of about ¼ of the in-substrate effective wavelength of the signal wave, a coupling opening formed on an inner-layer grounding conductor in a connecting section of the impedance transformer and the dielectric transmission line, and a resistor formed in the coupling opening.
US07964934B1

A fuse target is fabricated in a copper process by forming a number of copper targets at the same time that the copper traces are formed. After the copper targets and the copper traces have been formed, metal targets, such as aluminum targets, are formed on the copper targets at the same time that metal bonding pads, such as aluminum bonding pads, are formed on the copper traces.
US07964932B2

A rectenna capable of power conversion from electromagnetic (EM) waves of high frequencies is provided. In one embodiment, a rectenna element generates currents from two sources—based upon the power of the incident EM wave and from an n-type semiconductor, or another electron source attached to a maximum voltage point of an antenna element. The combined current from both sources increases the power output of the antenna, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity of the antenna of a low power signal. Full wave rectification is achieved using a novel diode connected to a gap in the antenna element of a rectenna element. The diode is conductive at forward bias voltage or reverse bias voltage, and rectifies the antenna signal generated by the desired EM wave received by antenna raise from The rectenna element of the present invention may be used as a building block to create large rectenna arrays.
US07964930B2

A semiconductor device includes a trench MOS barrier Schottky diode having an integrated PN diode and a method is for manufacturing same.
US07964924B2

A magneto-resistance effect device (1) includes a semiconductor region (2) having a surface provided with a plurality of isolated metal micro-particles (3) of not more than 100 μm disposed at intervals of not more than 1 μm, a semiconductor or half-metal cap layer (4) for covering the semiconductor region and a plurality of electrodes (5) disposed on a surface of the cap layer and separated from each other. The device exhibits a high magneto-resistance effect at room temperature, is highly sensible to a magnetic field and can be produced through a simple manufacturing process. The device is formed of a magneto-resistant material easy to match a semiconductor fabrication process. A magnetic field sensor using the device (1) has various excellent characteristics.
US07964917B2

A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first MIS transistors and a plurality of second MIS transistors formed on a semiconductor substrate and a liner insulating film applying stress along the gate length direction. Each of the first MIS transistors includes first L-shaped sidewalls each having an L-shaped cross-sectional shape, and each of the second MIS transistors includes second L-shaped sidewalls each having an L-shaped cross-sectional shape and outer sidewalls. The minimum thickness of a part of the liner insulating film located on each of second source/drain regions of the second MIS transistor is larger than the minimum thickness of a part thereof located on each of first source/drain regions of the first MIS transistor.
US07964916B2

A method for fabrication of 3D semiconductor devices utilizing a layer transfer and steps for forming transistors on top of a pre-fabricated semiconductor device comprising transistors formed on crystallized semiconductor base layer and metal layer for the transistors interconnections and insulation layer. The advantage of this approach is reduction of the over all metal length used to interconnect the various transistors.
US07964915B2

The invention provides a high voltage MOS transistor having a high source/drain breakdown voltage of about 300V and a low on-resistance. An N-type body layer is formed extending from a source layer side to under a gate electrode. A P-type second drift layer is formed in an epitaxial semiconductor layer by being diffused deeper than a first drift layer, extending from under the first drift layer to under the gate electrode and forming a PN junction with the body layer under the gate electrode. A surface of the body layer between this second drift layer and the source layer serves as a channel region. The first drift layer is formed at a distance from a left end of the gate electrode where electric field concentration easily occurs.
US07964907B2

Methods of forming a gate structure for an integrated circuit memory device include forming a first dielectric layer having a dielectric constant of under 7 on an integrated circuit substrate. Ions of a selected element from group 4 of the periodic table and having a thermal diffusivity of less than about 0.5 centimeters per second (cm2/s) are injected into the first dielectric layer to form a charge storing region in the first dielectric layer with a tunnel dielectric layer under the charge storing region. A metal oxide second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer. The substrate including the first and second dielectric layers is thermally treated to form a plurality of discrete charge storing nano crystals in the charge storing region and a gate electrode layer is formed on the second dielectric layer. Gate structures for integrated circuit devices and memory cells are also provided.
US07964906B2

A semiconductor device has a semiconductor layer, a plurality of charge-accumulating layers formed at a predetermined interval from each other on said semiconductor layer through a first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on said charge-accumulating layer, a control gate including a silicide film formed on said second insulating film, a third insulating film formed between said control gates so that the top surface of said third insulating film is lower than the top surface of said control gate but is higher than the top surface of said second insulating film, a fourth insulating film formed into a concave shape so as to cover the top surface of said third insulating film and the side surfaces of said control gate positioned higher than the top surface of said third insulating film, and a fifth insulating film formed on said control gate and said fourth insulating film.
US07964902B2

First diffusion region constituting a photodiode in each pixel stores carriers generated according to incident light. Second diffusion region is formed at a surface of the first diffusion region to cover a peripheral part of the first diffusion region. In the peripheral part of the first diffusion region, crystal defects tend to occur by a process of forming an isolation region and a gate electrode, so that dark current noise tends to occur. The second diffusion region functioning as a protection layer prevents crystal defects in a manufacturing process. The second diffusion region isn't formed on a center of the surface of the first diffusion region where crystal defects don't tend to occur. In the first diffusion region where the second diffusion region isn't formed, the thickness of a depletion layer increases, which improves light detection sensitivity. This improves detection sensitivity of the photodiode without increasing the dark current noise.
US07964897B2

A process flow for fabricating shallow trench isolation (STI) devices with direct body tie contacts is provided. The process flow follows steps similar to standard STI fabrication methods except that in one of the etching steps, body tie contacts are etched through the nitride layer and STI oxide layer, directly to the body tie. This process flow provides a direct body tie contact to mitigate floating body effects but also eliminates hysteresis and transient upset effects common in non-direct body tie contact configurations, without the critical alignment requirements and critical dimension control of the layout.
US07964894B2

An integrated circuit system that includes: a substrate including a source/drain region defined by a spacer; a gate over the substrate; a gate dielectric between the gate and the substrate; a recrystallized region within the gate and the source/drain region; and a channel exhibiting the characteristics of stress memorization.
US07964892B2

A light emitting device, comprises: a first semiconductor light emitting element; a second semiconductor light emitting element; a first metal member mounting on its top face the first semiconductor light emitting element; a second metal member mounting on its top face the second semiconductor light emitting element; and a resin package having on its top face a window through which light is taken off from the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element, wherein the second metal member is thinner around its peripheral edge than in its middle, and the rear face of the first metal member is facing the top face of the peripheral edge.
US07964889B2

Provided are a nitride-based light-emitting device including a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive oxide having a higher work function than indium tin oxide and a method of manufacturing the same. The nitride-based light-emitting device has a sequentially stacked structure of a substrate, an n-type clad layer, an active layer, a p-type clad layer, and an ohmic contact layer. The ohmic contact layer is formed as a film made of a transparent conductive oxide having a higher work function than indium tin oxide or as a film made of the transparent conductive oxide doped with a metal dopant. Therefore, ohmic contact characteristics with the p-type clad layer are enhanced, thereby ensuring excellent current-voltage characteristics. Furthermore, the high light transmittance of the transparent electrode can increase the emission efficiency of the device.
US07964876B2

By applying an AC pulse to a gate of a transistor which easily deteriorates, a shift in threshold voltage of the transistor is suppressed. However, in a case where amorphous silicon is used for a semiconductor layer of a transistor, the occurrence of a shift in threshold voltage naturally becomes a problem for a transistor which constitutes a part of circuit that generates an AC pulse. A shift in threshold voltage of a transistor which easily deteriorates and a shift in threshold voltage of a turned-on transistor are suppressed by signal input to a gate electrode of the transistor which easily deteriorates through the turned-on transistor. In other words, a structure for applying an AC pulse to a gate electrode of a transistor which easily deteriorates through a transistor to a gate electrode of which a high potential (VDD) is applied, is included.
US07964874B2

A semiconductor display device with an interlayer insulating film in which surface levelness is ensured with a limited film formation time, heat treatment for removing moisture does not take long, and moisture in the interlayer insulating film is prevented from escaping into a film or electrode adjacent to the interlayer insulating film. A TFT is formed and then a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film that transmits less moisture compared to organic resin film is formed so as to cover the TFT. Next, organic resin including photosensitive acrylic resin is applied and an opening is formed by partially exposing the organic resin film to light. The organic resin film where the opening is formed, is then covered with a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film which transmits less moisture than organic resin film does. Thereafter, the gate insulating film and the two layers of the nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating films are partially etched away in the opening of the organic resin film to expose the active layer of the TFT.
US07964867B2

The switching element of the present invention includes an ion conduction layer (40) capable of conducting metal ions, a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (31) provided in contact with the ion conduction layer (40), and a third electrode (35) provided in contact with the ion conduction layer (40) and capable of supplying metal ions, and is of a configuration in which the area over which the first electrode (21) contacts the ion conduction layer (40) is smaller than the area over which the second electrode (31) contacts the ion conduction layer (40). The use of this configuration decreases the leak current in the OFF state.
US07964859B2

A radiation-shielding material is made of hydrogen-filed glass microspheres embedded within a suitable binder and held within a suitable support structure. The shielding material can be customized to various radiation field environments by adding a metallic coating to the microspheres or adding metal to the binder. In addition, the microspheres can be filled with a combination of gases or supplemented by other microspheres filled with different gases to meet specific radiation shielding requirements.
US07964848B2

A technique and device provides absolute skin dosimetry in real time at multiple tissue depths simultaneously. The device uses a phoswich detector which has multiple scintillators embedded at different depths within a non-scintillating material. A digital pulse processor connected to the phoswich detector measures a differential distribution (dN/dH) of count rate N as function of pulse height H for signals from each of the multiple scintillators. A digital processor computes in real time from the differential count-rate distribution for each of multiple scintillators an estimate of an ionizing radiation dose delivered to each of multiple depths of skin tissue corresponding to the multiple scintillators embedded at multiple corresponding depths within the non-scintillating material.
US07964847B2

The invention relates to a system for illuminating an in-flight refueling operation involving a tanker aircraft (14) and a receiver aircraft (13), comprising: a generating device (2) for generating a light emission, substantially in a near infrared spectrum; a directing device (12) for directing the emission to define an emission envelope (15) containing a spatial range of in-flight refueling positions of the receiver aircraft (13) relative to the tanker aircraft (14); further comprising a collecting device (3) for collecting the light emission generated by the generating device (2) and means (5) for transmitting the light emission collected by the collecting device (3) to the directing device (12). The invention also relates to a method for illuminating an in-flight refueling operation involving a tanker aircraft (14) and a receiver aircraft (13), said method defining an emission envelope (15) which contains a spatial range of in-flight refueling positions of the receiver aircraft (13) relative to the tanker aircraft (14).
US07964839B1

Apparatus for optically testing LEDs or other light-emitting components in a wide variety of test environments and to the degree necessary pertinent to the type(s) of faults encountered. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more fiber optic probes coupled to a multi-mode sensor unit, incorporating a photo-sensor coupled to a processor which may be programmed to provide a variety of test modes including simple on/off testing, color determination, color matching, wavelength and relative intensity among others. An extremely high sensitivity test mode is also provided for testing LEDs which emit very low intensity light in the micro-candela range in products such as automobile/aircraft cockpit control panel lighted push-buttons for night-time viewing. The multi-mode sensor unit operates over a wide dynamic range and is capable of accurately testing LEDs that may be very dim to very bright without adjustment. In another embodiment, a voltage protection circuit is provided which enables the multi-mode sensor unit to safely operate from a supply voltage in the range of approximately 5 volts DC to approximately 40 volts DC while protecting the multi-mode sensor unit from a potentially damaging overvoltage condition. The voltage protection circuit also protects the multi-mode sensor unit against potential damage caused by reverse polarity voltage spikes, or accidental steady-state reverse polarity voltages.
US07964832B2

Disclosed is an evaluation device of an optical writing device, comprising: the optical writing device; a light reception section; a drive section; and a control section to light each light emitting element in a previously set lighting pattern based on a light amount; to drive the drive section to move the light reception section to a position opposite to the light emitting element to be lit; to calculate characteristic data based on a light amount value of the light received by the light reception section; to calculate a first calculation value based on the characteristic data for each light emitting element; to calculate a second calculation value different from the first calculation value based on the characteristic data; to calculate a third calculation value based on the first calculation value and the second calculation value; and to instruct the display section to display the third calculation value.
US07964828B2

A new type of microwave applicator has been disclosed. The applicator according to an embodiment of the invention makes use of an evanescent main power-transferring mode. This evanescent mode is complemented by a second mode, which is a propagating mode that has the purpose of providing a counter-directed magnetic field in the y-direction at the horizontal, y-directed applicator wall opening. The effect of the cooperation of the two applicator modes is that the field pattern extends over a significant distance below the applicator opening, such that a load placed below the applicator opening is heated by a field pattern of the mode combination.
US07964820B2

A method for accurately laser scribing lines on a panel utilising a laser beam scanner unit (13) including an optical system and a scanner lens. The unit (13) moves a laser beam (12) in a first direction (X), to scribe sections of lines (15) on the panel (11) that are a fraction of the total line length required and then moving the unit (13) continuously with respect to the panel (11) in a second direction (Y), perpendicular to the first direction (X), to form a band (16) of scribe lines. The scanner unit (13) is positioned so that the starting position of scribe lines in each band next to be processed overlap exactly the finishing position ends of scribe lines in the last band that has been processed so that all scribe lines interconnect. The method repeats the using and moving steps to form a plurality of parallel bands of scribe lines which cover the area of the panel.
US07964816B2

A current-interrupting chamber is filled with a dielectric fluid and includes a moving assembly. The moving assembly is mounted to move axially between a position at the start of a circuit-breaker opening operation and a position at the end of a circuit-breaker opening operation. The moving assembly has a first compression chamber whose volume decreases between the start position and a position in which the first chamber is open; a first arcing contact designed to co-operate with a second arcing contact; and a second compression chamber communicating with the first compression chamber. The volume of the second compression chamber decreases between the start position and the end position. The second compression chamber is designed to inject fluid into the first compression chamber, between the open position and the end position, when the pressure in the first chamber is lower than the pressure in the second chamber.
US07964812B1

A sealing device and method are disclosed for use in connection with a switch mounted upon a panel by a panel nut engaged with a threaded bushing projecting from the panel. A boot member of a resiliently flexible elastomeric material is placed over the switch and is secured by a mounting nut to the threaded bushing to establish a seal. An annular bearing member is interposed between the terminal end of the threaded bushing and a juxtaposed portion of the boot member so as to protect the juxtaposed portion from damage that might otherwise occur as a result of any direct contact between the terminal end of the threaded bushing and the juxtaposed portion of the boot member.
US07964810B2

A contact element for the intermittent contacting of conductor tracks on a circuit board, in particular, for flexible touchpads, for example for flexible input devices in the automobile industry, is made from a metal foam. The metal foam may be at least partly infiltrated by an elastomeric material which can also be the material of construction of the touchpad. The contact element has a very reliable construction which is particularly suitable for high voltage application. A method for production of the contact element, touchpads/input devices with such contact pads and the use of the contact pads is also provided.
US07964807B2

A pressure switch employs semiconductor silicon on insulator (SOI) technology and utilizes a first silicon wafer with a deflecting diaphragm having two metal contacts deposited thereon. Secured to the silicon wafer is a glass wafer having a central aperture defining a deflecting region. Positioned on the glass wafer is third metal contact positioned to receive the two contacts deposited on the silicon wafer when a predetermined pressure is applied. As predetermined pressure is applied, the contacts on the silicon wafer will touch the contact on the glass wafer and a connection will be made between the silicon wafer contacts to create a low impedance path between the two contacts.
US07964798B2

A high field/high voltage unit comprising at least one electrical component (4) and a solid insulating material (20) in the form of a first and a second piece part (10, 11) which form, in particular, hard foam half bodies and a method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The piece parts (10, 11) each have an inner structure comprising a plurality of preformed cavities (3) in which electrical components (4) are fixed. After assembly, the piece parts (10, 11) form a closed casing of the high field/high voltage unit so that no extra steel vessel is necessary. Conductive paths (5, 6) for the interconnection of the components are integrated into the insulating material (20) using for example an insert technology. Since several functions can thus be integrated into the solid insulating material (20), a simple solution for assembling and disassembling an oil/gas filled high field/high voltage unit like a high voltage generator for an X-ray tube is realized.
US07964793B2

The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications distribution cabinet having a cabinet housing in which a first swing frame and a second swing frame are pivotably mounted.
US07964789B2

A method is disclosed for passivating and contacting a surface of a germanium substrate. A passivation layer of amorphous silicon material is formed on the germanium surface. A contact layer of metal is then formed on the passivation. The structure is heated so that the germanium surface makes contact with the contact layer. Thus, a passivated germanium surface is disclosed, as well as a solar cell comprising such a structure.
US07964779B2

A celery cultivar, designated ADS-18, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar ADS-18, to the plants of celery cultivar ADS-18 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar ADS-18 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar ADS-18, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar ADS-18 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar ADS-18 with another celery cultivar.
US07964772B2

The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08270930. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08270930, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08270930 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08270930, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.
US07964764B2

A method of synthesizing hydrocarbons from smaller hydrocarbons includes the steps of hydrocarbon halogenation, simultaneous oligomerization and hydrogen halide neutralization, and product recovery, with a metal-oxygen cataloreactant used to facilitate carbon-carbon coupling. Treatment with air or oxygen liberates halogen and regenerates the cataloreactant.
US07964759B2

Disclosed is a method for producing 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne, which is characterized in that a base is reacted with (Z)-1-halogeno-3,3,3-trifluoropropene represented by formula [1]. It is possible by this production method to obtain 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne with high yield. Furthermore, since waste disposal is also easy, it is a production method that is industrially advantageous.
US07964758B2

There is provided a novel process for production of a 2-(substituted phenyl) -3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Disclosed is a process for production of a 2-(substituted phenyl)-3,3,3-trifluoropropene compound represented by the formula (7) or a salt thereof The process comprises reacting a compound represented by the formula (1) (X is an alkyl group, etc.) with a compound represented by the formula (2) (Y is a halogen atom, etc.) in the presence of a catalyst represented by the formula (3) (M is an ion of a metal belonging to Group 10 on the elementary periodic table which has an oxidation state number of 1 to 8; G is a unidentate or multidentate ligand; L is a phosphine compound represented by the formula (4) which is bound to the center metal M or is a carbene selected from those represented by the formulae (5) and (6), provided that L's may be same as or different from one another when a is 2 to 5; A represents a univalently or multivalently charged anion; b represents an integer of 1 to 3; a represents an integer of 1 to 5·b; c represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 4·b; and n represents an integer of 1 to 6).
US07964755B2

Process for the preparation of curcumin by condensation of vanillin with acetylacetone in the presence of boric acid and an aliphatic or araliphatic amine in a highly polar, aprotic solvent, under concomitant removal of water.
US07964754B2

Disclosed are a diimmonium salt and a near infrared ray absorption film including the same which is used for blocking the near infrared ray. The diimmonium salt for a near infrared ray absorption film is represented by Formula 1 of the specification, wherein, n is an integer of 1 or 2, R1 to R8 are independently a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched C1-C10 alkyl group, the substituent for the alkyl group is selected from the group consisting of a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, a sulfone group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 -C8 alkoxy, alkoxyalkoxy, acyloxy, or alkylamino group, and C6-C18 aryl or aryloxy group, and X is a substituted fluoro alkyl phosphate anion represented by Formula 2 of the specification, wherein, x is an integer of 0 or 1, y is an integer of 1, 2 or 3, z is an integer of 6-y, and R9 to R13 are independently a hydrogen atom (H) or a fluorine atom (F).
US07964752B2

A bifunctional compound containing an amino group and diaminedithiol ligand and a manufacturing method thereof are revealed, the bifunctional compound includes at least one amino group and a diaminedithiol (N2S2) ligand. The amino groups is for reacting with compounds containing carboxylic acids or halogens while the N2S2 ligand binds with technetium or rhenium so as to form an anion complex. The thiol group in the N2S2 ligand is protected by a protecting group for prevention of oxidation and easy storage. This protecting group is released easily during complex reactions. Due to the bifunctional property, the compound is applied to preparation of radiopharmaceuticals such as imaging agents and targeted agents.
US07964750B2

A method for synthesizing 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide or its derivatives has a step of introducing 6-chloro-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorin or its derivative, an acid compound and water into a reacting chamber to form an organic layer having 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide or its derivative and an aqueous layer. Because the acid compound is from an external source and has a catalyzing effect, employing the method can prevent side reaction from occurring and increase yield of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide or its derivative. Furthermore, the method is a one-pot operation of hydrolysis, dehydration and cyclization, so the method does not require purification of intermediates. Therefore, the method is time- and cost-saving and requires less organic solvent, resulting in less pollution to the environment.
US07964742B2

The present invention provides a process for preparation of 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-5-isobenzofuran carbonitrile comprising reacting a compound of formula IVa, in the presence of a base with a compound of formula RX, wherein R is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl which may be optionally substituted with electron withdrawing groups and X is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OTf and OR1, wherein Tf represents trifluoromethanesulfonyl group, and R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, Z is a cyano group or a group that may be converted to a cyano group; further wherein RX is selected such that an intermediate ether derivative, a compound of formula Va formed from said reaction cyclizes to a compound of formula VI, and where Z is not a cyano group, conversion of the group Z in the compound of formula VI to a cyano group to form 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-5-isobenzofuran carbonitrile. The present invention also provides novel ether compound, a compound of formula Va and a process for preparation thereof.
US07964739B2

The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of asenapine, i.e. trans-5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenz[2,3:6,7]oxepino[4,5-c]pyrrole, as well as to novel intermediate products for use in said process.
US07964738B2

Novel compositions of silicon-substituted carboxylic acid-containing-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, their preparation and use in methods for treating, preventing and/or reducing inflammation, pain, angiogenesis, and cortical dementias including Alzheimer's disease, inflammation-related cardiovascular disorders and cancer are described. The compositions and methods are effective at decreasing or reversing the gastrointestinal, renal and other toxicities resulting from the use of non-selective carboxylate-containing-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
US07964734B2

Raloxifene acid addition salts or solvates thereof, having improved dissolution properties in media comprising hydrochloric acid are described, compared with similar preparations based on raloxifene or raloxifene hydrochloride. The disclosed acid addition salts or solvates thereof show an improved bioavailability in media comprising hydrochloric acid, such as the gastric juice. The acid addition salts or solvates thereof are addition salts or solvates of raloxifene and a pharmaceutical acceptable acid selected among succinic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid or sulphuric acid. Further, crystalline forms of the raloxifene salts and solvates thereof are disclosed. The raloxifene acid addition salts and/or solvates thereof are useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical composition for oral administration capable of fast and reliable release of the active ingredients in the stomach of the patient, in particular for the treatment of cancer or osteoporosis, or for inhibiting cartilage degradation. A new method for preparation of raloxifene lactate is also disclosed.
US07964728B2

Azaindole derivatives of formula (I): wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification, are described. These compounds have a combination of partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonism and dopamine reuptake inhibition. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, to methods for preparing them, methods for preparing novel intermediates useful for their synthesis, methods for preparing compositions, and uses of such compounds and compositions, for example, their use in administering them to patients to achieve a therapeutic effect in disorders in which nicotinic receptors and/or dopamine transporters are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors.
US07964727B2

This invention provides a compound of the formula (I): wherein Het represents a heterocyclic group having one nitrogen atom, to which B binds directly, and from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, and said heterocyclic group being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 4 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of substituents α1; A represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; B represents a covalent bond or an alkylene group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R1 represents an isopropyl group, a n-propyl group or a cyclopentyl group; R2 represents a methyl group, a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom; R3 independently represents (i) an oxo group, a hydroxy group, an amino group, an alkylamino group or a carboxyl group; (ii) a cycloalkyl group having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and said cycloalkyl group being substituted by 1 to 5 substituents, or (iii) a heterocyclic group having from 3 to 8 atoms, and said heterocyclic group being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 substituents, and n is 1, 2 or 3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have 5-HT4 receptor agonistic activity, and thus are useful for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, non-ulcer dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome or the like in mammalian, especially humans.
US07964721B2

A mercury selective fluorescent chemosensor for detecting mercury ions by a compound represented by formula 1 and a novel fluorescent sensitive compound prepared by introducing two aminopyrene functions as a fluorescent sensitive moiety into a binding site of the compound of formula 1 is used for selectively detecting mercury ions are provided. The mercury selective fluorescent sensitive chemosensor is a switch type chemosensor having ON-OFF-type Hg2+-selective fluorescence quenching behavior and is not affected by other coexistent metal ions. Changes in fluorescence of the compounds of formula 1 were analyzed by ratiometric approach using monomer and excimer emissions of the pyrene fluorophore to selectively signal the concentration of mercury ions. The chemosensor can detect mercury ions in a micromolar unit even in a solution including an excess of water. Accordingly, the mercury selective fluorescent chemosensor for detecting mercury ions can be used effectively in environmental and medical applications.
US07964717B2

RNAi sequences that are useful as therapeutics in the treatment of cancers of various types, including prostate cancer, sarcomas such as osteosarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and melanoma; and Alzheimer's disease. These sequences target clusterin, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-2, both IGFBP-2 and -5 simultaneously, Mitf, and B-raf. The invention further provides for the use of these RNAi sequences in the treatment of cancers of various types, including prostate cancer, sarcomas such as osteosarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and melanoma; and Alzheimer's disease, and a method of treating such conditions through the administration of the RNA molecules with RNAi activity to an individual, including a human individual in need of such treatment.
US07964711B2

Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US07964705B2

This invention relates to humaneered anti-factor B antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof with reduced immunogenicity. The humaneered anti-factor B antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof are derived from murine monoclonal antibody 1379, which binds factor B in the third short consensus repeat (“SCR”) domain and selectively inhibits activation of the alternative complement pathway by preventing formation of the C3bBb complex. The invention also relates to methods of treating diseases or disorders in which activation of the alternative complement pathway plays a role, and methods of selectively inhibiting activation of the alternative complement pathway in an individual in need thereof.
US07964702B2

The invention provides a cyclomonomer having actin-binding activity. The cyclomonomer is of utility for the study of the molecular biology of actin polymerization. The cyclomonomer is also useful for the study of and treatment of the toxic effects of Amanita sp. poisoning.
US07964684B2

An antireflection film forming composition, includes: a polymerized product of Compound (I) having m number of RSi(O0.5)3 units, in which m stands for an integer of from 8 to 16, and Rs each independently represents a non-hydrolyzable group, with the proviso that at least two of Rs each represents a vinyl- or ethynyl-containing group, wherein each of the RSi(O0.5)3 units is linked to another RSi(O0.5)3 unit while having an oxygen atom in common and constitutes a cage structure, and wherein, of solids contained in the composition, the polymerized product obtained by a polymerization reaction of Compound (I) amounts to 60 mass % or greater and Compound (I) amounts to 15 mass % or less.
US07964681B2

A process is disclosed for the preparation of zinc alkyl chain growth products via a catalysed chain growth reaction of an alpha-olefin on a zinc alkyl, wherein the chain growth catalyst system employs a group 3-10 transition metal, or a group 3 main group metal, or a lanthanide or actinide complex, and optionally a suitable activator. The products can be further converted into alpha-olefins by olefin displacement of the grown alkyls as alpha-olefins from the zinc alkyl chain growth product, or into primary alcohols, by oxidation of the resulting zinc alkyl chain growth product to form alkoxide compounds, followed by hydrolysis of the alkoxides.
US07964675B2

A thermoplastic composition comprising recovered poly(arylene ether), less than or equal to 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition of a second recovered thermoplastic that gives off greater than or equal to 10 percent by mass of volatiles at a processing temperature for the thermoplastic composition; 0.025 to 4.0 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition, of a third recovered thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate/polyester blend and combinations of two or more of the foregoing third recovered thermoplastics, wherein combinations of two or more of the foregoing third recovered thermoplastics are present in an amount of less than or equal to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition; and an optional virgin thermoplastic.
US07964674B2

A hydrogenated copolymer obtained by hydrogenating an unhydrogenated copolymer comprising conjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic monomer units, the hydrogenated copolymer containing at least one hydrogenated copolymer block (B) which is obtained by hydrogenating an unhydrogenated random copolymer block comprised of conjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic monomer units, wherein the hydrogenated copolymer has the following characteristics: the hydrogenated copolymer has a content of the vinyl aromatic monomer units of from more than 40% by weight to less than 95% by weight; at least one peak of loss tangent (tan δ) is observed at −10 to 80° C. in a dynamic viscoelastic spectrum obtained with respect to the hydrogenated copolymer; and substantially no crystallization peak ascribed to the copolymer block (B) is observed at −20 to 80° C. in a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) chart obtained with respect to the hydrogenated copolymer.
US07964673B2

A proton-conducting polymer comprises a main chain and a plurality of branched side chains extending radially therefrom. The branched side chains are each bonded to a proton-conducting salt at the end. In the proton-conducting polymer, the salts can be circumscribed by a virtual circle having a center on the cross-sectional center of the main chain such that a radial direction of the virtual circle is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the main chain. Thus, the proton-conducting polymer has a substantially cylindrical structure, and the salts are located on the peripheral wall of the substantially cylindrical structure. Protons are transferred between the adjacent salts, so that a conduction channel is formed on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure.
US07964670B2

The present invention relates to a film comprising a composition of an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is for example a styrene or a polyolefin based thermoplastic elastomer. Preferably the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyolefin based thermoplastic elastomer comprising a polyolefin and a rubber in which the rubber is dynamically vulcanized by the use of a curing agent. The ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer has a density from about 0.88 to about 0.91 g/cm3 and comprises from 90-65 parts by weight ethylene and from 10-35 parts by weight of an alpha-olefin having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The film comprises a composition with from 35-80 parts by weight of the ethylene/alpha-olef in copolymer and 65-20 parts by weight of the dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer wherein said parts by weight are based upon 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer and the thermoplastic elastomer. The invention further relates to the use of the film in diapers, bandages, gloves, surgical drapes, hospital linens, diaper waistbands, site panel composites and site tabs.
US07964667B2

An elastomer blend is made by admixing fluoroelastomer and fluorinated silicone polymer (with optional filler and/or conductive particulate) into a polymeric admixture in weight ratios to provide a low vaporous hydrocarbon permeation rate and high thermal strain value in thermally robust elastomer cured from the blend. The blend is of especial use for making gaskets for use in high stress conditions at elevated operating temperatures.
US07964638B2

The present invention is to provide skin cosmetics and anti-wrinkle agents which are excellent in reducing effect on wrinkle caused by photoaging. Skin cosmetics and anti-wrinkle agents which comprise isosorbide represented by the following formula (1).
US07964636B2

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inactivator of protein arginine deiminase 4 is disclosed. The inactivator includes: (I) and x includes F; Cl, and H, y includes OH and NH2, R includes H, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alknyl group, and n is greater than 0.
US07964633B2

Compounds of formula (I) as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein L, R1, R2, m and n have the meaning given in claim 1 and which can be used in the form of pharmaceutical compositions.
US07964626B2

The present invention provides a process for producing N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole, comprising: reacting phosgene, diphosgene, or triphosgene with imidazole in an inert solvent to produce N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole; to imidazole hydrochloride yielded as a by-product in the above step, adding a gaseous or liquid basic compound represented by the below-shown general formula (1) in an inert solvent to conduct neutralization reaction; and circulating the imidazole thus generated to use it as a starting material for N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole production.In the general formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. The CDI produced by the production process of the invention is a compound useful in the fields of synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, synthesis of agricultural chemicals, peptide synthesis, and the like, e.g., intermolecular condensation reactions, intramolecular condensation reactions for synthesizing N-carboxylic anhydrides, production of activated esters, and the like. The compound is especially suitable for use in applications where colorlessness is required.
US07964620B2

The present invention relates to imidazole derivatives of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and R are described hereinabove, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the imidazole derivatives of formula I, a process for preparing a compound of formula I, and a method of treating or preventing acute and/or chronic neurological disorder comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment and/or prevention a therapeutically effective amount of said pharmaceutical composition. These disorders include Alzheimer's disease. These disorders also include mild cognitive impairment.
US07964614B2

The invention involves methods for characterizing an individual's risk profile of developing a future cardiovascular disorder by obtaining a level of the marker of systemic inflammation in the individual. The invention also involves methods for evaluating the likelihood that an individual will benefit from treatment with an agent for reducing the risk of future cardiovascular disorder.
US07964612B2

The present invention provides for compounds of Formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 have any of the values defined therefor in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are useful as therapeutic agents in the treatment of TGFβ-mediated conditions, including cancer and fibrotic disorders. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I.
US07964607B2

The invention provides PDE9-inhibiting compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of Formula I, and uses thereof in treating neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, are also provided.
US07964605B2

The present invention relates to a novel piperazine derivative or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a process for preparing the same, a pharmaceutical composition for treating central nervous system diseases comprising an effective amount of the piperazine compound and a method of treating central nervous system (CNS) disorder such as psychosis in a mammal.
US07964600B2

The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), activation of nAChRs, and the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain. Further, this invention relates to novel compounds for example, indoles, 1H-indazoles, 1,2-benzisoxazoles, and 1,2-benzisothiazoles, which act as ligands for the α7 nAChR subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of use thereof.
US07964592B2

Novel pyrimidine derivatives of formula I to process for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US07964589B2

Mixtures of at least two active principles, of which at least one is the sodium salt, are precipitated from an organic solution containing the same active principles in salified or non-salified acid form.
US07964577B2

Provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. An example of a cancer treated by the present method is prostate cancer. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.
US07964576B2

The present invention provides methods of selecting and uses of anti-arthropod vector vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis. The present invention also provides compositions for vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis.
US07964575B2

The present invention relates to an RNAi molecule suitable for reducing the expression of galectin-1 containing any of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-33, and preferably the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, or 4, and to the use thereof as a medicament, or for the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or for delaying the progression of cancer, preferably glioma, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The present invention also relates to compositions and methods for treating and for delaying the progression of cancer, preferably glioma, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, for reducing the migration of tumor cells, preferably cells of glioma, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and/or for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies for the treatment of cancer, preferably glioma, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, selected from the group comprising chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or gene therapy.
US07964563B2

The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.
US07964557B2

The present invention provides new methods of treating wet type of age related macular degeneration by administering adiponectin (APN) or a functional fragment derived therefrom. One of the pathological complications of age related macular degeneration (AMD) is choroidal angiogenesis or choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The inventors discovered that the level of APN expression is significantly lower in the choroids of the laser-induced mouse model of choroidal angiogenesis or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) than that of the control mice and that administration of recombinant adiponectin (rAPN) or a peptide derived from the globular domain of the intact APN protein to the mouse model of CNV reduced the size of CNV significantly. These studies are the first to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of adiponectin on choroidal angiogenesis and thus provide the basis for treating a condition or disease involving angiogenesis, particularly age related macular degeneration, with administration of adiponectin.
US07964556B1

Antimicrobial agent including an artificially synthesized antimicrobial peptide that does not occur naturally is provided by present invention. The peptide included in the antimicrobial agent includes 1 unit, 2 units or more units of sequence(s) or sequence(s) with partial modification, the sequence(s) composed of at least 6 contiguous amino acid residues selected from any one of amino acid sequences: (a) KVQIINKK; (b) SVQIVYKP; (c) QVEVKSEK; (d) KKVAVVRT; (e) KKVAIIRT; (f) KKPTSAK, and the total number of amino acid residues included in 1 unit, 2 units or more units of sequence(s) is 30% or more of the total number of amino acid residues constituting the peptide chain.
US07964544B2

A cleaning composition concentrate includes about 0.05 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of a surfactant component, about 0.01 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a dispersant component, and about 0.001 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a sheeting agent component, wherein the composition comprises less than about 0.1 wt. % volatile organic compound exhibiting a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20° C. The cleaning composition can be provided as a use composition as a result of diluting the cleaning composition concentrate with water of dilution at a dilution ratio of cleaning composition concentrate to water of dilution of about 1:1. A method for preparing a cleaning composition is disclosed.
US07964542B2

Liquid compositions containing a specific hindered phenol or a hindered phenol in combination with an aromatic phosphite are provided which are used as a thermal interface between a heatsink and a chip during a test procedure for electronic components which compositions enhance the thermal conductivity between the heatsink and the chip, are easily removed from the heatsink and the chip after the test procedure without any deleterious residue and which allow the use of high temperatures for extended periods during the test procedure without any significant degradation of the composition. A method for using the compositions in electronic component test procedures such as burn-in procedures is also provided.
US07964541B2

Composition comprising 0.001-4.999 parts by mass of an organic onium salt e.g. tetraoctylammonium•bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide of formula (I): wherein Z is N or P, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently C4-C20-hydrocarbon, providing that the ratio of the number of carbons of a group having the largest number of carbons to the number of carbons of a group having the smallest number of carbons in R1, R2, R3 and R4 is 2 or less, X− is an anion of formula (II): A1-N−-A2  (II) wherein A1 and A2 are each independently fluoroacyl, and 0.001-4.999 parts by mass of a C8-C25-fatty acid based on 100 parts by mass of a hydrocarbon solvent, the total amount of the organic onium salt and the fatty acid being 0.01-5 parts by mass. The composition maintains high productivity without causing breakdown or reduction in reliability caused by charge in the step of finally polishing a magnetic head.
US07964534B2

The invention provides a method for identifying a ligand that binds to a macromolecular target. The methods involve (a) attaching an antenna moiety to a first ligand, wherein the ligand binds specifically to a macromolecular target; (b) providing a sample comprising the macromolecular target, the first ligand and a candidate second ligand under conditions wherein the first ligand and the macromolecular target form a bound complex; (c) detecting a subset of magnetization transfer signals between the antenna moiety of the first ligand and the second candidate ligand, wherein the signals are obtained from an isotope edited NOESY spectrum of the sample; thereby determining that the two ligands are proximal in a bound complex, and identifying a second ligand that binds to the macromolecular target.
US07964531B2

A compound represented by the formula: [wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, etc., R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, etc., R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substitutable alkyl group, a substitutable alkenyl group, alkynyl group, a substitutable cycloalkyl group, etc., or R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 may form a ring which may be substituted, which is formed by the adjacent two of them with carbon atoms to which the respective substituents are bonded, m and n each independently represent 0 or 1.] a salt thereof, an ester derivative thereof and an agricultural chemical containing the same as an effective ingredient, and a herbicidal composition containing the compound and a second herbicidally active compound as effective ingredients.
US07964529B2

Disclosed herein is an improved pan agglomeration process for forming porous absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter. The process eliminates the need for a pre-wetting step, while forming agglomerates that are up to 65% lighter in weight than the raw material feed. In addition, the agglomerates can incorporate performance-enhancing actives, such as odor-controlling carbon.
US07964526B2

A method for preparing a bulk multi-metallic suitable for hydrotreating heavy oil feeds is provided. In the process of preparing the catalyst precursor which is subsequently sulfided to form the bulk catalyst, a catalyst precursor filter cake is treated with at least a chelating agent, resulting in a catalyst precursor with optimum porosity with at least 90% of the pores being macropores, and having a total pore volume of at least 0.12 g/cc.
US07964516B2

A method for using a film formation apparatus includes, in order to inhibit metal contamination: performing a cleaning process using a cleaning gas on an inner wall of a process container and a surface of a holder with no productive target objects held thereon; and then, performing a coating process of forming a silicon nitride film by alternately supplying a silicon source gas and a nitriding gas to cover with the silicon nitride film the inner wall of the process container and the surface of the holder with no productive target objects held thereon.
US07964511B2

A plasma ashing method is used for removing a patterned resist film in a processing chamber after etching a portion of a low-k film from an object to be processed in the processing chamber by using the patterned resist film as a mask. The method includes a first step of supplying a reaction product removal gas including at least CO2 gas into the processing chamber, generating plasma of the reaction product removal gas by applying a high frequency power for the plasma generation, and removing reaction products deposited on an inner wall of the processing chamber; and a second step of supplying an ashing gas into the processing chamber, generating plasma of the ashing gas by applying a high frequency power for the plasma generation, and removing the resist film.
US07964505B2

Embodiments of the invention provide an improved process for depositing tungsten-containing materials. The process utilizes soak processes and vapor deposition processes, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) to provide tungsten films having significantly improved surface uniformity and production level throughput. In one embodiment, a method for forming a tungsten-containing material on a substrate is provided which includes positioning a substrate within a process chamber, wherein the substrate contains an underlayer disposed thereon, exposing the substrate sequentially to a tungsten precursor and a reducing gas to deposit a tungsten nucleation layer on the underlayer during an ALD process, wherein the reducing gas contains a hydrogen/hydride flow rate ratio of about 40:1, 100:1, 500:1, 800:1, 1,000:1, or greater, and depositing a tungsten bulk layer on the tungsten nucleation layer. The reducing gas contains a hydride compound, such as diborane, silane, or disilane.
US07964502B2

A method for forming a through substrate via (TSV) comprises forming an opening within a substrate. An adhesion layer of titanium is formed within the via opening, a nucleation layer of titanium nitride is formed over the adhesion layer, and a tungsten layer is deposited over the nucleation layer, the tungsten layer having a thickness less than or equal to a critical film thickness sufficient to provide for film integrity and adhesion stability. A stress relief layer of titanium nitride is formed over the tungsten layer and a subsequent tungsten layer is deposited over the stress relief layer. The subsequent tungsten layer has a thickness less than or equal to the critical film thickness. The method further includes planarizing to expose the interlevel dielectric layer and a top of the TSV and backgrinding a bottom surface of the substrate sufficient to expose a bottom portion of the TSV.
US07964501B2

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a first landing plug and a second landing plug. A bit line is formed over the semiconductor substrate. The bit line is electrically coupled to the first landing plug. A stacked structure of an etch stop film and an interlayer insulating film is deposited over the semiconductor substrate including the bit line. The stacked structure is selectively etched using a contact mask to form a contact hole having an upper part that is wider than a lower part of the contact hole. The contact hole exposes the second landing plug. A contact plug is formed over the contact hole. The contact plug is electrically coupled to the second landing plug.
US07964498B2

A phase-change memory device and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a switching device, a phase-change layer formed on the semiconductor substrate having the switching device to change a phase thereof as the switching device is driven, and a bottom electrode contact in contact with the switching device through a first contact area and in contact with the phase-change layer through a second contact area, which is smaller than the first contact area.
US07964497B2

Improved high aspect ratio vias and techniques for the formation thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a copper plated high aspect ratio via is provided. The method comprises the following steps. A high aspect ratio via is etched in a dielectric layer. A diffusion barrier layer is deposited into the high aspect ratio via and over one or more surfaces of the dielectric layer. A copper layer is deposited over the diffusion barrier layer. A ruthenium layer is deposited over the copper layer. The high aspect ratio via is filled with copper plated onto the ruthenium layer. A copper plated high aspect ratio via formed by this method is also provided.
US07964496B2

A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate; forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate; embedding a conductive wiring into the low-k dielectric layer; and thermal soaking the conductive wiring in a carbon-containing silane-based chemical to form a barrier layer on the conductive wiring. A lining barrier layer is formed in the opening for embedding the conductive wiring. The lining barrier layer may comprise same materials as the barrier layer, and the lining barrier layer may be recessed before forming the barrier layer and may contain a metal that can be silicided.
US07964480B2

A method of processing a polycrystalline film on a substrate includes generating laser pulses, directing the laser pulses through a mask to generate patterned laser beams, each having a length l′, a width w′, and a spacing between adjacent beams d′; irradiating a region of the film with the patterned beams, said beams having an intensity sufficient to melt and to induce crystallization of the irradiated portion of the film, wherein the film region is irradiated n times; and after irradiation of each film portion, translating the film and/or the mask, in the x- and y-directions. The distance of translation in the y-direction is about l′/n-δ, where δ is a value selected to overlap the beamlets from one irradiation step to the next. The distance of translation in the x-direction is selected such that the film is moved a distance of about λ′ after n irradiations, where λ′=w′+d′.
US07964478B2

Disclosed is a group III nitride compound semiconductor device having a substrate, buffer layers on the substrate, and a group III nitride compound semiconductor layer on the top layer of the buffer layers. The buffer layers comprises a first buffer layer formed on the substrate and a second buffer layer formed on the first buffer layer. The first buffer layer is made of transition metal nitride, and the second buffer layer is made of nitride of gallium and a transition metal.
US07964477B2

Affords III-nitride crystals having a major surface whose variance in crystallographic plane orientation with respect to an {hkil} plane chosen exclusive of the {0001} form is minimal. A method of manufacturing the III-nitride crystal is one of: conditioning a plurality of crystal plates (10) in which the deviation in crystallographic plane orientation in any given point on the major face (10m) of the crystal plates (10), with respect to an {hkil} plane chosen exclusive of the {0001} form, is not greater than 0.5°; arranging the plurality of crystal plates (10) in a manner such that the plane-orientation deviation, with respect to the {hkil} plane, in any given point on the major-face (10m) collective surface (10a) of the plurality of crystal plates (10) will be not greater than 0.5°, and such that at least a portion of the major face (10m) of the crystal plates (10) is exposed; and growing second III-nitride crystal (20) onto the exposed areas of the major faces (10m) of the plurality of crystal plates (10).
US07964465B2

A structure formation method. First, a structure is provided including (a) a fin region comprising (i) a first source/drain portion having a first surface and a third surface parallel to each other, not coplanar, and both exposed to a surrounding ambient, (ii) a second source/drain portion having a second surface and a fourth surface parallel to each other, not coplanar, and both exposed to the surrounding ambient, and (iii) a channel region disposed between the first and second source/drain portions, (b) a gate dielectric layer, and (c) a gate electrode region, wherein the gate dielectric layer (i) is sandwiched between, and (ii) electrically insulates the gate electrode region and the channel region. Next, a patterned covering layer is used to cover the first and second surfaces but not the third and fourth surfaces. Then, the first and second source/drain portions are etched at the third and fourth surfaces, respectively.
US07964464B2

A device isolation film is formed in a semiconductor substrate at a border portion between a first region and a second region for defining a first active region in the first region and a second active region in the second region. A gate insulating film and a gate electrode is formed over the semiconductor substrate in the first region. A first photoresist film covering the second region and having an opening exposing the first active region and having an edge on the border portion of the opening positioned nearer the second active region than a middle of the device isolation film is formed over the semiconductor substrate with the gate electrode. Impurity ions are implanted from a direction tilted from a normal direction of the semiconductor substrate with the first photoresist film and the gate electrode as a mask to form pocket regions in the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate electrodes.
US07964460B2

A CMOS device includes high k gate dielectric materials. A PMOS device includes a gate that is implanted with an n-type dopant. The NMOS device may be doped with either an n-type or a p-type dopant. The work function of the CMOS device is set by the material selection of the gate dielectric materials. A polysilicon depletion effect is reduced or avoided.
US07964459B2

A method for creating a non-volatile memory array includes implanting pocket implants in a substrate at least between mask columns of a given width and at least through an ONO layer covering the substrate, generating increased-width polysilicon columns from the mask columns, generating bit lines in the substrate at least between the increased-width polysilicon columns and depositing oxide at least between the polysilicon columns.
US07964455B2

The method includes the steps of forming a gate insulating film over a first conductivity-type layer surface of a semiconductor substrate, implanting a second conductivity-type impurity into the first conductivity-type layer located on both sides adjacent to a conductive layer forming predetermined region, forming a conductive layer over the gate insulating film surface located to cover the first conductivity-type layer surface with no impurity implanted therein and the partial regions surface of the pair of low-concentration diffusion layers adjacent to the first conductivity-type layer, implanting a second conductivity-type impurity into regions uncovered with the conductive layer, of the pair of low-concentration diffusion layers to contact source and drain electrodes, and forming slits to divide regions lying on the sides of the high-concentration diffusion layers, each of which is provided to contact at least the drain electrode of the conductive layer located over the low-concentration diffusion layers, into two respectively.
US07964453B2

The manufacturing methodology to produce polycrystalline silicon in time and cost efficient manner uses a spatially selective crystallization approach to greatly reduce the amount of energy delivered to the work surface. The amorphous silicon film is subjected to laser radiation substantially exclusively at localized areas where TFTs are to be formed. The source of radiation is a copper vapor laser which produces a highly stable radiation in a visible spectrum with an energy sufficient to convert amorphous silicon into polysilicon in 1-3 shots. The optic system delivers the homogenized, conditioned and focused laser beam to the area of interest in a controlled manner. Single or multi-laser beam arrangements, as well as different shapes and sizes of laser beam spots are contemplated.
US07964452B2

As a substrate gets larger, time of manufacture is increased due to the repetition of film formations and etchings; waste disposal costs of etchant and the like are increased; and material efficiency is significantly reduced. A base film for improving adhesion between a substrate and a material layer formed by a droplet discharge method is formed in the invention. Further, a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device according to the invention includes at least one step for forming the following patterns required for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device without using a photomask: a pattern of a material layer typified by a wiring (or an electrode) pattern, an insulating layer pattern; or a mask pattern for forming another pattern.
US07964448B2

This application relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: providing a metal carrier; placing the metal carrier into a mold for forming a molded structure holding the metal carrier; segmenting the metal carrier into at least two disconnected metal carrier segments; and attaching a semiconductor chip to the molded structure.
US07964439B2

The invention provides a method of depositing a layer of a conductive material, e.g. metal, metal oxide or electroconductive polymer, from a patterned stamp, preferably a soft, elastomeric stamp, to a substrate after an organic layer has been transferred from a patterned stamp to an organic layer over the substrate. The patterned metal or organic layer may be used for example, in a wide range of electronic devices. The present methods are particularly suitable for nanoscale patterning of organic electronic components.
US07964437B2

A memory cell device of the type that includes a memory material switchable between electrical property states by application of energy, situated between first and second (“bottom” and “top”) electrodes has a top electrode including a larger body portion and a stem portion. The memory material is disposed as a layer over a bottom electrode layer, and a base of the stem portion of the top electrode is in electrical contact with a small area of the surface of the memory material. Methods for making the memory cell are described.
US07964418B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer is provided. In a first deposition during a first period of time, at least one Group IIIA element and at least one Group VIA element are deposited on a substrate or on a layer optional disposed on the substrate such as a back-electrode. During a second deposition during a second period of time, at least one Group IB element and the at least one group VIA element are deposited on the substrate or the optional layer. The one Group IB element combines with the Group VIA element to form a IB2VIA composition. A first deposition state is monitored, during the second deposition by making a first plurality of measurements of a first deposition state. The second deposition is terminated or attenuated based on a function of the first plurality of measurements of the indicia of the first deposition state.
US07964417B2

A method of measuring a degree of crystallinity of a polycrystalline silicon substrate includes obtaining a Raman spectrum graph by irradiating a polycrystalline silicon substrate with a laser beam; and calculating a degree of crystallinity of the polycrystalline silicon substrate from the Raman spectrum graph using the following formula: (degree of crystallinity)=(area of polycrystalline peak)/[(area of amorphous peak)+(area of polycrystalline peak)].
US07964416B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing an organic EL display which includes a substrate having a TFT therein and a plurality of organic EL elements disposed on the substrate, each of the organic EL elements having a first electrode disposed on the substrate, an organic layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the organic layer, the method including: providing the substrate having the TFT therein; forming the first electrode connected to the TFT on the substrate; forming the organic layer on the first electrode; detecting a foreign substance introduced in the organic layer; forming a groove which surrounds the foreign substance in the organic layer; and forming the second electrode on the organic layer, the second electrode being separated by the groove from a region surrounded by the groove.
US07964412B2

An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.
US07964411B2

A sample concentrator for concentrating analytes in a solvent-containing liquid sample stream, including concentrator housing having a sample stream flow channel and a gas stream flow channel having an inlet and an outlet, a heater for gas in the gas stream conduit, and a hydrophilic ion exchange or non-ionic membrane barrier separating said gas stream flow channel and said sample stream flow channel. Solvent is evaporated from the liquid sample stream in said sample stream flow channel in or at the interface with said membrane, when the gas stream is at an elevated temperature. A regeneration step is used to regenerate the ion exchange membrane barrier.
US07964405B2

Method for the production of young plants and/or micro-parent stock of 5 herbaceous ornamentals. Method for the production of young plants and/or of micro-parent stock of herbaceous ornamentals, which comprises an in vitro culture phase during which explants obtained from parent stock of species to be propagated, or derivatives of these explants, are subjected to micropropagation which is carried out under suitable conditions and on suitable culture media, in order to produce microplantlets which, when subjected to an in vivo culture phase, are intended to develop into plants or into micro-parent stock, characterized in that, to carry out said micropropagation: the explants are, under axenic conditions, in the dark and for a suitable period of time, placed on a proliferation medium which is composed to suit each plant species to be propagated, so as to induce the formation of white filaments which comprise axillary buds, each of the white filaments is divided into a plurality of pieces, each of 20 which comprises an axillary bud, and said pieces are, in the light, under axenic conditions and for a suitable period of time, placed into a rooting medium, which allows each axillary bud to produce a micro-plantlet which has roots.
US07964393B2

The present invention relates to a novel constitutive promoter of plant, particularly to a putative lipase promoter Lip3 derived from Arabidopsis, a method for isolating the same, a recombinant expression vector containing the same and a use of the same for improving traits of a farm product. The constitutive promoter of the present invention can be applied to induce a constitutive gene expression such as herbicide resistance gene and reporter gene, because it can express a foreign gene regardless of its expression site. In addition, it can be widely used to develop a transgenic plant improving its useful trait.
US07964392B2

A culture container and a method of culture which do not require a plurality of incubators in a case where a plurality of cells of different kinds which like different gas concentrations should be cultured simultaneously.A culture double container 1 comprises a gas-permeable culture container 2 having an inlet and an outlet 6, a gas-impermeable container 3 covering the culture container 2, and joint portions 12 and 13 for holding the culture container 2 in the gas-impermeable container 3 in such a manner that space is defined between the culture container 2 and the gas-impermeable container 3. The culture double container 1 receives gas controlled in its composition in the space defined houses the culture container 2 and the gas-impermeable container 3 during culture of cell or micro-organism.
US07964364B2

The present invention relates to a method of isolating cells from a sample which method comprises binding said cells to a solid support by means of a non-specific ligand immobilised on said solid support, particularly to a method of isolating microorganisms from a sample. Preferred ligands for use in such methods include carbohydrates and derivatives thereof. Also described is a kit for isolating microorganisms from a sample comprising: (a) a solid support having immobilised thereon a ligand which is capable of non-specific binding to microorganisms; (b) means for binding microorganisms to said solid support; optionally (c) means for lysing said cells; and optionally (d) means for binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to a solid support.
US07964356B2

The present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. This invention relates to the field of diagnostic histology, cytology, histopathology, and cytopathology methods and reagents for the detection of various disease states. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of aptamers in histologic, cytologic, histopathic, and/or cytopathic diagnostic methods. Aptamers may be provided that react with specific target molecules contained within a histological or cytological sample. Aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more target. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected. Aptamers may be used to introduce target specific signal moieties. Antigen retrieval methods may be applied to the sample prior to reaction with the specific aptamer/s to improve interaction of the aptamer and target within the sample. Or aptamers may be developed for the specific target that eliminates the need for the antigen retrieval process. In addition to target identification, aptamers may be used to amplify signal generation through a variety of methods.
US07964342B2

The present invention provides CpG islands and GC rich regions and methods for identifying methylation states for these CpG islands and GC rich regions. The present invention also provides methods for identifying genes regulated by these CpG islands and GC rich regions, and provides methods for identifying a population of CpG islands and GC rich regions in a genome.
US07964341B2

The invention relates to the discovery of a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) family, Type I HERV-K (HML-2) which appear to be active in vitro and in vivo, infectious, and which have the have the salient features and properties of foamy retroviruses. Based on its natural replication in humans, and that it protects the host from viral and tumor transformation, this non-pathogenic endogenous virus could be developed as a replication competent gene therapy vector. It also is expected to have much higher efficacy than other vectors as it crosses the bloodbrain barrier and infects almost all cell types in the host (proliferating or not). It may naturally lyse tumor cells or infected cells, and thus could even be used without genetic modification. Of course, this vector could be used in traditional ways with it ability to replicate genetically removed. In addition to its value as a vector, as it is reactivated with infection, its detection could also be used to monitor the safety of gene therapy (irrespective of vector type used), as well as other biological therapies including vaccination, blood transfusion, transplantation and xenotransplantation. Finally it may be used to screen for new therapeutic and prophylactic treatments for a wide variety of diseases.
US07964339B2

A method for storing and using platelets and an associated platelet structure. At least one modified platelet is formed. Each modified platelet includes a platelet and at least one polymerated chemical. Each polymerated chemical includes a polymer covalently bonded directly to the platelet or includes the polymer and a linker molecule such that the linker molecule is covalently bonded to the platelet and the polymer is covalently attached to the linker molecule. The polymer of each polymerated chemical of each modified platelet is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG derivative. Forming each modified platelet does not include modifying the platelet membrane of each platelet with a glycan-modifying agent. The at least one modified platelet is stored in a temperature range below 20° C. for at least one hour. After being stored, the at least one modified platelet may be introduced into a mammal.
US07964337B2

An optical recording medium wherein characters can be easily recognized on an optical disk irradiated with a light through a light transmitting layer and a method of producing the same are provided. In an optical disk of a type that an optical recording layer is irradiated with a light through a light transmitting protective layer, dealing with a larger capacity, wherein one main surface of a medium substrate 15 is divided to a signal portion SG and a character portion CA, a signal portion uneven shape (15p) is formed on the signal portion SG and a character portion uneven shape (15p) is formed on the character portion CA, and depths of the signal portion uneven shape and the character portion uneven shape are 25 nm or less. Here, it is configured that characters are recorded to be able to be read as normal characters when looking from the medium substrate 15 side (Y-direction) by outlines of a region formed with the character portion uneven shape on the character portion CA.
US07964320B2

The invention discloses an adhesion agent composition comprising at least one C3-C200 olefin compound having at least one metathesis active double bond, wherein the olefin is substituted or unsubstituted; and at least one compatibilizing functionality for interacting with a substrate surface. The substrate surface can be any surface, for example, silicate glasses, silicate minerals, metals, metal alloys, ceramics, natural stones, plastics, carbon, silicon, and semiconductors. The invention also discloses articles of manufacture utilizing these adhesion agents as well as methods for adhering a polyolefin to a substrate surface.
US07964311B2

A lithium ion secondary battery is provided. The lithium ion secondary battery generally comprises an electrode assembly, a container for accommodating the electrode assembly; and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly comprises two electrodes having opposite polarities and a separator. The separator comprises a porous membrane comprising clusters of ceramic particles. The porous membrane is formed by bonding the particle clusters with a binder. Each particle cluster is formed either by sintering or by dissolving and re-crystallizing all or a portion of the ceramic particles. The ceramic particles comprise a ceramic material having a band gap. Each particle cluster may have the shape of a grape bunch or a lamina, and may be formed by laminating scale or flake shaped ceramic particles.
US07964309B2

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell that has high capacity and excellent cycle characteristic while preventing cell swelling is provided. The positive electrode of the cell has, as the positive electrode active material, lithium nickel composite oxide represented by LixNi1-yMyOz where 0.9
US07964306B2

A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a can containing the electrode assembly, a cap plate coupled to the top opening of the can and provided with a terminal through-hole, and an electrode pin inserted into the terminal through-hole. The electrode pin has a head shaped like a flat plate, a post extending from the lower surface of the head, and a protrusion formed along the edge of the upper surface of the head.
US07964300B2

There is provided a risk-free and easy-to-use battery pack using battery cells 1 as a secondary battery, in which internal gases evaporated by applying overvoltage or the like thereto are processed inside a case to be prevented from leaking to the outside of the case and thereby even if the case has been led to rise in pressure due to a thermorunaway of the battery, the case is free from breaking. To realize this performance, the battery pack 10 is provided with a battery cell housing 17 for housing lithium cells 1 and a gas processor 15 for liquefying the internal gases g generated from the lithium cells 1.
US07964296B2

High-volume, fully dense, multi-component monoliths with microstructurally indistinguishable joints that can be used as refractory, corrosion and wear resistant components in the non-ferrous metal industry. The Si3N4 monoliths according to the invention comprise at least 90% by weight β-type Si3N4 and up to 10% by weight of a predominantly amorphous binder phase, said binder phase being formed from compositions of the rare earth metal —Al—Si—O—N, rare earth metal —Mg—Si—O—N or Mg—Si—O—N systems. Preferably the rare earth metal is yttrium (Y). The monoliths have a volume of greater than 250 cm3. A method of making the multi-component monoliths is achieved by simultaneously joining and uniaxially hot pressing an assembly of reaction bonded silicon nitride bodies (RBSN bodies). RBSN bodies are placed in contact with each other in the substantial absence of any interlayer or ceramic paste in between.
US07964290B2

A magnetic materials construct and a method to produce the construct are disclosed. The construct exhibits large magnetic-field-induced deformation through the magnetic-field-induced motion of crystallographic interfaces. The construct is a porous, polycrystalline composite structure of nodes connected by struts wherein the struts may be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. If the struts are polycrystalline, they have a “bamboo” microstructure wherein the grain boundaries traverse the entire width of the strut. The material from which the construct is made is preferably a magnetic shape memory alloy, including polycrystalline Ni—Mn—Ga. The construct is preferably an open-pore foam. The foam is preferably produced with a space-holder technique. Space holders may be dissolvable ceramics and salts including NaAlO2.
US07964288B2

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which includes exposing a photoresist using an exposing mask provided with a light-shielding pattern having two or more narrow width portions, developing the photoresist to form a plurality of stripe-shaped resist patterns, selectively etching a first conductive film using the resist pattern as a mask, forming an intermediate insulating film on the first conductive film, forming a second conductive film on the intermediate insulating film, and forming, by patterning the first conductive film, the intermediate insulating film, and the second conductive film, a flash memory cell and a structure constructed by forming a lower conductor pattern, a segment of the intermediate insulating film, and a dummy gate electrode in this stacking order.
US07964275B2

Silicon wafers in the entire volume of which crystal lattice vacancies are the prevalent point defect type, have a rotationally symmetric region whose width is at least 80% of the wafer radius, crystal lattice vacancy agglomerates of at least 30 nm in a density ≦6·103 cm−3, crystal lattice vacancy agglomerates of from 10 nm to 30 nm in a density of 1·105 cm−3 to 3·107 cm−3, OSF seeds in a density of 0 to 10 cm−2, and an average bulk BMD density of 5·108 cm−3 to 5·109 cm−3, which varies at most by a factor of 10 radially over the entire silicon wafer, and a BMD-free layer on the front side, wherein the first BMD is found at a depth of at least 5 μm and on average at a depth of at least 8 μm.
US07964261B2

A stack having at least one layer of tapes and at least one layer of multifilament yarn.
US07964249B2

Method for producing a polyacrylate adhesive compound by a hot-melt method in which a polyfunctional α-cleaving initiator, which is present as an oligomer, is added to the polymer to be crosslinked prior to the hot-melt method and ultraviolet crosslinking is carried out after treatment in the hot-melt method.
US07964242B2

A method includes forming ionic clusters of carbon-containing molecules, which molecules have carbon-carbon sp2 bonds, and accelerating the clusters. A surface of a substrate is irradiated with the clusters. A material is formed on the surface using the carbon from the molecules. The material includes carbon and may optionally include hydrogen. The material may include graphene. The material may form a monolayer. The molecules may include one or more material selected from the group consisting of graphene, carbon allotropes, ethylene, and hydrocarbon molecules containing ethylenic moieties. A fused region may be formed in the substrate as an interface between the substrate and the material. The clusters may have diameters of at least 20 nanometers and may be accelerated to an energy of at least 0.5 keV.
US07964239B2

The present invention provides a bearing material coated slide member manufactured by coating a bearing material on a sliding surface of a slide member, and a method for manufacturing the same, in which the bearing material is composed of an Sn containing alloy powder, and is forced to impact on the sliding surface while being maintained in a solid phase, to thereby form a bearing material coated layer.
US07964237B2

A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet. The method then provides for retracting the punch until the punch face is substantially coplanar with the orifice member second surface, and then cleaning the punch face and coplanar orifice member second surface to remove any residual paste thereon.
US07964234B2

Liquid dietary supplements include vitamins, macro minerals, trace minerals, high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) compounds, and optionally fulvates. Despite the tendency of minerals in such a liquid mineral and vitamin supplement to precipitate and for the ingredients to quickly degrade, particularly at high ORAC values and low pH, embodiments of the invention stay in solution have a desired shelf life without degrading. In part, this is achieved through the use of the natural preservative Momordica, carefully formulated amounts of the various ingredients, and high-tech processing.
US07964232B2

Steviol glycoside isomers are provided having the formula: wherein R1 may be hydrogen, 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, or 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, and R2 may be hydrogen, 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2,3-bis(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, or 2-(1-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl. Methods for making steviol glycoside isomers are also disclosed. These compounds may be present in food and beverage products as non-nutritive sweeteners.
US07964226B2

Films comprising a liquid-absorbant layer and an impermeable layer are provided. Processes for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs. Also described are foodstuffs processed in the tubular casings.
US07964225B1

An animal dietary supplement composition comprises effective amounts of basil and turmeric for tear stain reduction.
US07964221B2

A composition including one or more of elecampane rhizome (Inula sp.), fennel fruit (Foeniculum sp.), juniper berry (Juniperus sp.), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), oregano herb (Oreganum sp.), marigold flowers (Calendula sp.), rose hips (Rosa sp.), and thyme (Thymus sp.), or an extract thereof. The composition is useful for treating infectious diseases, for example viral and microbial infections, and for reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
US07964220B2

Several classes of in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, such as chronic inflammatory, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, and of diseases with a strong inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary disease, and Alzheimers disease. The in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds can be attached to known drug vectors and/or known anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
US07964213B2

The present invention relates to a patch containing a substrate, a non-crosslinked adhesive layer (A) containing a drug laminated on one surface of the substrate and a crosslinked adhesive layer (B) laminated on the adhesive layer (A). According to the present invention, the percutaneous absorbability of the drug can be improved, and a patch free of problems such as adhesive residue and adhesive bleed can be provided.
US07964202B2

Dermatological/cosmetic compositions suited for preventing or treating cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization disorders, including preventing or treating common acne, comprise, in a physiologically acceptable medium, (i) at least one dispersed retinoid, (ii) dispersed benzoyl peroxide, in free or encapsulated form, and (iii) at least one pH-independent gelling agent, said dermatological/cosmetic composition having physical stability without loss of viscosity over time at a temperature ranging from 4° C. to 40° C., said dermatological/cosmetic composition having a stable flow threshold over time as measured by viscosity measurements for rheograms which measure a shear stress τ for a given rate gradient γ and which measure a rate gradient γ for a given shear stress τ, the yield value (τ0) being extrapolated visually or by calculation.
US07964198B2

Means and methods for producing mammalian viruses, the method comprising infecting a culture of immortalized human cells with a virus, incubating the culture infected with virus to propagate the virus under conditions that permit growth of the virus, and to form a virus-containing medium, and removing the virus-containing medium. The viruses can be harvested and be used for the production of vaccines. Advantages include that human cells of the present invention can be cultured under defined serum-free conditions and the cells show improved capability for propagating virus. Methods are provided for producing, in cultured human cells, influenza virus and vaccines derived thereof. This method eliminates the necessity of using whole chicken embryos for the production of Influenza vaccines. The method also provides for the continuous or batch-wise removal of culture media. As such, the present invention allows the large-scale continuous production of viruses to a high titer.
US07964192B1

The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of amyloidogenic diseases. Such methods entail administering an agent that induces a beneficial immune response against an amyloid deposit in the patient. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In such methods, a suitable agent is Aβ peptide, active fragments thereof or an antibody thereto.
US07964190B2

The present invention relates to a novel member of the TNF-Ligand superfamily. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding a human Apoptosis Inducing Molecule II (AIM II). AIM II polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of AIM II activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating lymphadenopathy, aberrant bone development, autoimmune and other immune system diseases, graft versus host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and to inhibit neoplasia, such as tumor cell growth.
US07964184B2

The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.
US07964178B2

Modified colorants are made from a modifying agent, such as platelet alumina, and a colorant. The colorant may be fixed to the surface of the modifying agent, optionally with a surface treatment. The colorant may not completely coat the surface of the modifying agent, and the edge of the modifying agent may be substantially free of colorant. The modified colorants may be used in cosmetic products.
US07964165B2

The separation method for zinc sulfide, in the hydrometallurgical process by a High Pressure Acid Leach for nickel oxide ore comprising leaching and solid/liquid separation step, neutralization step, zinc removal step, and nickel recovery step, which can inhibit clogging of a filter cloth and reduce a frequency of washing operation and replacement operation of a filter cloth by improving filtration performance of zinc sulfide, and inhibit decrease of nickel recovery ratio, in the zinc removal step in which zinc sulfide is formed by adding a sulfurizing agent to the neutralization final liquid containing zinc as well as nickel and cobalt and zinc sulfide is separated to obtain a mother liquid for nickel recovery containing nickel and cobalt.The separation method for zinc sulfide of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-described neutralization step, the leach residue is added to the leach liquor, and pH of the neutralization final liquid is adjusted so as to fall to the range from 3.0 to 3.5, and in the zinc removal step, the suspended solid comprising the neutralized precipitate and the leaching reside are kept remained in said neutralization final liquid so that turbidity thereof falls in the range from 100 to 400 NTU.
US07964160B2

The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus (1) having a pipette tip (2) for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples; a pump (4) for generating negative pressure or positive pressure in the pipette tip (2) that is connected to the pipette tip (2) by means of a pump conduit (3); a fluid chamber (5) defined by the pipette tip (2) and/or the pump conduit (3); a measurement probe (6) functionally connected to the fluid chamber (5) for measuring the physical parameters resulting in this fluid chamber (5) during pipetting; and a device control system (7) with a processor (8), in which an activated computer program product enables the control system (7) of the pipetting apparatus (1) to individually accept or reject pipetted liquid samples on the basis of the physical parameters measured. The pipetting apparatus (1) in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it comprises a data storage device (9) for storing an actual measured curve (41) measured during pipetting and a simulated curve (42) for such a pipetting procedure and also a computer program product that in an activated state enables the processor (8) of this pipetting apparatus (1) to generate this simulated curve (42) and approximate it to the actual measured curve (41) iteratively to create an iterative curve (43) and then matching the pipetting and/or the corresponding pipetted liquid samples to one of a plurality of decision-making criteria on the basis of sections of the measured curve (44) in the actual measured curve (41) that deviate from defined threshold values (45) in relation to the corresponding sections of the curve (46) of the iterative curve (43). A corresponding computer program product and method are included within the scope of the invention.
US07964151B2

Provided is an apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes, that is provided with a reaction chamber and a dispersion plate. The dispersion plate is provided with a plate and a gas guiding portion provided on an edge of the plate, and a catalyst supply hole is defined in the central portion of the plate, through which metal catalysts are supplied. The gas guiding portion guides source gas to the central portion of the plate and suspends the metal catalysts discharged from the catalyst supply hole in a specific direction. Thus, the apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes can prevent loss of metal catalysts and improve space utilization.
US07964150B2

A system, process, and apparatus are provided for the efficient continuous production of hydrates. Gas separated from a well fluid is fed into a hydrate reactor that is submerged under the sea at a predetermined depth. The hydrates generated in the hydrate reactor are then transferred to a marine vessel for shipping.
US07964149B1

The apparatus is a cemetery incense burner having a removable resin incense holder retained in a container for accommodating the incense holder. The top and bottom sections of the removable incense holder serve two separate functions. The top concave surface of the removable incense holder is used as a censer for burning incense when inserted into the container in a right side up position. The container has a protrusion in a bottom center thereof to support the removable incense holder and to allow it to rise above the surface of the ground while it is being used as a censer. The bottom surface of the removable incense holder forms a seal with the top of the container and has a built in handle for easy removal when placed upside down (censer side down) in the container for storage. In another embodiment, the container has a flat bottom so that the holder is flush with the surface of the ground and container even in the use position. The container also has vertical recesses in its inner periphery for receiving projections from the periphery of the bottom of the holder to center the holder in the use position and provide a place to grip the holder when in the use position, and to accommodate the projections for forming the seal at the top of the container when the holder is in the storage position. In a further embodiment, the incense holder has a stick incense retaining member for holding stick incense.
US07964146B2

The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.
US07964144B1

A biosensor device (1) providing an analysis platform for detecting cell growth, comprising of an aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), a shear horizontal-surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) resonator including an input transducer (4) and an output transducer (5) symmetrically positioned on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), a counter electrode (6) positioned parallel to working electrodes (7) on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), for transmitting frequency voltage towards the living cell (3), a plurality of working electrodes (7) positioned beneath the living cell (3) on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2) for receiving frequency voltage from the living cell (3), an impedance analyzer (8) for receiving impedance readings from the counter electrode (6) and working electrodes (7), and a back-etched silicon substrate (9) coupled to the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), for reducing current loss, wherein the living cell (3) is positioned in between of the input transducer and output transducer on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (4).
US07964143B2

A nanotube device and a method of depositing nanotubes for device fabrication are disclosed. The method relates to electrophoretic deposition of nanotubes, and allows a control of the number of deposited nanotubes and positioning within a defined region.
US07964141B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for handling microtomized tissue samples (1) which are arranged on an object carrier (2) and are provided with a machine-readable code (3), with a reader (4) serving to detect the information of the code (3) and a controller (5) serving to convert the information for handling purposes. In order to use such an apparatus to classify unsorted object carriers (2) with respect to one another in a patient-oriented manner for evaluation purposes, it is proposed that a transfer apparatus (6) and at least one drive (7) are provided, which are formed in such a way that they can pick up object carriers (2) from a supply device (8) and move them to a presentation carrier (9) which has receptacles (10) for a plurality of object carriers (2), an apparatus (11) which is ready to hold presentation carriers (9) being arranged and formed in such a way that it keeps a large number of presentation carriers (9) ready in a manner such that they are accessible to the transfer apparatus (6), wherein the controller (5) is formed in such a way that it controls the at least one drive (7) on the basis of the information of the code (3) of the object carrier (2) to the effect that object carriers (2) which originate from a patient can be moved by the transfer apparatus (6) to at least one presentation carrier (9) in an order which is assigned to the patient.
US07964139B2

A microfluidic device comprises a matrix of rotary flow reactors. The microfluidic matrix device offers a solution to the “world-to-chip” interface problem by accomplishing two important goals simultaneously: an economy of scale in reagent consumption is achieved, while simultaneously minimizing pipetting steps. N2 independent assays can be performed with only 2N+1 pipetting steps, using a single aliquot of enzyme amortized over all reactors. The chip reduces labor relative to conventional fluid handling techniques by using an order of magnitude less pipetting steps, and reduces cost by consuming two to three orders of magnitude less reagents per reaction. A PCR format has immediate applications in medical diagnosis and gene testing. Beyond PCR, the microfluidic matrix chip provides a universal and flexible platform for biological and chemical assays requiring parsimonious use of precious reagents and highly automated processing.
US07964138B2

An on-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator has a reagent bound medium in a first enclosed volume; a complementary reagent solution in a second enclosed volume, and a structure for selecting between a first position where the complementary reagent solution is forced through the reagent bound medium and a second position where said complementary reagent solution remains isolated from the reagent bound ion exchange medium, where a ClO2 solution is generated only during periods when the structure for forcing is actuated. The ClO2 solution can be discharged for use as a portable sprayer that can be used to treat surfaces infected by anthrax or other biological contaminants. When the bound reagent is chlorite, the complementary reagent is an acid or an oxidant. When the bound reagent is an acid or an oxidant, the complementary reagent solution is a chlorite solution.
US07964137B2

A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.
US07964136B2

It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.
US07964134B2

A process for preparing superior carbon fiber including a step of rapid imbibation of densification activator from an aqueous bath; and product prepared therefrom.
US07964131B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to activate a binder on a semi-finished fiber material containing carbon fibers or on a preform. The binder is applied to the semi-finished fiber material or the fiber preform and subsequently activated through increasing the temperature by conducting an electrical current through the carbon fibers of the preform.
US07964129B1

An arrangement to assist in heat transfer through a mold for applications such as injection molding of plastics material including at least one closed chamber within the mold, the chamber being only partially filled with fluid and a remainder of the chamber being filled with substantially only vapor of the fluid within the chamber, at least a portion of the chamber being positioned to transmit heat from a targeted location of the mold into fluid within the chamber, and condensing means adapted by reason of heat exchange to effect condensation of vapor within the chamber, the mold being arranged in that the fluid, such as water, is arranged to be held in the chamber in such a way that the fluid will be distributed to reach or be held at different heights within the chamber.
US07964126B2

A method of preventing gravity-induced deformation of a ceramic green body. The method comprises providing a ceramic green body and disposing the body in a fluid medium bath having a density that is greater than or equal to that of the ceramic green body. The green body is suspended and floats freely in the fluid medium, and deformation of the green body due to its own weight is prevented. Outer or peripheral portions of the ceramic green body may also be stiffened when the fluid medium bath comprises an aqueous salt solution comes into contact with the green body and causes gelation of a binder within the ceramic green body.
US07964125B2

A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and a portion having a matte finish where the matte finish includes a lower coefficient of friction relative to a container than a remaining surface of the plastic sheet. A plurality of containers are each positioned within an aperture of the array so that the matte finish of the plastic sheet is positioned along an inner portion of the package and the remaining surface of the plastic sheet is positioned along an outer portion of the package.
US07964113B2

To provide a phosphor containing a comparatively much red component and having high light emitting efficiency, high brightness and further high durability, the nitride phosphor is represented by the general formula LXMYN((2/3)X+(4/3)Y):R or LXMYOZN((2/3)X+(4/3)Y−(2/3)Z):R (wherein L is at least one or more selected from the Group II Elements consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, M is at least one or more selected from the Group IV Elements in which Si is essential among C, Si and Ge, and R is at least one or more selected from the rare earth elements in which Eu is essential among Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Lu.); contains the another elements.
US07964111B2

The present invention relates to solid compounds which generate hydrogen by combustion, and to a method for generating hydrogen based on the combustion of said compounds. Said compounds have a composition which includes at least one inorganic borohydride, selected from alkali borohydrides, alkaline-earth borohydrides and mixtures thereof, and at least one inorganic oxidant. Characteristically, said composition comprises sulfur. Said method is advantageously implemented for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell.
US07964108B2

The present invention provides a regeneration process of the etching solution for the silicon nitride film, applying phosphoric acid aqueous solution, wherein multiple numbers of filters are connected to the piping path of etching solution extracted from the etching tank by switching alternately in parallel or in series; in both cases that said multiple numbers of filters are connected in parallel or in series, said extracted etching solution being supplied to a filter with a filter element of a high silicon removal rate of silicon compounds with already deposited silicon compounds, thus maintaining a high silicon removal rate of silicon compounds.
US07964103B2

A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.
US07964095B1

A floor drain communicates with a vertical floor drain pipe. The floor drain has a flanged cylindrical body that fits within the vertical pipe or fitting, a ring that overlaps and is spaced above the flange, and a grate or cover that fits upon the upper surface of the ring. The ring is supported by elevating screws that pass through the flange of the body. Adjustment of the elevating screws enable the height and pitch of the ring and grate or cover to be quickly and easily adjusted.
US07964090B2

Systems and methods for processing hydrocarbons are provided. A hydrocarbon containing one or more asphaltenes and one or more non-asphaltenes can be mixed with a solvent. The ratio of the solvent to the hydrocarbon can be about 2:1 to about 10:1. The asphaltenes can be selectively separated from the non-asphaltenes. A portion of the asphaltenes can be vaporized in the presence of gasified hydrocarbons and combustion gas. A portion of the asphaltenes can be cracked at a temperature sufficient to provide a cracked gas. Liquid asphaltenes, solid asphaltenes, or both can be deposited onto one or more solids to provide one or more hydrocarbon containing solids. The cracked gas can be selectively separated from the hydrocarbon containing solids. A portion of the hydrocarbon containing solids can be combusted to provide the combustion gas. The hydrocarbon containing solids can be gasified to provide the gasified hydrocarbons and to regenerate the solids.
US07964084B2

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. In one example embodiment, the method comprises introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst. At least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent and (b) a polar compound is provided to the catalyst and the chemical compound. An alternating current is applied to the catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound. This activation reaction produces a useful product.
US07964082B2

An exemplary electrophoretic coating method and an electroplated shell (800) manufactured thereby is provided. The electrophoretic coating method includes the following steps. A first step (Step S1) is to mold a base shell (500). The base shell includes a base body (50), a shell body (60), and a connecting body (70). The shell body and the connecting body are molded with the base body. The connecting body connects with the shell body. A second step (Step S2) is to pretreat the shell body and the connecting body. Thus, conducting films are formed on the shell body and connecting body. A third step (Step S3) is to electrophoretically coat the preliminarily treated base shell, so as to form electroplated layers on the shell body. A fourth step (Step S4) is to remove the connecting body so as to form/yield the electroplated shell.
US07964075B2

The present invention relates to an electrode bridge or sample application bridge for use in electrophoresis, preferably isoelectric focusing, IEF. More closely, the invention relates to an electrodic bridge or sample loading bridge for preventing denaturant depletion from the IPG (immobilized pH gradient) gel and, optionally, for loading samples onto the IPG gel. The pH of the bridge is adjustable for adoption to positioning at the acid as well as basic end of the IPG strips.
US07964067B2

A corrosion control system for an above-ground storage tank having a steel bottom plate comprises a sacrificial anode disposed under and spaced apart from the steel bottom plate in a backfill material, and wherein the backfill material has a pH high enough to cause a substantial passivation of the surface of the steel plate facing the sacrificial anode while substantially preventing the passivation of the sacrificial anode. In the preferred embodiment the backfill material has a pH of 10 or greater and the sacrificial anode is in the form of a plate or mesh composed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Alternatively the sacrificial anode may be composed of zinc or an alloy thereof. The backfill material further includes soda ash, trisodium phosphate or other high alkaline chemicals to raise the pH. The backfill material also preferably includes a moisture retention material such as zeolite to maintain a minimum of moisture content of 10 percent or greater.
US07964060B2

Provided is thermosetting urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin binder formulation, preferably prepared with modified styrene-maleic anhydride. The formulation has a viscosity in the range of from 3 to 10 cP and a surface tension of from 35 to 50 mN/m, and is prepared using a UF resin composition exhibiting a viscosity of from 175 to 250 cP.
US07964049B2

Processes for making fiber-on-end materials are provided. The materials can be used to make a variety of finished articles.
US07964043B2

The invention relates to a method and to a device for carrying out a manufacturing process in which all magnet cores to be produced are first continuously crystallized. Depending on whether the required hysteresis loops should be round, flat or rectangular, the magnet cores are either immediately finished, that is enclosed in housings, conditioned to a rectangular hysteresis loop in a direct-axis magnetic field or to a flat hysteresis loop in a magnetic cross-field and then finished.
US07964041B2

An installation for and a method for driving a submarine pipeline scraper, wherein one of the ends of the pipeline has a launch device and the other end has a receiving device. The scraper defines an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. It can be launched inside the pipeline from the launch device in the direction of the receiving device, allowing water to enter through the launch device in order to subject the upstream chamber to hydrostatic pressure. The receiving device is identical to the launch device, such that water can enter through the receiving device in order to balance the pressure of the two chambers, and also enables a fluid to be injected into the downstream chamber to drive the scraper toward the launch device.
US07964040B2

An exhaust foreline for purging fluids from a semiconductor fabrication chamber is described. The foreline may include a first, second and third ports independently coupled to the chamber. A semiconductor fabrication system is also described that includes a substrate chamber that has a first, second and third interface port. The system may also include a multi-port foreline that has a first, second and third port, where the first foreline port is coupled to the first interface port, the second foreline port is coupled to the second interface port, and the third foreline port is coupled to the third interface port. The system may further include an exhaust vacuum coupled to the multi-port foreline.
US07964038B2

Methods and apparatus for providing an improved azimuthal thermal uniformity of a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support for use in a semiconductor process chamber includes a susceptor plate; and a supporting member to support a backside of the susceptor plate proximate an outer edge thereof, wherein the supporting member substantially covers the backside of the susceptor plate. In some embodiments, the substrate support is disposed in a process chamber having at least some lamps disposed below the supporting member and utilized for heating the back side of the susceptor plate.
US07964032B2

The present invention relates to coating and printing ink compositions possessing silicone surfactants compositions comprising fluorine-free organomodified trisiloxanes which are resistant to hydrolysis between a pH of about 3 to a pH of about 12. The coatings and printing ink composition of the present invention exhibit enhanced wetting, flow and leveling properties.
US07964029B2

A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.
US07964028B2

A process and sensor device are disclosed that employ metal β-diketonate polymers to selectively capture gas-phase explosives and weaponized chemical agents in a sampling area or volume. The metal β-diketonate polymers can be applied to surfaces in various analytical formats for detection of: improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordinance, munitions hidden in cargo holds, explosives, and chemical weapons in public areas.
US07964024B2

Disclosed is an apparatus for installing a carbon dioxide absorbent canister which comprises a body, a lifting member, and a lifting mechanism. The body comprises a breathing circuit and an adapter for connecting the carbon dioxide absorbent canister with the breathing circuit. The adapter is located at or near the bottom of the body. The lifting member comprises a base portion, a positioning portion beneath the adapter, and a connecting portion. The lifting mechanism has a force receiving portion and a force applying portion and which actuates the lifting member. Actuating the handle in the first direction causes the canister to be connected to the breathing circuit and to close the breathing circuit bypass. Turning the handle in a second direction actuates the canister to enable replacement of the canister and to cause the breathing bypass to open. The process can be achieved simply with one hand.
US07964022B2

A process and sensor device are disclosed that employ metal β-diketonate polymers to selectively capture gas-phase explosives and weaponized chemical agents in a sampling area or volume. The metal β-diketonate polymers can be applied to surfaces in various analytical formats for detection of: improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordinance, munitions hidden in cargo holds, explosives, and chemical weapons in public areas.
US07964019B2

A membrane for gas separation includes a porous support layer and a separation layer. The separation layer comprises a mixture of one or more saccharide derivatives and one or more homopolymers. The saccharide derivative(s) may have a cyclic structure with five or six ring atoms, or a linear structure, or may include monosaccharide derivatives which are bound via glycoside bonds, and the number of monosaccharides bound in this manner may be 2 to 1,000. A membrane can be produced by preparing a homogeneous solution which comprises a saccharide derivative and a homopolymer in a solvent; and pouring the homogenous solution onto a support layer. The membrane may be used in a gas separation module the operation of which makes use of the membrane.
US07964017B2

A gas flow system and method are provided for controlling the moisture in a gas flow. The system may include a gas source from which gas flows, a processing chamber to which the gas flows, and a gas flow line through which the gas flows from the gas source to the processing chamber. The gas flow line may include a moisture control line section. The moisture control line section includes a pass-through line through which the gas may pass, so as to be exposed to a dryer. The exposure to a dryer may be controlled by a suitable valve. A scrubber is disposed in the gas flow line, the scrubber removing contaminates from the gas in the gas flow. The system may include a moisture sensor disposed in the gas flow, the moisture sensor sensing at least one parameter of the gas and outputting a signal representing the at least parameter to a moisture sensor controller, such that the moisture sensor controller determines the moisture in the gas. The moisture sensor controller controls the flow of the gas so as to control the moisture in the gas by adjusting the valve.
US07964013B2

Disclosed herein are methods and processes for making FeRh/FePt nanostructures and the use of these FeRh—FePt nanostructures as a magnetic recording media.
US07964011B2

An air filter is provided having a filter body and a throat connected to a bottom of the filter body. The throat includes a plurality of throat sections. Each of the plurality of throat sections has a different inner diameter. The throat may further included molded trim guides for facilitating trimming of the throat at throat section interfaces.
US07964008B1

A residual gas cleaner, comprising a manifold assembly having at least first and second inlets and at least an outlet. The first inlet receives spent exhaust gas from an engine, and the second inlet receives clean gas from a fuel tank assembly. A housing assembly comprises a housing that is secured onto the manifold assembly. The housing collects the spent exhaust gas. The housing assembly further comprises draining means to drain the spent exhaust gas from the housing. A filter assembly comprises a filter extending from the manifold assembly and is housed within the housing. The filter assembly filters the spent exhaust gas to create filtered exhaust gas. The filtered exhaust gas exits the manifold assembly through the outlet to join the clean gas. The engine receives the filtered exhaust gas and the clean gas from the outlet.
US07964003B2

The method of adding to gasoline which has been stored in a container, of relatively small size for a substantial period of time to cause substantial loss of the more volatile gasoline components, an additive composition which comprises a flammable organic liquid having a Reid vapor pressure of 2 to 18 psig, to improve starting capacity of a motor fueled by said gasoline.
US07963997B2

An implantable device for facilitating the healing of voids in bone, cartilage and soft tissue is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a cartilage region comprising a polyelectrolytic complex joined with a subchondral bone region. The cartilage region, of this embodiment, enhances the environment for chondrocytes to grow articular cartilage; while the subchondral bone region enhances the environment for cells which migrate into that region's macrostructure and which differentiate into osteoblasts. A hydrophobic barrier exists between the regions, of this embodiment. In one embodiment, the polyelectrolytic complex transforms to hydrogel, following the implant procedure.
US07963995B2

The present invention provides a vertebral implant comprising a wall forming two short sides (100, 101) and two elongated sides (102, 103) to define a generally elongated structure having a passageway (106) therethrough. At least one of the two elongated sides is resiliently compressible into the passageway, or resiliently expandable away from the passageway, under a force applied to the implant by movement of the spine into which the implant is placed. This resilient opposition to forces in the spine causes the device to want to return to its at-rest position, thereby aiding the spine in its return to a normal position after movement is relaxed, thereby aiding proper spine alignment. Preferably, the device comprises a flexible body having a generally loop-shaped configuration defined by the wall, wherein the wall material and thickness is selected so that the device has appropriate degrees of flexibility and strength.
US07963994B2

An intervertebral disk prosthesis is disclosed. The intervertebral disk prosthesis is has a base plate, a top plate opposite the base plate, and an intervening core located between the top plate and base plate. One of the plates has a first concave contact face facing the core, which has a adjacent first convex contact face. A groove is provided around one of contact faces in which an elastic ring is placed. When placed in the groove, the elastic ring is also in contact with the opposite contact face.
US07963990B2

Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.
US07963984B2

A novel fixation system for fixing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. The fixation system comprises an interference screw comprising a body having a distal end and a proximal end, screw threads extending longitudinally along the body, and a transversely-extending region formed in the body for receiving a transverse pin therein, whereby to securely lock the interference screw, and hence the graft ligament, to the bone. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, there is provided a method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone, the method comprising the steps of: (i) drilling a tunnel in the bone; (ii) positioning the graft ligament in the bone tunnel; (iii) placing an interference screw in the bone tunnel so as to force the graft ligament laterally against the opposite side of the bone tunnel; and (iv) advancing a transverse pin transversely through the bone and through the interference screw so as to securely lock the interference screw, and hence the graft ligament, to the bone. The present invention can also be applied to attach other objects to bone, e.g., a bone fragment to bone.
US07963961B2

A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.
US07963956B2

The present invention is directed to a device for a portable convection enhanced delivery system that allows administering liquids to specific locations within the body, especially tissues and tumors also allowing outsubject treatment. The application system comprises a portable extracorporal pump with a fluid reservoir that is connected via an infusion system to an infusion catheter placeable to any tissue or tumor the fluid should be administered to by high flow microperfusion. The system enables administration of fluids of any kind by convection enhanced delivery also in out-patient treatment. The system can be used for delivering various drugs, proteins, protein toxins, antibodies-for treatment or imaging, proteins in enzyme replacement therapy, growth factors and viruses or oligonucleotides in gene therapy etc. The application methods as well as the surgical method to implant this device are enclosed to this invention.
US07963948B2

A hemostasis valve system for controlling a flow of fluid includes a housing having a chamber therein, and a valve disposed in the chamber. The valve comprises a plurality of elastomeric valve members, each having opposing shaped first and second faces, a shaped inner edge portion, and a shaped outer edge portion. The valve members are collectively structured and arranged in the valve such that the shaped faces and the shaped inner edges are engaged in interlocking relationship. The valve members have sufficient elasticity to define a yieldable opening along the engaged inner edge portions upon passage therethrough of a medical interventional device.
US07963943B2

An I.V. catheter assembly and needle safety device are disclosed which allow for the safe removal of a needle from a catheter assembly. The safety device includes a locking assembly which includes lock housing a rotatable locking member and a locking clip. The needle and the locking member are configured such that withdrawal of the needle from the catheter assembly effects rotation of the locking member. The locking clip is positioned and configured to obstruct rotation of the locking member after the needle has been retracted within the housing to obstruct re-advancement of the needle.
US07963940B2

A device for providing a fluid to a target tissue region of a body vessel is described. The device includes an elongate member having a lumen to receive a fluid, and a structure deployable from a distal portion of the elongate member to channel blood flowing in the vessel. Also described are a method of, and a system for, providing a fluid to a target tissue region inside a body.
US07963917B2

A system and method for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of (1) contacting a remote device to an area of biological membrane having a permeability level, the remote device comprising a sensor and a transmitter; (2) extracting the at least one analyte through and out of the area of biological membrane and into the sensor; (3) generating an electrical signal representative of a level of the at least one analyte; (4) transmitting the electrical signal to a base device; (5) processing the electrical signal to determine the level of the at least one analyte; and (6) displaying the level of the at least one analyte in real time. The system includes a remote device that includes a sensor that generates an electrical signal representative of the concentration of the at least one analyte; and a transmitter that transmits the electrical signal. The system further includes a base device that includes a receiver that receives the electrical signal; a processor that processes the electrical signal; and a display that displays the processed signal in real time.
US07963915B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.
US07963904B2

An apparatus and a method for treating ailments of the human body by electromagnetic waves. The body part to be treated is located inside an induction coil and the coil is energized by a switching device that supplies the coil with current pulses that include higher frequency components that occur during at least a portion of the pulse. Both manual and electronic switching devices are disclosed. The manual switching device uses manually operable striking contactors and the high frequency components are generated by arcing between the contactors. The automatic switching device is an electronic controller that simulates the current pulses produced using the manual method.
US07963902B2

This invention describes the use of a process for treating neoplastic masses, in which the damage to healthy cells surrounding the mass is reduced as compared to current treatment processes, hi embodiments, computer programs are used to prescribe a timed treatment sequence to mitigate some of the deleterious effects of cancer radiation treatment or chemotherapy. By initiating natural cell repair mechanisms with an application of a low dose of radiation to healthy tissue prior to the full cancer treatment, the post-treatment damage to the healthy cells can be reduced.
US07963900B2

A scheduling process for loading samples into two or more centrifuges in a loading scheme that reduces the time required for high priority sample to be centrifuged. One centrifuge is initially loaded to about one-half of capacity and samples processed while the remaining centrifuge is loaded to full capacity before being operated. This creates a time-shift in the operational status of the two centrifuges so that a high-priority sample may advantageously be shuttled to whichever of the two centrifuges will be first-fully loaded and thus next-operated.
US07963896B2

A child exercise device including a base assembly, a kick panel support assembly, a kick panel assembly, and a seat assembly. The base assembly includes a housing and a plurality of tracks oriented substantially parallel to each other. The kick panel support assembly is supported by the base and includes a plate coupled to the housing and a front panel coupled to the plate, the front panel having a plurality of apertures. The kick panel assembly is received by the plurality of apertures and includes a frame and a panel supported by the frame. The seat assembly includes a seat adapted to support the child and a plurality of wheels coupled to the seat and adapted to be received in one of the tracks in the base.
US07963895B2

A compound abdominal and upper body exercising device having an outer frame, an inner mechanism that is pivotally connected within the outer frame and on which a user kneels to initiate the exercise, a linkage system between the outer frame and the inner mechanism that interconnects an actuating assembly and the inner mechanism, and a weight support system connected to the inner mechanism.
US07963892B2

A dumbbell system that allows a single arm working and alternatively a simultaneous and symmetrical working of both arms to fortify specific muscles, including biceps, triceps and back muscles. The dumbbell system includes a dumbbell unit and either a single weight plate attachment means, or a double weight plate attachment means to connecting two dumbbell units to each other.
US07963884B2

A straddle vehicle comprises a single actuator that controls clutch engagement as well as gear shifting. The actuator can be connected to the clutch and the shiftable transmission with a rotating shaft. When an engine speed reaches or exceeds a preset value during an up-shift operation, an ECU or other controller reduces the engine output to facilitate a smooth gear shift.
US07963880B2

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
US07963872B2

The plates of transmission chain for an engine are formed with a guide-contacting configuration composed of spaced flat surfaces that come into sliding contact with a flat chain guide, and convex surfaces, continuous with and between the flat surfaces, for sliding contact with a convex chain guide. The convex surfaces are connected by a concave surface that, with the guide surface, forms an oil-retaining clearance. The radius of curvature of the convex curved surfaces of the plate preferably increases gradually from the location where they meet the flat surfaces toward the location where they meet the concave surface. The plates can have the same configuration on the side facing the inside of chain loop as on the side facing the outside of the chain loop.
US07963867B1

An over-molded runner for a lacrosse pocket comprising a substrate portion and an over-molded portion or optionally a completely molded runner providing for improved pocket characteristics.
US07963858B2

A golf putter having an improved club head construction comprising a tapered toe and heel, and cut-out portions to distribute weight towards the toe and heal of the club to preventing twisting and to prevent club head interaction with the ground during stroke. In an aspect, the club head further includes alignment indicator lines on an upward facing mounting surface and a alignment indicator line along a shaft connection portion that extends forwardly of the striking face of the club head.
US07963854B2

A golf ball dispensing apparatus includes a tube configured to receive at least one golf ball, at least one leg configured to attach to said tube, means for releasing a golf ball from said tube, means for supplying power configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball, an arm configured to receive a golf ball from said tube wherein said arm is configured to engage said tube at a hinge, and means for sensing motion configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball.
US07963853B2

A shaft may include a first coupling member, a second coupling member, a filament wound shaft member, and a pilot shaft. The first coupling member may couple the shaft to one of a rotationally driving and a rotationally driven component. The second coupling member may be axially spaced from the first coupling member and may couple the shaft to the other of the rotationally driving and the rotationally driven component. The filament wound shaft member may have a first end fixed to the first coupling member, a second end fixed to the second coupling member, and a body portion extending therebetween. The pilot shaft may be disposed radially within the filament wound shaft member and may extend from the first coupling member to the second coupling member.
US07963850B2

An on-line-game method involves a question engine coupled to a plurality of terminals controlled by game players, with game activity measured by a traffic index representative of the number of game players over a given time interval, a) displaying on the terminals questions, sent by the question engine, relating to a success parameter concerning at least one future event and advertising insertions paid for at a given tariff, b) evaluating receipts associated with the paid-for advertising insertions, c) setting up an endowment for allocating prizes over a given time period, the endowment being a function of the level of the receipts, d) on detecting an increase in the traffic index above a given threshold, correspondingly increasing the tariff, e) on detecting an increase in the receipts above another given threshold, correspondingly increasing the endowment, and f) repeating steps d) and e).
US07963845B2

A gaming system which includes a plurality of progressive awards in an MLP configuration. In a triggered bonus event, a player begins at the lowest progressive award level of the MLP and attempts to reach a higher progressive award level based on their decisions in the bonus event. If as a result of their play in the bonus event, a player is provided a progressive award other than the lowest level progressive award, one or more of the remaining lower level progressive awards (i.e., a progressive award associated with a lower level of the MLP than the provided progressive award) are shifted to account for the provided progressive award. The lowest level progressive award (which is temporality left vacant by the shifting of the remaining progressive awards) is reset to a set value, thus providing that the progressive award hierarchy is preserved regardless of which progressive award is provided to the player.
US07963842B2

The gaming system, gaming device, and method provide a player a chance to win a tax award amount upon the occurrence of a game event that is associated with an award amount meeting or exceeding a tax threshold amount. The tax threshold amount can be an amount which, if won, triggers reporting and/or withholding requirements of a federal, state, or local government or other taxing authority. The occurrence of the game event can qualify the player to participate in a second part of the game in which a portion of the award amount is risked and the tax award amount can be won.
US07963841B2

A gaming device operable having at least one input device. The processor, under control of a processor, is operable to enable a player to participate in a play of a game including a plurality of selectable indicators. Each selectable indicator is associated with an independent probability. The play of the game involves a pick of one of the selectable indicators and a determination of whether the picked selectable indicator is a success indicator or a failure indicator.
US07963839B2

System architecture and methods for enabling (a) freelance game developers gather intelligence data such as to offer dazzling electronic games to the regulated casino gaming marketplace and receive compensation based on the success of their games, and (b) game operators gather intelligence data to enables them to tailor their regulated game offerings. Intelligence data for both the freelance game developers and the game operators are based on demand/popularity of identical trial games available to the public over a predetermined computer site, the trial games using simulated money only. In addition, players are provided with the location of the casinos offering their favorite game(s) for playing with real money, together with the promotions offered if any. Operators are provided with the contacts of the players and their list of favorite games such as to offer incentives to attract them to their casino.
US07963828B2

A process includes contacting a feathered poultry carcass with an ammonia-based treatment material to increase the pH at the skin of the carcass and thereby effect a loosening of the feathers on the carcass. After the contact with the ammonia-based treatment material, mild heat may be applied to the feathered carcass to further loosen the feathers. The prepared feathered carcass is then defeathered in a suitable defeathering process. Ammonia may be removed from the carcass before, after, and/or during defeathering. The defeathered carcass is then passed on for further processing to produce the final poultry product.
US07963824B2

A method for grooving or counter-beveling the periphery of an opthamalic lens in a grinding machine is provided. The grinding machine includes a lens support with a mechanism configured to rotate the lens about a first axis, a grooving or counter-beveling wheel rotatable about a second axis which can be tilted relative to the first axis, and a mechanism to adjust the angle of tilt of the second axis relative to the first axis. Initially, a profile for the groove is determined. A single treatment angle corresponding to the profile is calculated, and the angle of tilt of the second axis is adjusted to the value of the single treatment angle. A groove or counter-bevel is ground into the periphery of the lens with the angle of tilt remaining constant throughout the grinding.
US07963822B2

A brassiere is provided having a front piece incorporating two breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere, which side pieces can be connected to one another in a back closure and with two shoulder straps that extend from the upper edge of the breast cups to the back area of the side pieces. The base material of the brassiere is reinforced on at least part of its edge by applying facing bands or the like. In accordance with the invention it is provided that to form an edge reinforcement, in each case a facing band is fixed with a longitudinal edge to the corresponding edge of the blank made of the base material of the brassiere by linear ultrasonic welding and also is fixed at least partially in a two-dimensional manner with the base material by means of an adhesive layer.
US07963820B2

A balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The sound module has a housing containing a magnetic speaker, a power source, and wiring connecting the magnetic speaker the power source. The magnetic speaker is mounted in the housing adjacent an aperture in the housing. The balloon may be constructed of two sides with different weights, with the magnetic speaker adhered to the side with lesser weight so that the balloon floats upright. Alternatively, a counter-weight may be attached to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module. A method of manufacturing a balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The balloon is caused to float upright either by constructing the balloon of two sides with different weights and attaching the magnetic speaker sound module to the side with the lesser weight, or by attaching a counter-weight to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module.
US07963816B2

Provided is a method of fabricating an organic electro luminescence device, the method comprising: forming a thin film transistor on a substrate; forming a passivation layer and a first electrode on the substrate including the thin film transistor; forming a contact hole exposing an upper surface of a drain electrode of the thin film transistor at a predetermined portion of the first electrode and the passivation layer; forming a buffer layer and a barrier rib on a predetermined portion of an upper surface of the first electrode; forming an organic emission layer within a region defined by the buffer layer; and forming a second electrode on the organic emission layer such that the second electrode is electrically connected with the drain electrode through the contact hole.
US07963811B2

An electrical ground connector assembly including a bus bar adapted to have a plurality of electrical wires separately connected thereto; and a combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly directly connected to the bus bar. The combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly is adapted to directly connect an electrical conductor thereto. The combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly extends from the bus bar in a generally cantilever fashion and is configured to supportingly attach the bus bar to a structure. A portion of the combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly could be mounted to extend through a hole in the structure, or alternatively a portion of the combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly could be mounted to an exterior side of the structure.
US07963810B1

A battery connector includes a housing and a plurality of contacts. The housing includes a plurality of first slits formed on a front surface, a plurality of through channels extended from the first slits respectively and penetrated a rear surface, a plurality of first fixing channels extended from first slits respectively and towards the rear surface and a plurality of second slits connected to the through channels respectively. The contacts are received in the first slits respectively. Each of the contacts includes a base board, a supporting section extended downwardly the base board, a foot section extended to below the base board, a first fixing section extended from the base board and received in each of the through channels, and a second fixing section extended from the first fixing section and received in each of the second slits of the housing.
US07963806B1

An electrical connector assembly includes a header connector and a mateable receptacle connector. The header connector includes a number of header contacts each including a contacting section. The receptacle connector includes a mating face and a number of receptacle contacts extending beyond the mating face. The receptacle contacts include a first contact part having a connecting portion, a first arm extending from a front end of the connecting portion along a first direction and a second arm extending from a rear end of the connecting portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and the second arms are aligned with each other and are configured to engage a common side of the contacting section in the header connector.
US07963797B2

A console (1) with a vertically arranged support frame (2) and with multiple jacks (3,4,29) for medical-technological supply. A first vertically arranged column (6) is arranged on a first side (5) of the support frame (2), and a second vertically arranged column (8) is arranged on a second opposing side (7), each with three modules (9.1-9.3,9.4-9.6) positioned on top of each other. The modules (9.1-9.6) consist of sections (10,10.1) of an extrusion profile (11,11.1). The extrusion profile (11,11.1) has a first and a second side wall (12,13) of equal width (14) at a right angle. A first channel (16) is arranged in a first end area (15) of the first side wall (12), a second channel (18) is arranged in a second end area (17) of the second sidewall (13), and a third channel (21) is arranged in an edge area (19) of an angle edge (20), each with a circular cross-section. The upper and lower cover plates (22,23) each have an extension (26) on the side (25) of the modules (1-9.3;9.4-9.6) that is open; the extensions (26) all have a pivot bearing (27) and are flexibly connected to the support frame (2) with an individual joint (28) (FIGS. 29-31) to swivel the first and the second column (6,8) away from the support frame (2).
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