US07969699B2
This invention discloses a trigger circuit for an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, the ESD protection device being turned on during an ESD event and being turned off during a normal operation, the trigger circuit comprises a voltage sensing circuit coupled to a bonding pad, the voltage sensing circuit being configured to produce a first predetermined voltage during a ESD event, and to produce a second predetermined voltage complimentary to the first predetermined voltage during a normal operation, and a voltage converting circuit having a positive feedback circuit and coupled between the voltage sensing circuit and the ESD protection device for converting the first predetermined voltage to a third predetermined voltage for turning on the ESD protection device, and for converting the second predetermined voltage to a fourth predetermined voltage for turning off the ESD protection device.
US07969698B2
A method and apparatus to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to electronic circuits using a gate clamp circuit.
US07969696B2
An ungrounded or floating DC electrical power distribution system may experience a single line to ground fault. Such a fault may not disrupt operation of the system, but its presence may raise a risk of additional problems if left uncorrected. A system for progressively grounding the ungrounded system may be initiated when a line to ground fault is suspected based on the voltage difference measured to a common chassis point. As grounding through successively lower impedance proceeds, fault current may increase and detection of severity of the line to ground fault may be more readily achieved, thus facilitating localization of the fault. Localization may be achieved through an analysis of direction of capacitive currents in isolatable zones of the system.
US07969694B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to a switch-mode power converter including an inductor and an external rectifying diode. A series arrangement of a resistor and a switch are coupled in parallel with the external rectifying diode. The resistor and the switch enable continuous conduction mode, even at substantially no output current. A comparator senses a current level in the resistor. When the current level crosses a threshold level, the power converter is shut down. The current level is sensed with a second resistor coupled to a current source to produce a current sensing arrangement dependent on a ratio of resistances. Advantageously, the current level is sensed with clamp circuits coupled to the comparator, each clamp circuit including a series circuit arrangement of a field-effect transistor with a gate coupled to a voltage source.
US07969691B2
A read sensor is disposed near a main pole, thereby reducing the distance between the read sensor and a write sensor. In this case, however, a magnetic field generated from the main pole affects magnetization of a free layer and a pinned layer of a magnetoresistive film, thereby causing the magnetizing directions to rotate, a magnetic barrier to be generated, and the read property to be degraded. According to the present invention, a main pole and a yoke configure a magnetic circuit together with a sub-pole and a soft magnetic under layer of the magnetic disk and an exciting coil magnetizes the magnetic circuit, thereby a recording magnetic field is applied to a recording layer to record information bits on the layer. And in order to sharpen the magnetic field distribution generated by the main pole, a trailing shield made of a ferromagnetic material is disposed at the trailing side of the main pole adjacently. And a read sensor (magnetoresistive element) for reading bit information is provided between the trailing shield and the main pole.
US07969688B2
An air bearing surface, with multiple deflection rails in a negative pressure pocket, between a leading air bearing surface and a central island for the read-write head. A gap separates left and right deflection rails. During the slider's normal operation, incoming particles may collide with at least one of the deflection rails and deflect away from the central island and the read-write head. The gap supports diminishing additional negative pressure in the negative air pressure pocket. The gap may minimize the accumulation of debris behind the rejection rails. The invention includes head gimbal assemblies containing these sliders, actuator arms coupled to the head gimbal assemblies, actuator assemblies including at least one of the actuator arms, and hard disk drives which include the actuator assemblies. The invention also includes methods for making sliders, actuator arms, actuator assemblies, and hard disk drives, as well as the products of these manufacturing methods.
US07969687B2
A slider structure that allows a grounded heater element to be employed, while also allowing a decision of whether the slider is to be an “up” slider or a “down” slider to be made in a late stage in the formation of the slider. The slider includes electrical contact pads for making electrical connection with the heater element. The slider also includes a dedicated ground path formed on the slider body at a location that is removed from either of the first and second contact pads, ground path providing electrical connectivity to the slider body. At a late stage in the manufacture of the read and write head, a determination can be made as to which contact pad is to be a ground pad, and that pad can be electrically connected with the ground path.
US07969685B2
A DFH (Dynamic Flying Height) type slider ABS design has a stable flying height and a DFH efficiency that is uniform across the entire disk surface. These properties are a result of embedding the read/write head and heater in a trapezoidally bridged micro-pad having a very small surface area. The micro-pad is surrounded by a wing-like structure that projects from a central rail in the ABS and the micro pad is connected to an inner edge of that structure by a bridge having a trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape responds effectively to variations in air flow direction and pressure point as the slider moves across the disk surface and, as a result, provides the uniform DFH efficiency. At the same time, the projecting wings and adjacent topology help to direct the airflow around the micro-pad and provide the stable flying height.
US07969680B2
A magnetic tape of the present invention includes a plurality of data bands in which a data signal can be recorded and servo pattern portions composed of a burst signal. The servo pattern portions are formed at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape in a plurality of data bands, and positions of the servo pattern portions formed in the respective data bands in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape vary. According to such a configuration, a magnetic tape can be provided, which is traced stably by the magnetic head even if the magnetic tape is deformed due to temperature and humidity.
US07969676B2
Techniques are described for providing media-referenced timing for operations on a data storage medium. In particular, Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synchronization fields may be interspersed within data fields of the medium and may be read to obtain timing measurements. The PLL fields are illustratively pre-recorded at predetermined intervals on the medium and have a fixed number of dots of the bit patterned medium between the PLL fields. Phase and frequency of a write clock may be controlled based on the read PLL fields to translate the timing measurements from the PLL fields into phase and frequency corrections to synchronize the write clock to the data storage medium.
US07969675B2
Methods and test systems are disclosed for determining the quality of an erase process for perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) disks. After performing an erase process on a PMR disk and before the PMR disk is assembled into a hard disk drive, a first test pattern of magnetization pulses is written to a region of the PMR disk. A second test pattern is subsequently read from the region of the PMR disk. The second pattern of magnetization pulses is analyzed in relation to the first test pattern and measured to determine the quality of the erase process.
US07969671B2
An exemplary voice coil motor includes a housing and a movable unit. A top panel of the housing has two positioning through holes. The movable unit includes a barrel holder, and a coil wrapped around the barrel holder. The barrel holder has two positioning sockets corresponding to the two positioning through holes. Each of two positioning members is fittingly received through one positioning hole and in the corresponding positioning socket, such that the barrel holder is fixed relative to the housing while the positioning members are engaged in the positioning through holes and the positioning sockets.
US07969668B2
A lens arrangement includes two lenses. Each lens includes an optical portion having an optical axis, a non-optical portion surrounding the optical portion, and an engagement portion extending along the optical axis from the non-optical portion. One of the engagement portions includes an outer wall and an inner wall parallel to the outer wall with an annular groove defined therebetween, while the other engagement portion defines a corresponding annular space for receiving the outer wall and the inner wall therein, therefore the engagement portions are interferentially engaged with each other.
US07969666B2
A lens module includes a barrel and at least one lens. The barrel includes a cover with a hole defined therein and a hollow cylinder extending from the cover. The barrel comprises a cover with a hole defined therein and a hollow cylinder extending from the cover, and the cover comprises a roughened inside surface facing towards the hollow cylinder. The at least one optical lens is received in the barrel and comprises an optically active part and a peripheral optically non-active part around the optically active part, the optically non-active part comprises two opposite roughened surfaces.
US07969662B2
A lens barrel unit including a lens barrel which has a plurality of lens groups and is set to a photographing state by moving at least a part of the lens groups to an object side and to a collapsed state by moving the at least the part of the lens groups to an image plane side and storing the lens groups, the lens barrel unit includes: a first supporting frame which retains at least one lens group of the lens groups; a second supporting frame which retains the first supporting frame movably in an optical axis direction of the lens barrel; a first supporting frame moving section which moves the first supporting frame in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel; and a fixed cylinder in which a main shaft which is capable of moving the second supporting frame in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel is provided.
US07969654B1
A volume Fresnel zone plate and a method of producing such a device using a femtosecond laser for direct writing of zone plates. A volume zone plate has a number of Fresnel zone plate layers designed to focus light coherently to a single spot. Embodiments include both low numerical aperture (NA) and high NA zone plates, and provide a significant increase in overall diffraction efficiency over a single Fresnel zone plate.
US07969647B2
A change in loading conditions of fiber amplifiers in an optical communications network causes rapid variations in the gain profile of the amplifiers due to spectral hole burning and stimulated Raman scattering. An apparatus for reducing such gain profile variations is described which monitors optical signal perturbations and reacts by adjusting pump powers of the amplifiers and, or fast variable optical attenuator according to a pre-determined function stored in the form of constants in controller's memory. The optical signal is monitored as total power, and the power of light after passing through one or more optical filters. The light detection is relatively fast, whereby the gain profile variations are compensated by fast controlled variable optical attenuator and pump power adjustment upon the change in loading conditions.
US07969637B1
MEMS mirror driven by one motion with oscillations of different frequency for bidirectional rotation
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror system has an actuator that imparts a motion with a first periodic movement of high frequency superimposed a second periodic movement of low frequency to a frame and a mirror coupled to the frame so that the mirror rotates about two axes. The mirror is coupled by springs to the frame so the mirror is rotatable about a first axis. The frame has pivots each coupled by springs to actuators so the frame is rotatable about a second axis. The mirror has a first resonant frequency and the frame including the mirror has a second resonant frequency. The low frequency of the second periodic movement is equal to one of the first and the second resonant frequencies, and the high frequency of the first periodic movement is equal to the other one of the first and the second resonant frequencies.
US07969628B2
A gamut mapping apparatus includes a parameter calculating unit calculating parameters for segmenting a gamut of an output device using gamut information about first and second input color spaces; a gamut segmenting unit segmenting the gamut of the output device into a core gamut and a surround gamut using the parameters; and a gamut mapping unit performing gamut mapping on image data present into the first and second input color spaces to the core gamut and the surround gamut according to a predetermined mapping method. The gamut mapping apparatus and method enable accurate reproduction of image data having components having undergone total internal reflection falling outside the scRGB color space or high chroma components in the scRGB color space.
US07969621B2
A scanning device may include a first structural member and a second structural member, a movable body that is configured to reciprocate between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a cable of which a first end is fixed to one of the first and second structural members and a second end fixed to the movable body. The cable may have a curved portion between the first end and the second end thereof. The scanning device may further include an elastic member of which a first end portion is fixed to one of the first and second structural members to which the first end of the cable is fixed, and a second end portion is engaged to the curved portion. The elastic member may be configured to elastically urge the cable in a direction opposite to the curving direction of the curved portion.
US07969617B2
A method of producing a printed output on a substrate is provided using a drop emitting device which is adapted to emit a plurality of ink quantities in response to a control signal. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data corresponding to a pixel of an image to be printed, the received image data comprising a tone value; generating a threshold value for use in a screening operation based on the location of the pixel within the image to be printed; mapping the received tone value to a mapped tone value using a first tone mapping, the mapped tone value being generated based on the received tone value; performing the screening operation by comparing the mapped tone value with the threshold value; mapping the received tone value to a control signal value using a first control mapping if the output of the comparison performed in the previous step indicates a first relationship, the control signal value being generated based on the received tone value; and repeating the previous three steps if the output of the comparison performed in the previous step indicates a second relationship, wherein the first mapping step comprises using an alternate tone mapping and the second mapping step comprises using an alternate control mapping.
US07969612B2
An image processing system and method include allowing an output device to output patch-data items of plural multi-order colors represented by a first color space, measuring the color values, in an absolute color space, of the output patch-data items, calculating reference values by converting the plural multi-order colors represented by the first color space based on a first color conversion table containing correspondence between the first color space and the absolute color space, calculating distances between the color values measured by the color measuring means and the reference values, which correspond thereto, and correcting, based on the calculated distances, a second color conversion table containing correspondence between the absolute color space and an output color space.
US07969610B2
Notification mechanisms for use in connection with print systems are described. In one embodiment, a notification mechanism extends from a printing application to the spooler, from the spooler to a hosting process, and back to the spooler. The notification mechanism can allow interested applications, such as print user interfaces, to register to receive updates on the progress of a print job. The notification mechanism provides a very rich and robust mechanism through which notifications can be generated and received.
US07969603B2
A method of providing access to an online marketplace via a printer driver that is in communication with a networked printing device. The marketplace offers printer capabilities which are compatible with the networked printing device. The computing device receives a request to purchase one of the printer capabilities for the networked printing device. The printer driver associates the purchased printer capability with the computing device.
US07969591B2
For generating photo albums on events such as weddings, the photo albums can always be generated in the same quality. A professional photographer photographs the bride and groom on a wedding. Images are read from a developed film and stored in a file server. A template used for generating a photo album is added with composition information representing composition of images to be inserted in image insertion areas therein. When an operator selects one of the images to be inserted in any one of the image insertion areas with reference to an editing screen having a catalog display field and a template display field, processing information representing a magnification ratio and/or a trimming position is generated based on the composition information so that the selected image has the composition appropriate for the image insertion area. The selected image is processed according to the processing information.
US07969585B2
A geometric measurement system is adapted to precisely measure one or more surfaces of objects such as corneas, molds, contact lenses in molds, contact lenses, or other objects in a fixture. The geometric measurement system can employ one or more of three possible methods of measurement: Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing with wavefront stitching; phase diversity sensing; and white light interferometry.
US07969579B2
Rotary encoder apparatus is described that comprises one or more readheads and a radial scale. Each of the one or more readheads includes a light emitting portion for illuminating the radial scale and a light detecting portion for detecting interference fringes formed at a readhead analyzer plane. The readhead analyzer plane is tilted relative to the plane containing the radial scale. In a preferred embodiment, the readhead analyzer plane is tilted towards the center of rotation of the rotary encoder apparatus by the angle.
US07969577B2
When using a scatterometer different portions of a target area may be at different focal depths. When the whole area is measured this results in part of it being out of focus. To compensate for this an array of lenses is placed in the back focal plane of the high numerical aperture lens.
US07969575B2
Techniques for measuring light absorption of liquid samples are described herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an upper arm having a first measuring surface and a lower arm having a second measuring surface coupled to the lower arm via a hinge. The upper arm is capable of swinging via the hinge. One of the measuring surfaces is coupled to a light source while the other is coupled to a detector. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to position the upper arm into a first measuring position. The first measuring surface of the upper arm and the second measuring surface of the lower arm are spaced approximately to contact and sandwich a liquid sample in between to form an optical path, such that light generated from the light source is received and detected through the light path by the detector for measuring light absorption by the liquid sample. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07969573B2
A method for obtaining a refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) map of a slider surface, the method comprising the steps of processing an image of the slider surface to obtain spatially resolved normalized intensity data of the slider surface; measuring n and k values of the slider surface at different areas of the slider surface to obtain reflectivity data of the slider surface; mapping a distribution of the normalized intensity data to a distribution of the reflectivity data for deriving the n and k map of the slider surface.
US07969569B2
Provided is a detection method and device for analyzing trace substance of interest in a short time and with high accuracy without the need of performing any treatment for binding a fluorescent substance to the substance of interest or using any large apparatus. The substance of interest is detected by being immobilizing on a surface of any one of a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, a luminescent layer, a buffer layer, and inside surfaces of electrodes for an organic electroluminescent device based on a change in at least one luminescent property selected from luminescence intensity, luminous efficiency, and emission spectrum of the organic electroluminescent device before and after the immobilization of the substance of interest.
US07969568B2
Light reflected from respective image elements of a workpiece is channeled through respective light channeling elements to respective locations of a spectrographic light disperser. Spectral distributions of the respective image elements produced by the spectrographic light disperser are recorded. A processor groups similar spectral distributions into respective groups of mutually similar distributions, and classifies the groups by the number of distributions contained in each group.
US07969556B2
An illumination optical system for microlithography is used to guide an illumination light bundle from a radiation source to an object field in an object plane. A field facet mirror has a plurality of field facets to predetermine defined illumination conditions in the object field. A following optical system is arranged downstream of the field facet mirror to transfer the illumination light into the object field. The following optical system has a pupil facet mirror with a plurality of pupil facets. Some of the field facets are divided into individual mirrors, which predetermine individual mirror illumination channels. The latter illuminate object field portions, which are smaller than the object field. At least some of the individual mirrors are configured as individual correction mirrors. The latter can be tilted between at least two tilting positions, a central region illumination taking place in a basic tilting position and a surrounding region illumination of the object field taking place in a correction tilting position. An illumination optical system is the result, with which a correction of undesired variations of illumination parameters, in particular an illumination intensity distribution over the object field, is possible without loss of light.
US07969549B2
A lens element, for use in a projection system, includes a concave side. The lens element further includes a membrane and a nozzle, the membrane at least covering the concave side of the lens element. The nozzle is arranged for supplying and/or removing a liquid and/or a gas in between the concave side and the membrane.
US07969548B2
An immersion lithographic projection apparatus having a megasonic transducer configured to clean a surface and a method of using megasonic waves to clean a surface of an immersion lithographic projection apparatus are disclosed.
US07969542B2
A liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules that are vertically aligned in an absence of a voltage; a first optical compensation layer having a relationship of Nz =1 to 2.5 and a relationship of Re1(380)
US07969531B1
A backlighting apparatus for a flat panel LCD display includes an elongate light guide having a front wall through which travels polarized light in a direction toward the LCD display. An RGB LED set is positioned adjacent a first end wall of the light guide so that light enters the light guide from the first end wall. A retardation and reflection film covers respective external surfaces of the bottom wall and a second end wall. Microlenses are formed in the front wall along its extent and each microlens is filled with a birefringent material. Light emitted by the LED set travels through a collimated light coupling module and exits the light guide through the birefringent microlenses in polarized form toward the LCD display. The viewing angles and angular light distributions of the LCD display in vertical and horizontal directions are optimized for enhancing the brightness without involving DBEF and BEF.
US07969519B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a method of fabricating the same includes a gate line arranged in one direction, a data line arranged in a perpendicular direction to the gate line, a pixel electrode arranged in a pixel region defined by the gate and data lines and having a diagonal side adjacent to a crossing portion of the gate and data lines, and a light blocking pattern arranged in a parallel direction with respect to the diagonal side of the pixel electrode and preventing light leakage.
US07969512B2
A system for processing video information, the system including a memory configured to store video information, a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to receive memory requests for the video information, a first video signal processing client coupled to the memory controller. The first video signal processing client including a video signal processor, a buffer coupled to the video signal processor, and a memory request module coupled to the memory controller and to the buffer, the memory request module being configured to submit amortized memory requests to the memory controller.
US07969507B2
A video signal receiver including a display synchronizing signal generation device and control method are disclosed. The video signal receiver includes: a video processor converting an input analog video signal into a digital signal; a display processor scaling the video signal converted at the video processor with an output resolution; a displaying unit displaying the video signal scaled by the display processor; a detecting unit detecting whether an input vertical synchronization signal (In V-sync) and an output vertical synchronization signal of the analog video signal match; a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) adjusting a pixel clock according to a detection result of the detecting unit; and a timing generating unit generating an output horizontal synchronization signal and the output vertical synchronization signal by use of the pixel clock adjusted by the PLL, and providing the generated output horizontal and output vertical synchronization signals to the display processor and the detecting unit. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent twitching and freezing of a screen, even though input and output frame rates do not correspond.
US07969505B2
An electronic device is disclosed that includes an operations unit disposed in a device main body for input operations, and a camera unit including a camera for image capturing and a light source that emits light for image capturing. A light irradiation position of the light source is variable so that the light source illuminates the operations unit.
US07969499B2
A lens barrel includes: an image pickup optical system; an image pickup element; and a plurality of reflection members including first to n-th reflection members in order from the subject. The first reflection member is arranged at a position to bend an optical path of an incident light flux to enter the image pickup optical system. An (n−1)-th reflection member is arranged at a position to bend an optical path in a direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical path of the incident light flux. The n-th reflection member is arranged at a position closest to the image plane to bend an optical path in a direction parallel to the optical path of the incident light flux. The lens barrel further includes an actuator for moving the image pickup element in a plane perpendicular to an optical path bent by the n-th reflection member for stabilizing an image.
US07969497B2
An image capturing apparatus includes a camera body having an image-capturing lens for receiving light to form an image of a subject and a display unit having a display screen for displaying the image. The display unit is slidably supported by the camera body. A surface of the display unit opposite a surface having the display screen disposed thereon faces a surface of the camera body opposite a surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. An image capture button is disposed on the surface of the camera body opposite the surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. The image capture button is exposed when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a first direction and the image capture button is covered by the display unit when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US07969496B2
A camera comprises a user interface for the input of information indicative of the activity of a user. A control unit controls at least one function of the camera in response to the information.
US07969494B2
A pixel having no dedicated reset control line. By using the voltage on the column line to control the gate of the reset transistor, there is no need to provide a dedicate reset control line.
US07969490B2
The dynamic range of a pixel is increased by using selective photosensor resets during a frame time of image capture at a timing depending on the light intensity that the pixel will be exposed to during the frame time. Pixels that will be exposed to high light intensity are reset later in the frame than pixels that will be exposed to lower light intensity.
US07969485B2
A solid-state imaging device comprises a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, and a readout unit operable to read out pixel signals of the pixels included in the pixel array row by row. The readout unit (i) reads out pixel signals of a row of pixels in column order of the pixel array during a horizontal readout period, except during a readout-standby period that is within the horizontal readout period, and (ii) suspends reading out the pixel signals of the row of pixels in the column order during the readout-standby period.
US07969473B2
Image-pickup sections and an image-communicating/processing section 138 are connected by a single bus. Following the output of the image data, an output-controlling section in one of the image-pickup sections outputs an image-data-ending pattern, which indicates the end of outputting the image data, to a bus. An ending-pattern-detecting section in another image-pickup section detects the image-data-ending pattern, and outputs an image-pickup-operation-starting signal. The another image-pickup section starts an image-pickup operation and output of the image data based on the image-pickup-operation-starting signal.
US07969467B2
A printing system of the present invention connects an imaging device and a printing device logically, decides an amount of data of an image suitable for communication according to a speed of the communication; and changes the amount of data of the image to be transmitted and received according to the decision.
US07969448B2
A method of converting image signals for a display device including six-color subpixels is provided, which includes: classifying three-color input image signals into maximum, middle, and minimum; decomposing the classified signals into six-color components; determining a maximum among the six-color components; calculating a scaling factor; and extracting six-color output signals.
US07969446B2
A graphics processor is disclosed having a programmable Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) stage for processing pixel packets. Scalar arithmetic operations are performed in the ALUs to implement a graphics function.
US07969441B2
Selectively applying graphical filtering to a portion of an object can include accessing an object to be rendered and identifying at least one characteristic of a portion of the object. A corresponding filter is then selectively applied to the at least one determined characteristic and, in some instances, without applying the filter to at least one other portion of the object.
US07969424B2
Methods, computer program products, computing and printing systems for improved screen display and touch input, where an operation/display unit comprises a screen display unit such as a LCD; a touch location detection unit, which is a touch panel that accepts a user's touch operation; a touch decision unit that determines the touch location of the user's touch operation to the touch panel; and a touch execution unit that executes functions according to the user's touch location. If the user's touch location is within the effective area(s) of the operation button(s), then the touch execution unit executes the function allocated to the operation button(s). If the touch location is outside of the effective area(s) of the operation button(s), then the region outside of the operation button(s) is displayed as grayed-out.
US07969421B2
An apparatus and method for inputting a character using a keyboard displayed on a touch screen in a portable terminal. The apparatus and method determines if a touch signal is generated, with the keyboard displayed. Upon generation of the touch signal, a touched character is recognized by analyzing the touch signal. The character is displayed enlarged in a predetermined screen area. It is then determined if the touch has been completed, while the character is displayed enlarged. Upon sensing the touch completion, the character is displayed in a main screen area.
US07969419B2
A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
US07969414B2
The present invention discloses a mobile communication apparatus that includes a first casing and a second casing. The first casing has an opening and an operating interface disposed around the opening of a side of the first casing. The second casing has two display screens disposed separately on two corresponding surfaces thereof, and each display screen separately corresponds to a different program module of the mobile communication apparatus. The second casing is pivotally disposed in the opening, such that the second casing can be spun in the opening. If the second casing is turned over to expose a display screen with the operating interface, the mobile communication apparatus then initiates the program module corresponding to the screen display, and the screen display shows messages outputted by the program module.
US07969413B2
A pointing device includes a controller for pointing a position on a display surface by imaging an imaging objective such as two markers positioned with a predetermined interval therebetween in a vicinity of the display surface of a monitor. With the pointing device, a width of the display surface and the interval between the markers are obtained to determine an appropriate distance between the controller and the monitor. Further, a current distance between the controller and the monitor (markers) is calculated. Relation between the current distance and the appropriate distance is notified by such as image display or sound output. For example, an image indicating the appropriate distance and an adjustment image varying in size in conjunction with the current distance are displayed on the monitor.
US07969403B2
An exemplary driving circuit (20) includes: gate lines (23); data lines (24); pixel units (240); a gate driving circuit (21); a data driving circuit (22); a signal output circuit configured for providing a set of signals in each frame, each signal in the set of signals selectively being a black signal or a white signal; and a select output circuit (26) configured for receiving the data signals from the data driving circuit and the set of signals from the signal output circuit. When a signal of the set of signals provided by the signal output circuit is a black signal, the select output circuit provides the black signal to a corresponding data line. When a signal of the set of signals provided by the signal output circuit is a white signal, the select output circuit provides a corresponding one of the data signals to the corresponding data line.
US07969401B2
A liquid crystal driving apparatus comprising: a latch circuit including latch-areas each in n-bit unit, configured to sequentially latch into a designated latch-area, pieces of n-bit display-data obtained by dividing m-bit display-data for driving column-electrodes corresponding to each row-electrode of a liquid crystal display panel including row and column-electrodes; a data-register configured to sequentially hold the pieces of n-bit display-data; and a latch-pulse generating circuit configured to generate a latch-pulse for latching the n-bit display-data into the designated latch-area every time the data-register holds the n-bit display-data, including: a counter whose count-value changes every time the data-register holds the n-bit display-data; a decoder configured to decode the count-value to generate the latch-pulse; and a masking circuit configured to mask generation of the latch-pulse from the decoder in a period of time during which the count-value is changed, the column-electrodes being driven based on the m-bit display-data from the latch circuit.
US07969396B2
A liquid crystal display includes an array of pixels. Each pixel is divided into a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, and different data voltages are separately applied to (or evolved at) the two sub-pixels, thereby enhancing the lateral side visibility. Each sub-pixel includes a sub-pixel electrode (connected to the drain electrode of a sub-pixel's switching element) overlapped with the sub-pixel's storage electrode. A first predetermined voltage is applied to the first sub-pixel and second predetermined voltage is applied the second sub-pixel, and thus the first sub-pixel electrode may receive a voltage lower than the voltage of the second sub-pixel electrode. The first sub-pixel electrode may be larger in area than the second sub-pixel electrode. The overlapping area between the first drain electrode and the storage electrode of a first sub-pixel may be larger than the overlapping area between the drain electrode and the storage electrode of a second sub-pixel. Thus the kickback voltage of the first sub-pixel may be substantially the same as the kickback voltage of the second sub-pixel.
US07969395B2
The present invention discloses a spatial light modulator includes a plurality of pixel elements disposed on a substrate. Each of the pixel elements comprises a deflectable micromirror. Specifically, instead of SRAM, the spatial light modulator is implemented with a DRAM in each of the pixel elements. The DRAM in each of the pixel elements has a smaller number of transistors than SRAM. The spatial light modulator can be manufactured with smaller pixel size and circuit configuration with improved withstand voltage. Further improvements can also be achieved for manufactured the spatial light modulator with smaller capacitor with better layout configuration for wire connections and control signal transmissions.
US07969385B2
The color display device includes a colored light generation unit for repetitively generating a plurality of colored lights in a time sequence with a predetermined frequency, and an image generation unit for processing said plurality of colored lights, so as to generate an image corresponding to each of the plurality of colored lights generated in a time sequence. The said predetermined frequency is 180 Hz or more.
US07969376B2
The invention relates to an antenna (1) for a transmitting operation and/or a receiving operation with a decoupling apparatus (2a) and/or a coupling apparatus (2b) for electromagnetic waves. The antenna (1) according to the invention comprises a horn funnel (4) which is composed of at least two side walls (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), and also comprises at least two fins (5a, 5b) which extend into the interior of said horn funnel (4). The at least two side walls (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) have a cutout (7a, 7b) in each case.
US07969367B2
An antenna coupler for testing a transmitter and/or receiver device for wireless communication, in particular, a mobile telephone, comprises a holding element for the transmitter and/or receiver device and several antenna elements, which are arranged in such a manner that the directions of maximum radiation or respectively directions of maximum sensitivity of the antenna elements are oriented differently relative to one another in space.
US07969359B2
A phase shifter and method include a hybrid coupler being ground shielded. The hybrid coupler with reflective terminations connected to the hybrid coupler is configured to phase shift an applied signal wherein the reflective terminations include a parallel LC circuit.
US07969355B2
A method for obtaining GNSS time in a GNSS receiver includes: deriving a relationship between a first clock signal and the received GNSS time; latching a second clock signal and the first clock signal at a first latching point to obtain a clock value A1 of the first clock signal and a clock value B1 of the second clock signal; calculating a GNSS time C1 corresponding to the clock value A1 according to the relationship; latching the first clock signal and the second clock signal at a second latching point to obtain a clock value A2 of the first clock signal and a clock value B2 of the second clock signal; and calculating a GNSS time C2 corresponding to the clock value A2 according to the GNSS time C1, the clock value B1, and the clock value B2.
US07969350B2
Methods and systems for reducing a leakage component of a received-signal are disclosed. A transmit antenna of a radar system transmits a transmit-signal including a transmit component. A receive antenna of the radar system receives a received-signal including a leakage component and a target component. The received-signal corresponds to the transmit-signal. An overlap determination is made to determine whether the target component overlaps the leakage component and/or is received during a time when the leakage component is expected to be received. If overlap exists, a reduction leakage component (e.g., a previously determined reduction leakage component) is subtracted from the received-signal so as to produce a modified received-signal, the modified received-signal including the target component and substantially excluding the leakage component. If overlap does not exist, an estimate of the leakage component is produced and a reduction leakage component, based at least in part on the leakage component, is produced.
US07969349B2
A system for processing electromagnetic waves in a radar system is disclosed. The system includes a transmitter operable to transmit operating waves and calibration waves, one or more receivers operable to receive reflected calibration waves and operating waves, and a system controller operable to process the received calibration waves and operating waves. The system controller may process the received waves by generating a threshold signal based on the calibration waves, and comparing the threshold signal to the operating waves. The system controller may also process operating waves and calibration waves in accordance with one or more signal conditioning algorithms. Additionally, the system controller may display an image representing a target on a display by comparing received operating waves with the generated threshold signal.
US07969346B2
A transponder-based beacon transmitter system in an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The transponder-based beacon transmitter system comprises a global positioning system interface communicatively coupled to receive position information indicative of a current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a message formatter communicatively coupled to the global positioning system interface, and a transponder-based beacon transmitter. The message formatter formats vehicle identification of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the position information indicative of the current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle into an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast mode-select squitter message. The message formatter operates in one of a military mode, a National Airspace System mode, and a combined military/National Airspace System mode. The transponder-based beacon transmitter transmits the automatic dependent surveillance broadcast mode-select squitter messages from the unmanned aerial vehicle. Receivers in the vicinity of the unmanned aerial vehicle receive unsolicited vehicle identification and location of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
US07969344B1
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention allow identification of a true signal contained in a signal containing the true signal and noise. In general, digital signal information representing a signal of interest plus noise is utilized by the present invention. The first N samples of digital signal information are stored with the Nth sample being stored in manner which renders it accessible for additional operations. A specially selected set of weights are applied to the buffered N samples and, additionally, phase rotation is applied to the Nth sample. The phase rotated Nth sample and weighted samples are combined using a first equation, described in more detail below. The resulting signal, which exhibits an increased Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) and may be more effectively utilized in subsequent MTI processing by virtue of the operations performed on the previous N samples as described herein, is then available for further processing using conventional techniques.
US07969338B2
The present invention relates to a decoding circuit for a flat panel display, and more particularly to a decoding circuit for a flat panel display wherein a miniaturization is possible by reducing an area of the circuit. There is provided a decoding circuit comprising: a first decoder for selecting a predetermined number of gradation voltages from a plurality of gradation voltages according to a least significant bit or least significant bits of an image data; a second decoder for selecting one of the selected gradation voltages to be outputted to an output terminal according to a plurality of selection signals; and a third decoder for outputting the plurality of the selection signals according to a most significant bit or most significant bits of the image data, wherein a minimum length of gates of a plurality of MOSFETs included in the first decoder is shorter than that of a plurality of MOSFETS included in the second decoder.
US07969337B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes an analog to digital converter, a digital interpolation circuit, a phase error circuit, and a phase adjustment control circuit. The analog to digital converter samples an analog data input at a sampling phase governed at least in part by a coarse control, and provides a series of digital samples. The digital interpolation circuit interpolates between a subset of the series of digital samples based at least in part on a fine control. The phase error circuit calculates a phase error value. The phase adjustment control circuit is operable to determine the coarse control and the fine control based at least in part on the phase error value.
US07969331B2
A method for resetting a key decoder coupled to a plurality of capacitive keys to prevent processing of a key code generated by a ghosting condition. The method includes receiving a key code from a key decoder that corresponds to a first capacitive key of a capacitive keypad, detecting a ghosting condition for a second capacitive key that does not correspond to the detected key code, and resetting a key decoder in response to the ghosting condition being detected.
US07969330B2
An apparatus for controlling functions of an appliance is described having a touch-sensitive control panel resistant to accidental activation. The touch-sensitive panel has a plurality of proximity sensor areas which may be selected by a user wishing to activate associated functions of the appliance. Driver circuitry coupled to the sensor areas is operable to output detection signals to a controller in response to a user selecting ones of the sensor areas. The controller is configured to activate functions of the appliance in response to these detection signals. For one or more functions of the appliance, for example a switching on function, the controller is configured to only activate the function when a user makes a pre-determined combination of at least two selections from the plurality of sensor areas. This reduces the chances of potentially dangerous functions being activated inadvertently and can further help a designer to provide an intuitive and uncluttered appearance to the control panel.
US07969329B2
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special
US07969327B2
A device for managing an awakening phase, in flight, of a pilot in the cockpit of an airplane, following a rest period, to guarantee his or her return to a state estimated compatible with flying operations, also called state of vigilance, wherein it includes management means for inducing progressive physical stimuli for generating an awareness by the resting pilot that his or her rest period is over, starting a procedure in the form of actions to be carried out by the pilot, means for displaying the procedure drawn up by the management means. The management device includes a warning device in case a state of hypo-vigilance is detected in the pilot, which is activated when the pilot is assumed to be in a state of vigilance.
US07969325B2
Variable thoroughfare toll rates are applied in anticipation of an event impacting traffic flow. An event occurrence is identified and determined to cause a change in a normal traffic flow amount on an impacted section of a thoroughfare. A traveler is notified of the impacted section of the thoroughfare in association with an impacted section-choice toll rate, a bypass choice in association with a bypass-choice toll rate, and a future time period duration for an application of the bypass-choice and impacted section-choice rates. A notified traveler is charged a toll for using the thoroughfare as a function of the bypass-choice rate in response to choosing to travel upon the presented bypass choice, or as a function of an impacted section-choice toll rate in response choosing to travel upon the presented impacted section choice.
US07969320B2
Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.
US07969311B2
A method and system for identification, tracking and locating in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system use reference and/or pilot signals that are present in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system might also use RTT, TOA and time-stamping measurements/techniques to determine one or more reference signals traveling time between the Base Station (eNB) or its functional equivalent and mobile device (UE) and or network device. Other wireless networks that do not use reference and/or pilot signals may employ one or more of the following types of alternate embodiments of present invention: 1) where a portion of frame is dedicated to the ranging signal/ranging signal elements; 2) where the ranging signal elements are embedded into (spread across) transmit/receive signals frame(s); and 3) where the ranging signal elements are embedded with the data. The method and system includes multi-path mitigations processor and multi-path mitigations techniques and algorithms which improve the track-locate accuracy. The method and system allow achieving increased accuracy by using multi-path mitigations processor and multi-path mitigations techniques and algorithms. The techniques of Digital Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio are used.
US07969310B2
An integrated theft deterrent tag 20 having a lanyard 38 emanating therefrom. The lanyard 38 having a pin 48 permanently attached thereto and the pin 48 being received within a locking mechanism 32 and enclosing an article to be protected.
US07969304B2
A secure container for controlling and monitoring access to at least one secured bag locking device is disclosed. The secure container is lockable to prevent access by unauthorized parties, and may include any feature of prior art secure containers, such as shock detection or a camera to photograph access. The secure container contains a number of rails to provide power to and monitor the status of docked secured bag locking devices. In addition, the secure container includes an antenna to allow secured devices to be tethered to it via communications with an active radio frequency identification tag secured to the tethered device.
US07969298B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing inbound interference in a broadband powerline communication system. Data modulated on first and second carrier frequencies is received via respective first and second lines of the powerline system. A characteristic of at least one of the carrier signals (e.g., phase or amplitude) is adjusted at the receiver in order to reduce the effects of inbound interference on the transmission system. The adjustment parameters may be determined by adjusting the parameters, during a period of no data transmission, until the output of a differential receiver is zero.
US07969297B2
Light sources are affixed at appropriate positions in a multilevel structure or in an obstructed environment. The light sources generate modulated light signals, such as controlled light-emitting diodes, which identify the positions of the light sources by their three-dimensional global positioning coordinates and/or equivalent representation that specifies their in situ locations in the environment. Mobile communication devices, upon receiving the light signals, can derive spatial positioning information and transmit such information to a remote location, such as an emergency response system.
US07969295B2
A device 20 for location and identification of pipes, conduits, cables or buried or hidden objects 8 is described without the need of any invasive and/or destructive work, said device comprising at least one transponder 1 utilizing RFID or like technology for identification without any physical contact or line-of-sight, said transponder 1 being attached in a support 7 shaped as a mesh, tape, wire, cable, cordage or alternatively in a device 32/33 such as a bar, tappet, line, stud, mushroom, pipe, marker or the like, device 20 resulting from the combination of 1 and 7 or of 1 and 32/33. A system for location and identification of said objects 8 comprises said device 20 and further a reading and/or writing unit 3 of the information on said pipe, conduit, cable or buried or hidden object 8, at least an antenna 2 besides said pipe, conduit, cable or buried or hidden object 8. Also described is the method for installing device 20, the method for location and identification of a pipe, conduit, cable or buried or hidden object 8, as well as the method for mapping and execution of as-built plants of pipes, conduits, cable or buried or hidden objects 8 without the need of any invasive and/or destructive work.
US07969294B2
An onboard display device includes a display section attached to an instrument panel of a vehicle. The section has a second display area and a first display area. The second display area shows at least the speed as vehicle condition images indicating the conditions of the vehicle. The first display area shows a navigation image and other secondary images. The display section measures greater in width than in height with an aspect ratio of 7:3 or greater. The aspect ratio is the width/height ratio of a display area. The onboard display device allows for a visibility-improved simultaneous display of the secondary image, such as a navigation image, and the vehicle condition image, such as a speed display, which presents information on the conditions of the vehicle.
US07969289B2
A method for determining the probability of a vehicle colliding with a detected object. The object is detected. A stochastic process is determined representing a relative distance between the vehicle and the detected object. The stochastic process has a direction and a velocity relative the vehicle. A safety zone of the vehicle is defined in relation to the detected object as a straight line perpendicular to a line of sight of the detected object. The probability of colliding with the detected object over a period of time is determined as the probability of the stochastic process crossing the straight line with the direction and velocity of the stochastic process.
US07969285B2
A method executed in a badge, a badge reader, and a server for controlling access to different zones. The badge obtains from the badge reader an invitation to request access to a zone Zout. The badge ascertains that the badge is authorized to access the zone Zout. The badge has a current badge identifier ID. The badge retrieves a zone-associated badge identifier IDout associated with the zone Zout. The badge issues to the badge reader a request for access to the zone Zout. The request includes: the current badge identifier ID, the zone-associated badge identifier IDout; and a current badge key K. The badge receives from the badge reader either an authorization to access the zone Zout during a specified period of time Tout or a refusal to grant access to the zone Zout. The server implements the distribution of keys used by the badge reader and badge.
US07969280B2
An apparatus and method for a universal wireless security device that provides multiple access control functions in one device without subjecting an owner to increased risk arising from unauthorized use. Authorization is established via one or more biometric characteristics of a user attempting to operate the device. The apparatus includes a transmitter for wirelessly communicating an active security code to a security code receiver, the transmitter responsive to a mode signal to transmit a particular one of a set of a plurality of prerecorded security codes as the active security code; a biometric sensor for extracting a biometric characteristic from a user; an actuating system for indicating a particular one security transmission mode of a plurality of security transmission modes; and a controller, coupled to the transmitter, the sensor, and the actuating system, for determining when the user is an authorized user responsive to the biometric characteristic, the controller communicating the mode signal to the transmitter responsive to the particular one security transmission mode when the user is determined to be the authorized user.
US07969278B2
A thermistor has a sealing portion of glass which seals at least a thermistor element body, first and second electrodes, and ends of the first and second lead wires and an insulating portion which covers portions of the first and second lead wires exposed from the sealing portion. The first and second lead wires are spaced from each other and include respective first portions extending from the aforementioned ends and spaced from each other with a first space, respective second portions spaced from each other with a second space larger than the first space, and respective third portions spaced from each other with a space varying from the first space to the second space, between the first and second portions. The insulating portion covers the first portions of the first and second lead wires together and covers the second and third portions of the first and second lead wires independently for each of the first and second lead wires.
US07969277B2
A nonlinear resistor ceramic composition has a major component containing zinc oxide, a first minor component containing an oxide of a rare-earth metal, a second minor component containing an oxide of Ca, and a third minor component containing an oxide of Si. A percentage of the second minor component to 100 moles of the major component is in the range of 2 atomic %≦the second minor component<80 atomic % in terms of Ca. A percentage of the third minor component to 100 moles of the major component is in the range of 1 atomic %≦the third minor component<40 atomic % in terms of Si. An atomic ratio of Ca to Si (Ca/Si) is not less than 1.
US07969275B2
A fuse assembly includes a main component partially encased in a protective sheath. The main component includes a pair of connectors formed of an electrically conductive material to allow the fuse assembly to be electrically connected into an electric vehicle drive system. A fusible link is electrically connected between the connectors and is preferably encased in the protective sheath. The fusible link reacts to current flowing through the fuse assembly in excess of a predetermined current for a predetermined time, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
US07969273B2
An insulating member is provided with a rear surface section, a pair of side surface sections and a pair of column sections. The rear surface section is formed to be arranged between an edgewise coil and the yoke inner circumference surface of a stator core. The pair of side surface sections extend from the rear surface section to cover the side surfaces on the slot side of teeth and are formed flexibly in the facing directions. The pair of column sections extend from the rear surface section along the end surfaces on the coil end side of the teeth, while keeping spaces between the column sections and the side surface sections so as not to disturb deformation of the side surface sections.
US07969272B2
Generally, a low-profile planar core structure for use in magnetic components and related processes are presented herein. More specifically, the planar core structure provides a relatively large winding area that reduces heat dissipation, reduces leakage inductance, and allows for a low-profile design. The planar core structure has a center core that is elongated along a horizontal axis. Furthermore, conductors may enter and exit the planar core structure without increasing its height.
US07969266B2
Provided is an inductor capable of adjusting an inductance in dozens of nH increments without requiring a large number of components. The inductor includes: a conductor; a first core body and a second core body each having an opposed surface, the opposed surface of the first core body and the opposed surface of the second core body facing each other so as to enclose the conductor; and a holding part provided with a slide surface for varying an opposed area of the opposed surfaces of the first core body and the second core body, for holding at least one of the first core body and the second core body at a desired position.
US07969263B2
A fiber wrap and a method of rotating the fiber wrap without twisting a data cable are disclosed. The fiber wrap includes a sun gear, a sun cylinder coupled to the sun gear, a planetary gear in contact with the sun gear, a planetary cylinder coupled to the planetary gear, an outer housing in contact with the planetary gear, and a data cable coupled to the sun cylinder, the planetary cylinder, and the outer housing. The maximum bend radius of the data cable is determined by the equation: 2 πΔ DGD c λ wherein λ is optical wavelength and Δ DGD = 0.5 C s ( r R 2 ) 2 Δ L c - 0.5 C s ( r R 1 ) 2 Δ L c wherein Cs is the stress-optics coefficient, c is the speed of light, R1 is the bend radius at the end of the wrap motion, R2 is the bend radius at the start of the wrap motion, r is the radii of the sun cylinder and the planetary cylinder, and Δ L = 10 360 2 π R 2 .
US07969262B2
A micro-electromechanical device has a substrate (10), a movable element, movable towards the substrate by electrostatic forces on electrodes, facing surfaces of the movable element and the substrate being shaped such that one or more venting channels (VC) are defined by the facing surfaces when they are in a closed position, configured to enable fluid between the facing surfaces to flow across the facing surfaces, to enter or exit the area between the facing surfaces. Such channels can enable fluid damping of the movement of the moveable element to be controlled. Increasing the flow entering or exiting the area between the facing surfaces, can reduce such damping, and hence increase speed of opening and closing of the device. The channels can connect to holes in the electrodes.
US07969257B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a power amplifier with a tunable impedance matching circuit including a plurality of tunable dielectric varactors and a DC voltage source interface capable of providing voltage to said plurality of saud tunable dielectric varactors.
US07969250B2
A design structure for a programmable interpolative voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with adjustable frequency range output is provided. Programmable delay cells whose size is modifiable based on control inputs to the programmable delay cells are utilized. A different set of control inputs may be provided to programmable delay cells of an inner sub-ring from the set of control inputs provided to programmable delay cells of a main ring of the VCO. The minimum frequency output of the VCO is governed by the main ring programmable delay cell strength with the maximum frequency output of the VCO being governed by a ratio of strengths of the main ring programmable delay cells to the inner sub-ring programmable delay cell. By modifying the control inputs to the inner sub-ring and main ring programmable delay cells, the minimum and maximum frequency outputs, and thus the range between these two frequency outputs, are made programmable.
US07969237B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes at least one first transistor configured to control conductance between an input power line and an output power line, at least one second transistor configured to control conductance between the input power line and the output power line, a first buffer configured to supply a first control signal for driving the at least one first transistor to a first control line connected to the at least one first transistor, a second buffer configured to generate a second control signal for driving the at least one second transistor upon receipt of the first control signal supplied through the first control line and supply the second control signal to a second control line connected to the at least one second transistor, and at least one capacitor connected between the first control line and the output power line.
US07969234B2
A clock control circuit is provided. The clock control circuit includes a voltage supplier for supplying a first voltage in response to a first clock signal, a voltage booster for boosting the first voltage in response to the first clock signal input to the voltage booster, and a clock generator for generating a second clock signal having a voltage level equal to the boosted first voltage in response to the first clock signal.
US07969226B2
Gate drivers for wide bandgap (e.g., >2 eV) semiconductor junction field effect transistors (JFETs) capable of operating in high ambient temperature environments are described. The wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices include silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices. The driver can be a non-inverting gate driver which has an input, an output, a first reference line for receiving a first supply voltage, a second reference line for receiving a second supply voltage, a ground terminal, and six Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs) wherein the first JFET and the second JFET form a first inverting buffer, the third JFET and the fourth JFET form a second inverting buffer, and the fifth JFET and the sixth JFET form a totem pole which can be used to drive a high temperature power SiC JFET. An inverting gate driver is also described.
US07969214B2
A delay locked loop (DLL) circuit includes a phase detection unit configured to generate a phase detection signal by comparing a phase of a reference clock signal with a phase of a feedback clock signal. An update control apparatus is configured to generate a valid interval signal and an update control signal by determining a difference between the number of first logical values and the number of second logical values of the phase detection signal in response to the reference clock signal. A shift register configured to update a delay value granted to a delay line in response to the update control signal when the valid interval signal is enabled.
US07969203B1
An analog sample-and-hold switch has parallel branches extending from an input node to an output node connected to a hold capacitor, each branch having a PMOS signal switch FET in series with a PMOS dummy FET. A sample clock controls on-off switching of the PMOS signal switch FETs, and an inverse of the sample clock controls a complementary on-off switching of the PMOS dummy FETs. A bias sequencer circuit biases the PMOS signal switch FETs and biases the PMOS dummy FETs, in a complementary manner, synchronous with their respective on-off states. The on-off switching of the PMOS dummy FETs injects charge cancelling a charge injection by the PMOS signal switch FETs, and injects glitches cancelling glitches injected by the PMOS signal switch FETs.
US07969195B1
Apparatus and methods advantageously maintain transistors of open-drain differential pairs biased in the saturation region when “active,” rather in than the triode or linear region. The biasing techniques are effective over a broad range of process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. By controlling a high voltage level used to drive the gate of a transistor of the differential pair, the biasing of the transistor in the saturation region is maintained. In one embodiment, the low voltage level used to cut off the transistor of the differential pair is also controlled. These techniques advantageously permit differential drivers to exhibit relatively large output swings, relatively high edge rates, relatively high return loss, and relatively good efficiency.
US07969187B1
A hardware interface in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The hardware interface comprises data storage coupled to store and provide data; a data shifter coupled to the data storage to at least bit shift the data obtained from the data storage; and a control circuit coupled to the data storage and the data shifter for controlling a transfer of the data from the data storage and the data shifter. The control circuit comprises a state machine for controlling operation of the data storage and the data shifter; and the state machine is programmable responsive to code executable by a processor coupled to an auxiliary processing unit to adapt to the auxiliary processing unit.
US07969179B2
An integrated circuit can be made more secure by programming a one time programmable circuit so that different signals are provided on terminals as compared to when the integrated circuit was not secure. Instead, or in addition, the integrated circuit can be made more secure by providing decode circuitry that can be used with the one time programmable circuit to select different internal address maps in response to an address value. The decode circuitry can use a first address map when the integrated circuit is secure, and a different address map when the integrated circuit is non-secure.
US07969178B2
In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the energy state of a qubit by bringing the qubit into and out of resonance by coupling the qubit to a flux quantum logic gate. The qubit can be in resonance with a pump signal, with another qubit or with some quantum logic gate. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for controlling a qubit with RSFQ logic or through the interface between RSFQ and the qubit.
US07969176B2
A voltage margin test device tests an allowable minimum and an allowable maximum of an electronic device to obtain the voltage margin within which the electronic device can work normally.
US07969165B2
A device for determining distance between a rotor blade and a wall of a gas turbine surrounding the rotor blade is provided. A waveguide guides and emits electromagnetic waves of at least one frequency in the direction of the rotor blade through a waveguide opening facing the rotor blade. The electromagnetic waves are injected into the waveguide and reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves are received. An evaluation unit compares the phase of the electromagnetic waves to be injected with the phase of the reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves and determines phase comparison values for every frequency and the distance is determined based on the phase comparison values. The waveguide comprises a sealing element which is configured to be transmissible for the electromagnetic waves of the frequency and which has two opposite surfaces in the direction of guidance of the electromagnetic waves.
US07969149B2
A magnetic direction sensor can detect at higher precision the magnitude and direction of a detected magnetic field. The magnetic direction sensor has a measuring section, a storage section and an operating section. The measuring section has first and second MR elements, and detects resistance values of these elements in accordance with an attitude change of the sensor and the presence or absence of a bias magnetic field to be applied through a coil in a direction orthogonal to a magnetization direction of each pinned layer in the first and second MR elements. The storage section stores fixed data invariable in response to a detected magnetic field direction, in resistance values of these elements measured by the measuring section. The operating section calculates a detected magnetic field vector from variable data of resistance values of these elements measured by the measuring section, and fixed data stored in the storage section.
US07969135B2
A regulation circuit comprises an error detector, an integrator, and a voltage regulator. The error detector comprises an input for an input voltage, a further input for a reference voltage and an output for an error signal, wherein the error signal depends on the input voltage and the reference voltage. The integrator comprises an input for the error signal and an output for an integrated error signal. The voltage regulator comprises an input for the input voltage and a terminal for the integrated error signal, wherein the voltage regulator is configured to adjust a shunt current responsive to the integrated error signal such that the input voltage is adjusted towards the target voltage.
US07969134B2
In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to select either an error signal or a variable reference signal to control an on-time of the switching output signal of the power supply controller.
US07969121B2
A power supply (1) for powering a load, the load being in the form of a flash driver circuit (4) for a digital camera (not shown). The power supply includes a supercapacitive device, in the form of a supercapacitor (8), for powering circuit (4). A regulator unit, in the form of an inductive regulator (10), charges supercapacitor (8).
US07969119B2
An overvoltage protection system capable of maintaining a high setting voltage of a battery charger while guaranteeing that cell voltage does not exceed a value limited by a threshold value. In one preferred embodiment, a battery set is a plurality of series-connected battery cells. A protection voltage measurement portion measures a cell voltage of each battery cell. A computation portion calculates an open circuit voltage of the battery set outputs a calculated voltage as a measurement voltage. An overvoltage setting portion stops charging of battery set when the value of the cell voltage of any one of the battery cells reaches a threshold value. A diagnostic voltage measurement portion measures an open circuit voltage of battery set to output measured voltage as a diagnostic voltage. A comparing circuit stops charging of the battery set based on comparison results of value of the measurement voltage and value of diagnostic voltage.
US07969114B2
A system compatible for different types of signals relates to a motor includes a differential amplifier, a comparator, and a transmitting device. The differential amplifier is configured to receive one of a differential digital pulse signals pair and a differential analog signals pair. The differential digital pulse signals pair is converted to a first digital signal, and the differential analog signals pair is converted to an analog signal by the differential amplifier. The comparator is configured to convert the analog signal into a second digital signal. The first digital signal is received and outputted by the comparator. The transmitting device is configured to convert a data signals pair to a binary code, and convert differential reference digital signals pairs to reference digital signals. The reference digital signals, the first and second digital signals are received by an external computing device.
US07969109B2
An electric actuator includes a motion conversion mechanism and a position detector. The motion conversion mechanism converts rotation of a rotary shaft of a motor into linear motion of an output shaft. The position detector detects a permanent magnet M, which moves integrally with the output shaft. A motor control portion controls the motor based on commands from a host command unit. A control program for controlling the motor includes, as control modes, six fluid pressure cylinder modes, according to which the motor is controlled. Specifically, each of the control modes corresponds to one of the cases where the fluid pressure cylinder is controlled by three solenoid valves, or a two-position single solenoid valve, a two-position double solenoid valve, and a three-position double solenoid valve. The motor is controlled according to the selected control mode.
US07969107B2
A microcomputer compares a low voltage LV and a middle voltage MV to a predetermined voltage Vth set at a value in the vicinity of the grounded voltage (0 V) on the basis of detected phase voltages Vu, Vv and Vw, and thus, detects a break in a power supply line.
US07969105B2
An electrical storage device comprises a capacitor or capacitor bank capable of storing significant quantities of electricity. An inverter in circuit with the capacitor converts direct energy of the capacitor into alternating current. A variable ratio transformer is in circuit with the output of the inverter to produce an alternating current output of controlled voltage. The impedance of the transformer acts to prolong discharge of the capacitor over a significant time period. To further control the rate of discharge of the energy storage capacitor, an additional capacitor may be provided in the transformer circuit.
US07969095B2
The present invention relates to a method of and arrangement for removing contaminants from a surface of a substrate by subjecting said substrate surface to an atmospheric pressure glow plasma. Said plasma is generated in a discharge space comprising a plurality of electrodes, by applying an alternating plasma energizing voltage to said electrodes causing a plasma current and a displacement current. Said plasma is stabilised by controlling said displacement current during plasma generation such that modification of properties of said substrate surface is prevented.
US07969092B1
A single substrate AC and/or DC gas discharge (plasma) display device comprised of hollow microspheres containing ionizable gas at a predetermined pressure, each microsphere being positioned on the surface of the substrate or within a substrate cavity, well, or hollow. Each microsphere is in electrical contact with 2, 3, or more electrodes. The AC or DC gas discharge within each microsphere emits photons in the visible and/or invisible range. In one embodiment, photons from the gas discharge within a microsphere excite a luminescent substance or material such as a phosphor that emits photons in the visible and/or invisible spectrum. The microsphere may contain the luminescent substance or the substance may be located separately from, but in close proximity to, the microsphere.
US07969089B2
An LED includes a substrate, a first electrode layer and a thin colloidal layer located between the substrate and the first electrode layer. A smoothening layer or particles located within or on the colloidal layer is provided so that the roughness of the outer surface of the colloidal layer which is facing towards the first electrode layer is Ra≦30 nm and Ra≧1 nm.
US07969085B2
A color-change material layer comprising: a color-change material that converts light of a second frequency range higher than a first frequency range to light of the first frequency range; and a transparent material having a refractive index of at least 1.6 intermixed with the color-change material, wherein the layer is substantially non-scattering to light of the first frequency range.
US07969083B2
A discharge lamp is disclosed, including a sealed vessel with an inner surface, at least one illuminating gas filled inside the sealed vessel, and a fluorescent layer coated on the inner surface. The composition of the fluorescent layer is adjusted according to a colored light emitted by the illuminating gas during a discharge process within the sealed vessel, such that the colored light is converted into a visible light after passing through the fluorescent layer.
US07969077B2
A spark plug having a glass seal formed from a first glass material and a second glass material. The first glass material has a glass transition temperature/softening point that is greater than the glass transition temperature/softening point of the second glass material. The first glass material and second glass material form a matrix and when combined with a filler have thermal expansion rates and properties the approximate leaded glass.
US07969072B2
An electronic device includes: a package including a lid and a package base, the package being formed by bonding the lid to a joint surface of the package base using a bonding material; and a resin portion covering the package. The resin portion covers at least the package base and the bonding material, and at least a part of the resin portion has a section outline. The section outline has an outermost portion thereof in a direction parallel with a mount surface of the electronic device. The outermost portion is located below a lower surface of the lid in a direction perpendicular to the mount surface of the electronic device.
US07969070B2
An electroactive polymer transducer comprising a membrane formed of an approximately rectangular electroactive polymer portion surrounded by two electrodes, at least two points of the membrane being connected to rigid supports, and comprising at least one deformable element for limiting the deformations that the membrane may undergo, the limiting element having a meandering form and being connected to the membrane in several approximately distributed points.
US07969066B2
In a multilayer piezoelectric actuator, external electrodes are formed on external surfaces of a multilayer piezoelectric body in which a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked on top of one another. Each of the external electrodes includes a base electrode and a stress-absorbing external-electrode member formed on the base electrode. The stress-absorbing external-electrode member is provided with an elastically deformable elastic structure, and a planar portion, which is continuous with the elastic structure and has at least an area sufficient for bonding a feeder terminal such as a lead line thereto.
US07969065B2
A vibration wave driving device comprises a vibrator having an electromechanical conversion device, a supporting member for supporting the vibrator, and a driven member brought into contact with a part of the vibrator driven frictionally by vibration excited in the vibrator: the supporting member comprising a vibration portion vibrating together with the vibrator, a fixation portion for fixing the supporting member, and a support portion for connecting the vibration portion with the fixation portion and supporting the vibrator; and the support portion being comprised of a laminate of sheets.
US07969064B2
A drive circuit (18) produces a drive signal for a pump (10) having a piezoelectric actuator (14), with the piezoelectric actuator (14) forming a part of the drive circuit (18) and serving to shape a waveform of the drive signal. The drive circuit (18) comprises a pulse generator (100) which generates pulses; a converter circuit (102) which receives the pulses and produces charge packets at a rate which equals a desired drive frequency; and, the piezoelectric actuator (14). The piezoelectric actuator (14) receives the charge packets and, by its capacitive nature, integrates the charge packets to shape the waveform of the drive signal. Preferably, the piezoelectric actuator (14) integrates the charge packets to yield a drive field that approximates a sine wave. In one non-limiting example embodiment, the pulse generator (100) comprises a microcontroller-based pulsed width modulator (PWM) circuit (116) and the converter circuit (102) comprises a flyback circuit.
US07969062B2
A high-efficiency thermionic energy converter comprises a multilayer vacuum diode, the layers of which are very thin and the intermediate spaces between the layers are several nanometers thick. The layers are held at a distance from each other by arranging insulator elements embedded in the layers. One of the intermediate spaces is provided with a thin, open conductive elastic foam plate which fills the spaces possibly occurring due to deformation of an upper electrode. On the cold side the distance between the layers must be so small that here the thermionically generated current is increased by tunneling of electrons from layer to layer. The partial efficiency per layer is as optimal as possible by means of the choice of the geometry and the material. For the purpose of pumping heat from for instance the thick electrode to the other thick electrode of the converter, or vice versa, in accordance with the Peltier effect, a current is conducted through the converter which is increased by tunneling of electrons. Cooling or heating takes place subject to the current direction.
US07969058B2
Permanent magnet motors with improved torque ripple and methods for designing the same have been provided. The permanent magnet motor can include a stator having a hollow core and defining a plurality of slots; a winding disposed in each of the slots; a rotor rotatably disposed inside the hollow core of the stator; and a plurality of permanent magnets supported by the rotor. Each of the slots has a slot opening, and at least one of the slot openings can be off-center with respect to the respective slot.
US07969047B2
An intelligent switching on/off socket includes a housing containing master jacks and slave jacks respectively containing master conducting strips and slave conducting strips, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a current sampling circuit connected to the master conducting strips and a signal amplification circuit. The signal amplification circuit amplifies the sampled current and passes the signal to both a signal comparator, and to a reference signal acquisition circuit which in turn passes the reference signal to a memorizer. The signal comparator compares the reference current signals and current amplification signals, and is connected to a control output circuit. The control output circuit is connected to a relay which is connected to the slave conducting strip. The reference signal acquisition circuit provides a learning function such that multiple electrical devices with differing power needs can be switched on or off respectively depending on their individual power needs.
US07969044B2
A power distribution system is provided for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft. The system comprises a variable speed prime mover adapted to generate an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to the speed of the prime mover, a power switch, a power distribution bus connected to the A/C output of the prime mover and connected, via the switch, to the motor such that the motor's speed is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output, and a variable frequency drive operatively connected to the A/C output of the prime mover via the bus and effective to provide an alternate A/C output to the motor after the motor is disconnected from the bus. The switch is adapted to disconnect the motor from the bus when the prime mover's speed is equal to or within a predetermined range of the prime mover's speed limit.
US07969041B2
A system includes a control circuit, supply circuits, and sensors. The control circuit controls the supply circuits to power each of the sensors and obtain data from the powered sensors. If one of the supply conductors is open, the control circuit controls the supply circuits to power each of the sensors and obtain data from the powered sensors. If one of the sensors is shorted, the control circuit controls the supply circuits to power each of the remaining sensors and obtain data from the powered sensors.
US07969040B2
A dual battery electrical system for a vehicle having an engine comprises a primary load and a secondary load and is switchable between an ON state in which the engine is running, an OFF state in which the engine is not running, a START state in which the primary load requires power to start the engine, and a PAUSE state in which the engine is not running. A first battery powers the primary load, a second battery powers the secondary load, a battery switch is closable to connect the first battery to the second battery such that both batteries can provide power to both loads. The transition to and from the OFF state is via a user activated mechanism and transition to and from the PAUSE state is via a user-independent mechanism. A controller controls operation of the battery switch when the system enters and/or leaves the PAUSE state.
US07969033B2
A device for the generation of energy and in particular electrical energy includes a cell or chamber which moves upwardly and downwardly in a body of water. Cog wheels are connected to the cell. The cog wheels are connected to the shafts of generators. Rotation of the cog wheels operates the generators which produce energy. The cog wheels engage anchor chains or vertical supports. One end of each anchor chain is secured to an anchor located at the bottom of the body of water. The other end of the anchor chain is secured to a float which floats at or near the surface of the body of water. The up and down movement of the cell causes the cog wheels to move upwardly and downwardly along the anchor chains and thereby rotate. This rotation drives the energy generator and generates energy, preferably electricity. The cog wheels are permitted to rotate upon the receipt of a request for energy. This results in a highly efficient source of energy or electricity.
US07969026B2
An assembly for producing partially packaged semiconductor devices is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a magnetic plate; a flexible substrate disposed adjacent the magnetic plate and having two surfaces; a nonstick coating disposed on one surface of the flexible substrate thereby exposing a nonstick surface; and a tape layer having two surfaces. The tape layer is adhesively attached to the nonstick surface to expose a surface of the tape layer. A frame is disposed on the exposed surface of the tape layer, and a plurality of integrated circuit (IC) die is positioned within the frame and supported by the tape layer. A panel is formed within the frame that at least partially surrounds the plurality of IC die and that contacts the tape layer.
US07969011B2
A metal-insulator diode is disclosed. In one aspect, the metal-insulator diode comprises first and second electrode and first and second insulators arraigned as follows. An insulating region has a trench formed therein. The trench has a bottom and side walls. The first electrode, which comprises a first metal, is on the side walls and over the bottom of the trench. A first insulator has a first interface with the first electrode. At least a portion of the first insulator is within the trench. A second insulator has a second interface with the first insulator. At least a portion of the second insulator is within the trench. The second electrode, which comprises a second metal, is in contact with the second insulator. The second electrode at least partially fills the trench.
US07969002B2
Integrated circuit packages incorporating an inductor and methods for their fabrication. The lead frame used in packaging the integrated circuit includes a first area for receiving the integrated circuit, and a second area having a plurality of connections from one side to the other side of the lead frame, thereby forming coil segments. After mounting the integrated circuit and wire bonding its connections, the lead frame is placed on a ferrite plate, the assembly is encapsulated in resin, and the leads trimmed and bent. Mounting of the packaged integrated circuit on a properly prepared printed circuit interconnects the coil segments in the package to coil segments on the printed circuit, thereby forming a single, multi-turn coil around the ferrite plate. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US07969001B2
Methods and systems for intra-chip waveguide communication are disclosed and may include configuring one or more waveguides in an integrated circuit and communicating one or more signals between blocks within the integrated circuit via the one or more waveguides. The one or more waveguides may be configured via switches in the integrated circuit by adjusting a length of the one or more waveguides. The one or more signals may include a microwave signal and a low frequency control signal that configures the microwave signal. The low frequency control signal may include a digital signal. The one or more waveguides may include metal layers deposited on the integrated circuit or within the integrated circuit. The one or more waveguides may include semiconductor layers deposited on the integrated circuit or embedded within the integrated circuit.
US07968992B2
A method of fabricating a multi-chip package structure is provided. In the method, a number of cavities are formed on a predetermined cutting line of a first wafer by partly removing the first wafer and a first metal layer. Conductive walls of a first circuit layer are electrically connected to a cut cross-section of the first metal layer exposed by the cavities. In addition, conductive bumps of a second wafer are pressed into a cover layer and electrically connected to the first circuit layer. The first metal layer is then patterned to form a second circuit layer having a number of second pads. Next, the first wafer and the second wafer are cut along the predetermined cutting line to form a number of separated multi-chip package structures.
US07968983B2
Provided is a semiconductor device in which a plurality of chips are packaged without increasing the thickness of the package. A plurality of semiconductor elements (a first and a second semiconductor elements) that are packaged in the semiconductor device are overlaid with each other. Specifically, the first semiconductor element is fixed on the top surface of the first island while the second semiconductor element is fixed on the bottom surface of the second island. Furthermore, each of the islands (a first and a second islands) on which the semiconductor elements are respectively mounted in the present invention provides a structure has an irregular shape, and the islands are overlaid with each other along the sides of the semiconductor element to be mounted.
US07968982B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor device 30 and a molded upper heat sink 10. The heat sink has an interior surface 16 that faces the semiconductor device and an exterior surface 15 that is at least partially exposed to the ambient environment of the packaged device. An annular planar base 11 surrounds a raised or protruding central region 12. That region is supported above the plane of the base 11 by four sloped walls 13.1-13.4. The walls slope at an acute angle with respect to the planar annular base and incline toward the center of the upper heat sink 10. Around the outer perimeter of the annular base 11 are four support arms 18.1-18.4. The support arms are disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the interior surface 16 of the planar annular base 11.
US07968979B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a substrate with an integrated circuit mounted thereover; mounting a structure, having ground pads, over the integrated circuit; encapsulating the integrated circuit with an encapsulation while leaving the structure partially exposed; and attaching a conformal shielding to the encapsulation and electrically connected to the grounding pads.
US07968977B2
The present invention relates to a dicing film having an adhesive film for dicing a wafer and a die adhesive film, which are used for manufacturing a semiconductor package, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dicing film wherein a shrinkage release film is inserted between an adhesive film for dicing a wafer and a die adhesive film so that the die adhesive film and a die can be easily separated from the adhesive film for dicing a wafer when picking up a semiconductor die, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using the same.
US07968975B2
An array of through substrate vias (TSVs) is formed through a semiconductor substrate and a contact-via-level dielectric layer thereupon. A metal-wire-level dielectric layer and a line-level metal wiring structure embedded therein are formed directly on the contact-via-level dielectric layer. The line-level metal wiring structure includes cheesing holes that are filled with isolated portions of the metal-wire-level dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the entirety of the cheesing holes is located outside the area of the array of the TSVs to maximize the contact area between the TSVs and the line-level metal wiring structure. In another embodiment, a set of cheesing holes overlying an entirety of seams in the array of TSVs is formed to prevent trapping of any plating solution in the seams of the TSVs during plating to prevent corrosion of the TSVs at the seams.
US07968966B2
In order to improve the reliability of a semiconductor device having a fuse formed by a Damascene technique, a barrier insulating film and an inter-layer insulating film are deposited over a fourth-layer wiring and a fuse. The barrier insulating film is an insulating film for preventing the diffusion of Cu and composed of a SiCN film deposited by plasma CVD like the underlying barrier insulating film. The thickness of the barrier insulating film covering the fuse is larger than the thickness of the underlying barrier insulating film so as to improve the moisture resistance of the fuse.
US07968965B2
Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. According to embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a first device, a silicon epitaxial layer formed on and/or over the first device, a second device formed on and/or over the silicon epitaxial layer, and a connection via formed through the silicon epitaxial layer, which may electrically interconnect the first device and the second device. According to embodiments, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device may include forming a first device, forming a silicon epitaxial layer on and/or over the first device, forming a connection via through the silicon epitaxial layer, and forming a second device on and/or over the silicon epitaxial layer such that the second device may be electrically connected to the connection via.
US07968955B2
A gate of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, and a polysilicon layer over the substrate, wherein the polysilicon layer is doped with first conductive type impurities having a concentration that decreases when receding from the substrate and counter-doped with second conductive type impurities having a concentration that increases when receding from the substrate.
US07968949B2
Contact forming methods and a related semiconductor device are disclosed. One method includes forming a first liner over the structure and the substrate, the first liner covering sidewall of the structure; forming a dielectric layer over the first liner and the structure; forming a contact hole in the dielectric layer to the first liner; forming a second liner in the contact hole including over the first liner covering the sidewall; removing the first and second liners at a bottom of the contact hole; and filling the contact hole with a conductive material to form the contact. The thicker liner(s) over the sidewall of the structure prevents shorting, and allows for at least maintaining any intrinsic stress in one or more of the liner(s).
US07968946B2
A semiconductor (e.g., complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) structure formed on a (110) substrate that has improved performance, in terms of mobility enhancement is provided. In accordance with the present invention, the inventive structure includes at least one of a single tensile stressed liner, a compressively stressed shallow trench isolation (STI) region, or a tensile stressed embedded well, which is used in conjunction with the (110) substrate to improve carrier mobility of both nFETs and pFETs. The present invention also relates to a method of providing such structures.
US07968927B2
A memory array having a plurality of resistance variable memory units and method for forming the same are provided. Each memory unit includes a first electrode, a resistance variable material over the first electrode, and a first second-electrode over the resistance variable material. The first second-electrode is associated with the first electrode to define a first memory element. Each memory unit further includes a second second-electrode over the resistance variable material. The second-second electrode is associated with the first electrode to define a second memory element.
US07968925B2
A double-face-cooled semiconductor module with an upper arm and a lower arm of an inverter circuit includes first and second heat dissipation members, each having a heat dissipation surface on one side and a conducting member formed on another side through an insulation member. On the conducting member on the first dissipation plate is provided with a fixing portion that fixes a collector surface of the semiconductor chip and a gate conductor connected to a gate terminal of the semiconductor module. The gate electrode terminal and the gate conductor are wire bonded. The conducting member on the second heat dissipation member is connected to an emitter surface of the semiconductor chip connected to the first heat dissipation member. The productivity and reliability are improved by most of formation operations for the upper and lower arms series circuit on one of the heat dissipation member.
US07968920B2
A semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof capable of improving an operating speed of a MOSFET using an inexpensive structure. The method comprises the steps of forming a stress film to cover a source, drain, sidewall insulating layer and gate of the MOSFET and forming in the stress film a slit extending from the stress film surface toward the sidewall insulating layer. As a result, an effect of allowing local stress components in the stress films on the source and the drain to be relaxed by local stress components in the stress film on the gate is suppressed by the slit.
US07968918B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having two or more regions that partially overlap so as to define an overlapping region. Through-holes are defined through the two or more partially overlapping regions. One or more first electrodes are disposed on inner surfaces of the semiconductor chip within the through-holes. One or more second electrodes are disposed so as to be insulated from the first electrodes. The one or more second electrodes are at least partially disposed in the overlapping region. Insulation members are disposed in the through-holes.
US07968913B2
In an AlGaN channel transistor formed on a <100> orientation silicon wafer, a hole with walls slanted at 54 degrees is etched into the silicon to provide a <111> orientation substrate surface for forming the AlGaN channel transistor.
US07968903B2
A light emitting device has a semiconductor multilayer structure having a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, and an active layer sandwiched between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a narrow electrode having a current feeding part provided on a region of a part above of the first semiconductor layer for supplying an electric current from outside to the semiconductor multilayer structure, and a narrow electrode provided adjacent to the current feeding part for reflecting a light emitted from the active layer, and a surface center electrode part electrically connected to the narrow electrode, and provided above the first semiconductor layer via a transmitting layer for transmitting the light.
US07968902B2
A light emitting device and method for producing the same is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a semiconductor material, an electrode positioned on the semiconductor material, a wire bonding area, and a resistor connected between the wire bonding area and the electrode.
US07968894B2
An LED package frame includes an LED chip and a heat conductive member made of high heat conductivity material. The heat conductive member has a receiving part at a lateral portion, and is mounted with the LED chip. A lead-coating assembly configured to be inserted into the receiving part of the heat conductive member, including a lead is inserted at one end into the receiving part of the heat conductive member, and electrically connected to the LED chip. An electrically insulating layer is placed in tight contact between the lead and the receiving part of the heat conductive member isolates the lead from the receiving part. With the lead inserted into the heat conductive member, it is possible to reduce size while maintaining high heat conductivity and stability.
US07968888B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a small solid-state image sensor which realizes significant improvement in sensitivity. The solid-state image sensor of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate in which photoelectric conversion units are formed, a light-blocking film which is formed above the semiconductor substrate and has apertures formed so as to be positioned above respective photoelectric conversion units, and a high refractive index layer formed in the apertures. Here, each aperture has a smaller aperture width than a maximum wavelength in a wavelength of light in a vacuum converted from a wavelength of the light entering the photoelectric conversion unit through the apertures, and the high refractive index is made of a high refractive index material having a refractive index which allows transmission of light having the maximum wavelength through the aperture.
US07968881B2
The invention relates to a thin film transistor substrate and a display device including the same, and provides a thin film transistor substrate and a display device including the same, which can prevent damage of elements due to static electricity by forming, in each unit pixel region where a pair of first and second pixel electrodes, a pair of first and second drain electrode plates that are connected to the first and second pixel electrodes and to connected to drain terminals of thin film transistors, and can obtain a dot inversion driving effect through line inversion driving by connecting the first drain electrode in one pixel region to the first drain electrode plate, connecting the second drain electrode in the one unit pixel region to the second drain electrode plate, connecting a first drain electrode in another unit pixel region neighboring the one unit pixel region to the second drain electrode plate, and connecting a second drain electrode in another unit pixel region to the first drain electrode plate.
US07968875B2
An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device includes an anode, an organic photosensitive layer formed on the anode and having a donor portion and an acceptor portion, a hole blocking layer formed on the organic photosensitive layer so as for the organic photosensitive layer to be sandwiched between the anode and the hole blocking layer, and a cathode formed on the hole blocking layer so as for the hole blocking layer to be sandwiched between the cathode and the organic photosensitive layer. The highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of the hole blocking layer is at least 0.3 eV higher than that of the donor portion. Therefore, the optoelectronic device efficiently suppresses dark current so as to enhance sensitivity when applied to a detector.
US07968872B2
The present invention relates to polymers comprising repeating unit(s) of the formula (I), and their use in electronic devices. The polymers according to the invention have excellent solubility in organic solvents and excellent film-forming properties. In addition, high charge carrier mobilities and high temperature stability of the emission color are observed, if the polymers according to the invention are used in polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs).
US07968866B2
A light emitting diode comprising a lead, an LED chip mounted on said lead, said LED chip having a substrate and semiconductor layers formed on said substrate, a transparent material covering said LED chip, and a phosphor contained in said transparent material and absorbing a part of light emitted by said LED chip and emitting light of wavelength different from that of the absorbed light, wherein the main emission peak of said LED chip is within the range from 400 nm to 530 nm, and said LED chip is mounted on said lead with substrate-side up and is electrically connected with said lead by a metallic bump.
US07968855B2
A focused ion beam device is described. The focused ion beam device includes an ion beam column including an enclosure for housing a gas field ion source emitter with an emitter area for generating ions, an electrode for extracting ions from the gas field ion source emitter, one or more gas inlets adapted to introduce a first gas and a second gas to the emitter area, an objective lens for focusing the ion beam generated from the first gas or the second gas, a voltage supply for providing a voltage between the electrode and the gas field ion source emitter, and a controller for switching between a first voltage and a second voltage of the voltage supply for generating an ion beam of ions of the first gas or an ion beam of ions of the second gas.
US07968838B2
A process is disclosed for generating particles with a high degree of anisotropy in the direction of emission.
US07968822B2
An electric arc welding system including a power lead for providing welding current between an advancing welding wire and a workpiece, a short circuit sensor having a short circuit output signal when the electrode is shorted with the workpiece and a premonition sensor having a fuse output signal when a short circuit is about to break. This welding system has at least two power source modules, each with a common isolated DC input and an output connected to the power lead with each of the modules controlled to perform a short circuit arc welding process. The individual module comprises a regulated DC to DC converter having a DC output signal with a waveform controlled by a waveform signal from a controller and an output switch receiving the DC output signal and in series with the power lead where the output switch is opened by a gate signal to reduce the welding current in the power lead.
US07968819B2
A microdissection apparatus includes a laser light source to emit laser light, and a laser light irradiation optical system to irradiate a sample with the laser light from the laser light source. The laser light irradiation optical system includes an active optical element, which is allowed to form a pattern reflecting a necessary area, and sets a laser light irradiation area, to which the laser light is applied, based on the pattern formed on the active optical element.
US07968817B2
A method for making an electrochemical device enclosure is described. The methods comprises the steps of forming first and second casing members; inserting electrochemically active materials within the first casing member; mating the first casing member to the second casing member, thereby forming an interface therebetween; providing a laser welding apparatus comprising a laser; intermittently turning a laser beam on and off while traversing the laser in a first welding pass 360 degrees along the perimeters of the first and second casing members, thereby forming a first intermittent set of welded and unwelded sections at the interface between the casing members; and intermittently turning the laser beam on and off while traversing the laser in a second welding pass 360 degrees along the perimeters of the first and second casing members, thereby forming a second intermittent set of welded sections at the interface between the first and second casing members. The first and second intermitted welded sections combine to provide a complete hermetic seal around and along the circumference of the casing members interface.
US07968807B2
A package apparatus has a base coupled with a lid to form a leadframe package. The package has first and second exterior surfaces with respective first and second contact patterns. The first and second contact patterns are substantially electrically identical to permit the package to be either vertically or horizontally mounted to an underlying apparatus.
US07968804B2
An article includes a polymeric film having a major surface, a discontinuous layer of a catalytic material on the major surface, and a metal pattern on the catalytic material. The discontinuous layer of catalytic material has an average thickness of less than 200 angstroms. Methods of forming these articles are also disclosed.
US07968803B2
A wiring substrate of the invention comprises an electrical insulation substrate (1), a through-hole (3) formed in the electrical insulation substrate, electrically conductive paste (4) filled inside the through-hole, and wiring traces (11) formed on one or both surfaces of the electrical insulation substrate and electrically connected with the electrically conductive paste, wherein interfaces of the wiring traces in contact with the electrically conductive paste have at least one of an asperate surface and a smooth surface, and a plurality of granular bumps (14) formed further thereon.
US07968767B2
Isolated polynucleotides encoding antifreeze polypeptides are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.
US07968762B2
A transgenic animal model for evaluating growth, survival and/or metastasis of xenotransplanted normal or tumor cells or tissue is disclosed, in which a human growth factor, hHGF stimulates growth in vivo of human cells or tissue. A strain of Tg mice on the C3H background that is immunocompromised as a result of a homozygous scid gene has been bred which express a nucleic acid encoding hHGF/SE The ectopically expressed hHGF/SF ligand significantly enhances growth of human tumor cell lines and explanted tumor cells or tissue that express the Met receptor for hHGF. Such animals also have an enlarged normal livers and greater than normal liver regenerative capacity. Any Met-expressing hHGF-dependent human cells, including hepatocytes and various stem cells can survive and grow in such animals.
US07968758B2
A process for the dissociation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which includes at least a) catalytic dissociation of MTBE which is present in two streams I and VII over a catalyst to give a dissociation product II, b) separation by distillation of the dissociation product II obtained in a) into an overhead stream III containing more than 90% by mass and a bottom stream IV containing diisobutene, MTBE and more than 80% of the methanol present in the dissociation product II, c) separation by distillation of the bottom stream IV obtained in b) into a methanol-containing bottom stream V, a side stream VI containing diisobutene, methanol and MTBE and an overhead stream VII containing MTBE and methanol and d) recirculation of the overhead stream VII to a).
US07968752B2
Compositions and methods of use of borole derivatives, including benzoxaboroles, benzazaboroles and benzthiaboroles, as therapeutic agents for treatment of diseases caused by bacteria or viruses are disclosed, as well as methods for synthesis of said agents and compositions thereof.
US07968750B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a tertiary amine by reducing an amide compound in the presence of a catalyst containing a sponge copper catalyst obtained by leaching alloy particles containing copper and aluminum and drying the thus leached alloy particles. The present invention provides a process for producing high-purity aliphatic tertiary amines containing a less amount of by-products at a high yield by subjecting aliphatic acid amides to hydrogenation reduction under solvent-free moderate conditions.
US07968746B2
Methods of treating or suppressing mitochondrial diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke (MELAS), Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), are disclosed, as well as compounds useful in the methods of the invention, such as 4-(p-quinolyl)-2-hydroxybutanamide derivatives. Methods and compounds useful in treating other disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism are also disclosed. Energy biomarkers useful in assessing the metabolic state of a subject and the efficacy of treatment are also disclosed. Methods of modulating, normalizing, or enhancing energy biomarkers, as well as compounds useful for such methods, are also disclosed.
US07968741B2
A method of preparing a disilanol compound by hydrolyzing a dichlorosilane compound having Si—Cl bonds at both ends, characterized in that the method comprises the step of hydrolyzing the dichlorosilane compound in the presence of a tertiary amine compound.
US07968737B2
The present invention provides a method of efficiently and stably producing LCPUFA-PL. Specifically, the invention provides a method for producing phospholipids that contain LCPUFA as a constituent (LCPUFA-PL), wherein lipid producing cells producing lipids that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are used as a starting material, the method including a PL extracting step of extracting phospholipids (PL) from defatted cells obtained by extracting triglyceride (TG)-containing oil or fat from the lipid producing cells.
US07968734B2
The present invention pertains generally to compositions comprising organocatalysts that facilitate stereo-selective reactions and the method of their synthesis and use. Particularly, the invention relates to metal-free organocatalysts for facilitation of stereo-selective reactions, and the method of their synthesis and use.
US07968728B2
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing known fungicidally active 1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides from the corresponding acid fluoride and aniline derivatives in the presence of alkylpyridine derivatives as an acid acceptor.
US07968710B2
The present invention relates to certain novel compounds of Formula (I): and methods for preparing these compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and for the treatment of prokineticin 1 or prokinetin 1 receptor mediated disorders.
US07968692B2
The subject invention relates to the identification of several genes involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., “elongases”) and to uses thereof. At least two of these genes are also involved in the elongation of monounsaturated fatty acids. In particular, elongase is utilized in the conversion of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and in the conversion of AA to adrenic acid (ADA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to ω3-docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). DGLA may be utilized in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), EPA, adrenic acid, ω6-docosapentaenoic acid or ω3-docosapentaenoic acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.
US07968686B2
The present invention relates to glucagon receptor polypeptide antagonists which inhibit the binding of the hormone glucagon to its receptor. More particularly, the present invention relates to high affinity glucagon receptor antibodies or Fab fragments thereof that inhibit binding of glucagon to its receptor and their use in the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) and related disorders in mammalian species.
US07968684B2
The present invention encompasses IL-18 binding proteins, particularly antibodies that bind human interleukin-18 (hIL-18). Specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that are entirely human antibodies. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-18 and/or that neutralize hIL-18 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-18 and for inhibiting hIL-18 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-18 activity is detrimental.
US07968681B2
Polypeptides comprising monomer domains that bind to c-MET, or portions thereof, are provided.
US07968680B2
The present invention provides novel isolated BLAA polynucleotides and the membrane-associated or secreted polypeptides encoded by the BLAA polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a BLAA polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the BLAA polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the BLAA polypeptide, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, as well as to other uses.
US07968678B2
Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding a numerous polypeptides useful for the stimulation of glial cell (particularly, Schwann cell) mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use in stimulating glial cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Methods for the synthesis, purification and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as both therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases involving glial cells are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving glial cells.
US07968674B2
A method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet, the method includes contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst.
US07968666B2
An asymmetric siloxane is made by reacting a silicone having the formula MHDxM′H where MH is R1R2HSiO1/2, M′H is R4R5HSiO1/2 and x is an integer 0≦x≦10 under selective hydrosilylation conditions in the presence of a precious metal hydrosilylation catalyst, with a first olefinic compound and in a second step, a monohydridosiloxane produced in the first step is reacted under hydrosilylating conditions with another olefinic compound different from the first olefinic compound. The formed asymmetric siloxane is incorporated into a composition in need of hydrolysis resistance.
US07968657B2
A thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer. Optionally the compound also includes additional polymers and functional additives to modify physical properties of the compound. Molded or extruded plastic articles can be made from the compound. The compound is ductile, in comparison to the polyhydroxyalkanoate without the macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer.
US07968654B2
The present invention relates to a blend of polyolefin comprising a modified chlorinated polypropylene. This invention provides a blend of polyolefin comprising a novel amine modified chlorinated polypropylene capable of improving printability by promoting adhesion with ink when the ink is printed or coated on plastic products including film and sheet. The present invention provides a novel blend of polyolefin comprising a modified chlorinated polypropylene, which is prepared by substituting 1-99.9 mole % of chlorine of a chlorinated polypropylene, whose chlorine content is 1-75 wt % and whose number average molecular weight is 100-400,000, with ammonia or an amine compound and is capable of improving dyeability and adhesion performance. This invention also provides the modified chlorinated polypropylene and a method for preparing the same.
US07968653B2
The present invention concerns the use of RO. radicals, R being a hydrogen, an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, an acyl group —COR′ in which R′ represents an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, or an aroyl group —COAr in which Ar represents an aromatic group having 6 to 15 carbons, for the hydroxylation, alkoxylation or oxycarbonylation of polymer surfaces, the said polymers being different from polymers chosen from: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and fluorocarbon polymers when R represents a hydrogen, or of polymer mixture surfaces, notably hydrophobic ones, the said polymers consisting in monomeric units of which at least 50% among these are aliphatic units, and the said RO. radicals being generated by electrochemical or photochemical means.
US07968644B2
The present invention provides a method of producing a fluororesin aqueous dispersion which can produce a fluororesin aqueous dispersion low in fluorine-containing surfactant concentration and high in polytetrafluoroethylene concentration with high efficiency. The invention provides a method of producing a fluororesin aqueous dispersion which comprises subjecting a crude fluororesin aqueous dispersion comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene particle dispersed in an aqueous medium to treatment with an ion-exchange resin and to treatment for concentration by phase separation in the presence of an electrolyte and/or a fluorine-free anionic surfactant.
US07968631B2
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component including a sulfur vulcanizable rubber composition, the rubber composition including at least one diene based rubber and at least one zinc naphthalocyanine compound.
US07968629B2
A flame retardant polyamide resin composition having excellent extrudability and moldability, being free of generating a highly corrosive hydrogen halide gas upon combustion, exhibiting very high flame retardancy, having excellent mechanical properties and electrical properties and being suited for use in electrical and electronic parts and parts for automobile electrical equipments, and a molded article thereof are provided. A polyamide resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an aliphatic polyamide resin (A) having a viscosity number of 70 to 200 ml/g, 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a polyphenylene ether-based resin (B), and 5 to 100 parts by weight of flame retardant agent (C) comprising at least the following components (a), (b) and (c); (a) a reaction product of a melamine and a phosphoric acid, (b) a phosphinic acid salt and/or a diphosphinic acid salt, and (c) a metal salt of boric acid, wherein a compounding weight ratio (a):(b):(c) of the flame retardant agent components is 1:(0.5 to 2.5):(0.01 to 1).
US07968626B2
A materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.
US07968604B2
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of drug or alcohol addiction or bipolar disorder, comprising sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA). The pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of drug or alcohol addiction or bipolar disorder in accordance with the present invention provides effects capable of inhibiting increases in locomotor activity which is a behavioral indicator of drug or alcohol addiction or bipolar disorder, by controlling a level of a neurotransmitter via regulation of expression of a neurotransmitter transporter.
US07968594B2
The present invention relates to treatment of cancer related pain and constipation. Preferably the subject in need is administered a combination of the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). More preferably the cannabinoids are in a predefined ratio by weight of approximately 1:1 of CBD to THC.
US07968593B2
This invention provides new compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for inhibiting NAALADase enzyme activity, detecting diseases where NAALADase levels are altered, inhibiting angiogenesis, effecting a TGF-β activity or a neuronal activity, and treating a glutamate abnormality, a compulsive disorder, neuropathy, pain, a prostate disease, cancer, Huntington's disease, diabetes, a retinal disorder or glaucoma.
US07968591B2
1,3-disubstituted 4-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamides corresponding to formula I methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and the use thereof for noradrenalin receptor regulation, particularly for inhibiting noradrenalin reuptake, and/or for 5-HT receptor regulation, particularly for inhibiting 5-hydroxy tryptophan reuptake, and/or for opioid receptor regulation and/or for batrachotoxin (BTX) receptor regulation and/or for treating or inhibiting pain and other conditions.
US07968574B2
The invention relates to compounds and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade. The invention relates to compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of the invention are useful for methods of protecting against or treating hearing loss, osteoporosis, cell proliferative disorders, obesity, diabetes, eye disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, neuropathic pain or hepatitis B.
US07968571B2
The present invention is directed to 2,4,6-substituted pyridyl derivative compounds which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved.
US07968568B2
This invention is concerned with compounds of the formula wherein A, R1 to R5 and G are as defined in the description and claims, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, to a process for their preparation and to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases which are associated with the modulation of SST receptors subtype 5.
US07968567B2
Modulators of PPARγ activity are provided which are useful in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of conditions such as type II diabetes and obesity.
US07968565B2
The present invention relates to SNS-595 and methods of treating cancer using the same.
US07968556B2
Provided herein are Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1, R3, R4, L, X, Y, A and B are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound and methods for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, metabolic conditions and conditions treatable or preventable by inhibition of a kinase pathway comprising administering an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound to a patient in need thereof.
US07968554B2
Disclosed are novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives that are inhibitors of Raf kinase. These compounds and their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and esters are anti-proliferative agents useful in the treatment or control of proliferative disorders such as solid tumors, in particular breast tumor, colon tumor, lung tumor, prostate tumor, and melanoma. Also disclosed are a composition and a unit dose formulation comprising such a compound, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or ester thereof, methods for making such compounds, and methods for using such compounds, or their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters, in the treatment of proliferative disorders.
US07968544B2
The present application includes a compound of Formula I or II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable-salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, compositions containing such compounds, therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds with at least one additional active agent.
US07968523B2
The present invention relates to isolated and/or purified rat apoptosis-specific eucaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating apoptosis using apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS, and antisense oligonucleotides and expression vectors of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS useful in such methods.
US07968512B2
The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof; and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.
US07968505B2
A magnetic recording medium comprising a lubricant film comprising a photosynthesized lubricant having a single phase composition of at least a lubricant moiety and an additive moiety is disclosed.
US07968502B2
The present invention relates to a lubricant for lubricating relatively movable, facing contact surfaces at least one of which is coated with DLC, a method of lubricating DLC contact surfaces with this lubricant, and a system having DLC contact surfaces. The lubricant fulfills the following conditions (a) and (b): (a) the lubricant contains a lubricant base oil containing, as a main component, a base oil composed at least one of a hydrocracked mineral oil, a wax-isomerized mineral oil, and a poly-α-olefin base oil. The base oil has a kinematic viscosity of 2 to 20 mm2/s at 100° C., a total aromatic content of not higher than 5 mass %, and a sulfur content of 0.005 mass %; and (b) the lubricant has a sulfur content of not higher than 0.2 mass %.
US07968490B2
A porous substance producing method for producing a porous substance; by holding particles for precursors of the porous substance in micelles or inverse micelles kept in a dispersed state in a solvent with a surfactant; by agglomerating the particles of the micelles or inverse micelles to each other; and by baking the agglomerated particles. The method comprises the step of agglomerating the particles of the micelles or inverse micelles to each other by performing a treatment to resolve the dispersed state of the micelles or inverse micelles containing the particles for the precursors, with the surfactant.
US07968488B2
The present invention is directed to a composite particle that is microscopically two-dimensional with a third nanoscopic dimension, and to methods of making same. The particle may include a support and a metal layer. The metal layer may be catalytically active such that the particle is adapted to act as a catalyst.
US07968482B2
Provided is a glass substrate, which has a substrate size of 1,100 mm×1,250 mm or more, and a transmittance at a wavelength of 500 to 800 nm and at a route length of 50 mm of 80% or more.
US07968481B2
A heat fusible conjugate fiber produced by high-speed melt spinning is disclosed. The conjugate fiber is composed of a first resin component having an orientation index of 40% or higher and a second resin component having a lower melting or softening point than the melting point of the first resin component and an orientation index of 25% or lower. The second resin component is present on at least part of the surface of the fiber in a lengthwise continuous configuration. The conjugate fiber preferably has a heat shrinkage of 0.5% or less at a temperature higher than the melting or softening point of the second resin component by 10° C.
US07968478B2
A novel cross-plied material is formed of portions of a ply of a ballistic-resistant structure composed of unidirectionally-oriented bundles of high strength filaments laminated between opposing thermoplastic films which portions are cross-plied with portions of a continuous ply of a similar ballistic-resistant structure with a plurality of yarns laterally spaced into a linear array corresponding to the width of the continuous ply along the ply direction. Substantially continuous coatings or deposits of a bonding or coupling agent on the yarns cause a plurality of substantially continuous bonding strips to be formed between the continuous ply and the portions of cross-ply, with the bonding strips being laid in a laterally spaced linear array corresponding to the yarns. The bonding strips couple the cross-ply portions with consecutive portions of the continuous ply, whereby the continuous ply and the cross-ply portions are adhered sufficiently to prevent their being pulled apart.
US07968466B2
A method for fabricating an electron device on a substrate includes the steps of forming a dummy film over the substrate such that the dummy film covers a device region of the substrate and an outer region of the substrate outside the device region, forming a dummy pattern by patterning the dummy film such that the dummy pattern has a first height in the device region and a second height smaller than the first height in the outer region, forming another film over the substrate such that the film covers the dummy pattern in the device region and in the outer region with a shape conformal to a cross-sectional shape of the dummy pattern, and applying an anisotropic etching process acting generally perpendicularly to the substrate such that a surface of the substrate is exposed in the device region and in the outer region.
US07968464B2
The present memory device include first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes, and an active layer between the first and second and into which ions from the passive layer may be provided, and from which the ions may be provided into the passive layer. The active layer is made up of a base material and an impurity therein. The combined the material and impurity have a lower diffusion coefficient than the base material alone.
US07968459B2
This invention teaches methods of combining ion implantation steps with in situ or ex situ heat treatments to avoid and/or minimize implant-induced amorphization (a potential problem for source/drain (S/D) regions in FETs in ultrathin silicon on insulator layers) and implant-induced plastic relaxation of strained S/D regions (a potential problem for strained channel FETs in which the channel strain is provided by embedded S/D regions lattice mismatched with an underlying substrate layer). In a first embodiment, ion implantation is combined with in situ heat treatment by performing the ion implantation at elevated temperature. In a second embodiment, ion implantation is combined with ex situ heat treatments in a “divided-dose-anneal-in-between” (DDAB) scheme that avoids the need for tooling capable of performing hot implants.
US07968457B2
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for forming enhanced contacts using sandwiched metal structures are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07968456B2
A semiconductor interconnect structure and method providing an embedded barrier layer to prevent damage to the dielectric material during or after Chemical Mechanical Polishing. The method employs a combination of an embedded film, etchback, using either selective CoWP or a conformal cap such as a SiCNH film, to protect the dielectric material from the CMP process as well as subsequent etch, clean and deposition steps of the next interconnect level.
US07968451B2
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit comprises forming a low-k dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate, etching the low-k dielectric layer to form an opening, and treating the low-k dielectric layer with a gaseous organic chemical to cause a reaction between the low-k dielectric layer and the gaseous organic chemical. The gaseous organic chemical is free from silicon.
US07968446B2
The metallic bump is directly formed on a semiconductor wafer's I/O pad without UBM. First, a zinc layer is formed on the I/O pad or an anti-oxidation layer of the I/O pad is selectively etched off. Then, an isolative layer and a copper foil are arranged sequentially in this order above the I/O pad. The isolative layer is originally in a liquid state or in a temporarily solid state and later permanently solidified. Then, a via above the I/O pad is formed by removing part of the isolative layer and the cooper foil. Subsequently, A thin metallic layer connecting the copper foil and the I/O pad is formed in the via and a plating resist on the copper foil is formed. Then, a metallic bump is formed from the via whose height is controlled by the plating resist. Finally, the plating resist and the copper foil are removed.
US07968437B2
Productivity and product yield, as well as the step coverage and the adhesion are improved. A film forming process includes an initial film forming step, and a main film forming step. In the initial film forming step, a step of supplying a material gas into a processing chamber to adsorb the material gas on the substrate, and a step of supplying a first reaction gas not containing oxygen atoms into the processing chamber to cause a reaction with the material gas adsorbed on the substrate in order to from a thin film on the substrate, are repeated multiple cycles to form the thin film with the specified thickness on the substrate. In the main film forming step, a step of supplying a material gas into the processing chamber to adsorb the material gas on the substrate, and a step of supplying a second reaction gas containing oxygen atoms into the processing chamber to cause a reaction with the material gas adsorbed on the substrate in order to form a thin film on the substrate, are repeated multiple cycles, to form the thin film with a specified thickness on the thin film that was formed on the substrate in the initial film forming step.
US07968436B1
Copper diffusion barrier films having low dielectric constants are suitable for a variety of copper/inter-metal dielectric integration schemes. Copper diffusion barrier films in accordance with the invention are composed of one or more layers of silicon carbide, at least one of the silicon carbide layers having a composition of at least 40% carbon (C), for example, between about 45 and 60% carbon (C). The films' high carbon-content layer will have a composition wherein the ratio of C to Si is greater than 2:1; or >3:1; or >4:1; or >5.1. The high carbon-content copper diffusion barrier films have a reduced effective k relative to conventional barrier materials.
US07968427B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is not easily damaged by external local pressure. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a highly-reliable semiconductor device, which is not destructed by external local pressure, with a high yield. A structure body, in which high-strength fiber of an organic compound or an inorganic compound is impregnated with an organic resin, is provided over an element layer having a semiconductor element formed using a non-single crystal semiconductor layer, and heating and pressure bonding are performed, whereby a semiconductor device is manufactured, to which the element layer and the structure body in which the high-strength fiber of an organic compound or an inorganic compound is impregnated with the organic resin are firmly fixed together.
US07968426B1
Systems and methods are disclosed for bonding of substrates using microwave energy. In some embodiments, semiconductor substrates can be bonded through a thin interlayer metal to a metal substrate by using microwave energy. High intensity microwave energy is applied to the substrate assembly positioned within a microwave cavity. A process of selective heating can occur in the thin interlayer metal, resulting in melting of the thin interlayer metal to facilitate bonding of the two substrates. Some of the advantages associated with such bonding process are disclosed.
US07968425B2
Methods and apparatus are provided. An isolation region is formed by lining a trench formed in a substrate with a first dielectric layer by forming the first dielectric layer adjoining exposed substrate surfaces within the trench using a high-density plasma process, forming a layer of spin-on dielectric material on the first dielectric layer so as to fill a remaining portion of the trench, and densifying the layer of spin-on dielectric material.
US07968424B2
Provided is a method of implanting dopant ions to an integrated circuit. The method includes forming a first pixel and a second pixel in a substrate, forming an etch stop layer over the substrate, forming a hard mask layer over the etch stop layer, patterning the hard mask layer to include an opening between the first pixel and the second pixel, and implanting a plurality of dopants through the opening to form an isolation feature.
US07968419B2
A method is provided for forming a metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM) back-to-back Schottky diode from a silicon (Si) semiconductor. The method deposits a Si semiconductor layer between a bottom electrode and a top electrode, and forms a MSM diode having a threshold voltage, breakdown voltage, and on/off current ratio. The method is able to modify the threshold voltage, breakdown voltage, and on/off current ratio of the MSM diode in response to controlling the Si semiconductor layer thickness. Generally, both the threshold and breakdown voltage are increased in response to increasing the Si thickness. With respect to the on/off current ratio, there is an optimal thickness. The method is able to form an amorphous Si (a-Si) and polycrystalline Si (polySi) semiconductor layer using either chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or DC sputtering. The Si semiconductor can be doped with a Group V donor material, which decreases the threshold voltage and increases the breakdown voltage.
US07968406B2
Some embodiments include memory cells. The memory cells may include a tunnel dielectric material, a charge-retaining region over the tunnel dielectric material, crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material over the charge-retaining region, and a control gate material over the crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material. Additionally, the memory cells may include an amorphous region between the charge-retaining region and the crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material, and/or may include an amorphous region between the crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material and the control gate material. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells which contain an amorphous region between a charge-retaining region and a crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material, and/or which contain an amorphous region between a crystalline ultra-high k dielectric material and a control gate material.
US07968396B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed on an insulating layer; a gate electrode disposed on said semiconductor layer via a gate insulating film; a source/drain layer composed by including an alloy layer or a metal layer with a bottom surface in contact with the insulating layer, with joint surfaces to a channel region disposed along crystal orientation faces of said semiconductor layer; and impurity-doped layers formed in a self-aligned manner along interfaces of the alloy layer or the metal layer, and said semiconductor layer.
US07968391B1
A high voltage and high power gallium nitride (GaN) transistor structure is disclosed. A plurality of structural epitaxial layers including a GaN buffer layer is deposited on a substrate. A GaN termination layer is deposited on the plurality of structural epitaxial layers. The GaN termination layer is adapted to protect the plurality of structural epitaxial layers from surface reactions. The GaN termination layer is sufficiently thin to allow electrons to tunnel through the GaN termination layer. Electrical contacts are deposited on the GaN termination layer, thereby forming a high electron mobility transistor.
US07968389B2
Methods for manufacturing thin film transistor arrays utilizing three steps of lithography and one step of laser ablation while the lithography procedure is used four to five times in conventional processes are disclosed. The use of the disclosed methods assists in improving throughput and saving of manufacturing cost.
US07968387B2
Provided are a thin film transistor (TFT) capable of increasing ON current and decreasing OFF current values, a TFT substrate having the polysilicon TFT, a method of fabricating the polysilicon TFT, and a method of fabricating a TFT substrate having the polysilicon TFT. The polysilicon TFT substrate includes a gate line and a data line defining a pixel region, a pixel electrode formed in the pixel region, and a TFT including a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and a polysilicon active layer forming a channel between the source and drain electrodes. The polysilicon active layer includes a channel region on which the gate electrode is superposed, source and drain regions connected to the source and drain electrode, respectively, and at least two lightly doped drain (LDD) regions y formed between the source region and the channel region and between the drain region and the channel region. The LDD regions have an impurity concentration different from each other.
US07968375B1
Method and apparatus for integrating capacitors in stacked integrated circuits are described. One aspect of the invention relates to a semiconductor assembly having a carrier substrate, a plurality of integrated circuit dice, and at least one metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor. The integrated circuit dice are vertically stacked on the carrier substrate. Each MIM capacitor is disposed between a first integrated circuit die and a second integrated circuit die of the plurality of integrated circuit dice. The at least one MIM capacitor is fabricated on at least one of a face of the first integrated circuit die and a backside of the second integrated circuit die.
US07968369B2
Microelectronic devices, associated assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. For example, certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device that includes a microfeature workpiece having a side and an aperture in the side. The device can further include a workpiece contact having a surface. At least a portion of the surface of the workpiece contact can be accessible through the aperture and through a passageway extending between the aperture and the surface. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic support device that includes a support member having a side carrying a support contact that can be connectable to a workpiece contact of a microfeature workpiece. The device can further include recessed support contact means carried by the support member. The recessed support contact means can be connectable to a second workpiece contact of the microfeature workpiece.
US07968367B2
A fabricating method of a TFT array substrate includes following steps: providing a substrate having a pixel region and a bonding pad region surrounding the pixel region; forming a patterned polysilicon layer within the pixel region on the substrate; forming a first patterned insulating layer to cover the patterned polysilicon layer; forming a first patterned transparent conductive layer on the first patterned insulating layer; forming a first metal layer on the first patterned transparent conductive layer; forming a second patterned insulating layer to cover the first metal layer; forming a second patterned transparent conductive layer on the second patterned insulating layer; forming a second metal layer on the second patterned transparent conductive layer; forming a third patterned insulating layer to cover the second metal layer; and forming a third patterned transparent conductive layer on the third patterned insulating layer.
US07968363B2
A manufacture method for zinc oxide (ZnO) based semiconductor crystal includes providing a substrate having a Zn polarity plane; and reacting at least zinc (Zn) and oxygen (O) on the Zn polarity plane of said substrate to grow ZnO based semiconductor crystal on the Zn polarity plane of said substrate in a Zn rich condition. (a) An n-type ZnO buffer layer is formed on a Zn polarity plane of a substrate. (b) An n-type ZnO layer is formed on the surface of the n-type ZnO buffer layer. (c) An n-type ZnMgO layer is formed on the surface of the n-type ZnO layer. (d) A ZnO/ZnMgO quantum well layer is formed on the surface of the n-type ZnMgO layer, by alternately laminating a ZnO layer and a ZnMgO layer. @(e) A p-type ZnMgO layer is formed on the surface of the ZnO/ZnMgO quantum well layer. (f) A p-type ZnO layer is formed on the surface of the p-type ZnMgO layer. @(g) An electrode is formed on the n-type ZnO layer and p-type ZnO layer. The n-type ZnO layer is formed under a Zn rich condition at the step (b).
US07968362B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device has a semiconductor layer containing Al between a substrate and an active layer containing nitrogen, wherein Al and oxygen are removed from a growth chamber before growing said active layer and a concentration of oxygen incorporated into said active layer together with Al is set to a level such that said semiconductor light-emitting device can perform a continuous laser oscillation at room temperature.
US07968361B2
A method for producing a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor light emitting device which is excellent in terms of the light emitting properties and the light emission efficiency and a lamp is provided. In such a method for producing a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor light emitting device, which is a method for producing a GaN based semiconductor light emitting device having at least a buffer layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer on a translucent substrate, on which an uneven pattern composed of a convex shape and a concave shape is formed, the buffer layer is formed by a sputtering method conducted in an apparatus having a pivoted magnetron magnetic circuit and the buffer layer contains AlN, ZnO, Mg, or Hf.
US07968359B2
Various embodiments provide thin-walled structures and methodologies for their formation. In one embodiment, the thin-walled structure can be formed by disposing a semiconductor material in a patterned aperture using a selective growth mask that includes a plurality of patterned apertures, followed by a continuous growth of the semiconductor material using a pulsed growth mode. The patterned aperture can include at least one lateral dimension that is small enough to allow a threading defect termination at sidewall(s) of the formed thin-walled structure. In addition, high-quality III-N substrate structures and core-shell MQW active structures can be formed from the thin-walled structures for use in devices like light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, or high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs).
US07968356B2
Provided are a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device including the same, and methods of fabricating the light-emitting element and the light-emitting device. The light-emitting element includes a substrate on which a dome pattern is formed and a light-emitting structure conformally formed on the dome pattern. The light-emitting structure includes a first conductive layer of a first conductivity type, a light-emitting layer, and a second conductive layer of a second conductivity type sequentially stacked on the substrate. The light-emitting element also includes a first electrode formed on the first conductive layer and a second electrode formed on the second conductive layer.
US07968354B1
Computer-implemented methods that include correlating a backside defect with a frontside defect detected on a specimen are provided. The defects are correlated if a portion of the backside defect on the backside of the specimen is opposite to a portion of the frontside defect on the frontside of the specimen. In particular, the defects are correlated if the portion of the backside defect is aligned with the portion of the frontside defect along an axis perpendicular to the frontside and the backside of the specimen. The method may also include altering a parameter of a process tool in response to the backside defect to reduce frontside defects on additional specimen processed in the process tool. Computer-implemented methods for analyzing data representing spatial characteristics of backside defects detected on a specimen to classify the backside defects are also provided. Analyzing the data may include spatial signature analysis of the data.
US07968327B2
This invention provides methods of quantitating nucleic acids from problematic samples, such as aged samples, formalin fixed samples, paraffin embedded samples, samples with aneuploid cells, and cells with fragmented nucleic acids. Methods include techniques to efficiently solublize the nucleic acids under non-denaturing conditions from preserved clinical samples without resort to organic extractions, to normalize cell counts regardless of aneuploidy, to access the fragmentation state of the nucleic acids, and to provide standard curves for degraded nucleic acid samples.
US07968318B2
A method is disclosed for producing glucose from a granular starch substrate including, contacting a slurry comprising granular starch obtained from plant material with an alpha-amylase at a temperature below the starch gelatinization temperature of the granular starch to produce oligosaccharides and hydrolyzing the oligosaccharides to produce a mash comprising at least 20% glucose and further comprising fermenting the mash to obtain ethanol.
US07968302B2
A method and a test for detecting coagulation activation, in particular when it is responsible for thromboembolic venous diseases; employs assaying D-dimers and assaying the soluble fibrin produced during a fibrinolysis process activated in a blood sample. The method of the invention pertains to comparing the level of D-dimers corresponding to degradation of soluble fibrin and the level of D-dimers of the sample with normal threshold values. The test of the invention may also be used to determine whether anti-coagulation is sufficient in a patient.
US07968300B2
The present invention provides a CTLA-4 non-blocking agent of a complete human antibody nature, thus is non-immunogenic in a human. The immunoassay method using such a non-blocking agent measures the CTLA-4 content in a sample of a human subject. The present invention further provides a novel method for isolating human regulatory T cells. The resultant enriched and depleted cellular populations are useful in treating or ameliorating of human diseases.
US07968297B2
Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps: —providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation, —identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation, —screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —identifying the hyperimmune serum-reactive antigen portion of said identified antigens and which hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens bind to a relevant portion of said individual antibody preparations from said individual sera and —optionally isolating said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens and producing said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens by chemical or recombinant methods.
US07968283B2
A novel testis-specific gene expressed in human prostate cancer, designated 22P4F11, is described. Analysis of 22P4F11 mRNA expression in normal prostate, prostate tumor xenografts, and a variety of normal tissues indicates that the expression of this gene is testis specific in normal tissues. The 22P4F11 gene is also expressed in human prostate tumors, in some cases at high levels. A full length cDNA encoding 22P4F11 is provided. The 22P4F11 transcript and/or protein may represent a useful diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
US07968281B2
The present invention features a method for determining the methyltransferase activity of a polypeptide and screening for modulators of methyltransferase activity, more particularly for modulators of the methylation of retinoblastoma by SMYD3. The invention further provides a method or pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treating of colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, bladder cancer and/or breast cancer using a modulator so identified. N-terminal truncated forms of SMYD3 (alias ZNFN3A1) have higher methylating activity. Lys 824 is a preferred methylation site on the RB1 protein for SMYD3.
US07968269B2
A positive resist composition for immersion exposure including a resin component (A) which has acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups and exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a cyclic principal chain polymer (A1) and a non-cyclic principal chain polymer (A2) having a structural unit (a) derived from acrylic acid as a principal chain, and the non-cyclic principal chain polymer (A2) having a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester having an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (p1) represented by general formula (p1) shown below: wherein R1′ and R2′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; n represents an integer of 0 to 3; and Y represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an aliphatic cyclic group of 5 to 16 carbon atoms.
US07968258B2
A method for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing includes providing one or more masks for a wafer; defining a reference focus plane of a first mask of the one or more masks; defining a reference focus plane of a second mask of the one or more masks; and determining the best focus for the second mask based on the best focus of the first mask and the Z direction difference of the first and second masks, using the reference focus planes of the first and second masks.
US07968256B2
Provided are a near field exposure mask which can suppress heat generation of a mask during exposure and can also suppress variation in size of a resist pattern for each shot, and a resist pattern forming method using the same. The near field exposure mask includes a transparent mask matrix l0; a light shielding layer l2 formed above the transparent mask matrix l0 and containing silicon; a reflective layer l1 formed between the transparent mask matrix l0 and the light shielding layer l2; and an opening pattern provided in the reflective layer l1 and the light shielding layer l2 and being less in size than an exposure wavelength λ (nm), wherein the reflectance at an interface between the transparent mask matrix l0 and the reflective layer l1 is higher than a reflectance at an interface between a transparent mask matrix and a light shielding layer formed on the transparent mask matrix and containing silicon of a near field exposure mask which has no reflective layer between the transparent mask matrix and the light shielding layer.
US07968253B2
A nano imprint master and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: implanting conductive metal ions into a substrate including quartz to form a conductive layer inside the quartz substrate; coating a resist on the quartz substrate in which the conductive layer is formed, to form a resist coating layer; exposing the resist coating layer to an electron beam to form micropatterns; etching the quartz substrate by using the resist coating layer, in which the micropatterns are formed, as a mask; and removing the resist coating layer to obtain a master in which micropatterns are formed.
US07968252B2
The present invention is directed to reduce pellicle frame distortions due to the tension of a pellicle film and caused during handling, thereby providing an excellent pellicle frame capable of reducing the distortion of a photomask due to a pellicle affixation. In the pellicle frame of the present invention, the frame consists of a plurality of layers of which at least one layer has a different elastic modulus. It is preferable to: make the pellicle frame compositely of a layer having an elastic modulus of 10 GPa or smaller and of a layer having an elastic modulus of 50 GPa or greater; join these layers of the pellicle frame in a direction perpendicular to the pellicle film face; laminate such that layers having a large elastic modulus form the outermost layer; or reverse this lamination structure.
US07968249B2
Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L1 of the flow guides and the seal length L2 of the overlapping section are substantially the same.
US07968244B2
A fuel supply manifold assembly (20) comprising a manifold (40), one or more supply inlet connections (42), pressure readers (44, 46), a manual turnoff (50), pressure-reducing devices (52,54), a pressure-relieving device (56), a flow-control device (60), and a delivery outlet port (62). The manifold (40) defines a flow path from the supply inlet connection(s) (42) to the delivery outlet port (62). The flow path passes through the pressure readers (44, 46), the manual turnoff (50), pressure-reducing devices (52,54), the pressure-relieving device (56), the flow-control device (60). When installing the fuel supply manifold assembly (20) at a fuel cell site, one inlet connection for each fuel source and one outlet connection is required. No separate connections, tubing, hoses, or other plumbing is required to integrate other the components into the fuel flow path to the anode side of the fuel cell stack.
US07968241B2
A controllable range of an air flow rate and an air pressure in a fuel cell system is calculated from air flow rates and air pressures when the air back pressure valve is fully open and fully closed. A target generation current is calculated from an accelerator position or an auxiliary unit to calculate a target air flow rate and a target air pressure as target values. If the target values are outside the controllable range, it is judged whether the target values exceed an upper limit the controllable range, the target values are decreased onto the upper limit, and if no, the target values are increased onto the lower limit of the controllable range.
US07968240B2
A fuel cell system is provided that includes a fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cells and a power converter in electrical communication with the fuel cell stack. The power converter is configured to selectively regulate a power of the fuel cell stack and short circuit the fuel cell stack, as desired. A method for starting the fuel cell stack is also described, including the steps of causing a short circuit of the fuel cell stack by placing the power converter in a short circuit mode; introducing a hydrogen to the anodes of the fuel cell stack to displace a quantity of air on the anodes; and placing the power converter in a power regulation mode. A degradation of the fuel cell stack during start-up is thereby militated against.
US07968237B2
A hybrid fuel cell system comprising a solid-oxide fuel cell system, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, a hydrocarbon reformer and a hydrogen separator. A large PEM provides output power, such as motive power for a vehicle, using hydrogen storage that may be resupplied from a separate hydrogen refilling station or from the onboard reformer. The SOFC is preferably small and provides heat and exhaust water that, when recycled into the reformer, allow the reformer to operate endothermically without requiring atmospheric air, thus excluding nitrogen from the reformate stream. Alternatively, the reformer and SOFC are stationary at a base station and the PEM is aboard the vehicle. The SOFC and reformer have sufficient capacity to recharge hydrogen storage in the vehicle in a relatively short period of time, such as overnight.
US07968235B2
The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having stabilization additives and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, a first additive that is a substituted or unsubstituted organoamine, substituted or unsubstituted alkane, substituted or unsubstituted alkene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl compound, and/or a second additive that is a metal(chelato)borate. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
US07968232B2
A cathode active material composition of a cathode of a lithium battery includes a conducting agent, a binder, and a cathode active material coated on one surface of a current collector, wherein the cathode active material composition is coated with a vanadium oxide.
US07968227B2
A can-type rechargeable battery includes a connection portion for coupling a protection circuit to a can-type bare cell and a lead plate for coupling the connection portion to the can. At least one protrusion is disposed at a connection portion outside the can and a lead plate has a hole that is engaged with the protrusion.
US07968226B2
A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.
US07968225B2
In the secondary battery, a lead plate is provided so as not to overlap the position of the sealing unit of the electrolyte injection hole to enhance the fixation of the lead plate to the upper surface of the cap plate of a cap assembly. The position of a connection terminal of a protective circuit unit corresponds to the position of the lead plate and together with the connection terminal shape the connection terminal is prevented from being exposed to the outside during hot-melt molding.
US07968222B2
Disclosed herein is a spacer including battery receiving parts formed at opposite major surfaces of a frame, respectively, the battery receiving parts having semi-cylindrical inner structures corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical batteries, and assemblable coupling parts formed at opposite sides of the battery receiving parts, respectively, the assemblable coupling parts being engageable with and disengageable from the corresponding ones. The spacer according to the present invention has the effect of stably mounting cylindrical unit cells while preventing the occurrence of internal short circuits, manufacturing a structurally stable battery module, and effectively removing heat generated during charge of the cylindrical unit cells. Furthermore, the spacers can be easily assembled with each other depending upon the number of the unit cells required in manufacturing the battery module.
US07968221B2
A lithium ion secondary battery which includes: a negative electrode plate 406 in which a negative electrode mixture layer 404 is formed on each of both surfaces of a negative electrode current collector 401 containing copper as a principle component and having a sheet shape; a positive electrode plate 407 in which a positive electrode mixture layer 405 is formed on each of both surfaces of a positive electrode current collector 402 containing aluminum as a principle component and having a sheet shape; and a separator 403 holding an electrolyte. The negative electrode plate 406, the positive electrode plate 407 and the separator 403 are spirally wound or stacked. The thickness of the positive electrode current collector 402 is smaller than the thickness of the negative electrode current collector 401.
US07968220B2
A non-aqueous electrolytic solution favorably employable for a lithium secondary battery employs a non-aqueous electrolytic solution which comprises a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte which further contains 0.001 to 0.8 weight % of a biphenyl derivative having the formula: in which each of Y1 and Y2 represents hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydrocarbyl, hydrogen, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, or halogen, and each of p and q is an integer of 1 to 3.
US07968210B2
An exemplary embodiment of an aluminum type plated steel sheet which excels in discoloration resistance, and weldability, which does not decorate after re-heating and which can prevent increasing of strength, and a heat shrink band using the same are provided. For example, the heat shrink band can be made of an aluminum type plated steel sheet consisting of a steel sheet being composed of, e.g., not more than about 0.005 mass % of C; not more than about 0.005 mass % of N; not less than about 0.1 mass % and not more than about 0.5 mass % of Si; not more than about 0.1 mass % of P; not more than about 0.02 mass % of S; not less than about 1.05 mass % and not more than 2.0 mass % of Mn; not more than 1.0 mass % of sol Al; a residual amount of Fe and inevitable impurities, and an aluminum type plated layer mainly consisting of Al being deposited thereon. Such exemplary sheet can be prevented from a discoloration upon, e.g., being re-heated at a temperature of not less than about 500° C. to not more than about 700° C.
US07968208B2
A metal sheet having a microstructure, a carrier body having a plurality of sheets, and an exhaust system having the carrier body, are distinguished by a particularly long useful life in an automobile. Moreover, it is possible to bring about flow profiles coordinated exactly with the respective fields of use, so that a particularly efficient or extremely adaptable carrier body for purifying the exhaust gas of automobiles is provided.
US07968182B2
The present invention relates to cutting tool insert for metal machining on which at least on the functioning parts of the surface thereof a thin, adherent, hard and wear resistant coating is applied. The coating comprises a metal oxide/oxide composite layer consisting of two components with a grain size of from about 1 to about 100 nm. The oxide layer is under a compressive stress.
US07968181B2
An antireflection film comprises: at least one layer containing fine pores; and an antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer and one of said at least one layer containing fine pores are the same or different; and wherein, when a surface of the antireflection film is brought into contact with water for 15 minutes, a wiped portion of the surface shows a chromaticity change, ΔE, of 0.45 or less in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space measured under a standard illuminant D65.
US07968175B2
The invention relates to a radiation-curable printing medium based on a thermoplastic polymer and at least one radiation-curable monomeric compound. By means of a compound which comprises a heterocyclic ring, it is possible to achieve a favorable combination of properties comprising reactivity and flexibility of the decoration. Preferred monomeric compounds contain a 1,3-dioxolane or 1,3- or 1,4-dioxane ring, and an acrylic or methacrylic group is attached in the manner of an ester around a methylol group.The invention also provides transfers containing the printing medium and decorative preparations.
US07968165B2
A textile motif comprises an arrangement of substantially square, substantially identical modules variously oriented with respect to one another in fixed positions within the motif. Each module includes at least two visually distinct hues. The motif may be repeated to form an overall textile pattern.
US07968164B2
Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about −0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.
US07968163B2
A can that features superior resistance against puncture under higher puncture strength, and superior resistance against flange cracking. The resin-coated aluminum seamless can body of the present invention features superior resistance against cracks in the can wall during distribution, and resistance against flange cracking, wherein the inner and/or outer surface of the can of the aluminum seamless can 10 is coated with a layer of thermo-plastic resin, the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layers of the inner surface and the outer surface is a total of 2-50 μm, with a minimum thickness of the aluminum plate of the side wall of the can 0.110 mm or less, and the tensile stress at break measured for the aluminum plate that is removed from the thermo-plastic resin of the side wall of the can in the direction of the circumference of the can, is 450 MPa or less, the product of the minimum thickness of a plate of the side wall of the can including the thermo-plastic resin
US07968152B2
A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.
US07968148B2
An integrated circuit system includes providing an integrated circuit wafer; applying a first cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer; and applying a second cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer to prevent or remove a defect resulting from the first cleaning process.
US07968147B2
The present invention relates to ceramic cutting tools, such as, an aluminum oxide with zirconium oxide ceramic cutting tool with diffusion bonding enhanced layer and CVD coatings, particularly useful for machining modern metal materials. The method comprises a chemical reaction with a mixture including nitrogen and aluminum chloride introduced to form a diffusion bonding enhanced layer between the ceramic substrate and the CVD coatings. Thus formed diffusion bonding enhanced layer is highly adherent to the aluminum oxide with zirconium oxide ceramic substrate and significantly enhances the CVD coating properties, thus improving the machining performance in terms of the tool life of zirconium-based aluminum oxide with zirconium oxide ceramic cutting tools.
US07968142B2
A coloring apparatus for coloring an electric wire colors the wire spouts a liquid coloring agent, including a coloring material and a solvent, toward an outer surface of the wire with a specific amount thereof at a time. The coloring apparatus includes a coloring agent supply source for receiving the coloring agent, a coloring nozzle and a heater. The coloring nozzle spouts the coloring agent of the coloring agent supply source. The heater includes a heating bath and a hot air inlet. The heating bath receives the coloring nozzle. The heating bath allows the coloring nozzle to spout the coloring agent. The hot air inlet supplies hot air into the heating bath to heat the coloring agent supply source. The heater heats the coloring agent to a range lower than a boiling point of the solvent by the hot air inlet supplying the hot air into the heating bath.
US07968137B2
A method for preparing roasted vegetables includes drying a vegetable to reduce the moisture level from 10% to 65% from the starting moisture level of the vegetable. The method for preparing roasted vegetables further includes roasting the vegetable for between about 0.25 seconds to about 15 seconds.
US07968136B2
Apparatus for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates including a pomegranate breaker operative for breaking open pomegranates generally without cutting pomegranate seeds at the interior of the pomegranates and a pomegranate seed extractor operative to engage broken open pomegranates for separating the pomegranate seeds from other parts of the pomegranates.
US07968134B2
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.
US07968132B2
A durable, reusable dual compartment sandwich container having upper and lower compartments that are pivotally connected to one another and separated by a rotatable divider. One or more slices of bread or an elongated sandwich roll is carried within the upper compartment and the ingredients for a sandwich are carried in the lower compartment. The divider is rotated over top of the lower compartment so as to segregate the wet ingredients from the dry bread and thereby prevent the bread from becoming soggy. A removable hot/cold pack is also carried within the lower compartment to provide heat or cold to the sandwich ingredients over a prolonged period of time in order to avoid the premature spoilage of the ingredients prior to consumption. In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower compartments, the divider and the hot/cold pack is shaped to resemble a slice of bread, so that in the closed configuration, the overall appearance of the sandwich container is that of a sandwich, whereby to provide a visual indication of the intended use thereof.
US07968131B2
The present invention is directed to an enriched food product, such as a calcium-enriched chewable food product in which at least one piece of the food product provides the recommended daily DRI of elemental calcium. The enriched food product has a mouth feel, texture and taste substantially similar to a non-enriched food product. The food product may also provide Vitamin D3 in a range of 100-2400 IU and optionally may be enrobed with a flavored coating. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing the enriched food product.
US07968125B2
The present invention is drawn to an ephedra- and artificial stimulant-free energy promoting composition, comprising effective amounts of a magnesium amino acid chelate, a B vitamin, a pyruvate salt, and rhodiola. These ingredients work synergistically together to provide energy, without the use of artificial stimulants, caffeine, or ephedrine. Additional amino acid chelates can also be present, such as iron amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, chromium amino acid chelate, and mixtures of second amino acid chelates.
US07968123B2
The invention provides a composition containing particulate composite of a polymer and a therapeutic agent. The composition also contains a complexing agent. The polymer interacts with the complexing agent in a host-guest or a guest-host interaction to form an inclusion complex. A therapeutic composition of the invention may be used to deliver the therapeutic agent and to treat various disorders. Both the polymer of the particulate composite and the complexing agent may be used to introduce functionality into the therapeutic composition. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a composition. The method combines a therapeutic agent, a polymer having host or guest functionality, and a complexing agent having guest or host functionality to form the therapeutic composition. The complexing agent forms an inclusion complex with the polymer. The invention also relates to a method of delivering a therapeutic agent. According to the method, a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition of the invention is administered to a mammal (e.g. person or animal) in recognized need of the therapeutic. Also disclosed are compounds having the formula:
US07968118B2
An anti-acid pharmaceutical composition for the rapid and prolonged neutralization of gastric acidity with mucosa-protecting activity in powder form to prepare, by dispersion in water, a pharmaceutical solution or suspension for oral use characterized in that the composition includes sodium alginate; an anti-acid soluble agent or a combination of anti-acids; an inhibitor of proton pump; diluent and sweetening agents, wherein a) at least 30% of sodium alginate present in the formulation along with the total of the inhibitor of proton pump are homogeneously distributed over the surface of the total soluble anti-acid agent of the combination of anti-acids of the composition; and b) the rest, about 70%, of sodium alginate present in the formulation contains a percentage of humidity of less than 2%.
US07968116B2
A sugar-cholestanol compound which can be readily synthesized and which exhibits a satisfactory antitumor activity. An anticancer agent containing, as an active ingredient, a cholestanol compound represented by the following formula (1): or a cyclodextrin inclusion complexation containing the compound. A method for treating cancer using this compound.
US07968115B2
The present invention provides a compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and melanoma, in a human patient. The methods and compositions of the present invention employ curcumin or a curcumin analogue encapsulated in a colloidal drug delivery system, preferably a liposomal drug delivery system. Suitable colloidal drug delivery systems also include nanoparticles, nanocapsules, microparticles or block copolymer micelles. The colloidal drug delivery system encapsulating curcumin or a curcumin analogue is administered parenterally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07968112B2
A lipid preparation including a glycerophospholipid or salt, conjugate and derivatives thereof, particularly phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidyicholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl-inositol (PI), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidic acid (PA), and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) acyl groups, particularly long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) acyl groups such as omega-3 and/or omega-6 acyl groups, wherein said PUFA is covalently bound to said glycerophospholipid. The preparation possesses an improved bioactivity, and is useful in the treatment of various cognitive and mental conditions and disorders and for maintenance of normal functions of brain-related systems and processes.
US07968109B2
The present invention includes a fast-drying liquid composition comprising a least one fungicide and at least one insecticide. The present invention further includes a method for treating plant propagation materials, especially cut seeds, including tubers, against pest, a method for promoting suberization in cut seeds, a method for decreasing the drying time of a liquid pesticide on cut seeds, and a method for selectively loading a pesticide onto the skin side of a cut seed.
US07968097B2
The present invention relates to the immunotherapB of cancer, in particular several tumor entities including hematological malignancies. The present invention relates to tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides, that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the present invention relates to two novel peptide sequences derived from HLA class I or II molecules of human oncofoetal antigen immature laminin receptor (OFA/iLR), which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US07968091B2
The present invention provides new systems and strategies for the regulation of iron metabolism in mammals. In particular, methods of using agonists and antagonists of TGF-β superfamily members to modulate the expression or activity of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, are described. The inventive methods find applications in the treatment of diseases associated with iron overload, such as juvenile hemochromatosis and adult hemochromatosis, and in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia of chronic disease and EPO resistant anemia in end-stage of renal disease. The present invention also relates to screening tools and methods for the development of novel drugs and therapies for treating iron metabolism disorders.
US07968089B2
The present disclosure relates to the preparation and deletion mutants of chondroitinase proteins and their use in methods for promoting the diffusion of therapeutic composition into tissues and their use for neurological functional recovery after central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease.
US07968087B2
A gene delivery vehicle having been provided with at least a tissue tropism for cells selected from the group of smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and/or liver cells. The tissue tropism is generally provided by a virus capsid, such as one comprising protein fragments from at least two different viruses, such as two different adenoviruses, including adenovirus of subgroup C or subgroup B (for example, adenovirus 16). The protein fragments can comprise a tissue tropism-determining fragment of a fiber protein derived from a subgroup B adenovirus. Also, cells for producing such gene delivery vehicles and pharmaceutical compositions containing these gene delivery vehicles are provided. Further, a method is disclosed for delivering nucleic acid to cells such as smooth muscle cells and/or endothelial cells which involves administering to the cells an adenovirus capsid having proteins from at least two different adenoviruses and wherein at least a tissue tropism-determining fragment of a fiber protein is derived from a subgroup B adenovirus. Particular constructs are also disclosed.
US07968085B2
A polymeric prodrug composition including a hydrogel, a biologically active moiety and a reversible prodrug linker. The prodrug linker covalently links the hydrogel and the biologically active moiety at a position and the hydrogel has a plurality of pores with openings on its surface. The diameter of the pores is larger than that of the biologically active moiety at least at all points of the pore between at least one of the openings and the position of the biologically active moiety.
US07968079B2
The present disclosure provides a ready-to-use seed composition water, a source of silica, a source of alumina, and Na20, wherein the molar ratio of H20:Na20 ranges from 5 to 20, Na20:SiO2 ranges from 0.4 to 5 and SiO2:Al203 ranges from 1.3 to 5 used in the preparation of a synthetic faujasite zeolite which has high thermal stability and higher crystallite size. It further provides a process for preparing the ready-to-use seed composition for preparation of synthetic faujasite zeolite that requires lower crystallization time. The present disclosure provides a seed composition that does not require maturing time and a reaction gel composition that has low water and soda content. The present disclosure further provides a process for the preparation of synthetic faujasite zeolite by blending seed and reaction gel reaction composition to form a seed gel composition and subjecting it to crystallization.
US07968073B2
Methods of producing stable dispersions of single-walled carbon nanotube structures in solutions are achieved utilizing dispersal agents. The dispersal agents are effective in substantially solubilizing and dispersing single-walled carbon nanotube structures in aqueous solutions by coating the structures and increasing the surface interaction between the structures and water. Exemplary agents suitable for dispersing nanotube structures in aqueous solutions include synthetic and natural detergents having high surfactant properties, deoxycholates, cyclodextrins, chaotropic salts and ion pairing agents. The dispersed nanotube structures may further be deposited on a suitable surface in isolated and individualized form to facilitate easy characterization and further processing of the structures.
US07968056B2
A method and apparatus for transferring pipette tips is presented which includes first and second members that are assembled and interlocked with one another to move the apparatus into locked and unlocked positions. The first member includes plugs for retaining the large diameter end of pipette tips and the second member includes small projections capable of contacting an outer surface of the pipette tips while they are positioned on the plugs of the first member to lock the pipette tips in place for transfer.
US07968053B2
A chlorine analyzing apparatus includes a reaction tube of a double tube structure with an inner tube for receiving a sample and an outer tube for recovering hydrogen chloride. An electric furnace has a reaction tube insertion hole into which the reaction tube is inserted. The electric furnace is equipped with a heater disposed around the reaction tube insertion hole. A titration cell receives acetic acid as an electrolyte and subjects hydrogen chloride withdrawn from the reaction tube to coulometric titration. A deodorization tube is disposed on a rear stage side of the titration cell for thermally decomposing a vapor of acetic acid discharged from the titration cell. The deodorization tube is fitted into the electric furnace.
US07968049B2
A component separating device includes a substrate, a fluid channel provided at the substrate, an actuator and a groove provided at a surrounding of the actuator, the fluid channel contains a fluid including a liquid component and a solid component, and the actuator generates a standing wave at inside of the fluid channel. By such a constitution, a vibration loss is reduced by reflecting a vibration by the groove to be transmitted to a side of the fluid channel, the standing wave having a strong intensity is generated at inside of the fluid channel, and the small-sized highly accurate component separating device is provided.
US07968044B2
An apparatus and method for processing iron sinter is provided. A cooling system is arranged downstream of a furnace for cooling the iron sinter. The cooling system includes a convective cooling system for forcing air into the iron sinter and an evaporative cooling system for directing fluid into the hot sinter.
US07968042B2
A method and apparatus for molding a structure on the top surface of a substrate. Mold material is dispensed onto an area of the top surface of the substrate. The mold apparatus is positioned over the area. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is positioned above the mold material and the mold material is surrounded with a shroud of the mold apparatus. A seal is formed between the shroud and the top surface of the substrate. The pressure is reduced within the shroud to below the ambient pressure. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is lowered toward the top surface of the substrate, so that at least the outer edge of the mold portion is in contact with the mold material. The pressure within the shroud is raised to at least the ambient pressure, and the mold material is cured to form the structure.
US07968032B2
Joint assemblies for joining sheaths for use in medical devices are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the joint assemblies. An elongate first sheath has a distal end portion having melt bonding material. A second sheath has first and second end portions, the second end portion having melt bonding material. An outer sleeve body includes proximal and distal engaging portions that have melt bonding materials. The proximal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the first sheath distal end portion. The distal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the second sheath proximal end portion. In one embodiment, one or both sheaths have an inner layer, a coiled middle layer optionally stopping short of the joint assembly, and an outer layer that has said melt bonding materials. In one embodiment, the sheaths are used in a rapid insertion catheter delivery system.
US07968018B2
Methods of producing silicone hydrogel ophthalmic lenses include contacting one or more delensed silicone hydrogel ophthalmic lens with a liquid composition that contains alcohol, water, and a surfactant. The methods can be steps of an extraction/hydration procedure used in the production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. In some examples, contacting silicone hydrogel ophthalmic lens products with a liquid composition that contains alcohol, water, and a surfactant can significantly reduce or prevent surface distortion of the ophthalmic lens resulting from the extraction procedure. Some methods include subsequently contacting the silicone hydrogel ophthalmic lens with a liquid composition consisting essentially of water and a surfactant.
US07967999B2
It is possible to provide a heat storage substance, a heat storage agent, a heat transport medium, and a cold insulation agent having low corrosiveness and a high latent heat quantity at a low cost, their production method, and a cold reservoir and a cold insulator containing the heat storage substance as content. The heat storage substance is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat storage substance is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water. The heat storage agent is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat storage agent is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water. The heat transport medium is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat transport medium is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water.
US07967997B2
A plasma etching method includes: plasma etching a silicon oxide film to be etched that is positioned under a multi-layer resist mask by using the multi-layer resist mask formed on a substrate to be processed; and plasma etching a glass based film positioned under the silicon oxide film by using the multi-layer resist mask. In the method a gaseous mixture of C4F6 gas and C3F8 gas as a processing gas is used in the plasma etching of the glass based layer.
US07967992B2
A novel water flow facilitator for granular filter devices that operate under gravity and contain granular particles, further consisting of plastic pellets that are 2 to 100 times, preferably 5 to 20 times larger than the granular particles; the plastic pellets having an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 10, preferably 1 to 4; that comprise about 1 to 50%, preferably 5 to 15% of the weight of the filter media; that have a specific gravity of 0.5 to 2, preferably 0.9 to 1.5. The plastic pellets should contain antimicrobial agents that protect the granular media from microbiological growth. The plastic pellets are made from any of the following plastics: polyolefins, various kinds of polyacrylates, polyvinyl polymers, nylon, polycarbonates etc. The plastic pellets may contain fillers such as calcium carbonate, titania, silica, or alumina. The invented flow facilitator is utilized in a gravity fed granular filter device to remove contaminants such as chlorine, taste and odor-causing compounds, solvents, pesticides, dissolved organic impurities, dissolved heavy metals and non-metallic impurities such as perchlorates. The invented flow facilitator is utilized in a gravity fed granular filter device in which the media consists of activated carbon, synthetic ion exchange resins, silica, alumina, titania, green sands, iron oxides or mixtures thereof.
US07967988B1
A method and a apparatus for treating a liquid volume containing latex waste, the method comprising providing a treatment apparatus comprising at least a first vessel, and a filtration system in liquid communication with the first vessel; delivering a portion of the liquid containing waste latex to the first vessel; adding a first reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste latex to cause the formation of waste latex flocs of a first size; adding a second reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste latex to cause growth of the waste latex flocs of the first size into separable waste latex flocs; separating the separable waste latex flocs within the filtration system into a waste latex sludge and a first filtrate; and dewatering the waste latex sludge to produce a waste latex solid and a second filtrate. The filtrates may be reusable in a latex manufacturing process.
US07967984B2
An apparatus for water treatment which comprises a means of removing ingredients contained in water and a means of adsorbing ions with a porous molding as an adsorbent, wherein the porous molding comprises fibrils comprising an organic polymer resin and an inorganic ion adsorbent. The fibrils form interconnecting pores open to the outer surface and have voids in inner parts thereof, at least part of the voids being open to the surface of the fibrils. The inorganic ion adsorbent has been deposited on the outer surface of the fibrils and on the surface of the voids in the fibrils.
US07967970B2
Method for the cathodic protection of the reinforcements of ferroconcrete edifices against corrosion
Disclosed is a method for the cathodic protection (KKS) of the reinforcements of ferroconcrete edifices against corrosion. According to said method, a) one side of the structural joints of the concrete supporting elements is sealed, b) the KKS anodes are introduced into the structural joints, c) an ionically conductive gel is introduced into the joints that are closed on one side, and d) the structural joints are optionally sealed as a whole. Surprisingly, the required electrical conductivity can be reliably ensured during the entire application period with the aid of the ionically conductive gel, which is a prerequisite for effectively and reliably protecting the steel reinforcements of concrete structures against corrosion.
US07967968B2
A method and system are presented for use in analyzing a sample. The method comprises applying real time monitoring to a sample while undergoing a separation process consisting of spatial separation of molecules of different molecular weights in the sample. The system includes a monitoring unit configured to be integrated with a separation unit in which the separation process takes place.
US07967962B2
The subject invention provides devices and methods for the analysis of a body fluid. Embodiments include sensors that are sample-fillable by contacting a corner of the sensor to a sample.
US07967952B2
The present invention relates to a durable paper or paperboard substrate containing an effective amount of synthetic fibers and having enhanced strength in the machine direction and the cross direction, as well enhanced strength through the cross section of the sheet. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using the substrate.
US07967943B2
A circuit-connecting material which is interposed between circuit electrodes facing each other and electrically connects the electrodes in the pressing direction by pressing the facing electrodes against each other; the circuit-connecting material comprising as essential components (1) a curing agent capable of generating free radicals upon heating, (2) a hydroxyl-group-containing resin having a molecular weight of 10,000 or more and (3) a radical-polymerizable substance. Also provided are a circuit terminal connected structure and a circuit terminal connecting method which make use of such a material.
US07967941B2
A laminate comprising aramid paper containing aramid fiber and aramid pulp and polyester film, the aramid paper and polyester film having been subjected to plasma surface treatment before laminating, wherein the aramid paper and polyester film are continuously bonded to each other. The disclosure is concerned with a process for manufacturing the laminate and an apparatus for manufacturing the laminate.
US07967930B2
A plasma reactor is provided for processing a workpiece such as a transparent mask or a semiconductor wafer. The reactor includes a vacuum chamber having a ceiling and a sidewall. A workpiece support pedestal within the chamber includes a metal cathode having a support surface facing the ceiling and defining a support plane for supporting a workpiece. The cathode has a hollow space formed within its interior. The reactor further includes a movable metal element within the hollow space and a mechanism for controlling a distance between the metal element and the support plane.
US07967921B2
A carburized component with a base metal containing 0.10% to 0.40% C, 0.05% to 0.8% Si, 0.35% to 1.2% Mn, 2.0% to 5.0% Cr, remnant including Fe and inevitable impurities, a carburized layer formed on a surface layer portion, a grain boundary oxidized layer depth of 1 μm or less on a surface thereof and an average C concentration of 1.5% to 4.0% at 25 μm deep from the surface, and adjusted so as to satisfy 1.76 SC−1.06
US07967919B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a self-organized rare earth-iron bonded magnet, including: a first step of covering a rare earth-iron magnet powder with oligomer or prepolymer in which one molecule includes at least two or more reactive ground substances to provide a surface-treated magnet powder; a second step of melting and kneading stretchable polymer and the surface-treated magnet powder to coarsely crush the resultant material to provide a granule; a third step of dry blending the granule with hardener to provide a compound; a fourth step of compressing the compound under temperature conditions by which the oligomer or prepolymer, the polymer, and the hardener are caused to melt and to flow to provide a green compact; a fifth step of causing the green compact to be a self-organized rare earth-iron bonded magnet by reacting the oligomer or prepolymer, and polymer with the hardener; and a sixth step of stretching the bonded magnet to transform the shape to any of a circular-shape or a circular arc-like shape.
US07967917B2
The present invention provides a method of cleaning a storage case to be used for storing or transporting mask substrates such as photomasks and photomask blanks, semiconductor substrates such as semiconductor wafers, pellicles, or the like. The present invention: facilitates a regular cleaning operation, can be used also for a storage case of a complicated shape, does not require a large scale equipment or an expensive equipment to facilitate an environmental countermeasure, and provides high cleaning effect. The method of cleaning a storage case polluted by adhesion of a foreign substance of an organic material, an ionic foreign substances or an ionic crystal foreign substance physically absorbed, comprises a step of placing the storage case still in air flow of cleaned air or an inert gas in a temperature range from room temperature to 80° C. for desorbing and removing the foreign substance adhered to the storage case.
US07967915B2
A method for reducing attraction forces between wafers (4) is provided. This method includes the step of, after sawing and before dissolution of the adhesive (5), introducing spacers (6) between wafers (4). A wafer singulation method and an agent for use in the method are also provided.
US07967914B2
An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces utilizing a soil transfer cleaning medium is disclosed. A method of mechanically removing soil from a surface intended to be cleaned includes the steps of successively and repeatedly: wetting a portion of a cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid; extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium; and wiping the surface intended to be cleaned with the portion of the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface intended to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. Portable and vehicle-based devices may be utilized to practice the method of cleaning.
US07967905B2
Provided is a method of mixing a modified bitumen composition and feeding one or more polymeric materials to an extruder, together with asphalt fed at more than one location along a length of the extruder. Improved mixing and elimination of asphalt melting in the production of rolled goods and other products is improved.
US07967899B2
Activated carbon in which the residual amount of hydrocarbon (HC) can be reduced and a canister using such activated carbon are provided. Activated carbon in which the residual amount of butane is determined to be 1.2 g/100 ml or less after butane is adsorbed thereon and desorbed therefrom in accordance with the determination of BWC (ASTM D-5228) and a canister using such activated carbon as an adsorbent are provided.
US07967898B2
A method for cleaning a filter having Z-media includes providing a filter having Z-media and cleaning the media construction by directing a pulse of compressed gas into the media construction through the downstream flow face. Filter elements useable with such methods include elements made of Z-media. An example system utilizing the method includes a gas turbine air intake system.
US07967896B2
The invention provides a process and system for regenerating a solvent used to remove carbon dioxide from feed gases, such as natural gas and synthesis gas. The invention employs one or more hydraulic turbochargers to transfer energy from a higher energy solvent stream to a lower energy solvent stream. This provides for a significant reduction in operating expenses.
US07967890B2
In various aspects provided are methods for producing a nanoparticle within a cross-linked, collapsed polymeric material. In various embodiments, the methods comprise (a) providing a shape-static polymer template with a size in the range between about 1 nm to about 100 nm; (b)) incorporating one or more nanoparticle precursor moieties with the shape-static polymer template; and either (c) oxidizing the precursor moieties to form a composite nanoparticle comprising one or more of an inorganic oxide and hydroxide nanoparticle; or (c) adding an ion with an opposite charge polarity to the at least one nanoparticle precursor moieties to effect formation of a composite nanoparticle.
US07967882B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide low-profile surface mount filters. One embodiment of the present invention includes a filter housing adapted to mount on a substrate block having a plurality of flow paths and a filter cavity defined therein. The filter cavity is defined to extend in a generally horizontal direction when the low-profile filter is in use. A first flow passage is defined to connect an inlet of the filter housing to a first section of the filter cavity and a second flow passage is defined to connect a second section of the filter cavity to an outlet of the filter housing. A filter assembly is disposed in the filter cavity and sealed to the surface of the filter cavity separating the filter cavity into adjacent sections including the first section of the filter cavity and second section of the filter cavity.
US07967876B2
There is disclosed a composition comprising an alloy represented by the following generic formula (Aa)n(Bb)n(Cc)n(Dd)n( . . . )n; wherein each capital letter and ( . . . ) is a metal; wherein A is a combustion modifier; B is a deposit modifier; C is a corrosion inhibitor; and D is a combustion co-modifier/electrostatic precipitator enhancer; wherein each subscript letter represents compositional stoichiometry; wherein n is greater than or equal to zero; and wherein the alloy comprises at least two different metals; and with the proviso that if the metal is cerium, then its compositional stoichiometry is less than about 0.7. There is also disclosed a fuel additive comprising an alloy; a fuel composition comprising the fuel additive composition; methods of making the fuel additive composition; and methods of using the disclosed alloy.
US07967874B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a positive electrode and a negative electrode with an active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode active material is covered by a coating having elasticity. The fully elastic coating expands and contracts following the volume change of the negative electrode active material; thus, the coating brings out its desired functions without being damaged or broken. Regardless of the degree of the volume change of the negative electrode active material, a lasting coating without damage is formed on the negative electrode active material, to improve performances of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
US07967866B2
An intervertebral device for spacing apart vertebral members comprises a plurality of stackable shims including at least a first shim and a second shim. The first shim includes a first body with a first portion of a male-female connector, and a removable guide that is affixed to the first body and extends along at least a portion of the first body. The second shim includes a second body with a second portion of the male-female connector. A longitudinal passage extends through the second body and is sized to receive the guide on the first body. The second shim is moveable relative to the first shim with the guide disposed in the passage between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the first shim is stacked on the second shim.
US07967858B2
Device for rapid connection between a totally implantable heart prosthesis and natural articles. According to the invention, said prosthesis comprises: fastening means (16, 25) for fastening an end of one of the lunettes (2, 3) to the other lunette (3, 2), said fastening means being able to permit folding of said lunettes relative to each other; guide means (10, 11, 20, 21) for guiding said lunettes relative to each other before and during fastening and also during folding; and snap-fit means (19, 26) for engaging said lunettes on each other in the operating position corresponding to the end of said folding.
US07967850B2
A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a dual closure structure that may include a single flange or helical flange. The dual closure structure independently engages the connecting member and the lower compression insert. A threaded capture connection of the bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert and a retainer threadably attached to the shank and spaced from the upper surface, the retainer configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking.
US07967844B2
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07967843B2
An apparatus and method for fixing a selected graft relative to a selected anatomical portion. An anchor may be provided that may be interconnected with a selected graft portion that is operable to pass through a selected bore and then moved into an operable position to engage a selected portion of the bore to substantially eliminate the possibility of the graft moving in an unselected direction through the bore. In addition, a spacer member may be used to expand a selected portion of the graft to reduce localized stress and may increase ingrowth into a selected bony portion.
US07967842B2
An integrated securement and closure apparatus uses mechanical fasteners disposed in access lumens located radially outwardly from a centrally disposed opening for an endoscope. The mechanical fasteners are used to secure the distal end of an overtube against and isolate a target area of tissue inside a patient. An incision is made in the isolated target and the mechanical fasteners are used to approximate the tissue of the incision following and surgical intervention.
US07967841B2
A method for repairing friable tissue having a defect therein includes providing a looped barbed suture having a plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom along at least a portion of a length thereof, and having first and second ends, first and second end portions and a middle portion therebetween. The first and second ends are fixedly coupled to a single needle, and the plurality of barbs extends outwardly away from the needle. The steps further include placing the looped barbed suture around an outer surface of the friable tissue in a spaced apart configuration and so as to extend across the defect, passing the needle through the friable tissue and around the middle portion of the looped barbed suture one or more times at the middle portion, and removing the needle from the looped barbed suture.
US07967839B2
Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively fix substrates, including tissues, using electromagnetic energy. Also provided is a method of controlling the fixing process via feedback monitoring of a property of the composition and/or of the electromagnetic energy used.
US07967832B2
A suture knot can be tied during a medical procedure by use of a suture retainer ring in connection with a suturing instrument. The retainer ring allows a user to orient a suture about the instrument, such that a knot in the suture is automatically advanced and tightened by withdrawing the instrument from a surgical site after placing the suture. The retainer ring can be an integral part of the suturing instrument, or it can be removably coupled to the suturing instrument to facilitate use of the retainer ring with other suturing instruments.
US07967819B2
A soft bipolar forceps includes a long narrow flexible tube; paired forceps pieces that are formed extending in the axial direction, and are mutually insulated and disposed opposite one another; and a support that is disposed to the distal end of the flexible tube and supports the paired forceps pieces to permit relatively free opening and closing thereof; characterized in that a first electrode is disposed to one of the paired forceps pieces, a second electrode is disposed to the other of the paired forceps pieces opposite the first electrode, and a guide part that extends to permits elastic deformation is disposed to the distal end of the first electrode.
US07967812B2
A drug infusion system capable of delivering a fluid medication to a patient under direction of a medical professional continually at a basal rate and at an interval rate in each of a plurality of time slots over a specified period of time. The total dose of the fluid medication to be delivered to the patient over the period of time based on the basal rate and the interval rate for each of the plurality of time slots is determined, compared the total dose against a maximum dose. The basal rate is adjusted, if necessary, so that the total dose does not exceed the maximum dose.
US07967811B2
A Foley type catheter of the type including an elongated flexible tube and an inflation lumen, the distal end of the tube being provided with a membrane that is inflated into a balloon by fluid passage though the lumen, wherein to retain the distal end interiorly of a bladder, and a drainage eye, wherein to enable the catheter to drain urine therefrom. The proximal end of the tube is provided with a fluid control valve and a fluid pump, each hand operated as desired. The pump is in the form of a squeeze bulb and/or aspirator and adapted to deform to supply and/or withdraw fluid into and from the lumen and selectively inflate/deflate the membrane. In one embodiment, the pump is in the shape of a pleated bellows that is axially collapsed and end walls forced together and into a suction cup like retaining engagement, and a coil spring acts to restore the shape.
US07967810B2
Methods and systems are provided for a sub-atmospheric wound-care (SAWS) system for treating an open wound. The SAWS system includes a regulated vacuum source for developing a negative pressure, a flow rate meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid removed from the wound, a primary pressure regulating sensor located proximate the wound for directly measuring the negative pressure at the wound, a backup pressure regulating sensor located vacuum tube, a porous dressing suitable to be sealed airtight which is positioned within a wound interface chamber, a collection canister configured to collect said liquid removed from the wound, and an adapter configured to use wall suction a primary regulated vacuum source.
US07967805B2
A disposable garment includes a nonwoven backsheet formed by melt-blowing. The melt-blown nonwoven web has a basis weight of from about 3 g/m2 to about 60 g/m2 and an air permeability value of at least about 15 cm3/cm2/sec. The melt-blowing web is made by fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of from about 3 μm to about 10 μm.
US07967797B2
An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.
US07967791B2
Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a surgical access device is provided that can include a cannula that defines a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. A seal can be disposed in the cannula of the surgical access device. In one exemplary embodiment, the seal can be positioned at a point in the cannula that is effective to maintain contact between the seal and an instrument inserted therethrough as the instrument is rotated about that point.
US07967788B2
The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.
US07967777B2
An eye treatment system is configured for performing an ocular surgical procedure and includes an eye treatment probe, a treatment console including a controller, and an eye treatment cassette for coupling the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The eye treatment probe is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The cassette comprises a cassette body, first and second arcuate ramps, and a holding tank. The cassette has an engagement axis along which elements of the cassette are configured to generally engage with mating elements of the treatment console. The cassette's first arcuate ramp is proximal a first fluidics channel configured to form a first volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. Also the cassette's second arcuate ramp is proximal a second fluidics channel configured to form a second volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. The cassette also includes a holding tank fluidly that is coupled to the volumetric pumps.
US07967767B2
The invention is a three-contact-point dynamic scoliosis orthosis (DSO) brace to aid physicians treating scoliosis. A pelvic mold and two pads, one positioned above the apex of the spine curvature, the other positioned orthogonal to the apex of the spine curvature provide the anchor points on opposite sides of the curve. The pad orthogonal to the curve's apex is adjustable.
US07967762B2
A method of measuring blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of a stenosis in a vessel carrying blood includes the steps of providing a guide wire having both a pressure sensor and a velocity sensor disposed on a distal region of the guide wire, introducing the guide wire into the vessel, advancing the guide wire to position the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor proximally and distally of the stenosis, and measuring the blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of the stenosis with the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor.
US07967753B2
Provided herein are Pulse-Inversion (PI) sequences that provide for fundamental frequency suppression in nonlinear imaging applications. In an embodiment, a weighting scheme is applied to the received echo pulses resulting from transmit pulses of alternating polarity to reduce the effect of transducer motion. In an embodiment, a three-pulse weighting scheme is applied to a PI sequence. In other embodiments, different combinations of the three-pulse weighting scheme are applied to a PI sequence.
US07967746B2
A rectoscope has a tube and a handle protruding therefrom. A number of light-emitting elements are arranged circumferentially distributed at the distal end of the tube. The tube includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an annular body at the distal ends of the inner and outer pipe. The annular body includes an end ring provided with bores for receiving the light-emitting elements. The annular body also includes an annular flange extending away proximally and having an outside diameter corresponding to a clear inside diameter of the outer pipe. The end ring has an outside diameter corresponding approximately to an outside diameter of the outer pipe.
US07967738B2
Exercise apparatus for use by handicapped persons for exercising their hips and legs. In one embodiment, an apparatus with a supporting structure and a seat mounted on the supporting structure. A cushion comprising a pad for splaying the knees of a user is mounted on the supporting structure. In another embodiment, there is a docking station suitably adapted for wheelchair users with a supporting structure protruding therefrom. A cushion is mounted on the protrusion for splaying the knees of the user. In yet another embodiment, a semispherical shaped seat is mounted on a supporting structure that can be adjusted to position a user near a handlebar structure with a supporting structure protruding therefrom. A cushion is mounted for splaying the knees of the user. Optionally, the cushions in the example embodiments may further comprise a patella pad. A knee spreader ball detached from the exercise apparatus permits training without the fixed cushion and, in a further form permits transport of a user without tangling the feet of the user.
US07967736B2
Apparatus suitable for pilates and other exercise comprises rails, supported on a box-like frame and an exercise carriage, mounted on the rails, wherein the carriage comprises a first carriage section and a second carriage section which sections can be (i) connected together to form a single exercise carriage which slides forwards and backwards on the rails, or (ii) disconnected to form two exercise carriages which independently slide forwards and backwards on the rails. The apparatus also has a seat with a spring-biased foot pedal and a spring-biased trapeze bar.
US07967735B2
An exercise device (20) comprising a resilient force member (6) which is arranged to be acted on by a user and provide resistance against movement by a user over an operative range. The exercise device (20) further includes a mechanical indicator device (1) which directly provides an audible signal at both first and second points of the operative range of the force member (6) to thereby indicate movement of the force member over a required range. The indicator device (1) comprising an audible signal producing member (9) having bistable first and second physical configurations such that a change in physical configuration creates an audible signal. The audible signal producing member (9) being acted on by the resilient force member (6), in use, to change the physical configuration of the audible signal producing member (9) and produce the audible signal.
US07967731B2
A system and method for motivating users to improve their wellness utilizes complex event processing on sensor and user-interaction data of the users collected over time using inference and predictive models in order to deliver personalized interactions to motive the users toward their wellness goals.
US07967728B2
Wireless game controller can provide variable resistance during strength training exercise and is coupled with off the shelf video gaming system such as Nintendo WII or personal computer by bluetooth or WiFI connection. The resistance is provided by a motor/generator. Electrical recuperation occurs between eccentric and concentric steps of the exercise, electrical energy is stored in a super capacitor between the steps. Video gaming system is configurable to run exercise software that provide reinforcing game experience, coaching, and physical therapy to the user. Exercise software tracks user's pose using fiduciary marks on the controller and data from 3d accelerometer embedded in the controller. The resistance is computed as a function of one or more the following: exercise type, position, velocity, user profile, and repetition number.
US07967726B2
A method of controlling an automatic transmission includes determining whether a coast-down control condition is met, and performing coast-down control if the condition is met. The coast-down control includes selectively downshifting, such that engine speed is maintained above a fuel-cut threshold speed. The coast-down control condition may include a throttle opening being below a threshold opening, a shift-speed being higher than or equal to a threshold shift-speed, and a road slope being smaller than a predetermined slope. The method may also include determining whether a deceleration lock-up control condition is met, and performing deceleration lock-up control, including engaging a lock-up clutch, if the condition is met. The deceleration lock-up control condition may include a throttle opening being below a threshold opening, a shift-speed being below a threshold shift-speed, a brake not being operated, and a difference between an engine speed and a turbine speed being smaller than a reference value.
US07967725B2
A method for controlling a power assisted propulsion system in a motor vehicle so as to perform a transition from a lower gear to a higher gear without interrupting a driving torque applied to driving wheels; the propulsion system displays an internal combustion engine provided with a drive shaft and a power assisted transmission including: a power assisted mechanical gearbox provided with a primary shaft connectable to the drive shaft and a secondary shaft coupled to a transmission shaft which transmits motion to the driving wheels; a power assisted clutch interposed between the drive shaft and the primary shaft of the gearbox to couple and decouple the drive shaft to the primary shaft of the gearbox; a power assisted brake; and an epicycloidal gear having three rotating elements: a first rotating element coupled to the drive shaft, a second rotating element coupled to the secondary shaft of the gearbox, and a third rotating element coupled to the brake.
US07967719B2
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.
US07967717B2
A device for the variable driving of a hollow shaft and an inner shaft or spindle that is supported on the latter and lies inside it, is particularly suited for moving component parts of a tire building machine, using driving devices. The hollow shaft is coupled to the inner shaft or spindle by way of a planetary gear mechanism or a harmonic-drive gear mechanism, which is respectively constructed as a differential-speed gear mechanism. The hollow shaft and the shaft or spindle are made to run synchronously by way of a single driving device.
US07967713B2
A planetary gear set lubricating unit which supplies oil from inside a component adjacent the planetary gear set, via a radial bore and an oil catcher, axially through a bore of a planetary gear bolt to planetary gear bearings. The oil catcher forms a ring-shaped chamber, which can be filled with lubricant, and is arranged beside the planetary carrier approximately over the reference diameter of the planetary bolt. The oil catcher has outlet pipes extending axially to direct oil in the chamber. The oil catcher has ovular radial protrusions arranged such that a maximum radial dimension is close to the bolts and a minimum radial dimension is arranged between adjacent planetary bolts. The radially inner edge of the axial bore of the planetary bolts is radially located between the minimum and maximum dimensions of the protrusions. The chamber is delimited by a cover plate and a gasket.
US07967712B2
In a planetary gearset and an automatic transmission according to the invention, a pinion shaft on which a pinion gear is rotatably supported includes a bearing portion on which a bearing is attached and a polygonal portion having a polygonal outer periphery. An axial oil passage and radial oil passages that communicate with the axial oil passage are formed in the polygonal portion, and the inlet of each radial oil passage formed in the pinion gear faces the polygonal portion.
US07967709B2
A bicycle sprocket is provided with a metallic sprocket ring part and a non-metallic inner ring part. The metallic sprocket ring part has a crank facing surface, an opposing surface, an inner periphery and an outer periphery with a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged thereon. The sprocket ring part includes at least one connecting portion integrally formed with the sprocket ring part as a one-piece, unitary member. The non-metallic inner ring part at least partially overlaps the inner periphery of the metallic sprocket ring part to at least partially non-movably couple the non-metallic inner ring part to the metallic sprocket ring part with at least one selected portion being absent of the non-metallic inner ring part to allow relative elastic deformation between the metallic sprocket ring part and the non-metallic inner ring in an axial direction.
US07967707B2
An input-side drive arrangement for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission includes an input shaft that is rigidly connected to an axially fixed disk, and an axially movable disk that can be shifted axially on the shaft and is rotationally fixed to the shaft. A torque-sensing device has a first shaped surface that is rigidly connected to the shaft and a second shaped surface that is rigidly connected to a sensing piston that surrounds the shaft and is rotatable and axially movable relative to the shaft. The sensing piston engages a rotationally drivable input wheel and can be subjected to hydraulic pressure from the side facing the movable disk. The rotationally fixed and axially movable engagement between the sensing piston and the input wheel is such that the engagement is disconnected when there is torque acting from the movable disk and the sensing piston is not under hydraulic pressure.
US07967701B2
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is preferably thin relative to the center and the outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition.
US07967698B2
A shaft according to the present invention is obtained by winding and curing a prepreg sheet having a matrix resin and a fiber. The prepreg sheet includes a full-length sheet and a partial sheet. At least a part of the partial sheet forms a tip bias layer disposed in a tip portion of the shaft. A fiber of the first tip bias layer is oriented at an angle which is equal to or greater than 25 degrees and is equal to or smaller than 65 degrees with respect to an axis of the shaft. A fiber of the second tip bias layer is oriented at an angle which is equal to or greater than −65 degrees and is equal to or smaller than −25 degrees with respect to the axis of the shaft. The shaft is obtained by winding a tip bias stuck body (V1) fabricated by sticking a first tip bias sheet (a8) and a second tip bias sheet (a9) together.
US07967692B2
An interactive water slide includes a plurality of light and sound sources synchronized with a theme chosen by the rider, the lighting and sound changes as the rider travels down the slide. Images are projected onto a screens of water that block the path of the rider and as the rider travels down the slide the rider must go through these projected images.
US07967673B2
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a bonus round of a slot machine game. A plurality of concealed elements are displayed, and a player can reveal each element one by one, until a terminating symbol is revealed. Combinations are formed and a player is awarded a highest combination upon revealing a terminating symbol.
US07967671B2
A game apparatus can achieve a game in which an object is transferred from one game apparatus to another by showing it flying on a screen. When a management data acquisition unit acquires management data indicating that the object is transferred to a game apparatus itself, an object control unit displays the object on-screen and accepts a user's operation instruction from an input unit. The object control unit determines whether or not the object is to be transferred in accordance with the user's operation instruction. A destination selection unit selects the destination of the object. A management data transmission unit transmits management data to the other game apparatuses. The object control unit updates a management data storing unit.
US07967669B2
The invention relates to a variable air volume control apparatus which compensates an open area ratio to be in direct proportion to an opening ratio at a low opening ratio range according to an open angle of a damper blade to achieve accurate and precise air volume control. The variable air volume control apparatus includes a damper blade disposed rotatably within the duct for opening or closing an air flow path and an actuator for rotating the damper blade. The apparatus also includes an air flow path expansion mechanism having a curved surface for expanding the air flow path in accordance with an open angle of the damper blade. The invention allows obtaining the open area ratio in direct proportion to the opening ratio at the low opening ratio range through simple structural improvements, thereby improving linear characteristics of an air volume change ratio with respect to the opening ratio to more accurately and precisely control the air volume.
US07967664B2
The invention relates to a device and method for cleaning, activating or pre-treating workpieces by blasting a carbon dioxide snow which is produced from pressurized CO2-containing fluids and at least one type of carrying compressed gas and is accelerated by means of a discharge nozzle (14), wherein a two-phase carbon dioxide mixture of a carbon dioxide gas and carbon dioxide particles is produced in an agglomeration chamber (8) by agglomerating and compressing carbon dioxide snow crystals which are radially added to the carrying gas in a multistage mixing chamber (10, 11, 12) comprising a central jet pipe (4), around which the carbon dioxide mixture circulates and which is used for supplying said carrying gas in such a manner that a high-energy turbulent gas flow for processing a workpiece is obtainable.
US07967662B2
An apparatus for lapping sliders comprises a rotatable lapping plate for lapping elements that are to be formed into sliders, a pushing force adjusting member that has an internal space therein and that extends vertically along an lapping plate axis that is perpendicular to the lapping plate, a pusher for pressing the elements, the pusher being connected to the pushing force adjusting member, and gas supply means for supplying a gas into the internal space, the gas supply means being connected to the pushing force adjusting member. The pushing force adjusting member comprises a first part that includes a connection with the pusher, a second part that includes a coupling between the internal space and the gas supply means, and an axially deformable part that is located between the first part and the second part. A length of the axially deformable part changes in a direction of the lapping plate axis in accordance with pressure in the internal space such that deformation of the axially deformable part causes a change in the pushing force of the pushing force adjusting member against the pusher.
US07967659B2
A method of manufacturing an integral bladed rotor is disclosed. The method includes calculating a cutting path in an area of a blank between adjacent blade locations to approximate contours of adjacent blades. A cutter is plunged into the area at an initial angle and depth that extends from an outer perimeter to the blank to an inner perimeter of the blank, in one example. The blade roots extend from the inner perimeter, and the blade tips terminate near the outer perimeter. The cutter is plunged into the area at an original angle that, in one example, is different than the initial angle. The cutter is rotated about an axis in a spiral-like fashion as the cutter extends further into the blank, along the cutting path.
US07967658B2
A brassiere is provided with a front piece incorporating two breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere, the first ends of which are fastened to the front piece at the sides and the second ends of which can be connected together in the back area of the individual. According to the invention, each of the side pieces includes two layers of a textile material, namely an outer layer facing away from the body and an inner layer facing the body, which are fastened together with an adhesive layer at the upper and lower edges of the respective side piece.
US07967656B2
The present invention provides a multi-purpose modular unit, including multiple blocks and adapters. The blocks are provided with multiple side faces and embedded tap holes. The adapters are screwed into the corresponding tap holes of two adjacent blocks. With this adapter, the blocks can be interlocked and assembled as furniture, stationery and toys that can be easily assembled or disassembled depending on various configurations and functions.
US07967655B2
An electron emission apparatus includes an insulating substrate, one or more grids located on the substrate, wherein the one or more grids includes: a first, second, third and fourth electrode that are located on the periphery of the gird, wherein the first and the second electrode are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth electrodes are parallel to each other; and one or more electron emission units located on the substrate. Each the electron unit includes at least one electron emitter, the electron emitter includes a first end, a second end and a gap; wherein the first end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the first electrodes and the second end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the third electrodes; two electron emission ends are located in the gap, and each electron emission end includes a plurality of electron emission tips.
US07967648B2
An electrical contact unit (200) is disclosed, having a series of four electrical receptacles (202, 204, 206, 208). Each of the receptacles includes an upper cantilever member (210) and a lower cantilever member (212). Upper lateral arms (214) are conductively interconnected by an upper bridge portion (216). Correspondingly, lower lateral arms (218) are conductively interconnected by a lower bridge portion (220). The upper lateral arms (214) and upper bridge portion (216) provide a pair of contact surfaces or edges (222). Correspondingly, the lower lateral arms (218) and lower bridge portion (220) form a pair of lower contact surfaces or edges (224). In addition, an upper cantilever member (228) positioned inwardly of the upper lateral arms (214) is also provided.
US07967635B2
A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end, an inner body having a first inner end and a second inner end, and a post interconnected with the inner body. A fastener portion is at the first end of the outer body. A compression sleeve is disposed to fit on the second inner end. The post, the inner body, and the compression sleeve are movable with respect to the outer body between a first position in which the connector is not mounted to an equipment port and a second position when the connector is mounted to the equipment port. When the fastener portion is mounted to the equipment port, an indicator portion on the compression sleeve is made visible to a user.
US07967634B1
A joint structure for a cable contains a connecting sleeve including threads formed around an inner wall thereof and a shoulder extending on a bottom end of the inner wall thereof; an internal tube including an arresting ring extending around an upper end thereof and a circular groove arranged around an outer wall thereof; an outer fitting member including a hole disposed on a top surface thereof; a sheath member including an arrest rib extending around a bottom end thereof and a threaded section mounted around an inner wall thereof; a stopping loop including a plurality of resilient paws arranged around an upper end thereof and spaced apart from each other, the resilient paws being titled inward; a screwed sliding member including a screwed portion disposed around an outer wall thereof to screw with the threaded section of the sheath member.
US07967622B2
The invention is a bus bar comprising a cover part made of an insulating material, and a bottom part comprising two chambers each for the reception of one pole connector. A chamber partition wall is arranged between each set of chambers, wherein at least one connecting lug is arranged on a corresponding pole connector. The cover part can be set on the bottom part in such a way that each of the pole connectors is covered, and each of the connecting lugs extends out through corresponding openings in the cover part. At least one partition wall is arranged on the cover part, which is positioned between two adjacent connecting lugs when the cover part is set on the bottom part. The bottom part is closable on its front side by a set of one or more end caps.
US07967618B2
A memory card connector is used for being plugged with a memory card. The memory card connector includes an insulating body having a plugging slot and two pivoting bases, two locking parts, and a plurality of conducting pins received in the insulating body. The memory card is plugged into the plugging slot. The two pivoting bases are respectively located at two sides of the insulating body. The pivoting base that is close to the plugging slot has a blocking portion. The two locking parts are respectively pivoted with the two pivoting bases for holding the memory card and can be entered by the blocking portion. The total height of the memory card connector is reduced. The required space for packaging and shipping the memory card connector is reduced to lower the shipping cost.
US07967614B1
A plug connector having a plug body including a board substrate. The board substrate has at least one engagement surface that is configured to interface with mating contacts of a receptacle connector. The plug connector also includes a plurality of differential pairs that extend along the board substrate. The differential pairs include conductive pathways that have contact pads located on said at least one engagement surface. The contact pads are configured to electrically engage the mating contacts of the receptacle connector. The conductive pathways of at least one differential pair form a cross-over such that the conductive pathways of the plurality of differential pairs have a first arrangement with respect to each other before the cross-over and a different second arrangement after the cross-over. The first and second arrangements generate first and second crosstalk components, respectively, that are configured to offset one another.
US07967599B2
A blow molding machine having the valves integrated into the valve block (100) is disclosed. The valve pistons (110) form annular rings stacked vertically along the stretch rod (104) axis. The valve pistons activate by moving up/down along the stretch rod axis. The valve seat for each vertically stacked valve is formed radially around the stretch rod.
US07967598B2
A molding die and a method for molding a molded article including a foam layer made up of faces extended in a plurality of directions are provided, by which all of the faces can grow up to a predetermined expansion ratio or more. To this end, a molding die 1 includes a stationary die including a main die 2 and a slide die 3 movable relative to the main die 2, and a movable die 4. The slide die 3 partially faces a cavity C and can move in a direction (Y direction) different from a die clamping/die opening direction (X direction). When a foam layer a2 made up of a face a21 orthogonal to the die clamping/die opening direction and a face a22 other than the face a21 grows in the cavity C, at least the slide die 3 moves in Y direction, whereby both of the faces a21 and a22 of the foam layer a2 can grow to satisfy a predetermined expansion ratio.
US07967597B2
A mold releasing method for releasing a core member from a mold includes steps of: a) providing a supporting member and arranging the supporting member on the mold, the supporting member comprising a base and a number of sidewalls extending from the base to the mold, a through hole being defined in the substrate and co-axially aligned with the core member; b) providing a bolt, the bolt comprising a threaded rod extending through the through hole of the substrate and threadedly engaged with the core member; and c) rotating the bolt to move the core member to disengage from the mold.
US07967585B2
The present invention enables the manufacture of a trochoid pump having a crescent which has been considered theoretically impossible by employing an inner rotor of a trochoid pump. An inner rotor having a predetermined number N of teeth that is equal to or larger than 4 is formed in advance. In order to manufacture an outer rotor with a predetermined number (N plus a natural number equal to or larger than 2) of teeth, row circles that are identical to a drawn circle are disposed so as to bring the row circles into contact with the tooth bottomland of the inner rotor tooth profile, the inner rotor tooth profile is rotated by half a tooth about the center of the inner rotor and the outer rotor tooth profile is also rotated by half a tooth of the predetermined number (N plus a natural number equal to or larger than 2) of teeth about a virtual center of the outer rotor including the row circles, an established center is determined from the virtual center or the like at the time at which the contact state is assumed, a reference circle is drawn that has a radius from the established center to the row circles and that has the total predetermined number (N plus a natural number equal to or larger than 2) of the equidistantly spaced row circles to form the row circles as outer rotor tooth tips, thereby manufacturing the outer rotor tooth profile.
US07967579B2
A hermetic compressor is disposed with an annular motor stator, a motor rotor, a casing and plural spot joining portions. The motor rotor is disposed such that it may freely rotate in a space inside the motor stator. The casing includes a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion houses the motor stator and the motor rotor. The plural spot joining portions fix the motor stator to the cylindrical portion by spot joining in a state where a clearance is secured between the motor stator and the cylindrical portion.
US07967576B2
The invention concerns an operating unit to generate a flow of air under pressure in aerosol therapy equipment, comprising a pump group (12) powered by a motor and having a head (19), with an air inlet duct (22) complete with filter (24) and an air outlet duct (23). The pump group is enclosed in a body made up of two shells, top and bottom, (13, 14) which overlap and fit together on a transversal plane at the level of their edges. The shells forming the body receive and hold the air inlet duct (22) with filter, the air outlet duct (23) and a plate with socket and switch following their overlapping for automizable assembly of the group.
US07967573B2
A method for starting a motor (14) with a bidirectional rotation direction, to rotate a fluid circulation centrifugal pump (10) having a predetermined optimum hydraulic efficiency depending on the starting rotation direction thereof. The method provides an initial motor (14) starting in either rotation direction, with subsequent pump (10) rotation in the same direction and, subsequently, a periodical interruption and restoration of the motor (14) power feeding as many times (N, N′) as to ensure the motor (14) starting, at least one or more times within a predetermined time interval (Ttot, Ts), in the rotation direction which corresponds to the predetermined pump (10) optimum hydraulic speed.
US07967560B2
A turbine engine utilizes an oil director to direct any leakage oil from a rear bearing compartment of the turbine engine toward a drain opening for an oil drain. The oil drain is formed in a heat shield located between the low pressure turbine and the exhaust nozzle. The oil drain directs the leakage oil to a benign area of the turbine engine.
US07967553B2
A pump having an axial impeller (40) with helical blades (38) for sucking liquid through an intake opening (38) formed at a bottom side of the axial impeller (40), in which the blades (38) are provided, at the bottom side of the axial impeller (40), with a first cutting edge (58) which, when the axial impeller (40) rotates, are in cutting relation with at least one second cutting edge (60) formed at the intake opening (36).
US07967550B2
The invention provides a wind turbine wind turbine with two vessels, each being interchangeably in thermal communication with a heating medium which transfers heat from a heat generating structure to the vessel, and with a cooling medium which transfers heat from the vessel to an ambient space. The vessels form a compression structure which form part of a refrigerating circuit which can circulate a working fluid between the compression structure, a condenser and an evaporator. At the evaporator, cooling effect is obtained based on evaporation of a working fluid, and the cooling can be utilized for cooling a heat generating component in the wind turbine.
US07967540B2
A vertical off-line stand building system includes a mast having a basal portion and an upper portion. An upper pipe elevator is mounted in the upper portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable first hoist between upper raised and lowered positions. A lower pipe elevator is mounted in the basal portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable second hoist between basal raised and lowered positions. A horizontal pipe support table is positioned adjacent the base of the mast. A horizontal pipe translator is mounted in the table for translating a pipe single longitudinally along the table so as to engage a first end of the pipe single with the lower pipe elevator when in its basal lowered position. The lower pipe elevator draws the first pipe into the mast through a front opening in the mast. The upper pipe elevator takes the first pipe and elevates it to the top of the mast. The lower pipe elevator raises the next pipe into the mast which is then threaded to the first pipe and the pipe stand then elevated by the upper pipe elevator so that the lower pipe elevator may add successive pipes to the pipe stand. The rear of the mast is entirely open so that the assembled pipe stand may be removed.
US07967535B2
A hole saw having a tubular cutting portion, a pilot drill bit, an ejection plate disposed within the tubular cutting portion and a compression spring cooperating with the plate further includes a guide structure fixed to the ejection plate and slidingly cooperating with a helical flute of the pilot drill bit. The compression spring and cooperating guide structure provide a combination of linear and rotational ejection of a waste plug from the hole saw. A duel set screw feature facilitates waste plug removal if needed and includes a first set screw frictionally engaged with a flat surface of the drill bit and a second set screw cooperating with a circular groove running about the drill bit.
US07967534B2
A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
US07967531B2
A method of raising a building with respect to the ground; the method including the steps of: forming a mat having a number of through holes; inserting a foundation pile through each hole; fitting each foundation pile with a lifting device; exerting thrust on the foundation piles by means of the lifting devices to raise the building with respect to the ground; and fixing each foundation pile axially to the mat once the building is raised; the lifting devices are divided into three equivalent, symmetrical, independent work groups; and the lifting devices of one work group at a time are activated simultaneously, so that the building is raised isostatically, by simultaneously activating the lifting devices of one work group at a time, while the lifting devices of the other two work groups are left idle.
US07967529B2
An ocean water drawing system includes: a well; a working tunnel disposed underground and having an end segment distal from the well; a pipeline unit including a primary pipeline disposed in the working tunnel, and having one end extending sealingly into the well and the other end extending through the end segment of the working tunnel and into an ocean so as to permit ocean water to flow into the well through the primary pipeline; and an access tunnel isolated from the well and extending downwardly from a ground surface to intersect the working tunnel so as to communicate spatially with the working tunnel and so as to permit access into the end segment of the working tunnel for operation and maintenance of the primary pipeline.
US07967525B2
The invention relates to a concrete element for road marking and outdoor paving having a solid three-dimensional form, with a bottom surface resting on the ground and an upper surface exposed, wherein at least one housing or basin is provided on the upper surface for containing a layer of refracting mixture that includes in turn a plurality of spheres or microspheres mixed with a hardening support resin or adhesive.
US07967522B2
A reinforced connector for supporting a tubular grab railing has an upper tubing support that is aligned with the grab railing during use and a lower base portion which is attached to the tubing support, and is fastened a wall or floor as a pedestal for the tubing support. The tubing support has an opening extending longitudinally thereof that divides it into upper and lower halves with the reinforcing plate held between them. The halves of the tubing support are aligned with one another to form at least one boss that is constructed and arranged to engage and support one end of a section of the grab railing tubing. The connector assembly which supports a section of grab railing is formed from dissimilar structural materials including an outer plastic resinous connector element and a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate extends through the support to provide reinforcement for the tubing support including each boss and the tubing itself.
US07967519B2
A device for packaging and applying a substance includes: a receptacle for containing a substance; an applicator including an applicator element; and a wiper member for wiping the applicator element, wherein the wiper member includes a longitudinally split annular portion having a wall including at least one slot extending to a free end of the wiper member, the slot passing through an entire thickness of the wall. The split portion may have, in a plane in which an inside cross-section thereof is at a minimum, an outside cross-section that is greater than a maximum cross-section of the applicator element. The split portion deforms radially outward when the applicator element passes therethrough.
US07967516B2
This is disclosed a portable printer that is easy to load with an ink ribbon cartridge and record members web supplies, that is simple, has relatively few parts, is lightweight and has a small footprint.
US07967515B2
A roll-based printer and method of loading the same. An example method includes sliding a roll of print media onto a print media spindle so that the roll of print media is positioned closer to a first end of the print media spindle than a second end of the print media spindle and loading the spindle onto a supporting assembly so that the spindle is rotatably supported by the supporting assembly and the first end of the print media spindle is at the end of the printer which is opposite to an end of the printer having a media detecting unit for detecting the presence of print media being fed to the printer. The example method includes feeding the print media to the printer from the loaded spindle, detecting the position of an edge of the print media fed to the printer and adjusting a starting position of the print head based on the detected position of an edge of the print media.
US07967511B2
Provided is a slewing ring which has a structure with a large slewing diameter, and is readily produced at low cost. The slewing ring includes: an outer ring (1), in which a load rolling groove (10) and a no-load rolling groove (11) for a large number of balls (4) are arranged along a circumferential direction of an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring (1) in parallel to each other; an inner ring (2), which is provided inside the outer ring (1), and in which a load rolling groove (20) and a no-load rolling groove (21) for the large number of balls (4) are arranged along a circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring (2) in parallel to each other; and a plurality of ball-retaining blocks (3), which are provided in a gap between the outer ring and the inner ring, are assembled between the outer ring and the inner ring through the large number of balls, and causes the large number of balls (4) to circulate in an endless manner between the load rolling groove (10) of the outer ring (1) and the no-load rolling groove (21) of the inner ring (2) and between the no-load rolling groove (11) of the outer ring (1) and the load rolling groove (20) of the inner ring (2).
US07967503B1
An accessory storage compartment that also functions as a clock comprising a front face, a back face, a first side, and a second side. The storage compartment can be opened to form a first half and a second have via a hinge. A button clasp secures the two halves together. Inside the storage compartment is an earring grid for holding earrings, a ring holding apparatus, and a plurality of hooks for holding necklaces, bracelets, and the like. Disposed on the front face of the compartment is a clock.
US07967499B2
A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.
US07967494B2
A light guide panel includes a lateral side configured to transmit light to an interior of the light guide panel, a rear side configured to reflect light to the interior of the light guide panel, and a front side configured to emit light from the interior of the light guide panel, wherein the rear side includes a repeating pattern of regions, each region having a plurality of wedge-shaped rear prisms disposed therein, and the wedge-shaped rear prisms include at least one of a side having a predetermined radius of curvature and a side having a point of inflection.
US07967492B2
To provide a light diffusion film that contributes lightweight with reduction in thickness, a planar light source element utilizing the light diffusion film, and a liquid crystal display device utilizing the light diffusion film and/or the planar light source element. A light diffusion film (25) having a plurality of projections (23) of a specific shape is at least partly formed from a composition containing a mixture of a photocurable compound and a particulate material. A light guide plate (22), provided with one or more light sources (21) at one side face thereof, is bonded to vertexes of the projections (23) to provide a planar light source element, which is thin and lightweight and capable of emitting non-glaring light uniformly from the entire surface thereof.
US07967491B2
This application relates to a light-emitting device comprising a light channel having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an inner surface intersecting with each of the upper and lower surface by different angles, and an escape surface; and a light-emitting element having a bottom surface substantially parallel to the inner surface and emitting light traveling inside the light channel toward the escape surface. In an embodiment, the escape surface of the light-emitting device is an inclined plane with lens array thereon.
US07967485B2
The apparatus for automatically adjusting horizontally a direction of a light axis of a vehicle headlight of the invention includes a steering angle sensor detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel of a vehicle, a swivel control unit performing a swivel control by which the direction of the light axis of the headlight is adjusted horizontally depending on the steering angle of the steering wheel, and an abnormality detecting unit detecting an abnormality associated with the apparatus. Even after detection of abnormality associated with the apparatus by the abnormality detecting unit, the swivel control unit continues performing the swivel control until the light axis is returned to a predetermined initial direction in order to avoid abrupt change of the direction of the light axis of the headlight. The swivel control unit halts the swivel control after the light axis is returned to the predetermined initial direction.
US07967482B2
A lamp comprises a housing, a heat dissipating unit, a light emitting member and a screen. The housing includes a lens and a base on two ends thereof, with an outlet section and an inlet section being formed on the wall of the housing. The heat dissipating unit is mounted inside the housing. The light emitting member is coupled to the heat dissipating unit and electrically connects to the base of the housing. The screen is in the form of a mesh that has a plurality of tiny holes and covers the inlet section of the housing. Consequently, by use of the screen, the lamp can meet standards for safety, gas flow impedance is reduced to enhance dissipating heat dissipating effect of the heat dissipating unit and insects are prevented from entering the housing.
US07967477B2
An optical system includes a cylindrical side emitter lens, a reflector and a cylindrical Fresnel lens to produce a substantially uniformly illuminated exit plane with well collimated light in the forward direction. The cylindrical side emitter lens redirects light from a light source, such as a number of light emitting diodes placed in a straight line, into side emitted light along an optical axis that is parallel with the exit plane. The reflector may be a stepped multi-focal length reflector that includes multiple reflector surfaces with different focal lengths based on the surfaces distance to the light source and height to redirect light from the cylindrical side emitter lens to illuminate the exit plane and collimate the light along one axis in the forward direction. The cylindrical Fresnel lens is used to collimate the light along an orthogonal axis in the forward direction.
US07967476B2
A light emitting device includes a metal reflecting member, a light emitting element fixed to the metal reflecting member, a glass film that covers the metal reflecting member and has Si—N bonds, and a translucent resin that covers the glass film.
US07967473B2
An LED lamp (100) includes a plurality of LED modules (20) and a thermal module (30). Each of the LED modules has a plurality of LEDs (220). The thermal module is secured to a side of the LED modules. The thermal module includes a plurality of fins (320). The fins are stacked with one above another with a gap defined between two adjacent fins. Each of the fins defines two opening (325). The openings of the fins coincide with each other from top to bottom so as to form two channels (328). The channels are used for air to flow therein to exchange heat with the fins.
US07967469B2
An LED lamp includes a heat sink having a planar base, a plurality of LED modules attached to a bottom face of the base, an envelope disposed on the bottom face of the base and covering the LED modules, and a lamp bracket securing the base and the envelope together. The lamp bracket includes a vertical frame which defines an opening at a lateral side thereof, an engaging flange extending from an inner face of the frame and supporting a fixing flange of the envelope, and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the inner face of the frame above the engaging flange and pressing the base downwardly towards the envelope. The base of the heat sink and the envelope are inserted into the vertical frame through the opening.
US07967465B2
A light device is disclosed which is arranged to receive at least one rechargeable electrical power storage device. The light device comprises a flexible body portion movable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration and defining an enclosure when the body portion is in the expanded configuration, the body portion being at least partially transparent or translucent. The light device also comprises at least one light emitting element which receives electrical power from the or each electrical power storage device disposed during use in the light device, the light emitting element being arranged so as to generate light which passes outwardly of the light device through the body portion, and a solar power converting device arranged to convert solar power to electrical power for recharging the or each electrical power storage device disposed during use in the light devices. The light device is disposable in an expanded configuration or a contracted configuration by respectively expanding or contracting the body portion.
US07967463B2
A pen having a decoration includes a decoration on a penholder. The decoration contains an illuminator. When the decoration rotates, the illuminator emits light. On the other hand, upon writing with the pen, the illuminator emits the light as well. Therefore, the illuminator will emit the light by this dual switch.
US07967461B2
A backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module includes a light source producing light, a reflective plate that is positioned under the light source to reflect the light, and a prism plate including an incident surface and an emitting surface. The prism plate is positioned on the light source so that direct light from the light source and reflective light from the reflective plate are directly incident on the prism plate through the incident surface. A light scattering unit scattering the direct light and the reflective light is positioned on the incident surface of the prism plate, and a prism pattern changing a traveling path of light incident through the incident surface is positioned on the emitting surface of the prism plate.
US07967459B2
Disclosed is an activation device for use in initiating an event. This activation device includes an activation member with a body having a front surface and a rear surface. The illumination member is positioned substantially adjacent, spaced from or near to the rear surface of the body of the activation member. The illumination member projects physical waves toward the rear surface of the body of the activation member. A method of manufacturing an activation device is also disclosed.
US07967457B2
This invention provides a manner to achieve affordable solar energy, as well as other technologies. It does so by improving control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators and optical equipment in general. Thus troublesome and expensive grid material like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be replaced by more manageable, hardier, and more cost effective nanotubes; or a carbon grid simply laid down by ordinary photocopy (Xerographic) reduction techniques. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators; and similar equipment such as Optical Switches; and Display devices such as Dynamic Reflection, Illumination, and Projection equipment; as well as display equipment in general. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, multipainted balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators; and in other equipment. Fabrication of the grids is also described.
US07967446B2
A liquid crystal projector apparatus has a liquid crystal unit having a liquid crystal panel for modulating light, an incident side polarizing plate and an exit side polarizing plate disposed in front of and behind the liquid crystal panel along the optical axis, respectively, a first holder member for holding the liquid crystal unit, a first heat exchanger disposed in close proximity to the first holder member for dissipating heat generated by the liquid crystal unit and then conducted to the first holder member using a coolant liquid which passes through a first channel formed inside the first heat exchanger, a pump for circulating the coolant liquid, and a radiator for cooling the coolant liquid.
US07967435B1
A metal detectable lens that includes a first layer having a first and second surface, the first layer including a visibly transparent material; and a second layer disposed on the first surface of the first layer, wherein the second layer is a layer of conductive material. Eyewear including at least one such metal detectable lens and methods of detecting at least a portion of metal detectable eyewear are also disclosed.
US07967434B2
According to the present invention, there are provided a plastic polarized lens with excellent processability and the like, and a method of producing the same. The plastic polarized lens is obtained by injecting a mixture of a specified isocyanate compound and a specified active hydrogen compound into a lens-forming mold wherein a polarized film containing a thermoplastic polyester is fixed, followed by polymerization and curing.
US07967432B2
A arm for spectacles (1, 50) comprises a first portion (11) made of polymer-based composite material reinforced with fibres and at least one film (23, 24) of thermoplastic polymeric material coupled to the first portion (11) as a covering for same.
US07967423B2
A continuous inkjet printhead includes a jetting module, a fluid system, and a controller. The jetting module includes an array of nozzles. The fluid system includes a liquid source and a pressure control device. The liquid source includes a liquid and is connected in fluid communication with the jetting module. The controller is in electrical communication with the pressure control device of the fluid system and is configured to provide a first signal to the pressure control device to cause the liquid to be ejected as liquid streams through the nozzles of the array at a first pressure sufficient to create a stream of print-selectable drops. The controller is configured to provide a second signal to the pressure control device to cause the liquid to be ejected as liquid streams through the nozzles of the array at a second pressure with the second pressure being less than the first pressure. The controller is configured to provide the first signal to the pressure control device after a period of time.
US07967422B2
An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber positioned on a substrate and an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate.
US07967416B2
A nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit is provided having a fluid chamber having a fluid ejection port, a fluid ejecting member displaceable within the chamber to eject fluid from the ejection port, an actuator for causing displacement of the ejecting member from outside the chamber, and a resiliently deformable seal on the chamber for fluidically sealing the chamber about the ejecting member.
US07967409B2
With a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus, a pattern is recorded, and the pattern is used for determining whether a recording position is deviated. Only when it is determined that the recording position is deviated, a plurality of patterns are additionally recorded and an adjustment value is acquired.
US07967402B2
Provided is a slide rail unit which, when accommodating a second rail (2) in a first rail (1), can automatically draw in the second rail to an end position and retain it at that position and which can be produced easily with a small number of parts and at low cost, the slide rail unit being equipped with a retaining pin (30) provided upright so as to be movable with respect to the first rail (1) in the longitudinal direction and the width direction thereof, an elastic member (31) for urging the retaining pin (30) toward the stroke end of the second rail (2), a pin guide member (32) provided on the first rail (1) and adapted to lock the retaining pin (30) at a standby position spaced apart from the stroke end against an urging force of the elastic member (31) and to guide the retaining pin (30) detached from the standby position toward the stroke end with the urging force, and a cam member (33) provided on the second rail (2) and adapted to detach the retaining pin (30) from the standby position of the pin guide member (32) and lock the retaining pin as it overlaps the pin guide member (32).
US07967397B2
A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, in which at least one electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity in a generator mode and can provide a generator-created braking momentum MG or a respective braking power PG. When braking is requested with a target value MSoll at a time t1, a total braking momentum M is provided according to the following formula: MSoll=MG, if MSoll≦MSchwell MSoll=MG+MF, if MSoll>MSchwell. A value MOffset>0 is selected for the braking momentum MG at the time t1, wherein MF>0 is a braking momentum provided by a vehicle brake or when braking is requested with a target value PSoll at a time t1, the vehicle is provided with a total braking power P according to the following formula: PSoll=PG, if PSoll≦PSchwell PSoll=PG+PF, if PSoll>PSchwell. A value POffset>0 is selected for the braking power PG at the time T1, wherein PF>0 is a braking power provided by the vehicle brakes.
US07967393B2
A pressure balanced supply valve for use in a vehicular braking system. A housing defines a first chamber, a second chamber, a first fluid conduit for connection to a master cylinder, a second fluid conduit for connection to a hydraulic pump, and a third fluid conduit connected between the first and second fluid conduits. The second fluid conduit communicates with both the first chamber and the second chamber. A valve seat is defined in the third fluid conduit. A movable valve element is movable to a first position sealing against the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first and second conduits through the third conduit, and to a second position permitting fluid flow between the first and second conduit through the third conduit. The movable valve element is exposed to pressures in both the first and second chambers so as to be pressure balanced in operation.
US07967383B2
A furniture member swivel base includes a hollow first ring having L-shaped walls, including an outer wall vertically oriented and a ball contact wall horizontally oriented in an operating position. A hollow second ring includes ball bearing cavities proximate a second ring outer perimeter. The second ring is positioned below the first ring in the operating position. A ball bearing is rotatably received in each of the ball bearing support cavities and extends partially above the second ring to rotatably support the ball contact wall and permit the first ring to rotate with respect to the second ring. The first ring is fixed to the furniture member so the furniture member is supported on the first ring. The furniture member and the first ring are rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to the second ring with the second ring non-rotatably in contact with a floor surface.
US07967382B2
The side bolster apparatus includes a pressing unit formed on one side of a foldable seat back and rotating around a rotating shaft of the seat back, bolster installed so as to protrude from a rear side of the seat back, and an external force transmitting unit receiving external force from the pressing unit when the seat back is unfolded and transmitting the received external force to the bolster such that the bolsters protrude from the seat back.
US07967377B2
A headrest has a generally stationary support, a headrest body having a forwardly directed front face and positioned such that a head of a user seated in front of the support is generally level with the body, and a guide securing the body to the support for vertical movement relative to the support. A drive can vertically shift the body relative to the support. A sensor assembly has at least three horizontally elongated and vertically spaced electrodes carried on the front face. A controller connected to the electrodes and to the drive means detects a vertical position of the user's head relative to the body and displaces the body so as to centrally align with the user's head.
US07967367B2
An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.
US07967361B2
A method of making a filler neck housing assembly. A reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.
US07967356B2
A vehicular cargo space extender includes a frame assembly adapted for slidable mounting to the vehicular cargo space. The frame assembly is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the frame assembly extends effectively increases the length of the vehicular cargo space. In the retracted position, the frame assembly fits within the vehicular cargo space without obstructing the unextended length thereof.
US07967352B2
A spreader bar end cap for use in a spreader bar assembly. The spreader bar end cap may include a flange having a first side and a second side, the second side including a groove adapted for receiving an end of a spreader pipe, wherein the groove extends outward from the flange to capture the end of the spreader pipe; a shackle connection part extending from the flange first side and adapted for attachment to a lifting mechanism; and an insertion part comprising a distal end extending from the flange second side and comprising a shoulder on the distal end, the shoulder being adapted for abutment with an inside diameter of the spreader pipe. Alternatively, the groove may recesses into the flange to capture the end of the spreader pipe.
US07967351B2
A suction device (10) is described. The suction device (10) includes a cylinder (11) having a semi-closed end (113), a suction tip (13) connected to the semi-closed end (113), a piston (12), an elastic member (16) and an electromagnetic member (17). The piston (12) is slidably received in the cylinder (11), the piston (12) and the semi-closed end (113) encloses a working chamber (122). One end of the elastic member (16) is connected to the cylinder (11), the other end is connected to the piston (12). The electromagnetic member (17) causes the piston (12) to slide back and forth in the cylinder (11) to vary the volume of the working chamber (122) by adjusting the magnetic field of the electromagnetic member (17).
US07967326B2
A tactical breaching demonstration trailer includes: a) a trailer unit having a frame, at least one axle, at least two wheels, a hitch and a flatbed; b) a breaching cage for tactical breaching demonstration, the cage being connected to the flatbed of the trailer unit, the breaching cage having a cage frame creating at least one front wall frame having a doorway and having a door hingedly connected to the doorway with hinges so as to open inwardly when not latched, the door and doorway having a door latching mechanism to prevent the door from being swung open on the hinges, the latching mechanism including a breakaway feature to yield when the door is battered with a tactical ram; and, c) breaching cage support connected to at least one of the breaching cage and the flatbed and adapted to support the breaching cage in an upright position relative to the flatbed. In some embodiments, the cage is collapsible and/or removable.
US07967324B2
A binding device for a ski or other sports apparatus. The ski or sports apparatus provides an upper service adapted to receive a binding device for retaining a boot, the binding device including an anchoring mechanism to anchor the binding device to the ski, the anchoring mechanism including a slide and at least one tightening mechanism which enables the binding device to be forced in place against the upper surface of the ski or sports apparatus.
US07967323B2
A drawbar protector comprising a generally rectangular plate which is positioned on the upper rearward end of a tractor drawbar so that wear on the drawbar is prevented. If the protector plate becomes excessively worn, it is easily replaced.
US07967319B2
A coupling aid facilitates connecting at least one supply line between a first vehicle and a second vehicle which can be coupled to the first vehicle by means of a coupling. The coupling aid comprises a supply bracket mounted on the second vehicle and used to receive the at least one supply line. The supply bracket can be moved by means of a drive from a driving position (A) in the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle into an operating position (B) lateral to the driving position. The coupling is provided with at least a first sensor for detecting the locking state of the coupling and the movement of the supply bracket is triggered by a signal from the first sensor.
US07967317B2
The children's vehicle, particularly pedal vehicle, is characterized by a sweeping device which is provided with at least one brush and is detachably connectable to the children's vehicle. For driving the brush roller a driver wheel is arranged that in the operative position of the sweeping device is positioned on the ground.
US07967308B2
A twist beam axle assembly includes a twist tube and a tubular sleeve. The twist tube has a deformed portion with a non-circular cross-section positioned adjacent to an undeformed portion with a substantially circular cross-section. The tubular sleeve is positioned within and coupled to the twist beam to overlap the adjacent deformed and undeformed portions. An outer surface of the sleeve engages an inner surface of the twist tube.
US07967296B1
A shooting system comprising at least one roof panel coupled to at least one wall panel. At least one floor panel is coupled to the at least one wall panel to define a space between the at least one roof panel, the at least one wall panel, and the at least one floor panel. At least one shooting lane and means for collecting projectiles fired along the at least one shooting lane are disposed within the space.
US07967292B2
A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another game involves the selection of items which a player or participant believes had been selected by an audience as not being the most popular. In yet another aspect, an interstitial progressive sequencing of programming is provided, such as where a series of short segments are presented at differing times throughout an evening of prime time programming. Audience participation may be enhanced by permitting Internet access to the game system, and to permit remote users to play along as if they were in studio participants or part of the studio audience.
US07967285B2
A card sending device for use with cards may include a card storage part in which a plurality of cards are stacked and stored, a gate through which a card is capable of passing to an outside of the card storage part, a sending pawl which is capable of engaging with the card to send it to the gate one by one, a pawl feeding mechanism for moving the sending pawl, a sending drive roller for sending the card which is sent by the sending pawl, one drive source for driving the pawl feeding mechanism and the sending drive roller together and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of the drive source to the pawl feeding mechanism and the sending drive roller so that a sending speed for the card by the sending drive roller is set to be faster than a sending speed for the card by the sending pawl.
US07967279B2
The present invention relates to a carbonator device for use in refrigeration appliances and beverage distributors having a reservoir that has a tank portion and a lid portion and a plurality of connections for technical components provided on the lid portion. The reservoir is supplied with water and carbon dioxide and the technical components allow for a variety of water dispensing options.
US07967277B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a combination hand tool bar device suitable for pulling nails and other materials from surfaces, with improved user ergonomics and efficient force transfer. The device includes a hook end and a pry end joined by a bar shank member interposed there between. The hook end further comprises a compound curve projecting in the same direction from the bar shank member as the pry end enabling an increased user throw and ergonomic comfort.
US07967267B1
A two-piece clamping assembly with an integral rail plate used to rapidly and securely mount a float switch within a fluid collection container for fluid level monitoring. It is usable with both metal and plastic condensate collection pans, and successfully accommodates their differing wall thickness dimensions and different upper edge configurations. When its front and back clamping members are joined together over the top edge, lip, or flange of a pan using one centrally located top fastener, and at least one additional fastener is inserted through the back clamping member until it engages the exterior surface of the pan, the pan's upper edge becomes secured within an inverted J-shaped slot formed between the two clamping members. Vertically-extending internal ribs and horizontally-extending projections strengthen the clamping assembly. Preferred plastic materials also make the clamping assembly impervious to corrosion.
US07967251B2
A truss network for aircraft floor attachment includes an aircraft fuselage, an aircraft floor disposed in the aircraft fuselage and a three-dimensional truss network comprising at least two truss assemblies each comprising a plurality of tie rod assemblies connecting the aircraft fuselage to the aircraft floor. A method of attaching a floor structure to a honeycomb fuselage structure and an aircraft having a truss network connecting an aircraft fuselage to an aircraft floor are also disclosed.
US07967250B2
An aircraft fuselage assembly of basic construction in composite materials employs metallic frames with reduced quantity of metallic shear ties attached to the composite stiffened skin, formed by two or more longitudinal panels, spliced with longitudinal metallic splice members. Typically, the latitudinal metallic frame members are fastened to the inward outstanding flange portion of the composite stringers which are in turn integrated to the skin. As such, the frame members are spaced from (floating over) the fuselage skin. An electrical path may thus be established so as to protect the fuselage structure against the impact of electrical discharges commonly encountered in the atmosphere by providing metallic shear ties interconnecting the frame and splice members so as to span the space therebetween.
US07967249B2
With a cooling system for expelling heat from a heat source (30) located in the interior of an aircraft to a heat reducer (32), with a piping system (10) sealed against the surrounding atmosphere which is thermally coupled to a heat intake section (14) with the heat source (38) and to a heat output section (22) with the heat reducer (32), and which preferably has an essentially adiabate transport section (21), it is proposed that the piping system (10) is filled with a heat conveyance medium (12) which, when taking in heat from the heat source (38) in the heat intake section (14) undergoes a transition from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase, then flows into the heat output section (22), and here, when discharging heat to the heat reducer (32) condenses once again, and flows back into the heat intake section (14).
US07967248B2
A rib element for aircraft and a composite flange for use in aircraft. The rib element (24) and the composite flange (14), manufactured from a composite material, comprise at least two elongated flanges (15, 16, 26) interconnected with one another in a corner (17) provided with a rounded inner corner (18) and a rounded outer corner (19). The corner is reinforced by at least one reinforcing component (20) which covers at least a part of the inner corner.
US07967247B2
The method of the invention includes forming a difference between left and right braking commands, by converting the difference into an additional control command for rudder and for a steerable nose gear, and applying the additional control command to the rudder and steerable nose gear according to both of the following conditions: the difference is greater than a first threshold and the combined control command transmitted to the rudder and steerable nose gear by a rudder bar is less than a second threshold.
US07967242B2
A device for suspension of an engine, configured to be inserted between an aircraft wing and the engine. The device includes a rigid structure and a forward aerodynamic structure mounted fixed on the structure through a suspension mechanism. The forward aerodynamic structure is configured to carry engine fan casings and to be inserted between the rigid structure and the wing. The suspension mechanism includes at least one adjustable length connecting rod of which one end is mounted on the rigid structure, and the other end is mounted on the forward aerodynamic structure.
US07967241B2
Jet engine inlet structure of a supersonic aircraft comprising the structure having an inlet ramp and an cowl lip spaced outwardly of the ramp so that entering air flows between the ramp and lip, the lip and ramp configured to produce a first oblique shock that extends outwardly from a forward portion of the ramp to pass ahead of the lip, and a terminal shock that extends outwardly from a rearward portion of the ramp to one of the following xo) a region just ahead of the lip xl) substantially to said lip. A non-uniform shock system is created that generates a central region of nearly isentropic compression and relatively ram recovery and an outer region of reduced ram recovery but entailing reduced cowl angle and drag. Translating cowl structure and also nozzle integration with the fuselage contour to reduce boat tail drag are also provided.
US07967240B2
A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.
US07967232B2
In a bail arm of a spinning reel, a first bail support member includes a through hole penetrating therethrough toward an inner periphery of the roller from outside. A cap member made of a synthetic resin is attached to the through hole. The cap member includes a lubricating port to supply a lubricant therethrough. Further in the bail arm of a spinning reel, a first lubricating port is formed in a first rotation support portion configured to be exposed to the outside in a fishing line release posture of the first bail support member. The first lubricating port continuously penetrates inner and outer peripheries of the first rotation support portion.
US07967227B2
A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. The shredding chamber further includes a plurality of guide shells positioned partially around the plurality of shredders. The plurality of shredders seal against the plurality of guide shells and direct the blowing wool in a downstream direction as the plurality of shredders rotate.
US07967226B2
A drying mill for powdered or fine-grained material, in particular also suitable for calcining gypsum, employs a housing, in which a feed device for fuel gas, opening into a lower region, a comminuting device and a material inlet, charging the material onto the comminuting device from above, are provided one above the other, a material outlet leading to the outside from an upper region of a working chamber and a return leading downwards to the comminuting device, the comminuting device being a centrifugal disc which rotates in a horizontal plane and interacts with an impact casing arranged on the inside of the housing. A nozzle ring surrounding the centrifugal disc from below is provided for feeding fuel gas into the working chamber. As a result, the calcining process in particular is assisted in an efficient way by utilizing the thermal energy of the hot gas fed into the working chamber by means of the nozzle ring and the dwell time in the working chamber. A corresponding comminuting method is provided.
US07967225B1
An inlet to an under-sink garbage disposal is guarded by a novel guard and splash-back baffle that comprises an outer tubular ring defining an exterior circumference approximately sized to coincide with an inside diameter of the plumbing inlet; an inner tubular ring coupled through at least one radially extending bar with the outer ring and defining an open and unobstructed inner circumference. The splash baffle comprises a resilient body affixed adjacent to the garbage disposal blade guard that extends generally across the plumbing inlet to constrict flow therethrough. The guard is divided into a plurality of resilient flaps, and is operative in combination with the garbage disposal blade guard to define a flexible one-way valve permitting matter to pass into a garbage disposal while substantially blocking matter from being ejected from the garbage disposal through the garbage disposal blade guard.
US07967217B2
The present invention proposes a dot pattern on which code information and x and y coordinate information can be defined even if the dot pattern is extremely small, and proposes an information reproducing method and an information reproducing device based on the dot pattern. More specifically, a medium such as a printed material on which is formed a dot pattern portion by arranging in accordance with a given rule dots generated by a dot code generating algorithm in order to recognize various kinds of multimedia information is scanned as image data by scanning means. Then, the image data is converted into code data. Multimedia information corresponding to the code data is read out of storing means to be reproduced.
US07967213B2
The invention relates to a flat transponder having an electronic circuit which is arranged in a layer or in a layer composite and which contains at least one chip and conductor tracks or conductor wires, and also to a method for the production thereof. The invention is based on the object of specifying a transponder of the type mentioned at the beginning and a method for the production thereof which is flexible, has the most uniform thickness possible and can be bonded to further elements by means of water-based adhesives, its electronic components largely being protected against damage by bending and against being detected by feel. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a transponder in which the circuit is arranged in or on a circuit carrier (7) made of plastic, on whose two larger opposite outer surfaces a paper layer (6) applied by lamination is in each case applied.
US07967205B2
A data reader system comprising an optical reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia; a memory device for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader; and a processor for controlling: the optical reader; receiving the symbol signal and interpreting the symbol signal; the processor having memory for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader, wherein the processor is located remotely from the optical reader and memory device.
US07967201B2
A method and system is provided to deter purchases of recalled products. An inventory control system is provided with an identification code corresponding to a recalled product. The identification code of the recalled product is identified when it is scanned or otherwise determined to be part of a sale at a retail establishment. The purchase of the recalled product corresponding to the identification code identified is automatically denied.
US07967196B1
A mobile device having a time controlled electronic wallet is disclosed. The mobile device comprises a processor and an electronic wallet application that executes on the processor. The electronic wallet application enters a ready-to-pay mode, initiates a ready-to-pay timer when entering the ready-to-pay mode, transmits the confidential information when in the ready-to-pay mode based on receiving contactless communication, and leaves the ready-to-pay mode when the ready-to-pay timer expires.
US07967188B2
A handheld, thumb or finger operated, umpire's counter having three dials to indicate the count kept by the umpire for each of “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”. Each dial has associated with it a null indicator having a tactile output perceptible to the touch. This tactile output enables the umpire to determine when the respective dial is set to “0”, or to set and/or reset a respective dial to “0” without looking at the counter. It also permits the umpire to confirm that each dial is indeed set to “0” before he begins counting.
US07967182B2
Provided is a dissimilar metal joint product of nickel-titanium alloy material and pure titanium material, having a tensile strength at the joint not less than that of the pure titanium material before joining, having a small variation in the strength at the joint, and having narrow heat-affected zone after joining, and a method for joining thereof. A round rod 1 of the nickel-titanium alloy material is integrally joined with a round rod 2 of the pure titanium material, while rotating at least one of the joining faces for conducting frictional pressure welding, applying a specified upset force thereto to compress thereof, after the start of deceleration of the rotation, in a period where peripheral velocity in the outermost periphery of the rotation in the joining face is not less than 0.5 m/sec. A reaction layer structure is formed at the joint by the compressive force induced by the upset force and by the rotational force of decelerating rotation.
US07967176B2
A cutting and transport roller for material webs includes media outlet openings in its peripheral surface to which varying pressure can be applied to control the seating pattern of the material web on the peripheral surface of the roller. The roller has a system of pressure feed lines by which the media outlet openings are connected to means for supplying the media. The roller has at least one pressure reservoir that is a part of the pressure feed line system and that can be connected by a valve to at least one part of the media outlet openings.
US07967174B2
A carrier for carrying goods for an invalid vehicle, such as a wheelchair, having a seat. The carrier has a basket support and a foldable basket with a back wall. The basket support has vehicle connectors for detachably connecting the basket support to the vehicle with the support behind the seat. The basket support also has basket connectors for detachably connecting the basket to the support with its back wall against the support. The basket can be detached from the basket support and used alone. The support, with or without the basket attached to it, can be detached from the wheelchair when the wheelchair is to be folded.
US07967155B2
A rack for an appliance that can stack upon another rack. The rack includes a support platform having a support frame and a plurality of elongated support wires that form a support surface. The rack also includes a plurality of downwardly depending leg sections that can include a shoulder portion and a foot portion located below the shoulder portion. The rack also includes at least one cross member that can cooperate with the support platform to form a reception area that can receive a foot portion of a superjacent rack. In addition or alternatively, at least one reception area can be located vertically above a foot portion. In addition or alternatively, each foot portion includes an upturned portion. In addition or alternatively, the shoulder portion can enable the rack to be supported by a subjacent rack located within an interior cavity of an appliance.
US07967153B2
A compact multi-unit carousel of the present invention contains multiple t-shirt bag racks in which the arms for holding the handles of the T-shirt are parallel to one another and supported by extensions that are radially approximately 120 degrees from each other.
US07967149B2
This invention relates to an apparatus for grading food articles by building up portions based on at least one characteristic, e.g. number of food articles, or weight of food articles. A first conveyor conveys the articles along a closed-loop conveying path, where the conveyor has a number of article holders attached to the conveyor for holding and preserving the initial position of the food articles during the conveying. The exact position of the food articles in the article holders is determined. A processor in a combination with a removing means uses this exact position to control the releasing of the food articles from the article holders into pre-fixed locations the containers and in that way controls the location of the food articles in the containers.
US07967130B2
A support station (9) for a movable belt conveyor includes: a support cradle (17) for the belt (3), the cradle (17) including at least one roller (31, 33) for guiding and supporting the belt (3); a frame (15) for supporting the or each roller (31,33); at least one anti-jamming protection element (35, 37) fixed to the frame (15), the protection element (35, 37) being disposed along at least one of the rollers (31, 33) and having an elongate shape longitudinally substantially parallel to a generatrix of the roller (31, 33), characterized in that the protection element (37) includes at least first and second longitudinal profile sections (41, 43) having respectively first and second cross-sections that are different from each other.
US07967123B2
The present invention provides a wet-type multi-plate friction engaging apparatus comprising a clutch portion including internally toothed plates and a piston adapted to apply an urging force for engaging the internally toothed plates and wherein load acting portions acting on the clutch portion are arranged on both sides of the clutch portion, and a contact area of the load acting portion through which the load acting portion is contacted with the clutch portion is located in a predetermined range between about 20% of a radial width of a friction engaging portion from a central position of the friction engaging portion in an outer diameter direction and about 20% of the radial width of the friction engaging portion in an inner diameter direction, and a radial width of the contact area is smaller than about 10% of the radial width of the friction engaging portion.
US07967119B2
The invention provides a telescopic member that includes a cylinder in which a rod carrying a piston is mounted to slide telescopically, the telescopic member including internal abutment mechanisms that are overridable over a predetermined force when the rod comes into abutment inside the cylinder in the shortening direction. The internal abutment mechanisms include an abutment piece extending in an open bore within the rod and projecting therefrom, the abutment piece being held to the rod via a pin.
US07967111B2
A stepladder includes a step frame having legs and steps and a tray unit coupled to the step frame. The tray unit includes a utility tray mounted for pivotable movement relative to the step frame.
US07967108B2
An acoustic assembly for a fan casing of a turbofan engine is made up from acoustic liner panel components which each comprise a body and a backing sheet. The body is an integral injection moulding that generally includes an acoustic structure, a perforated sheet and fastening portions. Adjacent panel components engage each other at non-linear circumferential edges which generally includes lugs on one of the components which are received in recesses of the other component. The lugs are defined by following cell walls over a convoluted path along the circumferential edge.
US07967107B2
A muffler apparatus for a vehicle, may include a muffler housing; baffle plates that are disposed in the muffler housing and divides an internal space of the muffler housing; an intake pipe that is supported by at least one of the baffle plates and takes in exhaust gas; and an exhaust pipe that is supported by at least one of the baffle plates and takes in the exhaust gas discharged from the intake pipe and discharges the exhaust gas outside the muffler housing, and of which a pipe line of the exhaust pipe circulates through the internal space of the muffler housing.
US07967096B2
A mechanical assembly which enables multi-track vehicles to lean into turns and return to a neutral position thereafter.
US07967088B2
A snowmobile suspension and drive train for supporting a snowmobile chassis and guiding an endless loop type track, the snowmobile suspension and drive train comprises an endless loop type snowmobile track supported by a suspension mechanism; wherein the track is being driven and guided at a rear track position with track drive sprockets and is supported and guided at a front track position with front idler wheels, and wherein an upper portion of the track is guided and supported at an intermediate position over top track wheels. The snowmobile suspension wherein the suspension mechanism includes a diagonally extending upper frame pivotally connected at a pivot point to a horizontally oriented lower frame in scissor relationship such that the suspension can move between a raised position and a lowered position.
US07967086B2
A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.
US07967083B2
A drill string having a drill bit with a bit body located between a shank and a working face. The working face has at least one cutting element and a jack element disposed partially within the drill bit body and partially protruding from the working face. The jack element is adapted to be rotated with respect to the bit body by a driving mechanism disposed within a bore of the drill string. A generator or motor with a rotor is incorporated into a torque transmitting mechanism that links the driving mechanism to the jack element, and configured so that at least one waveform is produced in the generator or motor when the jack element is rotated. The waveform is processed by an electronic processing device to determine the rotational position of the jack element.
US07967081B2
Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool and method for making a physical caliper measurement of a subterranean borehole. The tool is configured to make the physical borehole caliper measurement only when the measured pressure in each of three or more outwardly extendable blades is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure. Blade positions are measured and the borehole caliper calculated only when the pressure in each of the blades exceeds the threshold. Exemplary embodiments of the invention enable physical caliper measurements to be made with increased accuracy with each of the blades making firm contact with the borehole wall. Methods in accordance with the invention are especially well suited for use in directional drilling applications in that they tend to enable accurate caliper measurements to be made without repositioning the steering tool in the borehole.
US07967076B2
An actuator includes, a first tubular, a second tubular longitudinally movably disposed within the first tubular and movable in response to fluid flow therethrough, the second tubular having a full bore therethrough, and a movable member movably attached to the second tubular and movable with the second tubular relative to the first tubular. The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position, the movable member is unobstructive of the full bore when in the first position and at least partially occluding of the full bore when in the second position, the movable member is movable from the first position to the second position in response to movement of the second tubular.
US07967067B2
A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler (50) for collecting a single phase fluid sample from a well. The fluid sampler (50) is actuated to establish fluid communication between an interior (56) and an exterior of the fluid sampler (50) such that a fluid sample is obtained from the well in a chamber (92) of the fluid sampler (50). The fluid pressure in the coiled tubing string is then increased, which pressurizes the fluid sample in the chamber (92). Thereafter, the coiled tubing and the fluid sampler (50) are retrieved to the surface with the pressurized fluid sample remaining above its saturation pressure during collection and retrieval to the surface.
US07967065B2
An example of a caisson system that surrounds a conductor that extends from a head member positioned above a water surface to below a mud line includes a caisson positioned about the conductor, the caisson having a lowest end; a lower centralizer connected within the caisson proximate the lowest end of the caisson; and a second centralizer connected within the caisson above the lower centralizer relative to the mud line; wherein each centralizer includes a plurality of bow members extending between a first and a second collar, the first collar immovably connected within the caisson and the second collar moveable relative to the first collar, and each bow member curving inward from the caisson defining a bore disposing the conductor.
US07967062B2
A composite interface and methods of fabrication are provided for coupling a cooling assembly to an electronic device. The interface includes a plurality of thermally conductive wires formed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity, and a thermal interface material at least partially surrounding the wires. The interface material, which thermally interfaces the cooling assembly to a surface to be cooled of the electronic device, is a second material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the first thermal conductivity is greater than the second thermal conductivity. At least some wires reside partially over a first region of higher heat flux and extend partially over a second region of lower heat flux, wherein the first and second regions are different regions of the surface to be cooled. These wires function as thermal spreaders facilitating heat transfer from the surface to be cooled to the cooling assembly.
US07967058B2
An apparatus for controlling a flow of a molten steel in a mold, the apparatus including: a casting-condition acquiring unit for acquiring at least five casting conditions; a calculating unit for calculating a molten steel flow velocity on a molten steel bath surface in accordance with the acquired casting conditions; a determining unit for determining whether the acquired molten steel flow velocity is higher or lower than a mold-powder entrainment critical flow velocity; a control unit for applying a shifting magnetic field to impart a braking force to a discharge flow from an immersion nozzle and applying a shifting magnetic field to rotate the molten steel in a horizontal direction; and a shifting magnetic field generating apparatus.
US07967057B2
There is described a method for producing ultrahigh-purity Fe-base, Ni-base, and Co-base alloying materials to achieve impurity levels of (C+O+N+S+P)<100 ppm, and Ca<10 ppm, in the form of a large ingot, using a refining flux while forcibly cooling the crucible. A refining flux selected from the group consisting of metal elements of the Groups IA, IIA, and IIIA of the Periodic Table, oxides thereof, halides thereof, and mixtures thereof, is added to the molten metal during primary melting and the molten metal is held in contact with the refining flux for at least 5 minutes before tapping. Thereafter, the molten metal is caused to undergo solidification inside a mold, thereby producing a primary ingot. Subsequently, secondary melting is executed by an electron-beam melting method whereby while the primary ingot is sequentially melted in a water-cooled copper mold at a low pressure, the molten metal as-solidified state is pulled out from an outlet side of the water-cooled copper mold, thereby forming an ingot product.
US07967054B2
A mold-forming assembly for forming chemical set sand into a plurality of mold portions for one or more objects to be cast in the mold portions. The assembly includes a loading subassembly for forming the mold portions, a positioning subassembly for positioning each mold portion in a predetermined position, and a conveyor subassembly extending between the loading and positioning subassemblies, for moving the mold portions from the loading subassembly to the positioning subassembly.
US07967046B2
The invention relates to an adhesive application apparatus for use with an assembling machine for assembling operatively upper and lower components for carrying printhead integrated circuits. The application apparatus includes a plate and a dispensing mechanism which includes an adhesive reservoir, said mechanism being operatively engaged with said plate in a sealing and sliding manner, the mechanism configured to dispense adhesive onto the plate when sliding along the plate. The apparatus also includes a displacement mechanism to slide the dispensing mechanism along the plate, and a control system to control operation of the dispensing and displacement mechanisms.
