US07974020B2
A lens formed of a fluorophosphate glass, which has an optical-function surface and has a positioning reference surface for positioning and fixing the lens in the fixing tool (and also for determining the direction in the direction of the optical axis), so that the above optical-function surface is not damaged, both the optical-function surface and the positioning reference surface being transfer surfaces formed by the transfer of form of a molding surface of a mold according to precision press-molding.
US07974019B2
The image capturing device according to the present invention is configured so that only the lens barrel having the entrance window and the refractive optical system can be expanded and contracted. Therefore, the structure can be simplified. In addition, the entrance window is located at the in-use position where the entrance window protrudes from the image capturing device body when the lens barrel is expanded, and is located at the not-in-use position where the entrance window is housed in the image capturing device body when the lens barrel is contracted. Therefore, the size of the camera can be reduced. Furthermore, when the image capturing device is not in use, the entrance window is housed in the image capturing device body. Therefore, any barrier is not needed, and the structure can be simplified.
US07974011B2
A dual prism sheet includes a base film, upper prisms formed on an upper surface of the base film and lower prisms formed on a lower surface of the base film. A cross-section of the upper and lower prisms is formed as an isosceles triangular shape having a base and a vertex angle, and a phase of the upper prisms is delayed between about 0 and about 0.5 times of a prism pitch with respect to a phase of the lower prisms.
US07974008B2
A polarizing plate of the present invention comprises: main four sides which form a quadrangle or a substantially quadrangular shape, wherein the quadrangle or the substantially quadrangular shape is a non-rectangular shape having four interior angles each of which is in the range of 80° to 100°, provided that at least two of the four interior angles are not 90°, the non-rectangular polarizing plate has an in-plane absorption axis, a largest rectangle having four sides in directions parallel and perpendicular to the absorption axis of the polarizing plate can be drawn as a hypothetical rectangle in the plane of the non-rectangular polarizing plate, the hypothetical rectangle has a side which is closest to the non-rectangular shape and makes angles in the range of 0° to 5° with the non-rectangular shape, and at least one of the angles is an acute angle in the range of 1° to 5°. The polarizing plate can smoothly undergo reworking even when it has a reduced thickness.
US07974004B2
A screen includes: the four arm members have first connection sections, one at each of the first and second support section side extremities, each of the first and second support sections includes at either extremity thereof a second connection section which receives the first connection section, an attachment and detachment of each of the arm members to and from the screen main body is carried out by an attachment and detachment of the first connection section to and from the second connection section, each of the four arm members has a third connection section at the support rod side extremity, the support rod has fourth connection sections which receive, one each, the four arm members, and an attachment and detachment of the arm members to and from the support rod is carried out by the third connection sections and fourth connection sections coming into engagement.
US07974003B2
A micro-mirror well. In one embodiment the micro-mirror well includes a plurality of planar mirrors arranged around an axis of symmetry and inclined to form a pyramid well, where each of the plurality of planar mirrors is capable of reflecting light emitting from an object of interest placed inside the pyramid well.
US07973994B2
The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising: a plurality of pixel units configured as a pixel array wherein each of the pixel units further comprises a memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a bit line for transmitting a data signal to the memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a word line for selecting and writing the data signal to the selected memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a plate line for controlling the memory; and an address decoder for selecting the plate line, wherein the address decoder comprises an address judgment unit constituted by a plurality of first judgment units and further includes a second judgment unit for changing an output from the second judgment unit depending on a result generated by the first judgment unit.
US07973984B2
An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that can move along a scanning direction, and reads primary image data from a medium arranged on a medium arrangement surface by moving the image reading unit from a home position to a sub-scanning direction. The image reading apparatus further includes a determining unit that determines the presence or absence of the medium on the medium arrangement surface based on determination image data that is different from primary image data, and read by the image reading unit at a determination position arranged between the home position and a reading-end position of the primary image data.
US07973978B2
A method of downloading a software object using a printable surface having disposed therein or thereon coded data is disclosed. Data indicative of the software object is downloaded from a server. Next, a print medium is received in a media feed path of a printer. The print medium includes coded data indicative of an identity of the print medium. A sensor module in the media feed path is used to sense at least some of the coded data, and the identity of the print medium is identified using the sensed coded data. A representation of the software object is next printed on the print medium. Association data associating the software object and the identity of the print medium is generated and transferred to the server.
US07973973B2
An LCD device according to the present invention has: an LCD panel; an operation and correction circuit configured to perform a correction operation with respect to an input gray-scale data of a target frame image by using an arithmetic expression to generate an output gray-scale data; a data line driver configured to drive the LCD panel in accordance with the output gray-scale data; and a correction data calculation circuit configured to generate a correction data that specifies a relationship between the input gray-scale data and the output gray-scale data of the target frame image, depending on the input gray-scale data of the target frame image or an input gray-scale data of a precedent frame image followed by the target frame image. The operation and correction circuit determines coefficients of the arithmetic expression from the correction data.
US07973971B1
A method includes receiving a first value in a first color space for conversion to a second value in a second color space. The first color space includes luminance, chroma, and hue components and the second includes black and multiple color components. The method includes identifying a color gamut limit of the second color space and determining multiple boundaries in the first color space corresponding to the limit. The method also includes identifying gray and saturation levels associated with first value based on a relationship of the luminance and chroma components and the boundaries. The method includes determining a black component value in the second color space using the identified gray level and the identified saturation level. The method also includes determining the second color value in the second color space using the black component value and the first value.
US07973961B2
A system enabling a user to initiate a requested action via a printed substrate. The system comprises: a printed substrate comprising user information and a position-coding pattern; an optically imaging pen comprising a nib, an image sensor and a processor; and a computer system for identifying and initiating the requested action. The processor is configured for decoding the imaged position-coding pattern, determining a first position using the decoded position-coding pattern, and determining a second position using the first position. The second position is different than the first position, and is used by the computer system to identify the requested action.
US07973957B2
A system and process for ensuring the smooth flow of electronic ink is described. Dynamic rendering is give priority over other event handlers. Priority may be the use of one or more queues to order when events occur and may be performing dynamic rendering prior to other steps.
US07973954B2
Recognizing a language format of an input data stream including reading a next data sample of the input data stream in a current state, selecting a next state in response to the next data sample, transitioning to the next state and repeatedly reading the next data sample and selecting the next state until the next state is an end state, and identifying the language format in response to the current state when the next state is an end state.
US07973951B2
An image-forming apparatus includes a reception unit adapted to receive setting information that defines designation of a storage area and a process to be executed, a setting unit adapted to set the process to be executed for the designated storage area based on analysis of the setting information, an access right setting unit adapted to set an access right to access the second data, a managing unit adapted to manage the designated storage area and the second data with the set access right in association with each other, and an execution unit adapted to execute the process set in the storage area for the submitted first data and the second data that is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.
US07973949B2
A system is provided for forming a print shop configuration with a first set of equipment, the first set of equipment being derived from a second set of equipment from a first print shop and a third set of equipment from a second print shop. The system includes a manager and application, the manager and application working together to generate a list of at least some of all possible print shop configurations that could be formed with a selected number of cells. The cells are populated with selected pieces of equipment from the second and third sets of multiple pieces of equipment. A criterion is used to select, from the list of possible print shop configurations, the print shop configuration with the first set of equipment.
US07973944B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a document image generating portion that generates a document image which is instructed to be printed; a code image generating portion that generates a code image indicating a position on a medium; an accepting portion that accepts information indicating at least one of a first mode and a second mode, wherein a print image including the document image and the code image being printed in the first mode and a print image including the code image but not including the document image being printed in the second mode, and a printing portion that prints the print image on the medium in the mode pointed by information that the accepting portion accepts.
US07973943B2
Apparatus is disclosed for determining the track of origin of a cigarette manufactured in a cigarette making machine having a plurality of tracks. The cigarette making machine (60) is arranged such that the circumferential position of the tipping paper seam and the circumferential position of the tobacco wrapping paper seam are different for different tracks. The apparatus comprises a detector (20, 22; 36; 50) arranged to detect radiation from the cigarette (18) and to produce a signal representative of the detected radiation, and a processor (30; 54) arranged to process the signal produced by the detecting means to identify a shadow cast by a tipping paper seam and a shadow cast by a wrapping paper seam. The processor (30; 54) is arranged to determine a difference in the circumferential position of the shadow cast by the tipping paper seam and the circumferential position of the shadow cast by the wrapping paper seam, and to produce a signal indicating the track of origin of the cigarette in dependence thereon.
US07973938B2
A fiber optic gyroscope includes a light source, a coupler coupled to the light source, a photodetector coupled to the coupler, an integrated optic circuit (IOC) coupled to the coupler by a first element, and a sensing loop coupled to the IOC by second and third elements. At least one of the first, second and third elements includes a polarizing element.
US07973936B2
A control system and apparatus for use with an ultra-fast laser is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a laser, pulse shaper, detection device and control system. A multiphoton intrapulse interference method is used to characterize the spectral phase of laser pulses and to compensate any distortions in an additional aspect of the present invention. In another aspect of the present invention, a system employs multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan. Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention locates a pulse shaper and/or MIIPS unit between a laser oscillator and an output of a laser amplifier.
US07973932B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining optical surface properties of workpieces, comprising a housing, in the interior of which there is provided a carrier on which the workpiece be arranged, and comprising a radiation device which directs radiation onto the workpiece in a predefined emission direction (E). According to the invention, the housing has in at least one wall an observation opening, through which a region of the workpiece illuminated by the radiation device can be observed in a predefined observation direction (B).
US07973926B1
Systems and methods for determining olefin concentrations in olefin-containing fuels (e.g., gasoline) are described. Generally, a Raman spectrum from a linear-calibration reference sample (e.g., a pure hydrocarbon, such as toluene) and Raman spectra from multiple simulated fuel samples having known olefin concentrations are obtained. An area ratio for each simulated fuel sample is created by dividing the area in the olefin region of each fuel sample by the area in the chemical spectral region of the linear-calibration reference sample. The area ratio and the known olefin concentration for each simulated sample are used to create a linear olefin calibration. The olefin concentration of a fuel sample with an unknown olefin concentration is calculated by determining the area ratio between the olefin spectral region in the unknown sample and the chemical spectral region in a concentration-calculation reference sample (e.g., toluene) and placing the new area ratio into the linear olefin calibration.
US07973925B2
An apparatus is presented in which a sample can be accurately repositioned in a spectroscopic and/or imaging apparatus upon multiple insertions, and where the apparatus can be worn by living subjects for extended periods of time. The apparatus additionally reduces the temperature increase and stabilizes the temperature of the sample upon irradiation with an optical source of excitation. Additionally, the apparatus stabilizes the pressure and critical optical properties of the sample and its interface with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus can be used to alter and/or substantially reduce fluorescence from targeted fluorophores in the sample.
US07973923B2
Inline flow cell for use in monitoring multiple parameters in a sanitary process line, comprising a body with opposing end walls, a flow passageway extending along an axis between the end walls, and a plurality of side walls disposed tangentially about the axis, inlet and outlet fittings communicating with the passageway at the ends of the body for connecting the flow cell in a sanitary process line with fluid in the line flowing through the passageway, and monitoring ports opening through more than two of the side walls for receiving sensors for monitoring multiple parameters in the fluid.
US07973912B2
A method for evaluating distance from a first point to a second point. The method includes the steps of generating a periodic binary sequence, generating a harmonic modulation signal, generating a modulated light signal at a range finding device, wherein the modulated light signal is generated based upon the periodic binary sequence and the harmonic modulation signal, transmitting the modulated light signal from the first point toward an object at the second point, receiving a reflected light signal from the object, and determining a distance between the first point and the second point based upon a phase evaluation of periodic binary sequence and harmonic modulation signal of both the transmitted light signal and the received light signal.
US07973907B2
Method for treating substrate, method for conveying substrate, and apparatus for conveying substrate
A method for treating a substrate before exposing the substrate to which a resist is applied, includes, rinsing the substrate to which a resist is applied, and holding the rinsed substrate in an atmosphere. The atmosphere substantially contains no moisture until conveying the substrate to an exposure apparatus.
US07973904B2
An liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, a patterned black matrix layer disposed on the surface of the first substrate, a patterned first color filter layer disposed on the first substrate having a protruding portion that covers a portion of the patterned black matrix layer, a plurality of first ball spacers disposed on the surface of the patterned black matrix layer, and a plurality second ball spacers disposed on the surface of the protruding portion of the patterned first color filter layer. The bottom surfaces of the second ball spacers and the bottom surfaces of the first ball spacers respectively are disposed on different planes in the liquid crystal display panel.
US07973902B2
An electronic display containing a light source and a color filter set, the color filter set comprising: a green color filter having a green filter layer comprising a first pigment having its maximum absorption at a wavelength from 600 to 700 nm wherein at least 90 volume percent of the first pigment particles have a particle size less than 300 nm, and a second pigment having its maximum absorption at a wavelength from 400 to 500 nm wherein at least 90 volume percent of the second pigment particles have a particle size less than 300 nm, and wherein the green filter layer has a transmittance of 60% or more at a wavelength of 520 nm and of no more than 10% at a wavelength of 480 nm and of no more than 10% at a wavelength of 590 nm; a blue color filter having a blue filter layer; a red color filter having a red filter layer; and wherein the color gamut defined by the electronic display has a % NTSCx,y ratio greater than 88%.
US07973900B2
An array substrate of a liquid crystal display device includes an insulating substrate, a gate line extending in a first direction on the insulating substrate, a first insulation film which is disposed to cover the gate line, pixel electrodes which are disposed on the first insulation film in respective pixels, a source line which is disposed on the first insulation film and extends between the pixel electrodes along a second direction, a second insulation film which is disposed to cover the pixel electrode and the source line, and a common electrode which is disposed on the second insulation film in a manner to face the pixel electrode of each of the pixels and to face the gate line, and includes a slit which is opposed to the pixel electrode.
US07973883B2
Disclosed is a polarizing plate protective film having high dimensional stability against moisture. Also disclosed are a polarizing plate using such a polarizing plate protective film, and a liquid crystal display. Specifically disclosed is a polarizing plate protective film which is characterized by containing a cellulose ester and a polymer X which is obtained by copolymerizing at least a styrene derivative monomer Xa having no hydroxyl group and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer Xb having a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, and has a weight average molecular weight of 500-100,000.
US07973873B2
A liquid crystal display module includes a cover bottom, a reflection sheet over the cover bottom, a light guide plate over the reflection sheet and including at least one first protrusion, a lamp at a side of the light guide plate, optical sheets over the light guide plate, a support main surrounding the light guide plate and the optical sheets and including a projected part at an inner surface thereof, a liquid crystal panel disposed supported by the projected part of the support main, a light-blocking tape between the projected part and the liquid crystal panel, the light-blocking tape including at least one second protrusion corresponding to the at least one first protrusion, and a top cover covering edges of a front surface of the liquid crystal panel and combined with the support main and the cover bottom.
US07973870B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a manufacturing method thereof, capable of preventing vertical crosstalk caused by a deviation of a parasitic capacitance, includes a first pixel electrode formed in a first gray scale region of each subpixel region divided into first and second gray scale regions, and a second pixel electrode formed in the second gray scale region separated from the first pixel electrode and encompassed by the first pixel electrode.
US07973866B2
Fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display (FFS LCD) devices are disclosed. A first substrate is disposed opposing a second substrate with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and the second substrate. A gate line and data lines are formed on the first substrate in a matrix configuration and defining pixel areas. A counter electrode is disposed on each pixel area of the first substrate. A pixel electrode is disposed above the counter electrode with an insulating layer therebetween. The pixel electrode includes a plurality of parallel electrodes. Each electrode includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, wherein the first segment has an included angle θ from the horizontal direction, the second segment has an included angle φ from the horizontal direction, and the first segment has an included angle θ from the horizontal direction.
US07973864B2
A liquid crystal display includes a substrate first and second gate lines; first and second data lines, a storage electrode line, a first thin film transistor having a control terminal connected to the first gate line and an input terminal connected to the first data line, a second thin film transistor having a control terminal connected to the first gate line and an input terminal connected to the first data line, a first sub-pixel electrode connected to the output terminal of the first thin film transistor, a second sub-pixel electrode connected to the output terminal of the second thin film transistor, a third thin film transistor having a control terminal connected to the second gate line and an input terminal connected to the first sub-pixel electrode, and a first capacitive conductor connected to the output terminal of the third thin film transistor and overlapping a portion of the storage electrode line to form a voltage reducing capacitor.
US07973861B2
A tuner for use in mobile television devices comprises at least one RF front end component comprising a LNA adapted to amplify mobile television signals; a PLL circuit to generate signals; and a pair of mixers to receive the signals from the LNA and the PLL circuit and downconvert the signals; an analog baseband component connected to the RF front end component, wherein the analog baseband component comprises I and Q channel signal paths each comprising a tunable high order impedance filter; at least one signal amplification stage; and a signal filter stage connected to the signal amplification stage, wherein the analog baseband component further comprises a plurality of switches operatively connected to the I and Q channel signal paths, and wherein the plurality of switches are selectively opened and closed in multiple configurations in order to allow the tuner to receive mobile TV signals for all mobile TV standards.
US07973858B2
A method for reduced memory and bandwidth motion adaptive video deinterlacing is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a frame by deinterlacing a current field in a first of a plurality of modes, (B) generating the frame by deinterlacing using both of the current field and an opposite-parity field in a second of the modes and (C) generating the frame be deinterlacing using all of the current field, the opposite-parity field and another field in a third of the modes, wherein the method uses at least two of the modes.
US07973848B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for providing composition information in a digital image processing device whereby composition information of a target object displayed in a live-view screen is provided using auditory information or visual information during photographing in order to induce a composition of the target object to be matched to a predetermined composition for photographing. The apparatus includes a detection unit detecting a composition of an object from a live-view image to be captured, a comparison unit comparing the detected composition with a reference composition, and a control unit performing a control operation to output an auditory alert signal until the detected composition is matched to the reference composition and performing a control operation to output an auditory match signal when the detected composition is matched to the reference composition.
US07973834B2
Conventional electro-optical imaging systems can not achieve wide field of view (FOV) and high spatial resolution imaging simultaneously due to format size limitations of image sensor arrays. To implement wide field of regard imaging with high resolution, mechanical scanning mechanisms are typically used. Still, sensor data processing and communication speed is constrained due to large amount of data if large format image sensor arrays are used. This invention describes an electro-optical imaging system that achieves wide FOV global imaging for suspect object detection and local high resolution for object recognition and tracking. It mimics foveated imaging property of human eyes. There is no mechanical scanning for changing the region of interest (ROI). Two relatively small format image sensor arrays are used to respectively acquire global low resolution image and local high resolution image. The ROI is detected and located by analysis of the global image. A lens array along with an electronically addressed switch array and a magnification lens is used to pick out and magnify the local image. The global image and local image are processed by the processor, and can be fused for display. Three embodiments of the invention are described.
US07973833B2
In an image taking system such as digital camera, especially when a predetermined objective body such as a face is included, an objective body detecting portion detects a predetermined objective body from an image taken by the image taking system. A storage portion stores a detection history including a past result of detection of the objective body and a newest result of detection of the objective body. A determination portion refers to the detection history and determines whether the objective body is to be handled as detected in the image obtained newest.
US07973825B2
An image sensor array is provided with: first and second CCD image sensors that output a plurality of first and second signal voltages from first and second output terminals, respectively; a switch circuit selectively connecting one of the first and second output terminals to a signal voltage output terminal; and a timing generator circuit responsive to a basic clock generating first and second control signals and switch control signals. First and second control signals control generation of the first and second signal voltages, respectively. The switch control signals are used for controlling the switch circuit. The timing generator circuit controls the first and second CCD image sensors so that the first and second CCD image sensors alternately output the first and second signal voltages. The timing generator circuit controls the switch circuit to alternately output from the signal voltage output terminal one of the first and second signal voltages.
US07973818B2
There is provided a communication device for mixing effects data with real communication data. The communication device comprises a receiving element configured to receive real communication data, a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert real communication data to digitized real communication data, an effects data storage containing the effects data, a first mixer configured to mix the digitized real communication data with the effects data and generate first enhanced data, and a coder configured to packetize the first enhanced data to generate packetized data, and transmit the packetized data over a communication line. The communication device may be a phone, and the real communication data may be audio or video data, and the effects data maybe background effects audio or video data.
US07973814B2
A thermal transfer printer includes: a peeling roller which is disposed downstream of a printing position set between a thermal head and a platen roller and defines a peeling start position of an ink ribbon; and a tension plate which is disposed on a further downstream side than the peeling roller and slidably stretches the ink ribbon under a tension relative to the printing position, via the peeling roller. With a back tension being ensured by means of the tension plate to prevent slackness of the ink ribbon, the peeling roller performs peeling, thereby avoiding retention of dust or the like and the lowered quality of paper due to such retention. In this manner, problems such as wrinkles occurring with the ink ribbon are eliminated without damaging paper, and further, improvement of printing quality is compatible with that of paper quality, through a design based upon a mechanism concerning the occurrence of wrinkles.
US07973805B1
A method for invising objects includes receiving information indicating an intersection between a first object and a second object. Visibility of the first object is modified based on the amount of interpenetration between the first object and the second object. A predetermined threshold may be received. The visibility of the first object may be reduced while the amount of the interpenetration fails to exceed the predetermined threshold. The first object may be made invisible when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
US07973803B1
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for rendering an artwork comprising a plurality of surfaces, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprises a plurality of sets of semi-transparent surfaces. Each of the sets of semi-transparent surfaces may be rendered to a multi-sampling image buffer comprising an array of sub-pixels, wherein each sub-pixel in the array of sub-pixels is indexed to a corresponding one of the semi-transparent surfaces in the set. Each of the sets of rendered semi-transparent surfaces may be multiplied by one or more transparency values of one or more surfaces that occlude the respective sub-pixel in the corresponding semi-transparent surface. Each of the sets of rendered and attenuated semi-transparent surfaces may be added to a second image buffer comprising an array of pixels at a display resolution.
US07973801B2
A method for processing video data for display on a display device having a plurality of luminous elements comprising: applying a dithering function based on single ones of said luminous elements to at least part of said video data to refine the grey scale portrayal of video pictures of said video data, computing at least one motion vector from said video data, and changing at least one of the phase, amplitude, spatial resolution and temporal resolution of said dithering function in accordance with said at least one motion vector when applying the dithering function to said video data.
US07973793B2
There is provided a scenario generation device capable of automatically generating a scenario for generating an animation of rich expression desired by a user even from a text created by the user who has no special knowledge about creation of animation. In the device, a scenario generation unit generates a scenario from a text inputted by the user, and a scenario edition unit edits a scenario with information recalled from words in the generated scenario by using external information acquired by an external information acquisition unit. That is, the scenario generation device recognizes information to be added to the text created by the user and adds information to the scenario by using external information acquired from a device owned by the user and a device existing in a communicable range. Thus, even the user has no special knowledge, the user can generate a scenario for realizing animation of expression near to the user's intention.
US07973788B2
A relational database contains a set of data and relations between the data of the set. The data may be representative of three dimensional modeled objects. For navigating in the database, the user selects a first data and a first relation; the second data related to the first data according to the first relation are searched. Then, a three-dimensional representation of objects represented by the second data is displayed to the user. When the user selects one of the displayed objects and a second relation, the second data representative of the selected object is identified. Then, third data related to the identified second data according to the second relation are found. A three-dimensional representation of objects represented by the third data is then displayed.The user may navigate in three-dimensional representations of the objects represented in the database, without any need to know and understand the structure of the database.
US07973783B2
A power circuit includes: a frequency dividing circuit dividing the frequency of a first signal to which a level shift processing has been applied; a boosting circuit boosting the voltage according to an output signal from the frequency dividing circuit or a second signal having a lower frequency than that of the first signal as a boosting pulse; a level shifter; and a switching unit. The switching unit obtains a boosted voltage output from the boosting circuit after a boosting operation, performed by the boosting circuit having received the second signal, inputs the boosted voltage output to the level shifter such that the level shifter can execute level conversion of the first signal, and stops the boosting operation performed according to the second signal, thereafter inputting the level-shifted first signal to the boosting circuit via the frequency dividing circuit to obtain a final boosted voltage.
US07973776B2
A system for enabling user interaction with computer software which includes a computer system which transfers print data to a printer, the printer being responsive to the print data to print a form by printing information indicative of a text field coincident with coded data indicative of the text field, so that when a sensing device is moved in an operative position relative to the text field, the sensing device can sense the coincident coded data and generate the indicating data indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the text field. The computer system uses the indicating data to determine movement of the sensing device relative to the text field and then perform an action associated with the text field based on the movement. The indicating data is indicative of a stroke which defines a sequence of sensing device positions determined from the sensed coded data.
US07973772B2
A single-piece top surface display and integrated front cover for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a thin, flexible, transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure. The flexible layer is supported above a display screen which is coupled with pressure activated sensors located under the display screen. The cover is dust-free, waterproof, and has a flat outer surface that is free of any steps or indentations. Users input data by applying pressure on the cover which causes the display screen to deflect and activate the sensors. The pressure exerted on the sensors is triangulated to register the position of the user input. In another embodiment, the cover is transparent, rigid, and directly contacts the pressure activated sensors which are located in front of the display screen or in the housing behind it. When pressure is applied to the cover, the cover deflects and activates the sensors. In both embodiments, an accelerometer identifies valid input events.
US07973766B2
An inertial input apparatus with six-axial detection ability, structured with a gyroscope and an acceleration module capable of detecting accelerations of X, Y, Z axes defined by a 3-D Cartesian coordinates, which is operable either being held to move on a planar surface or in a free space. When the inertial input apparatus is being held to move and operate on a planar surface by a user, a two-dimensional detection mode is adopted thereby that the gyroscope is used for detection rotations of the inertial input apparatus caused by unconscious rolling motions of the user and thus compensating the erroneous rotations, by which the technical disadvantages of prior-art inertial input apparatuses equipped with only accelerometer can be overcame and thus control smoothness of using the input apparatus is enhanced.
US07973762B2
Character information is input into a computing device using one or more multidirectional keys, such as an analog stick, a multidirectional button, or a d-pad. The complete collection of desired characters can be divided into character sets. Each of these sets can then be associated with one input value of one of the multidirectional keys, such as, for example, the d-pad. Selecting a value (such as up) then selects one of the character sets. Another multidirectional input device, such as an analog stick, can then be used to choose one of the characters within the chosen character set. The chosen character is then displayed.
US07973760B2
An exemplary backlight control circuit (200) includes a DC power supply (VDD), a load circuit (210), an input circuit (230), and a PWM IC (250). The load circuit includes two light sources (2113, 2114) and a rectifier and filter circuit (213). The input circuit includes a diode (231) and a capacitor (237). The PWM IC includes a current sampling pin (251) and an overvoltage protection pin (253). A low voltage terminal of a first one of the two light sources is connected to the current sampling pin via the rectifier and filter circuit, and a low voltage terminal of a second one of the two light sources is connected to a cathode of the diode. An anode of the diode is connected to the DC power supply and grounded via the capacitor. The overvoltage protection pin is connected to the DC power supply.
US07973755B2
A data driver drives comb-tooth distributed data lines of an electro-optical device in units of a predetermined number of data lines. The data driver includes first and second divided gray-scale buses, a gray-scale bus to which gray-scale data is supplied corresponding to an arrangement order of each of the data lines, a gray-scale data distribution circuit which distributes and outputs the gray-scale data supplied to the gray-scale bus to the first and second divided gray-scale buses, a first driver circuit which drives the data lines belonging to a first group among the data lines based on the gray-scale data output to the first divided gray-scale bus by the gray-scale data distribution circuit, and a second driver circuit which drives the data lines belonging to a second group among the data lines based on the gray-scale data output to the second divided gray-scale bus by the gray-scale data distribution circuit.
US07973749B2
A display device is composed of a light source device and a transmissive liquid crystal display panel, and the light source device is provided with a transparent/scattering switching element capable of switching between states in which incident light is transmitted or scattered. Pixels for displaying are disposed in the form of a matrix in the transmissive liquid crystal display panel, and the need for another power supply and signals for the transparent/scattering switching element is eliminated by driving the transparent/scattering switching element using the signals and power supply for driving the pixels. The drive power source of the transparent/scattering switching element for controlling scattering can be made smaller and less costly in a display device that is capable of switching the range of viewing angles.
US07973747B2
There is provided a display device: a display unit including a plurality of scan electrodes arranged to extend in parallel to each other along a first direction, a plurality of data electrodes arranged to extend in parallel to each other along a second direction crossing the scan electrodes, and a plurality of pixels, each pixel at which a pair of the scan electrode and the data electrode cross each other, each pixel having a light emitting layer and a dielectric layer interposed between the scan electrode and the data electrode from a direction vertical to a face; and an erasing pulse supplying unit operable to supply attenuation voltage pulse, to the light emitting layer of each pixel, which starts at a voltage not more than an emission starting voltage at which the light emitting layer starts emission and in which polarity is alternately reversed between positive and negative.
US07973738B2
Methods for controlling complementary dual displays for use with an electronic device are presented including: sending a video signal to a first display, wherein the first display is a refresh-based, high frame rate display; displaying the video signal on the first display; and printing a frame of the video signal to a second display, wherein the second display is a bistable, low frame rate display, the printing including, loading a portion of a current frame of the video signal into a frame buffer, and displaying the current frame of the video signal to a second display, such that a bistable static image is displayed on the second display.
US07973734B2
The present invention provides an antenna system for transmitting and receiving radar signals comprising a first non-conductive material embedding a plurality of parasitic antenna elements, where the first non-conductive material interfaces a second non-conductive material embedding a plurality of electrical feed elements, and wherein the first non-conductive material covers one or more adjacent interconnecting joints.
US07973722B1
An electronic device such as a computer monitor is provided that has an antenna that supports near field communications. The electronic device may have a housing with conductive housing surfaces. A display may be mounted in the housing. The conductive housing surfaces may contain a dielectric-filled hole. The antenna may have a substrate and one or more loops of conductive traces. The loops may exhibit mirror symmetry. The loops may overlap the display and the conductive housing surface. The loops may surround an inner loop-free portion of the antenna. The loop-free portion of the antenna may overlap the hole. Ferrite layers may be interposed between the loops of the antenna that overlap the display and the loops of the antenna that overlap the conductive housing.
US07973720B2
A chip component with dielectric substrate and plurality of radiating antenna elements on the surface thereof. In one embodiment, two (2) substantially symmetric elements are used, each covering an opposite head and upper surface portion of the device. The surface between the elements comprises a slot. The chip is mounted on a circuit board (e.g., PCB) whose conductor pattern is part of the antenna. No ground plane is used under the chip or its sides to a certain distance. One of the antenna elements is coupled to the feed conductor on the PCB and to the ground plane, while the parasitic element is coupled only to the ground plane. The parasitic element is fed through coupling over the slot, and both elements resonate at the operating frequency. The antenna can be tuned and matched without discrete components, is substantially omni-directional, and has low substrate losses due to simple field image.
US07973716B2
Systems and methods for mapping a structure detect wireless signals, including at least one multipath signal that has experienced at least one reflection against a portion of the structure prior to the detection. The wireless signals are analyzed to estimate reflection points for the multipath signal(s), and a map of at least the portion of the structure is generated based on the estimated reflection points.
US07973704B2
The present invention relates to a handheld radar apparatus. The apparatus comprises an antenna (22,23) adapted to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, a direction sensor (24, 25) that outputs an orientation signal indicative of the orientation of the antenna, and a radar (21) coupled to the antenna (22, 23), the radar (21) adapted to generate an electromagnetic signal for transmission via the antenna (22, 23), and adapted to receive a reflected version of the electromagnetic signal via the antenna (22, 23) reflected from an object. The radar (21) comprises a processor (30) for generating location information indicative of the location of the object using the received reflected electromagnetic signal and the orientation of the antenna (22,23) as indicated by the orientation signal, and a screen (4) adapted to display indicia (e.g. 43a to 43c) representing the object and its location based on the location information.
US07973703B2
A new approach to radar imaging is described herein, in which radar pulses are transmitted with an uneven sampling scheme and subsequently processed with novel algorithms to produce images of equivalent resolution and quality as standard images produced using standard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) waveforms and processing techniques. The radar data collected with these waveforms can be used to create many other useful products such as moving target indication (MTI) and high resolution terrain information (HRTI). The waveform and the correction algorithms described herein allow the algorithms of these other radar products to take advantage of the quality Doppler resolution.
US07973700B2
A vehicle system includes a signal processing module and a first antenna that provides a first transmitted signal that has a first phase. A second antenna of the system provides a second transmitted signal that has a second phase that differs from the first phase. At least one receive antenna of the vehicle system receives first and second received signals that correspond to the first and second transmitted signals, respectively. The signal processing module processes the received first and second signals based on the first and second transmitted signals and selectively controls transmissions of the first and second transmitted signals.
US07973699B2
A process for detecting the harmonic motion characterizing a desired target. An exemplary method includes generating a radar image of the target utilizing a pulse doppler radar. A plurality of matched filter signals are generated in the receiver, each matched filter signal corresponding to a doppler profile of harmonic acceleration for the desired target. The matched filter signals are generated by an array of matched filters, with each matched filter signal corresponding to a predetermined doppler profile. The received radar image is then correlated to the matched filter signals to detect the desired target.
US07973697B2
A surveillance system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surveillance system may include at least one controller configured to receive information data from at least one upstream information source and to control operation of at least one controllable downstream information source based, at least in part, on the information data.A surveillance method also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include analyzing screening data, obtaining information data, and reanalyzing the screening data based, at least in part, on the obtained information data.
US07973693B2
During successive approximation analog to digital conversion a series of successive digital reference values is selected that converges towards a digital representation of an analog input signal. An analog reference signal is generated dependent on the successive digital reference values and compared to the analog input signal. The digital reference values are selected dependent on comparison results. In the selection of the digital reference values successive steps between digital reference values are each selected dependent on values of the comparator result from a plurality of preceding recursion cycles. The comparison results define a series of successively narrower ranges of digital values that contain a digital representation of the analog input signal. Use of a plurality of comparator results for selecting the steps in the digital reference values makes it possible to reduce uncertainty about whether the comparison result has settled. This in turn makes it possible to reduce the sizes of the successive ranges, which speeds up convergence.
US07973691B2
A data recovery circuit includes an analog-digital converter creating a digital code sequence, a phase detector calculating a position of a crossing point from the digital code sequence, a phase estimator acquiring a presumed position of a data center point of a data sequence based on the position of the crossing point, and a data determining circuit extracting the sequence of data determination values from the digital code sequence based on the position of the crossing point and the presumed position of the data center point.
US07973688B2
An analog to digital converter (ADC) structure and method includes a photonic filter bank having at least two filters. The at least two filters are configured to create a corresponding spectral tributary from an input signal at a target rate, and the at least two filters are configured to exhibit orthogonality properties between respective tributaries. An optical/electrical (O/E) converter is coupled to each of the at least two filters in a respective spectral tributary to convert an optical input to an electrical output. An analog to digital converter (ADC) is coupled to each of the O/E converters in a respective spectral tributary to sample the electrical output at a fraction of a target rate and to convert a sampled analog electrical output into a digital signal. A synthesis filter is coupled to each of the ADCs in a respective spectral tributary to reconstruct the input signal digitally at the target rate.
US07973684B2
Auto-calibration of the analog circuits occurs when requested by a user and/or the occurrence of an event(s). The user may invoke an auto-calibration on demand through an auto-calibration (ACAL) input to the mixed-signal integrated circuit. An external voltage calibration (VCAL) input may be used for auto-calibration of the mixed-signal integrated circuit to a user-supplied common-mode voltage reference. Auto-calibration of the mixed-signal integrated circuit may also be initiated upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events: 1) detection of auto-calibration data corruption, e.g., parity checking of auto-calibration data values digitally stored in the mixed-signal integrated circuit; 2) an internal timer that causes a calibration request after a programmable timeout period, 3) change in the internal integrated circuit die temperature as determined by a temperature sensor, and 4) a change in the power supply and/or internal supply voltage(s).
US07973677B2
A system and a method for data transmission between at least one display screen and a remote client system. A first request to send a message via a first communication protocol is caused to be displayed on the display screen, and the message is transmitted to the remote client system via a second communication protocol. A control unit monitors the remote client system. The system induces the generation, and display on the display screen, of a request for confirmation of the first request, by the intermediary of a communication interface, which interface is designed to receive and generate messages in the first communication protocol, as well as to receive and generate messages suitable for being received by the control unit.
US07973675B2
A system includes a plurality of sensors that provide information regarding instantaneous traffic conditions incident to an intersection. An inference engine of the system receives the sensor information and processes user-defined traffic control algorithms and weighted management parameters. Control signals are derived in accordance with the processing. Multi-state signaling devices are driven in accordance with the control signals so as to manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow at the intersection. Playback of historic traffic information permits analysis and verification of the traffic management strategies implemented by the system.
US07973669B2
A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to detect at least one material or condition, such as a smoke detector, fire detector, or carbon monoxide detector. The sensor assembly also includes a base configured to be mounted on a structure, such as a wall or ceiling, and to receive the sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a wireless module located between the sensor and the base. The wireless module is configured to transmit position information. The wireless module may include one or more electrical contacts used to form at least one electrical connection between the base of the sensor assembly and the sensor. The wireless module may also include a printed circuit board having the contacts, wireless radio circuitry, an antenna, and other components. The printed circuit board could be substantially hidden from view when the sensor is attached to the base and the base is mounted on the structure.
US07973668B2
A system for sampling air in a controlled environment that includes two or more air sampling devices at different locations within the controlled environment. A controller is provided at a location outside of the controlled environment and in separate air flow communication with each air sampling devices via separate first vacuum tubes. A ffow switch for each of the air sampling devices is provided at a location between a corresponding air sampling device and the vacuum source, each of the flow switches being configured to separately measure and control the rate of air flow through a corresponding first vacuum tube. An alarm is automatically activated at a location inside the controlled environment by one or more of the flow switches when the rate of air flow measured at one or more of the flow switches deviates from a desired value by a predetermined amount.
US07973667B2
The present invention relates to a wetness detector system that rapidly detects the presence of wetness due to a liquid leak in a system. The wetness detector system contains a reusable wetness sensor that is able to accurately detect the presence of wetness and, in the case of an extracorporeal blood treatment, the presence of blood. The wetness detector system can quickly alert both a user and medical personnel that a liquid leak has been detected in a treatment system and, if necessary, halt the removal of liquids and/or blood from the patient. If a liquid leak is not detected for a period of time, the wetness sensor can enter a low power state, extending the life of the device. The wetness detector system can monitor a number of wetness sensors simultaneously, which would, for example, eliminate the need for medical personnel to continuously inspect numerous patients visually for potentially fatal blood leaks due to needle dislodgement during an extracorporeal blood treatment.
US07973665B2
A child monitor system includes a child unit having a sensor to capture content, and a parent unit having a processor and a user interface communicatively coupled with the processor to reproduce the content captured by the sensor. The child unit and the parent unit are configured to communicate via a wireless communication link carrying content data representative of the captured content. The system further includes a memory communicatively coupled with the child unit or the parent unit and configured for non-volatile storage of the content data. The processor of the parent unit is configured to issue an instruction to effectuate the non-volatile storage of the content data in the memory in response to a content storage request received via the user interface.
US07973661B2
A detacher unit for disengaging a combination EAS/RFID tag from its article. The detaching unit detaches the spring clamp mechanism of a combination EAS/RFID tag when the tag is placed within a particular region within the detaching unit. A near field magnetic loop antenna is situated within the placement region in a housing. When the combination EAS/RFID tag is placed within the placement region just above the near field magnetic loop antenna, the RFID code of the tag is read and the detachment unit releases the clamp mechanism that attaches the EAS/RFID tag to its article.
US07973657B2
A portable proximity alarm apparatus comprising a Bluetooth system and an alarm monitors the presence of a portable electronic device equipped with a compatible transceiver within range and alarms when that device leaves its range. On detecting disconnection, the proximity alarm automatically tries to reconnect. A portable proximity alarm apparatus with an optional voice mode allows to additionally use the unit as a headset when an earpiece is folded. A portable proximity alarm apparatus with relay functionality allows using a Bluetooth headset and proximity alarm functions unobtrusively on most mobile phones.
US07973645B1
Radio frequency identification (RFID) reader devices are disclosed. An RFID reader device of one aspect may include a radio frequency (RF) output port operable to allow a plurality of RFID antenna modules to be coupled with the RFID reader device. An RF signal generator of the device may be coupled with the RF output port. The RF signal generator may be operable to generate an RF signal and provide the RF signal to the RF output port. A select signal generator of the device may be operable to generate a select signal. The select signal may be operable to be output to select one or more of the plurality of RFID antenna modules.
US07973644B2
An RFID (radio frequency identification device) tag comprising a processor; a memory configured to store an identification number that distinguishes the tag from other tags; a transponder coupled to the memory and the processor, the tag being configured to arbitrate by selecting a random number, in response to an inventory query from a reader, and to respond to the reader depending on the random number selected, the tag being further configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations. RFID readers, systems, and methods are also provided.
US07973639B2
A PTC-resistor includes a base body made of a ceramic material with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The base body extends along a median plane, and is confined by surfaces. At least one surface is configured to electrically connect the base body. An area of the at least one surface is larger than an area of a parallel projection of the base body in a direction perpendicular to the median plane.
US07973637B2
The present invention provides a bi-directional microelectromechanical element, a microelectromechanical switch including the bi-directional element, and a method to reduce mechanical creep in the bi-directional element. In one embodiment, the bi-directional microelectromechanical element includes a cold beam having a free end and a first end connected to a cold beam anchor. The cold beam anchor is attached to a substrate. A first beam pair is coupled to the cold beam by a free end tether and is configured to elongate when heated thereby to a greater temperature than a temperature of the cold beam. A second beam pair is located on an opposing side of the cold beam from the first beam pair and is coupled to the first beam pair and the cold beam by the free end tether. The second beam pair is configured to elongate when heated thereby to the greater temperature.
US07973636B2
An impedance transformer includes a first winding and a second winding. The first winding includes a first plurality of winding components, wherein each of the first plurality of winding components is on a corresponding layer of a first set of layers of a supporting substrate. The second winding includes a second plurality of winding components, wherein each of the second plurality of winding components is on a corresponding layer of a second set of layers of the supporting substrate and the first and second sets of layers are interleaved. The first winding has a first impedance within a desired frequency range and the second winding has a second impedance within the desired frequency range, where the first and second impedances are based on at least one of spacing, trace width, and trace length of the first and second plurality of winding components.
US07973634B2
Disclosed is an electronic component, especially a coil with a coil core, in which the turns of the coil winding are spaced apart from each other at least at one point in the longitudinal direction of the coil. A plastic retaining element which overlaps both the coil core and at least the two adjacent turns of the coil winding in a longitudinal direction is sprayed on in the area of said point, whereby a connection between the coil core and the coil winding is created at the same time. The retaining element can be sprayed around a closed circumference of the coil while covering only a portion of the coil in the longitudinal direction thereof. Preferably, the retaining element is placed approximately in the center relative to the longitudinal extension of the coil.
US07973628B1
Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with an inductor. For example, n inverter/converter system according to various aspects of the present invention may include an inductor comprising a substantially annular core and a winding. The inductor may be configured for high current applications and exhibit a permeability of less than thirteen delta Gauss per delta Oersted at a load of four hundred Oersteds.
US07973623B2
The starter has a system of pushing the pinion gear in the direction of the anti-motor side by using the attracting power of the electromagnetic switch via the shift lever. The switch coil of the electromagnetic switch is constituted of one coil that is electrically separated from the motor circuit. The mass of pinion gear is set to 100 g or less, the switch extrusion power stored in the drive spring is set to 70N (Newton) or less, and the operation current of the electromagnetic switch is set to 12 amperes or less. With this starter, since the switch coil and the motor circuit can be electrically separated, the terminal for connection for connecting the conventional attracting coil and conventional “M terminal bolt” can be abolished. Further, by setting the operation current of the electromagnetic switch 10 to 12 amperes or less, it is possible to control the operation current directly by the ECU.
US07973615B2
The present invention provides an RF module capable of converting electromagnetic waves in the TE mode to balanced electromagnetic waves in the TEM mode without adjustment and outputting the balanced electromagnetic waves while easily realizing miniaturization. The RF module includes: a waveguide in which a half-wavelength TE mode resonator is formed; an E plane coupling window formed in a wall portion orthogonal to an H plane out of wall portions constructing the TE mode resonator in the waveguide; an output line provided at the edge on the side of the wall portion parallel with the H plane on the E plane coupling window, and magnetically coupled to electromagnetic waves in the TE mode resonator; and another output line provided at the edge on the side of the wall portion parallel with the H plane in the E plane coupling window, and magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic waves.
US07973608B2
An object is to provide a PLL having a wide operating range. Another object is to provide a semiconductor device or a wireless tag which has a wide operating range in a communication distance or temperature by incorporating such a PLL. The semiconductor device or the wireless tag includes a first divider circuit; a second divider circuit; a phase comparator circuit to which an output of the first divider circuit and an output of the second divider circuit are provided; a loop filter to which an output of the phase comparator circuit is supplied and in which a time constant is switched in accordance with an inputted signal; and a voltage controlled oscillator circuit to which an output of the loop filter is supplied and which supplies an output to the second divider circuit.
US07973605B2
A three-stage frequency-compensated operational amplifier includes a first-stage circuit, a second-stage circuit incorporated with a first compensation circuit, a third-stage circuit, and a second compensation circuit. The three-stage frequency-compensated operational amplifier functions as a two-stage operational amplifier at high frequencies, thereby capable of driving large capacitive loads with low power consumption.
US07973602B2
Various amplifier configurations having increased bandwidth, linearity, dynamic range, and less distortion are shown and disclosed. To increase bandwidth in a transimpedance amplifier, a replica circuit is created to replicate a degeneration resistance, or the resistance or value that relates to a feedback resistance. From the replica circuit, the replicated values are mirrored and processed to control a FET switch which modifies a degeneration resistance. The FET switch control signal is related to the feedback resistance and modifies the degeneration resistance to thereby maintain the product of the feedback resistance and the degeneration resistance as a constant. In another embodiment, a second switch controlled by an automatic gain control signal is established between a first stage amplifier and a second stage amplifier to improve dynamic range and bandwidth without degrading other amplifier specifications.
US07973594B2
An example method for optimizing power consumption of digital circuits using dynamic voltage and threshold scaling (DVTS) is provided. A propagation delay of a signal through a portion of the circuit is determined and if the propagation delay does not meet a specified delay requirement, then a supply voltage and/or threshold voltage of the circuit is adjusted. Subsequently, a power consumption level of the circuit is determined and compared to previous power consumption levels. The supply and/or threshold voltage of the circuit can be readjusted to enable the circuit to meet specified power consumption requirements and the specified delay requirement, for example.
US07973592B2
A charge pump system using a current based regulation method, in addition to the typical voltage based regulation methods is presented. The current flow in the charge pump is determined independently of the output voltage. By sensing the current going through the charge pump while its output is being regulated to the target level, the strength of charge pump can be dynamically adjusted in term of regulation level, branch assignment, clock frequency, clock amplitude, and so on. Indirectly sensing the current going through pump (not in serial with output stage to allow additional IR drop) will allow the pumps to have matrix of V and I to better adjust the charge pump parameters for current saving and ripple reduction.
US07973591B2
The internal voltage generation circuit includes an internal voltage enable signal generation unit generating an internal voltage enable signal whose enable pulse width is controlled according to an external voltage. An internal voltage generation unit generates an internal voltage corresponding to a reference voltage according to the internal voltage enable signal. The internal voltage generation circuit generates an internal voltage according to an internal voltage enable signal whose enable pulse width is controlled in response to an external voltage, and thus current consumption is improved, and the internal voltage generation circuit provides a stable internal voltage.
US07973584B2
Timing setting data include an arbitrary combination of a set timing signal indicating a positive edge timing and a reset timing signal indicating a negative edge timing. A sort unit sorts n pieces of the timing setting data in accordance with timing orders indicated by each of the timing setting data. With reference to the sorted timing setting data an open processor detects continuation of the set timing signals or continuation of the reset timing signals, and invalidates one of the continuous set timing signals or one of the continuous reset timing signals. An edge assigning unit sequentially assigns the set/reset timing signals remaining without being invalidated to, among the m variable delay circuits for setting/resetting, the variable delay circuits for setting/resetting in the ascending order of the frequencies of use thereof by then.
US07973582B2
Disclosed is a timing control circuit which receives a first clock having a period T1 and a group of second clocks of L different phases (where L is a positive integer) spaced apart from each other at substantially equal intervals and which generates a fine timing signal delayed from the rising edge of the first clock by a delay td of approximately td=m·T1+n·(T2/L), where m and n are non-negative integers. The timing control circuit has a coarse delay circuit and a fine delay circuit. The coarse delay circuit counts the rising edges of the first clock after an activate signal is activated and generates a coarse timing signal delayed from the first clock by approximately m·T1. The fine delay circuit has a circuit which, after the activate signal is activated, detects a second clock, which has a rising edge that immediately follows the rising edge of the first clock, from among the group of L-phase second clocks. Using the edge-detection information, the fine delay circuit generates a fine timing signal for which the amount of delay from the coarse timing signal is approximately n·(T2/L). The values of m and n can be set by registers.
US07973574B2
A flip-flop, and a frequency divider and an RF circuit using the flip-flop. The frequency divider, which receives a first signal and generates a second signal by dividing a frequency of the first signal, including a plurality of flip-flops that each latch and output a signal based on the first signal; and at least one switch unit that is switched in response to a control signal to modify a signal transfer path between the plurality of the flip-flops, wherein a different number of flip-flops are activated in response to each first and second status of the control signal so that the frequency of the first signal is divided by different multiples.
US07973572B2
An output buffer including a first input stage circuit, a first output stage circuit, a second output stage circuit, a first switching module, and a second switching module is disclosed. The first output stage circuit is coupled to a first data line. The second output stage circuit is coupled to a second data line. The first switching module is coupled between the first input stage circuit and the first output stage circuit. The second switching module is coupled between the first input stage circuit and the second output stage circuit.
US07973565B2
A clock and data distribution network is proposed that distributes clock and data signals without buffers, thus achieving very low jitter, skew, loose timing requirements, and energy consumption. Such network uses resonant drivers and is generally applicable to architectures for programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as well as other semiconductor devices with multiple clock networks operating at various clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, applications specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and Systems-on-a-Chip (SOCs).
US07973564B1
A high load driving device is disclosed. The driving device comprises an inverter receiving a digital voltage. The inverter reverses the digital voltage, and then sends out it. The output terminal of the inverter is coupled to a capacitor, a first P-type field-effect transistor (FET), a second P-type FET, a first N-type FET, and a third N-type FET. A push-up circuit is composed of these transistors and a second N-type FET and coupled to a P-type push-up FET. A load is coupled to a high voltage through the P-type push-up FET. When the digital voltage rises from a low level to a high level, the push-up circuit utilizes the original voltage drop of the capacitor to control the P-type push-up FET, whereby the gate voltage of the P-type push-up FET is at a low stabilization voltage that is lower than the ground potential. Then, the load is driven rapidly.
US07973559B2
Re-programmable antifuses and structures utilizing re-programmable antifuses are presented. Such structures include a configurable interconnect circuit having at least one re-programmable antifuse, wherein the at least one re-programmable antifuse is configured to be programmed to conduct by applying a first voltage across it and is configured to be re-programmed not to conduct by applying second voltage across it, wherein the second voltage is higher than the first voltage. Other embodiments of antifuses include an initializing step prior to programming.
US07973540B2
A coupling loop or antenna is provided that can be used with a system that determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. In one embodiment orientation features are provided for positioning the coupling loop relative to the sensor to maximize the coupling between the sensor and the coupling loop.
US07973530B2
In a method of displaying settings for a Magnetic Resonance (MR) image, a visual marker is displayed in a window. The coordinates of the visual marker correspond to T1 weighting of the MR image along a first axis of a display and correspond to T2 weighting of the MR image along a second axis of a display window.
US07973527B2
An electronic circuit includes a magnetoresistance element for providing an output signal proportional to a magnetic field. The magnetoresistance element also has a hysteresis characteristic. The electronic circuit also includes at least one of a reset conductor or a bias conductor disposed proximate to the magnetoresistance element. For embodiments having a reset conductor, the electronic circuit is configured to generate a reset current carried by the reset conductor in response to the comparison. In response to the reset current, the reset conductor is configured to generate a reset magnetic field at the magnetoresistance element to temporarily force the magnetoresistance element to a saturation region of the hysteresis characteristic.
US07973518B2
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a voltage regulator (VR) that includes a first amplifier receiving a first reference voltage and a feedback voltage as inputs. A second amplifier receiving a second reference voltage and an output of the first amplifier as inputs. A drive component (e.g., transistor(s)) coupled to the second amplifier to drive current to an output based on an output of the second amplifier. A shunt component (e.g., transistor(s)) coupled to the first amplifier to shunt current from the output based on the output of the first amplifier. Current variations in the shunt component are controlled.
US07973512B2
A mobile telephone charger capable of reproducing a promotional audio tune is provided comprising a housing, a power input connector attached to the housing for receiving an electrical power input, a power output connector attached to the housing for charging a mobile telephone responsive to the electrical power input, a power detector module for generating an enabling signal in response to detecting the electrical power input, an audio chip module responsive to the enabling signal for generating a predetermined audio signal, the predetermined audio signal corresponding to audio data stored in a computer readable medium disposed in the mobile telephone charger, and an audio transducer for generating an audio output in response to the predetermined audio signal.
US07973488B2
A current sensing circuit for sensing the current provided to LEDs by a constant current power source includes a resistive shunt in series with the load and a current mirror having a first leg connected to a first terminal of the resistive shunt and a second leg connected to a second terminal of the resistive shunt. Both legs of the current mirror are also connected to ground. The first leg provides a reference signal to the second leg, and the second leg uses the reference signal and a voltage at the second terminal of the resistive shunt to provide a ground referenced output signal indicative of the current provided to the LEDs.
US07973486B2
A system and method of controlling self powered decorative devices using EMF emanating from, for example, a light string on a Christmas tree. The decorative devices sense the presence of EMF from the light string and actuate in response thereto and turn off when the field disappears, thereby saving energy. In an alternate embodiment, the EMF source is capable of modulation and the slave decorations are coded and tuned to specific EMF characteristics, such as frequency. The master EMF source transmits the EMF of different characteristic thereby causing the coded slave decorations to operate in a synchronized matter. The system may also be responsive to music or other inputs to create special decorative effects.
US07973483B2
A light emitting pixel includes a first organic light emitting diode (OLED) and a capacitor supplying to the first OLED current generated by an electric charge corresponding to a difference between a first voltage supplied to a first electrode of the capacitor and a second voltage supplied to a second electrode of the capacitor. The light emitting pixel further include a second OLED to supply the first voltage to the first electrode. The light emitting pixel further includes a voltage supply device to supply the first voltage to the first electrode in response to the second voltage.
US07973482B2
A high-pressure discharge lamp with an axial symmetry axis and metal halogenide filling has electrodes with shafts designed as pins with a diameter of 0.5 to 1.15 mm. The halogen for the halogenide is composed of iodine and possibly bromine components, iodine being used alone or in combination with bromine, and the bromine/iodine atomic ratio amounting to maximum 2.
US07973467B2
An organic light emitting device includes an electron transport layer including an electron transport material and a metallic compound represented by Formula 1: XaYb Formula 1: wherein X is an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal, or a transition metal, and Y is one of a Group 7 element and an organic group C1-C20, and a is an integer within the range of 1 to 3, and b is an integer within the range of 1 to 3.
US07973462B2
A UV lamp comprises: a bulb (2) containing a mixture of an inert gas and metallic halides; at least one first electrode (4) and one second (4) electrode associated with the bulb (2); a connector (6), coupled to the bulb (2) and having two thin metal plates (12a) protruding from a portion of said connector (6). Each flat thin plate (12a) is electrically connected to an electrode (4) and is spaced apart from the other thin plate (12a) by at least 20 mm.
US07973457B2
A double rotation Y-cut crystal unit includes a crystal element, which is respectively rotated by an angle θ° and an angle φ° in a counterclockwise direction centering on an X axis and a Z axis of crystal axes (X, Y, Z), which principal surface is perpendicular to a Y″ axis of newly-generated rotated crystal axes (X′, Y″, Z′), and which is formed into a rectangular geometry longer in one direction, wherein when the X′ axis is rotated by an angle α° in the counterclockwise direction with the Y″ axis serving as a central axis in a plane of X′-Z′ of the rotated crystal axes serving as the principal surface, a direction of a long side of the crystal element corresponds to the rotated X′ axis direction, and wherein the angle α° is set to (30−φ)°±45°.
US07973453B2
An ultrasonic transducer with a housing having an ultrasonic window in a first region of the housing for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and a transducer element located in the housing adjacent to the ultrasonic window. To prevent ultrasonic waves from being transmitted as housing waves between the first region of the housing, by way of at least one intermediate second region of the housing, to a third region of the housing on opposite side of the second region from the first region, in the second region of the housing, at least two weakly coupled mechanical resonators are provided which are arranged essentially in secession in the propagation direction of the housing waves.
US07973450B2
The present invention provides a multi-dimensional micro-actuator comprising a stator having a plurality of symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates, a rotator disposed near the stator, and a plurality of contacting elements. Each of the symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates comprises a piezoelectric plate, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are symmetrically arranged on a first surface of the piezoelectric plate. A second surface of the piezoelectric plate is coupled to the ground. The contacting elements are disposed on the electrode piezoelectric plates for rotation of the rotator.
US07973442B2
A production method for a rotor for a permanent magnet-type rotary electric machine, includes the step (S01, S02) of forming a magnet piece that has a plurality of groove portions that are provided on at least one of end surfaces of the magnet piece in a predetermined direction, the step (S03) of stacking a plurality of formed magnet pieces so that adjacent magnet pieces contact each other and the plurality of groove portions of one of the adjacent magnet pieces cross with the plurality of groove portions of another one of the adjacent magnet pieces, and the step (S04) of inserting and disposing the plurality of stacked magnet pieces into a hole formed in a rotor core.
US07973440B2
A method is for forming an oil-repellent film on a metallic part in a dynamic fluid pressure bearing mechanism used for a motor. The method includes applying a flowable oil-repellent agent on an application region of the metallic part; arranging an induction coil in the vicinity of the metallic part; and affixing the oil-repellent agent onto the metallic part by applying an induction heating to the metallic part by supplying an AC current with a frequency of about 5 to 100 kHz to the induction coil. Further, a motor includes a dynamic fluid pressure bearing mechanism including a metallic part on which an oil-repellent film is formed by the above method; a stator unit; and a rotor unit supported by the dynamic fluid pressure bearing mechanism in a manner rotatable with respect to the stator unit.
US07973434B2
An electromotive cooling head includes a substrate, an N-pole magnet, and an S-pole magnet, and kept in intimate contact with the backside of the semiconductor integrated circuit so as to cover it. The substrate has a fluid channel having a micro-channel structure, through which a conductive fluid flows. An anode and a cathode are disposed to sandwich the fluid channel. The conductive fluid interacts with a magnetic field to thereby induce an electromotive force between the anode and the cathode. A circuit includes, on its backside, a power supply voltage terminal and a ground terminal, and is driven by the electromotive force induced in the electromotive cooling head.
US07973428B2
An active diode includes a plurality of transistors that implement a built-in offset voltage. The built-in offset voltage size can be determined by sizing of at least one of the plurality of transistors to prevent supply current flow from one supply source into another supply source, thereby preventing current flow from a higher voltage source to a lower voltage source.
US07973426B2
A personal protection control unit, having an energy reserve which is charged by a battery voltage and supplies power to the control unit. In addition, a first voltage supply circuit is provided, down-converting the voltage of the reserve power in such a way that the first voltage supply circuit supplies several voltage levels for operation of the control unit. Finally, a second voltage supply circuit is also provided and is also connected to the energy reserve, supplying at least one additional voltage level to at least one transistor and to at least one voltage regulator via a resistive circuit.
US07973424B2
An apparatus and method for determining and providing a controlled power from a first apparatus to another apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an energy source configured to generate a power output, a power converter electrically connected to the energy source to receive the power output and to output a conditioned power, and a transfer switch configured to selectively couple the conditioned power to an external apparatus. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the external apparatus and configured to receive apparatus parameter data related to the external apparatus, determine a power requirement of the external apparatus based on the apparatus parameter data, operate the power convertor to output conditioned power that meets the power requirement of the external apparatus, and control the transfer switch to couple the conditioned power that meets the power requirement to the external apparatus.
US07973417B2
An article including a substrate having a blind hole formed therein, wherein the blind hole is defined by a floor and a sidewall and a solder connection is provided. The solder connection may couple a first contact pad to a second contact pad. The first contact pad may cover a first field of the floor of the blind hole, and may also promote wetting of a solder material of the solder connection. Wetting may be impeded on a second field of the floor of the blind hole. The second contact pad may be arranged above a surface of a further substrate, wherein the surface of the further substrate may be oriented perpendicularly to the floor of the blind hole in the substrate.
US07973416B2
A die to die bonding system and method includes an upper die having a front side, a back side, and a fully filled thru silicon via, a portion of the fully filled thru silicon via protruding from the back side of the upper die. A lower die includes a front side, a back side, and a partially filled thru silicon via formed to define a via opening exposed to the front side of the die, a portion of the partially filled thru silicon via protruding from the back side of the lower die. An interconnect bonds an outer surface of the protruding portion of the upper die thru silicon via with an inner surface of via opening in the lower die.
US07973415B2
A through silicon via reaching a pad from a second surface of a semiconductor substrate is formed. A penetration space in the through silicon via is formed of a first hole and a second hole with a diameter smaller than that of the first hole. The first hole is formed from the second surface of the semiconductor substrate to the middle of the interlayer insulating film. Further, the second hole reaching the pad from the bottom of the first hole is formed. Then, the interlayer insulating film formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate has a step shape reflecting a step difference between the bottom surface of the first hole and the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. More specifically, the thickness of the interlayer insulating film between the bottom surface of the first hole and the pad is smaller than that in other portions.
US07973413B2
A semiconductor device including a substrate having a front surface and a back surface is provided. A plurality of interconnect layers are formed on the front surface and have a first surface opposite the front surface of the substrate. A tapered profile via extends from the first surface of the plurality of interconnect layers to the back surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, a insulating layer is formed on the substrate and includes an opening, and wherein the opening includes conductive material providing contact to the tapered profile via.
US07973410B2
Since a power source voltage is generated from a communication signal in a wireless chip, there is a risk that a large amount of voltage be generated in the wireless chip to electrically destroy a circuit in the case of supplying a strong communication signal. Therefore, the present invention is made with an aim to provide a wireless chip having resistance to a strong communication signal. A wireless chip of the present invention has an element in which a power source wire and a grounding wire are electrically short-circuited if a power source voltage exceeds a voltage at which an electric circuit is destroyed, i.e., exceeds the specified voltage range. Accordingly, a wireless chip of the present invention has resistance to a strong communication signal.
US07973400B2
A semiconductor package having a structure in which heat produced in the interior of the package is effectively spread to the outside of the package is provided. The semiconductor package includes one or more semiconductor chips, one or more substrates (PCBs) having the semiconductor chips respectively attached thereto, a plurality of conductive balls such as a plurality of solder balls to provide voltages and signals to the one or more semiconductor chips, and a heat sink positioned to spread heat produced in the interior of the package to the outside and directly connected to at least one of the plurality of solder balls.
US07973398B2
An embedded chip package structure is proposed. The embedded chip package structure includes a supporting board with a protruding section, a semiconductor chip formed on the protruding section of the supporting board, a dielectric layer formed on the supporting board and the semiconductor chip, and a circuit layer formed on the dielectric layer. The circuit layer is electrically connected to electrode pads of the semiconductor chip via a plurality of conducting structures formed inside the dielectric layer such that the semiconductor chip can be electrically connected to an external element through the circuit layer. By varying the thicknesses of the protruding section, the dielectric layer and the supporting board, warpage of the package structure resulted from temperature change during the fabrication process can be prevented.
US07973397B2
A packaging substrate having a semiconductor chip embedded and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor chip in a through cavity of a core board and exposing a photosensitive portion of the semiconductor chip from the through cavity; sequentially forming a first dielectric layer and a first circuit layer on the core board, the first circuit layer being electrically connected to the electrode pads of the semiconductor chip; forming a light-permeable window on the first dielectric layer to expose the photosensitive portion of the semiconductor chip and adhering a light-permeable layer onto the light-permeable window, thereby permitting light to penetrate through the light-permeable layer to reach the photosensitive portion. Therefore, when fabricated with the method, the packaging substrate dispenses with conductive wires and dams and thus can be downsized.
US07973390B2
A modifier for lowering relative dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant film used in semiconductor devices, the modifier of the low dielectric constant film being characterized in that it contains as an effective component a silicon compound represented by formula (1) R3-nHnSiN3 (1) in which R is a C1-C4 alkyl group, and n is an integer from 0 to 3.
US07973376B2
The semiconductor device which has a memory cell including the TMR film with which memory accuracy does not deteriorate, and its manufacturing method are obtained. A TMR element (a TMR film, a TMR upper electrode) is selectively formed in the region which corresponds in plan view on a TMR lower electrode in a part of formation area of a digit line. A TMR upper electrode is formed by 30-100 nm thickness of Ta, and functions also as a hard mask at the time of a manufacturing process. The interlayer insulation film formed from LT-SiN on the whole surface of a TMR element and the upper surface of a TMR lower electrode is formed, and the interlayer insulation film which covers the whole surface comprising the side surface of a TMR lower electrode, and includes LT-SiN is formed. The interlayer insulation film which covers the whole surface and includes SiO2 is formed.
US07973362B2
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body having an edge with an edge zone of a first conductivity type. Charge compensation regions of a second conductivity type are embedded into the edge zone, with the charge compensation regions extending from a top side of the semiconductor component vertically into the semiconductor body. For the number Ns of charge carriers present in a volume Vs between two charge compensation regions that are adjacent in a direction perpendicular to the edge, and for the number Np of charge carriers present in a volume Vp between two charge compensation regions that are adjacent in a direction parallel to the edge, Np>Ns holds true.
US07973358B2
One or more embodiments relate to a semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate; and a radio frequency coupler including a first coupling element and a second coupling element spacedly disposed from the first coupling element, the first coupling element including at least one through-substrate via disposed in the substrate, the second coupling element including at least one through-substrate via disposed in the substrate.
US07973357B2
Non-volatile memory devices are provided including a control gate electrode on a substrate; a charge storage insulation layer between the control gate electrode and the substrate; a tunnel insulation layer between the charge storage insulation layer and the substrate; a blocking insulation layer between the charge storage insulation layer and the control gate electrode; and a material layer between the tunnel insulation layer and the blocking insulation layer, the material layer having an energy level constituting a bottom of a potential well.
US07973353B2
A method for manufacturing NAND memory cells includes providing a substrate having a first doped region formed therein; sequentially forming a first dielectric layer, a storage layer and a patterned hard mask on the substrate; forming a STI defining a plurality of recesses in the substrate through the patterned hard mask; sequentially forming a second dielectric layer and a first conductive layer filling the recesses on the substrate; and performing a planarization process to remove a portion of the first conductive layer and the second dielectric layer to form a plurality of self-aligned islanding gate structures.
US07973347B2
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) image sensor. The method includes the steps of: forming a device protective layer and a metal interconnection on a substrate formed with a light receiving device; forming an inner micro-lens on the metal interconnection; coating an interlayer dielectric layer on the inner micro-lens and then forming a color filter; and forming an outer micro-lens including a planarization layer and photoresist on the color filter. The inner micro-lens is formed by depositing the outer layer on dome-shaped photoresist. The curvature radius of the inner micro-lens is precisely and uniformly maintained and the inner micro-lens is easily formed while improving the light efficiency. Since the fabrication process for the CMOS image sensor is simplified, the product yield is improved and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
US07973346B2
Disclosed is a image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor) including pixels each having a transfer transistor and a drive transistor, in which the gate of at least one of the transistors has a boosting gate disposed over it comprised of a conductive film pattern with interposing an insulation film. Thus, a voltage applied to the boosting gate is capacitively coupled to at least one of the transfer gate of the transfer transistor and a drive gate of the drive transistor. The transfer gate is supplied with the sum of the transfer voltage and the boosting gate-coupling voltage as a result and there is no need for providing a high voltage generator for the image sensor. The dynamic range of operation may be enhanced if such a coupling voltage is applied to the drive gate of the drive transistor.
US07973335B2
A field plate portion (5) overhanging a drain side in a visored shape is formed in a gate electrode (2). A multilayered film including a SiN film (21) and a SiO2 film (22) is formed beneath the field plate portion (5). The SiN film (21) is formed so that a surface of an AlGaN electron supply layer (13) is covered therewith.
US07973321B2
As an example of a nitride semiconductor light emitting device, on a sapphire substrate, a GaN buffer layer, an n-type GaN contact layer, an MQW active layer, and a p-type GaN contact layer are sequentially stacked, and a partial region from the p-type GaN contact layer to the middle of the n-type GaN contact layer is mesa-etched so as to form an n electrode. Meanwhile, a p electrode is provided on the p-type GaN contact layer, and, in addition to the p electrode, multiple ridge parts are formed by crystal growth so as to be scattered. By providing the multiple ridge parts, device characteristics can be improved without causing damage on the GaN-based semiconductor layer.
US07973318B2
A schottky diode includes a SiC substrate which has a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, a semiconductor layer which is formed on the first surface of the SiC substrate, a schottky electrode which is in contact with the semiconductor layer, and an ohmic electrode which is in contact with the second surface of the SiC substrate. The first surface of the SiC substrate is a (000-1) C surface, upon which the semiconductor layer is formed.
US07973315B2
A thin film transistor that does not deform or exfoliate due to thermal or mechanical stress, a flat panel display having the same, and a method manufacturing the same, the thin film transistor including a substrate, a patterned buffer layer disposed on the substrate, a patterned active layer disposed on the buffer layer, a gate electrode insulated from the active layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode that contact the active layer and are insulated from the gate electrode.
US07973312B2
A display device includes a main body, a support stand, and a display portion. The display portion includes a pixel having a TFT and a capacitor. The capacitor includes a capacitor electrode on an insulating surface, an insulating film on the capacitor electrode, and a pixel electrode of the TFT on the insulating film.
US07973310B2
Semiconductor package structures and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package structure comprises a substrate unit and a first chip stack structure. The substrate unit comprises a circuit structure having test pads. The first chip stack structure comprises chips, and each of the chips has a plurality of through silicon plugs. The through silicon plugs of two adjacent chips are electrically connected and further electrically connected to the test pads of the substrate unit for electrical testing. Another semiconductor package structure provided by the present invention comprises a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip. Each of the semiconductor chips has test pads for electrical testing and a plurality of through silicon plugs connecting to the test pads. The second semiconductor chip is mounted on the first semiconductor chip, and a portion of the through silicon plugs of two semiconductor chips are electrically connected with each other.
US07973309B2
Provided is a test element group (TEG) pattern for detecting a void in a device isolation layer. The TEG pattern includes active regions which are parallel to each other and extend in a first direction, a device isolation layer that separates the active regions, a first contact that is formed across the device isolation layer and a first one of the active regions that contacts a surface of the device isolation layer, and a second contact that is formed across the device isolation layer and a second one of the active regions that contacts another surface of the device isolation layer.
US07973304B2
A III-nitride semiconductor device which includes a barrier body between the gate electrode and the gate dielectric thereof.
US07973303B2
A nitride semiconductor device includes n-type and p-type nitride semiconductor layers, an active layer, the active layer having a lamination of quantum barrier layers and quantum well layers, a thermal stress control layer disposed between the n-type nitride semiconductor layer and the active layer, and formed of a material having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than the n-type and p-type nitride semiconductor layers, and a lattice stress control layer disposed between the thermal stress control layer and the active layer, and including a first layer and a second layer.
US07973302B2
Small phase change memory cells may be formed by forming a segmented heater over a substrate. A stop layer may be formed over the heater layer and segmented with the heater layer. Then, sidewall spacers may be formed over the segmented heater to define an aperture between the sidewall spacers that may act as a mask for etching the stop layer over the segmented heater. As a result of the etching using the sidewall spacers as a mask, sublithographic pore may be formed over the heater. Phase change material may be formed within the pore.
US07973299B2
A system for providing radiation protection is provided that includes a garment that contours to an operator's body. The garment protects the operator from radiation. The garment is supported by a suspension component that reduces a portion of weight of the garment for the operator, the garment including a belt, which includes a release mechanism that offers an entry into the garment. In more specific embodiments, the release mechanism is a quick release that allows the operator to disengage from the garment using a single hand movement. The belt can include at least one flexible joint. The belt opens to allow the operator to enter the garment, and the operator, in entering and exiting the garment, is able to limit his contact to components on or near a front of the garment such that the operator can operate the release mechanism for the garment without losing sterility.
US07973298B2
A transport/storage cask for a radioactive material has an inner shell, an outer shell and a circular gamma ray shielding layer and a circular neutron shielding layer both of which are placed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The gamma ray shielding layer is formed by aligning a plurality of gamma ray shielding blocks composed of lead in a block shape in the circumferential direction. The entire gamma ray shielding block in the axial direction is covered with a copper tube having a higher elasticity limit than the gamma ray shielding block. In the above transport/storage cask, the gamma ray shielding layer composed of lead or a lead alloy is not easily deformed.
US07973297B2
When writing a hard disk pattern on a substrate applied with a resist by scanning an electron beam on the substrate while rotating a rotation stage, writing is started with respect to each radial direction position of each area based on a predetermined encoder pulse for each radial direction position among those generated according to the rotational angle of the rotation stage that occurs after a predefined encoder pulse that occurs ahead in a rotational direction of a radial direction position whose write start position in a circumferential direction in each area arrives first at the writing position as the rotation stage rotates and ahead of the write start position in the circumferential direction with respect to each radial direction position, and after a predetermined time from the predetermined encoder pulse.
US07973296B2
Spiral coils generate very powerful electromagnetic fields by operating with two different but simultaneous resonant behaviors. Quarter-wave resonance is established by adjusting the frequency (and wavelength) of a radiofrequency (RF) voltage source until the length of the spiral conductor is equal to ¼ of the wavelength of the alternating voltage. This generates an electromagnetic standing wave with at least one peak node and at least one null node. Inductive-capacitive (L/C) resonance is established by optimizing the thickness and width of the wire ribbon used to make the spiral coil. When inductance and capacitance are balanced, the current response will synchronize with the voltage input, creating in-phase behavior, minimal total impedance, and maximal power output. If two such coils are placed near each other, they will create an extremely powerful electromagnetic field between them, which can promote chemical and plasma reactions involving charged particles such as ions or plasma particles, possibly including nuclear fusion reactions.
US07973279B2
A solution is supposed to be created with a method for generating positively and/or negatively ionized gas analytes for gas analysis in an ion mobility spectrometer or in a mass spectrometer, with which method the gas analyte can be ionized without the restrictions of previous ionization methods for gas analysis in an ion mobility spectrometer or in a mass spectrometer, forming positive and/or negative ions.This is achieved in that the positive and/or negative gas ions are generated by means of a plasma, which is brought about by means of a dielectrically inhibited discharge, whereby the dielectrically inhibited discharge is produced in that a noble gas is passed in through a capillary made of a dielectric material, whereby an alternating voltage is applied by means of two electrically insulated electrodes disposed on the capillary adjacent to the exit region of the capillary, and the gas analyte is passed to the exit region outside of the capillary.
US07973278B2
This invention provides a method of aligning a capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and an input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed as an assembly of two separate chips and forms an ionization device. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration.
US07973276B2
The relationship between the high energy radiation imager pixel (HERIP) coordinate and real-world x-coordinate is determined by a least square fit between the HERIP x-coordinate and the measured real-world x-coordinates of calibration markers that emit high energy radiation imager and reflect visible light. Upon calibration, a high energy radiation imager pixel position may be determined based on a real-world coordinate of a moving vehicle. Further, a scale parameter for said high energy radiation imager may be determined based on the real-world coordinate. The scale parameter depends on the y-coordinate of the moving vehicle as provided by a visible light camera. The high energy radiation imager may be employed to detect radiation from moving vehicles in multiple lanes, which correspondingly have different distances to the high energy radiation imager.
US07973275B2
Holographic optical traps using the forces exerted by computer-generated holograms to trap, move and otherwise transform mesoscopically textured materials. The efficacy of the present invention is based upon the quality and nature of the diffractive optical element used to create the traps and dynamically use them. Further a landscape of potential energy sites can be created and used to manipulate, sort and process objects.
US07973267B2
An apparatus for levitation of an amount of conductive material including a coil for keeping the material in levitation using a varying electric current in the coil. The apparatus has two coils, a first coil and a second coil, both coils generating an alternating electromagnetic field during use, the alternating electric field of the first and the second coil counteracting each other. The first and second coils are positioned such that the conductive material kept in levitation between the first coil and the second coil is evaporated. A method for generating an amount of levitated conductive material is also disclosed.
US07973257B2
A rocker switch including a base, a rotary to linear converter mounted on the base, the rotary to linear converter being rotatable by means of at least one knob, and an actuating assembly mounted on the rotary to linear converter and arranged to actuate an electric device when the knob is rotated.
US07973252B2
A three-position, single-pole, double-throw, rotary ignition switch is disclosed that is water-tight and provides qualitative and quantifiable durability in the presence of high-current loads, even after long use. It withstands a continuous 20 A load, plus an additional occasional 20 A load, when in the “run” position. It withstands an additional 75 A inductive load when in the “start” position. Then even after 12,000 operational cycles, leakage current (with 28 VDC supply voltage) when the switch is in the “off” position, and between non-current-carrying terminals when the switch is in the “on” position, remains under 0.3 mA, and still allows leakage current not exceeding 10 mA at any time while each disconnected pair of terminals and between terminals and ground are exposed to 1,000±5 Vrms at a frequency of at least 60 Hz being increased 400 V/sec for one minute.
US07973251B1
A deadfront junction mounting plate comprises a sheet metal panel, a plurality of panel mounting holes, a plurality of junction module mounting holes, at least one ground shield hole and at least one parking stand wherein the plurality of junction module mounting holes are further provided with fasteners integral therewith. The sheet metal panel has a first planar portion, a second planar portion and a third planar portion, the first planar portion provided with the panel mounting holes, the second planar portion provided with the junction module mounting holes and the third planar portion provided with the parking stand and the ground shield hole. The second planar portion is disposed at an angle to the first planar portion and the third planar portion is parallel to the second planar portion.
US07973248B2
A printed circuit board using paste bumps and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method of manufacturing a printed circuit board using paste bumps, includes: (a) perforating a core board to form at least one via hole, (b) filling the at least one via hole by fill-plating and forming a circuit pattern on at least one surface of the core board, (c) stacking a paste bump board on at least one surface of the core board, and (d) forming an outer layer circuit on a surface of the paste bump board, a structurally stable all-layer IVH structure can be implemented due to increased strength in the BVH's of the plated core boards, the manufacture time can be reduced due to parallel processes and collective stacking, implementing micro circuits can be made easy due to the copper foils of the paste bump boards stacked on the outermost layers, the manufacture costs can be reduced as certain plating and drilling processes may be omitted, the interlayer connection area is increased between circuit patterns for improved connection reliability, and dimple coverage can be obtained.
US07973246B2
The invention is to provide an electronic component which can obtain the capacitance value of a capacitor element highly precisely. An electronic component has a lower conductor (first conductor) which is formed on a planarized layer of a substrate, a dielectric film which is formed on the lower conductor, and an upper conductor (second conductor) which is formed on the dielectric film and thinner than the lower conductor. A capacitor element (capacitative element) is configured of the lower conductor, the dielectric film and the upper conductor.
US07973239B2
A multicore ultrafine coaxial wire is formed by consolidating a plurality of ultrafine coaxial wires in a flat array. Each of the ultrafine coaxial wires has a center conductor, whose tip portion is exposed, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a covering. The harness has a grounding member that connects in common the outer conductors of the multicore ultrafine coaxial wire and an insulator frame that fixes the center conductors. End portions of an underside film and end portions of a topside film both of the insulator frame are provided with an alignment hole to align the center conductors with circuits on a substrate.
US07973238B2
A ceramic compact having a patterned conductor is obtained by coating the patterned conductor with a slurry and then by hardening the slurry. The slurry is prepared by mixing a thermosetting resin precursor, a ceramic powder, and a medium. In the ceramic compact, an isocyanate- or isothiocyanate-containing gelling agent and a hydroxyl-containing polymer are reacted and hardened to produce a thermosetting resin. The hydroxyl-containing polymer is preferably a butyral resin, an ethylcellulose-based resin, a polyethyleneglycol-based resin, or a polyether-based resin.
US07973236B2
A photovoltaic array with improved thermal performance includes a photovoltaic array, an electro-optic shutter disposed on the photovoltaic array, and a control system connected to at least the electro-optic shutter. The control system, based upon input from a sensor, switches the electro-optic shutter between transmissive and reflective conditions so as to control exposure of light to the photovoltaic array.
US07973234B1
A video game controller includes: a string instrument-shaped housing comprising a body portion and a neck portion, said body portion including a opening; a console interface for coupling with a game console; and a strum interface coupled to the console interface. The strum interface includes: a pin having a central portion and distal end portions; a pin support structure for supporting the distal end portions of the pin; a strum bar comprising a body portion rotatably coupled to the central portion of the pin and a flange portion protruding from the opening in the housing; a compressible liner provided between at least a portion of the strum bar and the pin; an upper button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a first direction; and a lower button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a second direction.
US07973230B2
Systems and methods for providing real-time feedback to karaoke users are provided. The systems and methods for providing users with real-time feedback while they are singing karaoke generally relate to receiving the user's vocals, determining whether the user is singing on key/pitch and providing real-time feedback to the user while the karaoke song is being sung. The feedback will be positive feedback if user is on key/pitch and it will be negative feedback if user is off key/pitch. For example, the feedback signal if the user is singing too low can be an exaggerated low signal of the user's own voice. This will encourage the user to sing at a higher pitch.
US07973226B2
A guitar sting tension device for an electrical guitar retrofitted with a vibrato unit to prohibit displacement of the strings on the bridge of the guitar consisting of a rotatable string retention bar, two rotatable connection arms, a pivotal anchor collar with recessed aperture; and a mounting adapter to affix the vibrato unit to the guitar.
US07973223B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH614522. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH614522, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH614522 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH614522.
US07973221B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS49002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS49002, to the plants of soybean RJS49002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS49002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS49002 with another soybean plant, using RJS49002 as either the male or the female parent.
US07973219B2
Methods for producing a transgenic plant that is resistant to a weed control compound including introducing a nucleotide sequence encoding a coproporphyrinogen III oxidase of Escherichia coli into a plant cell, expressing the nucleotide sequence within the plant cell, and regenerating the plant cell into a transgenic plant and transgenic plants produced by such methods. Methods for controlling weeds including applying a weed control compound to an area containing transgenic plants containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a coproporphyrinogen III oxidase of Escherichia coli. Methods for selecting plants or plant cells resistant to a weed control compound including applying a weed control compound to transgenic plants or transgenic plant cells containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a coproporphyrinogen III oxidase of Escherichia coli.
US07973218B2
Methods and compositions are provided related to improved plants that are tolerant to more than one herbicide. Particularly, the invention provides plants that are tolerant of glyphosate and are tolerant to at least one ALS inhibitor, and methods of use thereof. The glyphosate/ALS inhibitor-tolerant plants comprise a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide that confers tolerance to glyphosate and a polynucleotide that encodes an ALS inhibitor-tolerant polypeptide. In specific embodiments, a plant of the invention expresses a GAT polypeptide and an HRA polypeptide. Methods to control weeds, improve plant yield, and increase transformation efficiencies are provided.
US07973214B2
The present invention provides a revolutionary photosynthetic ethanol production technology based on designer transgenic plants, algae, or plant cells. The designer plants, designer algae, and designer plant cells are created such that the endogenous photosynthesis regulation mechanism is tamed, and the reducing power (NADPH) and energy (ATP) acquired from the photosynthetic water splitting and proton gradient-coupled electron transport process are used for immediate synthesis of ethanol (CH3CH2OH) directly from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The ethanol production methods of the present invention completely eliminate the problem of recalcitrant lignocellulosics by bypassing the bottleneck problem of the biomass technology. The photosynthetic ethanol-production technology of the present invention is expected to have a much higher solar-to-ethanol energy-conversion efficiency than the current technology and could also help protect the Earth's environment from the dangerous accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere.
US07973209B1
Processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via amine treatment and employing fractionation processing are provided.
US07973205B2
We provide a process to make a lubricant component, comprising: a. oligomerizing a feed comprising one or more olefins in an ionic liquid oligomerization zone, at oligomerization conditions, to form an oligomer; and b. alkylating the oligomer in the presence of an isoparaffin, in an ionic liquid alkylation zone, at alkylation conditions including a molar ratio of one or more olefins and one or more isoparaffins of at least 0.8, to form an alkylated oligomeric product that is a lubricant component having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of at least 6.9 mm2/s, a VI of at least 134, a cloud point less than or equal to −28° C., and a Bromine Number of less than or equal to 6.1.
US07973201B2
A process for the production of a halogen-substituted benzenedimethanol represented by the formula (2): wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are the same or different and independently represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, provided that at least one of X1, X2, X3 and X4 represents a halogen atom, comprising reacting a halogen-substituted terephthalic acid diester represented by the formula (1): wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are the same meanings as defined above and R1 and R2 are the same or different and independently represent an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, a metal borohydride compound and an acid in the presence of an ether solvent, wherein the amount of the acid is 0.2 to 3 moles per 1 mole of the metal borohydride compound based on protons, and the reaction is conducted under the condition where the liquid phase of the reaction mixture is a single layer.
US07973198B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing optically active carbonyl compounds by asymmetrically hydrogenating α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of optically active transition metal catalysts which are soluble in the reaction mixture and have at least one carbon monoxide ligand, the optically active catalyst which has at least one carbon monoxide ligand and is to be used in each case being prepared by pretreating a catalyst precursor with a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen and the asymmetric hydrogenation being performed in the presence of carbon monoxide supplied additionally to the reaction mixture.
US07973192B2
Hexamethylenediamine and aminocapronitrile are simultaneoussly produced by hemihydrogenation of adiponitrile, which includes a stage of separation of the hexamethylenediamine from the hydrogenate by distillation of the hexamethylenediamine, the distillation of the hexamethylenediamine being carried out from the hydrogenate containing a free acid and/or an alkali metal or ammonium acid salt, whereby a top fraction A recovered at the column top of the stage of distillation of the hexamethylenediamine is essentially crude hexamethylenediamine and a small amount of THA; the amount of THA (tetrahydroazepine) present in the crude hexamethylenediamine constitutes a small proportion of the THA present in the hydrogenate.
US07973189B2
An interconnect structure for integrated circuits incorporates a layer of cobalt nitride that facilitates the nucleation, growth and adhesion of copper wires. The cobalt nitride may deposited on a refractory metal nitride or carbide layer, such as tungsten nitride or tantalum nitride, that serves as a diffusion barrier for copper and also increases the adhesion between the cobalt nitride and the underlying insulator. The cobalt nitride may be formed by chemical vapor deposition from a novel cobalt amidinate precursor. Copper layers deposited on the cobalt nitride show high electrical conductivity and can serve as seed layers for electrochemical deposition of copper conductors for microelectronics.
US07973180B2
The present invention provides a method for the production of an aqueous dispersion containing an electroconductive polymer component which enables electroconductive thin films which are outstanding in their transparency and electroconductivity to be formed, together with the aqueous dispersion obtained by said method. This method includes a stage in which a 3,4-dialkoxythiophene is polymerized in an aqueous solvent using an oxidizing agent in the presence of a polyanion and, in this stage, said oxidizing agent is added by the dropwise addition of a solution or dispersion containing said oxidizing agent to the reaction solution or, alternatively, in the polymerization stage, the alkali metal ion concentration in the reaction liquid is maintained at no more than 400 ppm.
US07973164B2
The invention concerns quinoline derivatives of Formula I or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X1, p, R1, q, R2, R3, R4, R5, Ring A, r and R6 has any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders.
US07973163B2
The present invention aims at provision of a quinoline derivative having a neurokinin 2 (NK2) receptor antagonistic action and relates to a compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom and the like; R2 is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s) and the like; R3 is unsubstituted (i.e., absence), a hydrogen atom and the like; R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), and the like; R6 is (cyclic group optionally having substituent(s))-carbonyl, and the like; R7, R8, R9 and R10 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, halogen and the like; or R7 and R8, R8 and R9, and R9 and R10 may form a ring together with the adjacent carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1 to 5; --- represents unsubstituted (i.e., absence) or a single bond; and represents a single bond or a double bond, or a salt thereof, and the like.
US07973161B2
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic protein family members, compositions containing the compounds and uses of the compounds for preparing medicaments for treating diseases during which occurs expression one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic protein family member.
US07973156B2
According to the present invention, purified, isolated and cloned nucleic acid polynucleotide encoding hypoxia-regulating genes and the proteins thereof and antibodies directed against the proteins which have sequences as set forth in SEQ ID No:1, SEQ ID No:2, SEQ ID No:3, SEQ ID No:4, SEQ ID No:5 and SEQ ID No:6 are provided. The present invention further provides transgenic animals and cell lines as well as knock-out organisms of these sequences. The present invention further provides methods of regulating angiogenesis or apoptosis or regulating response to hypoxic conditions in a patient in need of such treatment. The present invention also provides a method of diagnosing the presence of ischemia in a patient including the steps of analyzing a bodily fluid or tissue sample from the patient for the presence or gene product of at least one expressed gene (up-regulated) as set forth in the group comprising SEQ ID No:2; SEQ ID No:3; SEQ ID No:4; SEQ ID No:5; and SEQ ID No:6 and where ischemia is determined if the up-regulated gene or gene product is ascertained.
US07973142B2
Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ), and uses thereof.
US07973137B1
Compositions comprising a cell in which a molecular complex with high affinity for its cognate ligand is bound to the surface of the cell are provided. To form the molecular complexes, extracellular domains of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins, particularly T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex proteins, can be covalently linked to the heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin molecules. The molecular complexes can be used, inter alia, to detect and regulate antigen-specific T cells and as therapeutic agents for treating disorders involving immune system regulation, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, tumors, infections, and transplant rejection. Optionally, identical antigenic peptides can be bound to each ligand binding site of a molecular complex.
US07973136B2
An antibody that targets CD30, wherein the antibody comprises at least one modification relative to a parent antibody and the antibody binds with altered affinity to an FcgR or alters effector function as compared to the parent antibody. Also disclosed are methods of using the anti-CD30 antibody.
US07973133B2
The invention relates to an inhibitor of endogenous human interferon-gamma (hIFN-ϝ) in autoimmune diseases, especially in multiple sclerosis. More precisely, the invention relates to inactivated protein derivatives of the hIFN-ϝ with preserved affinity to the hIFN-ϝ receptor. The derivatives represent genetically modified variants of hIFN-ϝ where the C-terminal part of the molecule is either deleted or replaced with a polypeptide sequence of another human protein and a recombinant hIFN-ϝ inactivated by physical or chemical methods.
US07973129B2
Disclosed herein are polypeptide multilayer films wherein a therapeutic agent is covalently linked to a first layer polypeptide. An advantage of such attachment is that the linked therapeutic agent can be controllably released from the multilayer film into the environment of the film upon the addition of a suitable stimulus. An advantage of the disclosed films and methods is enablement of environmentally-stimulated release under specific conditions.
US07973127B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder, which comprises emulsion polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in the presence of an aqueous medium, a fluorinated surfactant and a radical polymerization initiator to produce an aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion, mixing and coagulating the aqueous emulsion to separate a polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder, and then drying the polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder in a wet state in an atmosphere containing ammonia.
US07973119B1
This invention relates to adhesive systems using imines and salts thereof and precursors to electron deficient olefins.
US07973109B2
A process for producing a crosslinked type or non-crosslinked type layered metal phosphonate compound including a reaction step of reacting two or more members selected from organic diphosphonic acids or monophosphonic acids, or derivatives thereof having predetermined conditions and a metal source capable of forming an ion of a hexacoordinate metal atom as a central atom (M) of a metal oxide octahedron upon reaction under the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst, a crosslinked or non-crosslinked metal phosphonate compound obtained by the process, as well as a stock solution used for the synthesis of the crosslinked or non-crosslinked type layered metal phosphonate compound described above.
US07973105B2
Polymer particles of improved mechanical hardness are provided, the polymer particles being subjected to a thermal cycle of heating and subsequently cooling. The polymer particles comprise combinations of preferably three monomers, the monomers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their polymer chain in order to achieve preferential orientation of the polymer chains in a polar solvent after applying the heating cycles of the invention (for example, but not limited to, polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene based terpolymers and copolymers). Polymeric abrasives used in slurry compositions for polishing copper and their use in a chemical mechanical polishing method are also provided.
US07973100B2
Polypropylene resins of the present invention give blow molded containers excellent in transparency, impact resistance and flexibility. Stretch blow molded containers obtained from the polypropylene resins enable volume reduction and weight reduction. A polypropylene resin includes a random polypropylene (P1) having MFR (ASTM D 1238, 230° C., 2.16 kg load) of 0.5 to 100 g/10 min and an ethylene content of 3.0 wt % to less than 7.0 wt %, (i) the resin containing the random polypropylene (P1) at not less than 80 wt %, (ii) the resin showing a broad DSC melting curve which has a single melting point peak and in which the maximum intensity peak temperature (Tm) is not more than 120° C. and the half-value width on a higher temperature side from the maximum intensity peak is not less than 20° C.
US07973099B2
A pre-processed polymer composite is disclosed comprising a heat-sensitive polymer resin particle; particles of colorant or functional additive in association with the heat-sensitive polymer resin particle; and a thermoplastic encapsulant to form a film around the associated polymer and colorant or functional additive particles. The method of making the polymer composite avoids a melting of the heat-sensitive polymer resin particles, which avoids contributing to heat history of the polymer prior to extrusion or molding into the form of the final plastic article.
US07973098B2
Described are new custom postage printing stocks, coating compositions, processes for preparing and utilizing these and resulting postage products. Disclosed ink formulations comprise: invisible fluorescent dye and/or pigment (preferably red-fluorescent dye), which is fluorescent in the range of 580 to 640 nm when illuminated with light at 254 nm; water-soluble binder; substrate penetrant, fluorescence stabilizer; substrate anticurl agent and water. The inks, when coated on substrates and dried, can improve the quality and color of images printed as compared to images printed without the aid of the invention.
US07973085B2
A gel composition having the formula R1O-[(AO)k(EO)m(AO)n]-R2 comprises (a) 0.1 to 60 mass % of a block-type alkylene oxide derivative, (b) an oil, and (c) 0.1 to 10 mass % of water. AO represents a C3-C4 oxyalkylene group; EO represents an oxyethylene group; k and n represent average addition mole numbers of the oxyalkylene group and m represents average addition mole number of the oxyethylene group, 1≦m≦70 and 1≦k+n≦70. The oxyethylene group is 20 to 80 mass % with respect to the sum of the oxyalkylene group (AO) and the oxyethylene group. R1 and R2 may be identical to or different from one another and are each a C1-C4 hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom. The composition has a continuous phase comprising the oil; and the viscosity of the composition at 25° C. is 500 mPa·s or more.
US07973080B2
A method for inhibiting the growth of multiple-resistant bacteria comprises the topical administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising 15% by weight or more of pentane-1,5-diol and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a corresponding medicament. A method of disinfecting a surface contaminated with multiple-resistant bacteria comprises providing a disinfecting composition comprising 15% or more by weight of pentane-1,5-diol and an aqueous carrier, applying the composition to the surface; optionally, keeping it in contact with the surface for a period of time from 5 min to 24 hrs at ambient temperature, and rinsing the surface with water or an aqueous detergent composition. Also disclosed is the use of a corresponding bacteriostatic composition.
US07973077B2
The present invention relates to compositions suitable for the treatment of pathological conditions distinguished by insufficient or reduced mitochondrial function. The compositions comprise, as principal active ingredients, the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. The compositions may also comprise, as further active ingredients, amino acids threonine and lysine, and optionally, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, as well as tyrosine and cysteine.
US07973048B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprising an analgesic or analgesic combination and a stool softener is disclosed. The analgesic is selected from morphine, meperidine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, propoxyphene, pentazocine, levorphanol, codeine, acetaminophen and combinations of these analgesics. The composition is formulated for oral administration as a liquid or solid dosage form for immediate, slow, delayed or sustained-release characteristics.
US07973042B2
The present invention comprises alkylpiperazine- and alkylhomopiperazine carboxylates and their derivatives, methods for their preparation and the therapeutic use thereof as fatty acid amido hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme inhibitors. These derivatives exert various pharmacological activities by interacting, inter alia, with cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors. By inhibiting the metabolic activity of the FAAH enzyme, compounds often responsible for the onset of disease and other pathological conditions are not generated and the incidence of the disease is greatly reduced.
US07973037B2
This invention relates to a novel class of compounds which are cysteine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, inhibitors of cathepsins K, L, S and B. These compounds are useful for treating diseases in which inhibition of bone resorption is indicated, such as osteoporosis.
US07973033B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Ar1 represents an imidazolyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, Ar2 represents a phenyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkoxy group, or the like, X1 represents a double bond or the like, and Het represents an imidazolyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, which is effective as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for a disease caused by Aβ.
US07973012B2
Provided is a novel C-phenyl glycitol compound that may serve as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetes by inhibiting both SGLT1 activity and SGLT2 activity, thereby exhibiting a glucose absorption suppression action and a urine glucose excretion action. A C-phenyl glycitol compound represented by Formula (I) below or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate thereof wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1-6 alkyl group, a C1-6 alkoxy group or a halogen atom, R3 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group, a C1-6 alkoxy group or a halogen atom, Y is a C1-6 alkylene group, —O—(CH2)n- (n is an integer of 1 to 4) or a C2-6 alkenylene group, provided that when Z is —NHC(═NH)NH2 or —NHCON(RB)RC, n is not 1, Z is —CONHRA, —NHC(═NH)NH2 or —NHCON(RB)RC,
US07973010B2
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding full length chicken type II collagen (CCII), or a fragment thereof in possession of the same biological functions as well as CCII encoded thereof. It also relates to a method for producing CCII, and its use in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The invention specifically relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing osteoarthritis and RA, to a food or beverage composition, and to a food additive composition, containing CCII prepared according to the method described in this invention, and the use of the nucleic acid molecules of the present application in gene therapy.
US07973000B2
A semi-solid lubricant composition for transmission elements which is excellent in lubricity, antiwear properties, and energy-saving performance, has high reliability, and is for use as a turbine oil, machine tool oil, metal working oil, plastic working oil, cutting oil, compressor oil, vacuum-pump oil, electrical-contact oil, grease, or machine oil; and a mechanical system provided with the composition. The composition, which reduces the wear of sliding parts of a transmission element, comprises: an amide compound having one or two amide groups and forming a three-dimensional network structure; and a liquid base oil ingredient having a dynamic viscosity at 100° C. of 25 mm2/s or lower and a viscosity index of 120 or higher. The composition contains substantially no ingredients other than the amide compound and liquid base oil ingredient. The mechanical system has a transmission element including sliding parts which are provided with the semi-solid lubricant composition for transmission elements.
US07972994B2
The present invention provides methods of synthesizing libraries of molecules comprising a functional moiety which is operatively linked to an encoding oligonucleotide, wherein the encoding oligonucleotide comprises a capping sequence containing degenerate nucleotides. The methods generally include providing a solution comprising initiator compounds comprising an initial functional moiety comprising n building blocks which is operatively linked to an initial oligonucleotide; dividing the solution into reaction vessels; reacting the initiator compounds in each reaction vessel with a building block comprising a complementary reactive group to form a covalent bond; and reacting the initial oligonucleotide in each aliquot with a distinct incoming oligonucleotide in the presence of an enzyme which catalyzes the ligation of the incoming oligonucleotide and the initial oligonucleotide, under conditions suitable for enzymatic ligation of the incoming oligonucleotide and the initial oligonucleotide to form an encoding oligonucleotide.
US07972991B2
Disclosed herein is a heat-sensitive recording material shows good barcode printability and provides printed images having an excellent milk resistance. The heat-sensitive recording material comprises a heat-sensitive recording layer contains 3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone and 1,2-di(methylphenoxy)ethane in a specific amount relative to the leuco dye, and contains a crosslinked diphenylsulfone-based compound in an specific ratio based on the total solid in the heat-sensitive recording layer.
US07972987B2
The present invention relates to a novel cyclopentadienyl compound, a fourth group transition metal compound having the cyclopentadienyl compound, a method of preparing the fourth group transition metal compound, a method of preparing an olefin polymer by using the fourth group transition metal compound, and an olefin polymer prepared by using the method.
US07972983B2
Woven fabrics suitable for use as a lightning strike material are disclosed. Methods of making woven fabrics are also disclosed. Methods of using woven fabrics are further disclosed.
US07972974B2
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a gallium lanthanide oxide film for use in a variety of electronic systems. The gallium lanthanide oxide film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The gallium lanthanide oxide film may be formed using atomic layer deposition.
US07972963B2
A polished semiconductor wafer has a front surface and a back surface and an edge R, which is located at a distance of a radius from a center of the semiconductor wafer, forms a periphery of the semiconductor wafer and is part of a profiled boundary of the semiconductor wafer. The maximum deviation of the flatness of the back surface from an ideal plane in a range between R-6 mm and R-1 mm of the back surface is 0.7 μm or less. A process for producing the semiconductor wafer, comprises at least one treatment of the semiconductor wafer with a liquid etchant and at least one polishing of at least a front surface of the semiconductor wafer, the etchant flowing onto a boundary of the semiconductor wafer during the treatment, and the boundary of the semiconductor wafer which faces the flow of etchant being at least partially shielded from being struck directly by the etchant. The shielding extends in the direction of a thickness d of the semiconductor wafer and is at least d+100 μm long.
US07972962B2
A method of planarizing a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second components provided on the surface of the substrate, and a first material provided between and above the first and second components. The first component has a height greater than a height of the second component. The method includes performing a first polishing step on the semiconductor device to remove the first material above a top surface of the first component, to remove the first material above a top surface of the second component, and to level the top surface of the first component. The method also includes performing a second polishing step on the semiconductor device to planarize the top surfaces of the first and second components.
US07972957B2
A method of making a semiconductor device including forming a first sacrificial layer over a first layer to be etched, the first sacrificial layer having a plurality of openings formed therethrough exposing a portion of the first layer; forming a first photoresist layer over the first sacrificial layer and filling the plurality of openings formed through the first sacrificial layer; forming a plurality of openings in the first photoresist layer, each one of the plurality of openings in the first photoresist layer overlying one of the openings in the first sacrificial layer and wherein each opening in the first sacrificial layer has a smaller cross-sectional area then the cross-sectional area of the overlying opening in the first photoresist layer; and etching the first layer through the openings in the first photoresist layer and the first sacrificial layer, comprising exposing the first layer to an etching material.
US07972948B2
A memory device includes a number of memory cells and a number of bit lines. Each of the bit lines includes a first region having a first width and a first depth and a second region having a second width and a second depth, where the first width is less than the second width. The first region may include an n-type impurity and the second region may include a p-type impurity.
US07972942B1
Metal impurities of an upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon (Si) wafer are reduced. The UMG Si wafer having a 5N (99.999%) purity is chosen to grow a high-quality epitaxial Si thin film through atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). Through heat treating diffusion, the epitaxial Si film is used to form sink positions for the metal impurities in the UMG Si wafer. By using concentration gradient, temperature gradient and interface defect, individual and comprehensive effects are built for enhancing purity of the UMG Si wafer from 5N to 6N. Thus, a low-cost Si wafer can be fabricated for Si-based solar cell through a simple, fast and effective method.
US07972934B2
A photodetector array includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing first and second main surfaces, a first layer of a first doping concentration proximate the first main surface, and a second layer of a second doping concentration proximate the second main surface. The photodetector includes at least one conductive via formed in the first main surface and an anode/cathode region proximate the first main surface and the at least one conductive via. The via extends to the second main surface. The conductive via is isolated from the semiconductor substrate by a first dielectric material. The anode/cathode region is a second conductivity opposite to the first conductivity. The photodetector includes a doped isolation region of a third doping concentration formed in the first main surface and extending through the first layer of the semiconductor substrate to at least the second layer of the semiconductor substrate.
US07972922B2
A method of forming a semiconductor layer, which in one embodiment is part of a photodetector, includes forming a silicon shape, applying ozonated water, removing the first oxide layer at a temperature below 600 degrees Celsius, and epitaxially growing germanium. The silicon shape has a top surface that is exposed. The ozonated water is applied to the top surface and causes formation of a first oxide layer on the top surface. The germanium is grown on the top surface.
US07972920B2
Vertical MISFETs are formed over drive MISFETs and transfer MISFETs. The vertical MISFETs comprise rectangular pillar laminated bodies each formed by laminating a lower semiconductor layer (drain), an intermediate semiconductor layer, and an upper semiconductor layer (source), and gate electrodes formed on corresponding side walls of the laminated bodies with gate insulating films interposed therebetween. In each vertical MISFET, the lower semiconductor layer constitutes a drain, the intermediate semiconductor layer constitutes a substrate (channel region), and the upper semiconductor layer constitutes a source. The lower semiconductor layer, the intermediate semiconductor layer and the upper semiconductor layer are each comprised of a silicon film. The lower semiconductor layer and the upper semiconductor layer are doped with a p type and constituted of a p type silicon film.
US07972913B2
Improved Schottky diodes with reduced leakage current and improved breakdown voltage are provided by building a JFET with its current path of a first conductivity type serially located between a first terminal comprising a Schottky contact and a second terminal. The current path lies (i) between multiple substantially parallel finger regions of a second, opposite, conductivity type substantially laterally outboard of the Schottky contact, and (ii) partly above a buried region of the second conductivity type that underlies a portion of the current path, which regions are electrically coupled to the first terminal and the Schottky contact and which portion is electrically coupled to the second terminal. When reverse bias is applied to the first terminal and Schottky contact the current path is substantially pinched off in vertical or horizontal directions or both, thereby reducing the leakage current and improving the breakdown voltage of the device.
US07972912B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes first providing an insulation substrate. A patterned conductive layer is formed over the insulation substrate, and the patterned conductive layer includes a channel region and a number of protruding regions. A gate structure layer is formed over the insulation substrate. The gate structure layer covers a part of the patterned conductive layer, and each of the protruding regions has an exposed region. A doping process is performed to dope at least the exposed region of the patterned conductive layer to form a number of S/D regions.
US07972909B2
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to prevent reliability failures in semiconductor devices. A trench is patterned in a polyimide layer over a guard ring having a top metal layer. A passivation layer is etched at bottom of the trench. A capping layer is deposited on the trench over the etched passivation layer. The capping layer and the top metal layer form a mechanical strong interface to prevent a crack propagation.
US07972908B2
A method of switching-off a monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor structure in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence is herein presented. In the method a monolithically integrated semiconductor thyristor structure is illuminated through an optical aperture to convey light into the embedded switching semiconductor structure to electrically short a thyristor cathode and a thyristor base through a floating gate to turn off the thyristor.
US07972907B2
A semiconductor device having a plurality of layers and a plurality of circuit elements arranged in tiles. At least one of the plurality of layers in the semiconductor device may be a via layer configured to determine the connections of the plurality of circuit elements. The semiconductor device may include an interconnection quilt having a plurality of metal layers disposed to interconnect the plurality of circuit elements. The plurality of circuit elements may be analog circuit element and/or digital circuit elements. The tiles may be analog tiles and digital tiles that form a mixed signal structured array.
US07972903B2
An insulating film covering the lower surface of an external connection electrode of a semiconductor construct is formed. A mask metal layer in which there is formed an opening having a planar size smaller than that of the external connection electrode is formed on the insulating film. The mask metal layer is used as a mask to apply a laser beam to the insulating film, such that a connection opening reaching the external connection electrode is formed in the insulating film. A wiring line is formed on the insulating film in such a manner as to be connected to the external connection electrode via the connection opening.
US07972900B2
The present invention provides methods of forming metal oxide semiconductor nanostructures and, in particular, zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductor nanostructures, possessing high surface area, plant-like morphologies on a variety of substrates. Optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaic cells, incorporating the nanostructures are also provided.
US07972898B2
The present invention relates to a process of making a zinc-oxide-based thin film semiconductor, for use in a transistor, comprising thin film deposition onto a substrate comprising providing a plurality of gaseous materials comprising first, second, and third gaseous materials, wherein the first gaseous material is a zinc-containing volatile material and the second gaseous material is reactive therewith such that when one of the first or second gaseous materials are on the surface of the substrate the other of the first or second gaseous materials will react to deposit a layer of material on the substrate, wherein the third gaseous material is inert and wherein a volatile indium-containing compound is introduced into the first reactive gaseous material or a supplemental gaseous material.
US07972892B2
A composite growth-assisting substrate 10 is formed by epitaxially growing a separation-assisting compound semiconductor layer 10k composed of a non-GaAs III-V compound semiconductor single crystal, and then a sub-substrate 10e composed of a GaAs single crystal in this order, on a first main surface of a substrate bulk 10m composed of a GaAs single crystal. The sub-substrate portion 10e is then separated from the composite growth-assisting substrate 10, so as to be left as a residual substrate portion 1 on a second main surface of the main compound semiconductor layer 40, and a portion of the residual substrate portion 1 is cut off to thereby form a cut-off portion 1j having a bottom surface used as a light extraction surface. By this configuration, the light emitting device is provided as allowing effective use of the GaAs substrate, and increasing the light extraction efficiency.
US07972880B2
A method for fabricating a LCD having enhanced aperture ratio and brightness includes: forming a gate line, a gate electrode, a common electrode and a common line in a first mask process; depositing a gate insulating layer covering the gate line, the gate electrode and the common electrode; forming an active layer on the gate insulating layer, and an ohmic contact layer on the active layer in a second mask process; forming a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode facing the source electrode in a third mask process; depositing a protective layer over the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode; forming a pixel contact hole in a fourth mask process; and forming a pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is connected to the drain electrode through the pixel contact hole in a fifth mask process using a reverse tapered photo-resist pattern.
US07972878B2
A method of making a quantum dot memory cell, the quantum dot memory cell including an array of quantum dots disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, includes obtaining values for a tunneling current through the quantum dot memory cell as a function of a voltage applied to the quantum dot memory cell and selecting parameters of the quantum dot memory cell such that the tunneling current through the quantum dot memory cell exhibits a bistable current for at least some values of the voltage applied to the quantum dot memory cell. The values for the tunneling current are determined on the basis of a density of states of the array of quantum dots.
US07972868B2
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin in D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay.
US07972857B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for site-specific polynucleotide replacement in eukaryotic cells. These methods include single polynucleotide replacement as well as gene stacking methods. Preferred eukaryotic cells for use in the present invention are plant cells and mammalian cells.
US07972853B2
The present invention is directed generally to reduction or inactivation of gene function or gene expression in cells in vitro and in multicellular organisms. The invention encompasses methods for mutating cells using a combination of mutagens, particularly wherein at least one mutagen is an insertional mutagen, to achieve homozygous gene mutation or mutation of multiple genes required cumulatively to achieve a phenotype to create knock-outs, knock-downs, and other modifications in the same cell. The invention is also directed to cells (and libraries thereof) and organisms created by the methods of the invention, including those in which at least one of the genes created by insertional mutagenesis is tagged by means of the insertion sequences thereby allowing identification of the mutated gene(s). The invention is also directed to libraries of mutated cells and their uses. The invention is also directed to methods of identifying mutations with methods of the invention, in cells (and libraries thereof) and organisms, by means of the insertional tag.
US07972849B2
Purified totipotent stem cells and pluripotent stems cells derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer are disclosed herein, as well as cell lines, multipotent cells and differentiated cells produced from these stem cells. The stem cells are produced from an enucleated host cell from a first donor and nuclear genetic material from a somatic cell of a second donor. Methods for making and using such compositions of such stem cells are also provided.
US07972847B2
The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFNγ and other ligands of the IFNγreceptor, in combination with IFNα (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFNα (and IFNβ) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70 allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium. The invention discloses systems that use the foregoing products and methods to facilitate the clinical application of DC1-based vaccines and the identification of novel factors involved in the induction of Th1 and CTL responses by DC1.
US07972842B2
A lockable cell growth chamber is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking members, each comprising a notched docking member and a docking member-engaging tab.
US07972840B2
There are provided an organism-culture apparatus in which a pooled culture medium and a culturing tissue is not directly contacted, which comprises a culture medium, and a microporous body having the water-absorbing ability, a part of which is immersed in the culture medium, or an intervening body connected to the microporous body which can supply the culture medium to the microporous body by contact between a part of the intervening body and the culture medium, wherein the culture medium is transferred upwardly via communicating pores in the interior of the microporous body to supply the culture medium to an organism tissue or an organism cell placed on a surface of the microporous body, whereby, the organism tissue or the organism cell is cultured, as well as a method of culturing an organism using the same.
US07972839B2
The device and method invented provides a unique means to extract and multiply, by the millions, beneficial aerobic microbes found in compost and vermicompost to be applied to soil and plants in liquid form. Compared to many compost tea making devices being sold, the invented device is truly simple and can be dismantled and cleaned in under twenty minutes. Most of the parts are not glued and can be pulled apart. The device and method uses air pumps alone to actually circulate the water and can be used with or without a mesh extractor. This is achieved by the insertion of an air diffuser into the piping used, which infuses the water with oxygen while circulating the water, into either, an extractor containing compost or a body of water containing compost. Concurrently additional diffusers infuse the body of water with oxygen.
US07972832B2
Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH I, a Cel7 enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have improved thermostability and reversibility.
US07972830B2
It was found that a fragment of native Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (TaqWT) lacking 288 N-terminal amino acids (TaqΔ288) possesses an increased thermostability over TaqWT, TaqΔ279, and TaqΔ289. The present invention therefore provides TaqΔ288, recombinant expression vectors encoding the same or derivatives thereof, as well as purification protocols for TaqΔ288. The invention also encompasses kits containing TaqΔ288 as well as the use of TaqΔ288 and kits containing TaqΔ288. In addition, the invention encompasses methods for the sequencing a nucleic acid template and methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid.
US07972815B2
The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase activity; a method for producing the polypeptide; a DNA which encodes the polypeptide; a recombinant vector into which the DNA is inserted; a transformant comprising the recombinant vector; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the polypeptide; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the transformant; an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide; a method for screening a substance which changes the expression of the gene which encodes the polypeptide; and a method for screening a substance which changes the activity of the polypeptide.
US07972814B2
The present invention relates to polypeptides having antimicrobial activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US07972799B2
Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis.
US07972796B2
This invention provides methods of diagnosing or determining a cause of an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy in a subject and of diagnosing a tumor in a subject, comprising the step of testing a biological sample of the subject for an antibody to an NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. This invention further provides methods of treating an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy, comprising the steps of detecting an antibody to an NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor and treating a tumor associated with the disease.
US07972794B2
Methods are provided for the detection and quantitation of proteins generally and apolipoprotein A-I and oxidized derivatives thereof in particular. Further provided are methods for the assessment of the risk cardiovascular disease in a subject, wherein the assessment is based on the amount of oxidized and unoxidized apolipoprotein A-I in a biological sample obtained from a subject.
US07972778B2
A miniaturized assembly is provided whereby a fluid sample can be divided into a plurality of sample portions in retaining wells and the sample fluid can be displaced from open ends of the wells while simultaneously being sealed in the wells. A method of dividing a fluid sample using the assembly is also provided.
US07972773B2
The invention is directed to a method for detecting low concentrations of bacteria in liquid solution that may or may not be complex liquid solutions. In one embodiment, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) is used to separate target bacterium that may be in a liquid mixture from other constituents in the mixture. A low concentration of a bacteriophage for the target bacteria is subsequently used to infect target bacterial cells that have been captured using the IMS technique. If at least a certain concentration of target bacterium are present, the bacteriophage will multiply to a point that is detectable. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS) is then used to produce a mass spectrum that is analyzed to determine if one or more proteins associated with the bacteriophage are present, thereby indirectly indicating that target bacterium were present in the liquid mixture.
US07972772B2
Disclosed are methods for detecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using differentially expressed genes KIF11, GHSR1b, NTSR1, and FOXM1. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds for treating and preventing NSCLC, based on the interaction between KOC1 and KIF11, or NMU and GHSR1b or NTSR1.
US07972760B2
The present invention provides an electrophotographic image receiving sheet including a support, and at least two toner image receiving layers formed over at least one surface of the support, wherein a mixture mass ratio M of a crystalline polymer and an amorphous polymer in each of the toner image receiving layers is defined as [A/(A+B)], where A represents a mass of the crystalline polymer (g), and B represents a mass of the amorphous polymer (g), and a mixture mass ratio M1 of the outermost toner image receiving layer which is located farthest from the support, and a mixture mass ratio M2 of the highest inner toner image receiving layer, which has the highest mixture mass ratio among the inner toner image receiving layers located under the outermost toner image receiving layer, satisfy the relation: M1
US07972759B2
Provided are an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet that comprises a support, a toner image-receiving layer on at least one side of the support, wherein the toner image-receiving layer is formed from a coating liquid for the toner image-receiving layer and the coating liquid for the toner image-receiving layer comprises an aqueous dispersion that comprises a crystalline polymer, and an image forming method that employs the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.
US07972748B2
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and at least one bipolar plate having an anode-side gas distributor structure for distributing anode reactants, a cathode-side gas distributor structure for distributing cathode reactants, and a guide passage structure for distributing a cooling medium. At least one of the anode-side gas distributor structure and the cathode-side gas distributor structure is divided into at least a first field and a second field, each of the first and second fields having an entry port and an exit port for the reactants. In addition, a method for such a fuel cell includes passing a reactant into an entry port of the first field and out of an exit port of the first field, mixing the reactant with a fresh reactant so as to form a mixture, and passing the mixture into the entry port of the second field.
US07972746B2
A fuel cell stack that includes a stack of fuel cells each having a cathode side bipolar plate including parallel cathode gas flow channels. Airflow from a cathode inlet manifold is directed to the flow channels to provide the cathode gas to the fuel cell membrane. The fuel cell stack includes a device positioned within the inlet manifold that selectively blocks a predetermined number of the flow channels for each cell at low load operation to increase the flow rate in the unblocked flow channels, so that the fuel cell stack generates the desired low load output, and the increased flow rate prevents water from accumulating in the unblocked flow channels.
US07972745B2
A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.
US07972738B2
Upon determining the temperature of and pressure in a flow path connecting between a fuel cell and a fuel storage container for supplying fuel to the fuel cell in order to detect a residual capacity of a fuel cell battery, the temperature is determined from those measured in electronic equipment connected to the fuel cell battery. Therefore, there can be provided a residual capacity detection method and a residual capacity detection system for a fuel cell battery, which can give a user accurate information on battery residual capacity even if there is no temperature detection part in a fuel cell system. The present invention can also be understood as a residual capacity detection system for a fuel cell battery.
US07972734B2
A process for producing a polymer electrolyte emulsion having the following steps (1) and (2) is provided. Step (1): a step of dissolving a polymer electrolyte in a solvent comprising a good solvent for the polymer electrolyte to prepare a polymer electrolyte solution having a polymer electrolyte concentration of 0.1 to 10% by weight. Step (2): a step of mixing the polymer electrolyte solution 10 obtained in the step (1), and a poor solvent for the polymer electrolyte at a ratio of 4 to 99 parts by weight of the poor solvent based on 1 part by weight of the polymer electrolyte solution. In addition, a process for producing a polymer 15 electrolyte emulsion comprising separating a polymer electrolyte dispersion in which a polymer electrolyte particle is dispersed in a dispersing medium, with a membrane is provided.
US07972732B2
A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups and a pendant side chain having a protogenic group.
US07972730B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a negative electrode including a current collector and a negative electrode active material having a Li ion insertion potential not lower than 0.4V (vs. Li/Li+). The negative electrode has a porous structure. A pore diameter distribution of the negative electrode as determined by a mercury porosimetry, which includes a first peak having a mode diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm, and a second peak having a mode diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.05 to 0.5 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.0001 to 0.02 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector.
US07972729B2
The invention includes, as a positive electrode material, active material particles comprising a lithium-containing manganese oxide represented by the general formula: Li1+aMn2−x−aMxO4+y where M is a transition metal element other than Mn, 0
US07972722B2
A lead sealant film and a non-aqueous electrolyte battery are provided. The lead sealant film includes a laminated structure composed of an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first acid-modified polypropylene having a high melting-point, and each of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a second acid-modified polypropylene having a low melting-point. A difference between the melting point of the first acid-modified polypropylene and the melting point of the second acid-modified polypropylene is from 20° C. to 25° C.
US07972713B2
A transparent substrate comprises glass and is provided with a thin-film stack including a plurality of functional layers. The thin-film stack comprises at least three silver-based functional layers. The thin-film stack has a resistance R□<1.5 Ω per square. The transparent substrate may undergo at least one transformation operation involving a heat treatment at a temperature of at least 500° C., so as to make it possible to achieve, using the substrate, alternatively or cumulatively, thermal control and/or electromagnetic shielding and/or heating.
US07972712B2
An organic EL device capable of being produced by a wet film forming method in which all processes can be conducted consistently under an inert atmosphere for efficiently forming a predetermined pattern without using any aqueous or acidic material. The device includes an organic layer between an anode and a cathode, the anode and the cathode facing each other, and the organic layer containing at least a light emitting layer. At least one layer composing the organic layer is a cured film having a predetermined pattern and containing a cured dendrimer material having one or more photoreactive functional groups at the ends thereof. The organic electroluminescent device is produced by: forming a dendrimer material layer, as at least one layer composing the organic layer, from a coating liquid containing a dendrimer material having one or more photoreactive functional groups at the ends thereof and an organic solvent; and pattern-exposing the dendrimer material layer.
US07972701B2
A metallic substrate coated at least in part with a multilayer coating composite, comprising at least one of an electrocoat layer, a base coat layer, and a clearcoat layer; and a polyurea formed from a reaction mixture comprising isocyanate and a (meth)acrylated amine reaction product of a monoamine and a poly(meth)acrylate is disclosed. The ratio of equivalents of isocyanate groups to equivalents of amine groups in the polyurea is greater than 1 and the isocyanate functional component and the (meth)acrylated amine functional component can be applied to the substrate at a volume mixing ratio of 1:1. A building comprising a building component coated at least in part with such a polyurea is also disclosed, as is a substrate coated at least in part with such a polyurea, wherein the ratio of equivalents or isocyanate to equivalents of amine groups is greater than 1.3:1.
US07972692B2
A multicomponent fiber that contains a high-melting aliphatic polyester and a low-melting aliphatic polyester is provided. The multicomponent fibers are substantially biodegradable, yet readily processed into nonwoven structures that exhibit effective fibrous mechanical properties.
US07972691B2
Successful dispersion approaches are described for the formation of dispersion of dry powders of inorganic particles. In some embodiments, it is desirable to form the dispersion in two processing steps in which the particles are surface modified in the second processing step. Composites can be formed using the well dispersed particles to form improved inorganic particle-polymer composites. These composites are suitable for optical applications and for forming transparent films, which can have a relatively high index or refraction. In some embodiments, water can be used to alter the surface chemistry of metal oxide particles.
US07972689B2
An optical thin sheet is provided, which comprises a substrate with a light diffusion layer on at least one side of the substrate. The optical thin sheet has an optical property with respect to a haze of no less than 98% and is particularly suitable for use in flat displays.
US07972688B2
A covered low-slope or flat roof comprising (a) a roof deck, (b) an optional insulation board including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density that is less than 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, (c) a coverboard including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, and (d) a membrane.
US07972686B2
A composite material comprising at least one polymeric resin and optionally at least one fibrous reinforcement, where the polymeric resin comprises; at least one difunctional epoxy resin; and at least one epoxy resin with a functionality greater than two having at least one meta-substituted phenyl ring in its backbone.
US07972681B2
A multi-layer laminate having a textured surface comprises a thin, flexible, thermoformable polymeric base layer, and a layer of spaced part segments of an ink material screen printed in a pattern on a surface of the polymeric base material. The ink material comprises a UV curable screen printing ink which contains a resinous binder, a hardener, and a fine particulate filler. The ink is pressed through a screen having an emulsion with a thickness from about 40 to 50 microns. The ink segments are dried on the base layer by UV curing to a height and a hardness sufficient to form a heat stable textured surface adhered to the base layer. In one embodiment, the printed ink layer has a print height from about 25 to about 50 microns and resists deformation from subsequent thermoforming and/or injection molding. The ink segments meet automotive hardness and abrasion specification requirements.
US07972680B2
To realize a resin composition which enables formation of a film having excellent film formability and bending resistance and having a small retardation. A resin composition of the present invention comprises: an acrylic resin as a main component; and organic fine particles whose average particle diameter ranges from 0.01 μm to 1 μm, wherein a glass transition temperature of the acrylic resin ranges from 110° C. to 200° C., and each of the organic fine particles has a structural unit of a vinyl cyanide monomer and a structural unit of an aromatic vinyl monomer.
US07972679B1
A ballistic-resistant molded article having a sandwich-type structure including two outer portions of a first high modulus material surrounding an inner portion of a second high modulus material. The outer portions are comprised of a plurality of interleaved layers of adhesive coated cross-plied non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The inner portion is comprised of a plurality of interleaved layers of high modulus cross-plied fibers embedded in resin. The stack of interleaved layers is compressed at high temperature and pressure to form a hybrid sandwich ballistic-resistant molded article that includes a mix of high modulus materials. It has been found that ballistic resistance is higher for the hybrid structure than for a monolithic structure of comparable areal density.
US07972678B2
A molded thermoplastic product is disclosed. The product has an outer surface with a matte finish. The matte finish is produced by the combination of an etched mold in which the product is molded to physically affect the outer surface and a colorant compounded in the thermoplastic to chemically affect the outer surface. The colorant provides a diffused translucency. The etching adds tactile texture. The product is made by blow-molding techniques. Containers such as shampoo bottles can benefit from such visual and tactile sensations for the purpose of creating a trade dress for a consumer product.
US07972673B2
An optical recording medium is provided. The optical recording medium includes at least a reflective film and a cover layer on a substrate; main data by a combination of pit and land are recorded on the substrate; a write-once recording is made to be possible on the reflective film by irradiating a laser light; sub-data are recorded by a mark that is formed by the irradiation of laser light for the write-once recording with respect to the reflective film; a reproducing signal level at portion where said mark is formed increases for the land of specified length; the mark by which the reproduced level decreases at the portion where the mark is formed is formed for an optical disc recording medium manufactured by physical copy; the reflective film is composed of an Ag-alloy film of Ag100-xXx(0
US07972642B2
The present invention provides a method for producing frozen dough which can be directly transferred from freezer to oven without a proofing or thawing step. The process comprises mixing the dough ingredients, forming gas nucleation sites, exercising the dough by subjecting to cycles of pressure differentials and freezing the dough. The frozen product can be transferred directly from the freezer to an oven for baking.
US07972639B2
Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device (100) into a container (150). A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the dispensing.
US07972630B2
An injectable bone mineral substitute material composition comprises an inorganic bone cement powder and a biologically compatible oil. The oil is an intermixture with the cement powder at a concentration of less than 10 wt % of the total weight of the composition in order to improve the rheology of the same. In a method of intermixing a powder of an implant material and a biologically compatible oil to a composition the oil is mixed with the powder of implant material at an elevated temperature.
US07972628B2
The invention provides porous biomaterials and methods for forming porous biomaterials. The porous biomaterials of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer scaffold defining an array of pores, wherein substantially all the pores have a similar diameter, wherein the mean diameter of the pores is between about 20 and about 90 micrometers, wherein substantially all the pores are each connected to at least 4 other pores, and wherein the diameter of substantially all the connections between the pores is between about 15% and about 40% of the mean diameter of the pores. The invention also provides implantable devices comprising a layer of a biomaterial, and methods for promoting angiogenesis in and around an implantable biomaterial.
US07972625B2
The invention relates to coated tablets comprising the pharmaceutically active substance diclofenac. Said tablets further comprise a single film coating.
US07972623B2
The invention relates to a method for producing effervescent granules, in which the reaction partners edible, organic acid components and alkaline effervescent components separating carbon dioxide are reacted with each other in a vacuum under the effect of gas in a container that can be evacuated. The container is evacuated to a first vacuum value within a vacuum range of 200-900 mbar, whereupon the pressure inside the container is increased to a second vacuum value as a result of the gases produced during the reaction. The steps are cyclically repeated while the reaction continues. A maximum number of cycles, a maximum reaction time, and optionally, a maximum load for the stirring apparatus are defined before the reaction begins, and the reaction is terminated after reaching the first of the maximums. In an alternative embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for improving the shelf life of effervescent granules by a treatment with carbon dioxide during and/or following the production of the effervescent granules, and effervescent particles treated in this manner.
US07972621B2
The invention disclosed herein relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carrier and an active ingredient, wherein the carrier is at least one fish gelatin predetermined on the basis of the molecular weight profile of the gelatin. In some embodiments, particularly when the concentration of carrier comprises a relatively lower percentage of the total composition, the carrier may be exclusively a high molecular weight fish gelatin, or may be comprised of a mixture with standard molecular weight gelatin in which high molecular weight gelatin comprises a predominant portion. In those embodiments where the concentration of carrier comprises a relatively larger percentage of the total composition, the carrier may be an exclusively standard molecular weight fish gelatin, or may be comprised of a mixture in which standard molecular weight gelatin comprises a predominant portion. Thus, compositions may be designed to optimize performance for various required gelatin concentration formulations.
US07972620B2
The present invention is directed to seamless capsules and methods for making seamless capsules having a high oil content. More specifically, the present invention is directed to seamless capsules, and methods for making seamless capsules, made from a process involving the steps of: (a) preparing an emulsion comprising oil, water, an emulsifier, and at least one of a water-soluble monovalent metal salt, polyvalent metal salt, and an acid, wherein said oil is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said emulsion; with the proviso that said emulsion does not contain marmelo mucilage; and (b) adding portions of said emulsion to an aqueous gelling bath comprised of at least one ionic polysaccharide, thereby encapsulating said portions of said emulsion in a polysaccharide gel membrane, and optionally (c) drying the resulting capsules by removing water. The capsule is, for example, an alignate gel. The capsules of the invention are suitable for a variety of applications, e.g. pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, veterinary, agricultural, cosmetic, or food applications.
US07972618B2
An edible water-soluble film is provided. The film includes at least one water-soluble polymer, and a foam reducing flavoring agent, wherein the film is free of added anti-foaming or defoaming agents.
US07972617B1
One embodiment of an anti-thrombogenic device includes a substrate, an attachment compound including a first end directly, mechanically secured to the substrate a second end positioned opposite the substrate, and an anti-thrombogenic species bonded to the second end of the attachment compound.
US07972614B2
The present disclosure provides a dual-action pest control formulation for controlling rodents and arthropods, the formulation including: a rodenticide; an insecticide; an optional attractant; and a carrier matrix. The present disclosure also provides a method of controlling rodents and arthropods, the method including: applying the dual action pest formulation to a target area.
US07972610B2
The present invention relates to compounds that modulate the shikimate pathway and/or a pathway branching from the shikimate pathway in members of the Amoebida Order. In particular these compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases caused or contributed to by members of the Amoebida Order.
US07972585B2
In operating the carbon monoxide removal reactor or the fuel reforming system, there is provided a technique for removing carbon monoxide in a stable manner for an extended period of time. In a method of removing carbon monoxide including an introducing step of introducing a reactant gas including mixture gas and an oxidizer added thereto to a carbon monoxide removal reactor forming in its casing a catalyst layer comprising a carbon monoxide removal catalyst for removing carbon monoxide contained in the mixture gas and a removing step of removing the carbon monoxide by causing the oxidizer to react with the mixture gas on the carbon monoxide removal catalyst, in said introducing step, the reactant gas of 100° C. or lower is introduced to the carbon monoxide removal reactor.
US07972579B2
The invention relates to a device for the automatic opening and closing of reaction vessels. It comprises a holding device for the non-rotatable holding of one or more reaction vessels, a gripper for the gripping of a lid for the reaction vessel, wherein the gripper has gripping jaws to take hold of the lid, and a holding arm with a rotating mechanism for rotatable holding of the gripper. The gripping jaws are arranged in such a way that, when the lid is inserted into the area between the gripping jaws, it is held by the latter through frictional contact, and the gripper has no active operating device for opening and closing the gripping jaws.
US07972563B2
A system for alkylating hydrocarbons which includes an improved method of safely handling alkylation catalyst is disclosed. The process includes passing the alkylation catalyst from a settler vessel to a catalyst receiving vessel, via a catalyst cooler, for containment therein in the presence of a condensible gas. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the pressure in the catalyst receiving vessel by controlling the rate of removal of vapors.
US07972560B2
An apparatus capable of dispensing drops of material with volumes on the order of zeptoliters is described. In some embodiments of the inventive pipette the size of the droplets so dispensed is determined by the size of a hole, or channel, through a carbon shell encapsulating a reservoir that contains material to be dispensed. The channel may be formed by irradiation with an electron beam or other high-energy beam capable of focusing to a spot size less than about 5 nanometers. In some embodiments, the dispensed droplet remains attached to the pipette by a small thread of material, an atomic scale meniscus, forming a virtually free-standing droplet. In some embodiments the droplet may wet the pipette tip and take on attributes of supported drops. Methods for fabricating and using the pipette are also described.
US07972559B2
A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.
US07972552B1
A method for locating and eliminating defects on a substrate wafer includes illuminating a top surface of the substrate wafer with a first illumination source, illuminating a bottom surface of the substrate wafer with a second illumination source, forming an image of a portion of the top surface of the substrate wafer while the substrate wafer is illuminated by the first and second illumination sources, adjusting a contrast of the image to accentuate defects on the top surface of the substrate wafer, locating defects in the image, and ablating the defects on the top surface with a laser.
US07972530B2
Disclosed herein are deicing and anti-icing compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said deicing or anti-icing composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
US07972527B2
A ternary single crystal relaxor piezoelectric grown from a novel melt using the Vertical Bridgeman method. The ternary single crystals are characterized by a Curie temperature, Tc, of at least 150° C. and a rhombohedral to tetragonal phase transition temperature, Trt, of at least about 110° C. The ternary crystals further exhibit a piezoelectric coefficient, d33, in the range of at least about 1200-2000 pC/N.
US07972522B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a slotted guide, in which: a) a layer of a material having a refractive index less than that of silicon, for example Material having a refractive index less than that of silicon (26), is formed on an etching barrier layer (22), b) two parallel trenches are etched into said material having a refractive index less than that of silicon, with the etching barrier on said etching barrier layer, these two trenches being separated by a wall of said material having a refractive index less than that of silicon (36), c) the trenches thus made are filled with silicon (42, 44).
US07972518B2
A method for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids uses an apparatus comprising a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing tank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and then move downward along the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal. Clean water is collected from the upper region of the settling tank, preferably via a spillway along the perimeter of the settling tank.
US07972517B1
A method for treating a portion of liquid waste manure comprising adding a first reagent to the portion in a first vessel to cause the formation of waste manure flocs of a first size; adding a second reagent to liquid portion to cause growth of the waste manure flocs of the first size into separable waste manure flocs; adding optionally a third reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste manure flocs to cause further growth of the separable waste manure flocs; separating the liquid volume containing separable waste manure flocs into a waste manure sludge and a first filtrate; and dewatering the waste manure sludge in a filtration system comprising a first filter including a first housing, a first displaceable filter medium, and a first displacement actuator disposed between the first housing and the first displaceable filter medium.
US07972507B2
An apparatus for advanced wastewater treatment using up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank provides the effluent recycle of channel type aeration reactor (internal cycle). For this, the anaerobic reactor of channel type is under the aerobic reactor of channel type in the single reaction tank. And the flow of the wastewater in the single reaction tank is based on the water level difference between inlet and outlet, and the air lift effect of the air diffusers. The partitions of channel type anaerobic reactor and the partitions of channel type aerobic reactor are cross each other. Consequently, the energy cost is cut down because the wastewater flow does not need much pumping energy. And the site need is reduced because of up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank.
US07972506B2
A chromatography column (100) is disclosed comprising a housing (10) comprising a tubular side wall (1); opposed, axially spaced end units (2,3) which together with the side wall define an enclosed bed space to contain a bed of particulate medium, at least one of the end units being slidable in axial direction; an axial drive element (5) connected to the slidable end unit, said drive element extending internally in the column bed space; a drive (4) positioned on or beyond the opposite end unit and connected to the drive element.
US07972505B2
Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.
US07972503B2
A support plate is used in a cog rake bar screen of a wastewater treatment facility and the cog rake bar screen includes an adjustable pin rack system coupled to a frame. The support plate includes a plate having a centerline extending between opposite side walls of the plate. The plate includes a fastener hole for receiving a fastener to couple the plate to the pin rack system and the frame. A set screw is connected to the plate for adjusting position of the plate relative to the frame and thereby adjusting position of the pin rack system.
US07972499B2
The instant invention is directed to a process employing slurry catalyst compositions in the upgrading of heavy oils. The slurry catalyst composition is not permitted to settle, which would result in possible deactivation. The slurry is recycled to an upgrading reactor for repeated use and products require no further separation procedures for catalyst removal.
US07972495B1
A system for monitoring a pH level of a sample medium is disclosed herein as including a pH probe having a pH-sensitive electrode, a reference electrode and a temperature electrode arranged within a housing of the pH probe. The probe housing generally includes a flexible inner tube and a flexible outer tube, the inner tube being concentrically arranged within the outer tube. Preferably, a size of the probe housing minimizes the amount of trauma introduced by insertion of the pH probe into physiological tissues, muscles or fluids. The system also includes a processing means, which is coupled to the pH probe for determining the pH of the sample medium. A method of forming a pH-sensitive electrode, a method of manufacturing a pH probe, and a method for using a pH probe are also disclosed herein.
US07972494B2
A method of sensing a property of each of a plurality of samples is disclosed. The method includes disposing a sensor chip in each sample, the sensor chip being adapted to sense the property of a respective sample and comprising sensing electronics, a wireless communication device and an identifier. Each sensor chip is then registered and sensed data is received from each of the registered sensor chips concurrently via the respective wireless communication device.
US07972491B2
A simple and low cost method for imparting excellent hydrogen resistance to various types of articles such as a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet. A method for imparting hydrogen resistance to an article of the present invention is characterized by forming a metal coating film by pulse plating on the surface of the article.
US07972475B2
The present invention provides a paper product having at least one ply, wherein only one outer surface of said tissue paper has a polyhydroxy compound and a lotion applied thereto.
US07972473B2
A method for recycling thin-film solar cell modules which are which are composed of a substrate layer with a superimposed structure of functional layers, a plastic layer that encapsulates the functional layers, and a cover layer. The substrate layer is transparent to a working laser beam, and the first functional layer, an electrode layer, is able to absorb this working laser beam. The free surface of the substrate layer is scanned with the working laser beam so that the first electrode layer, due to having absorbed the working laser beam, is at least partially vaporized and the superimposed structure of the functional layers is thus detached from the substrate layer. The substrate layer, separately from the functional layers that are attached to the plastic layer and the cover layer, is subsequently available for separate further processing.
US07972471B2
A dual zone plasma processing chamber is provided. The plasma processing chamber includes a first substrate support having a first support surface adapted to support a first substrate within the processing chamber and a second substrate support having a second support surface adapted to support a second substrate within the processing chamber. One or more gas sources in fluid communication with one or more gas distribution members supply process gas to a first zone adjacent to the first substrate support and a second zone adjacent to the second substrate support. A radio-frequency (RF) antenna adapted to inductively couple RF energy into the interior of the processing chamber and energize the process gas into a plasma state in the first and second zones. The antenna is located between the first substrate support and the second substrate support.
US07972468B2
A semiconductor device fabricating system 1 includes a casing 10, processing units 12, 13 and 14, for carrying out semiconductor device fabricating processes, disposed inside the casing, and platforms 15, 16 and 17 set outside the casing. The platforms are foldable. Spaces required by the platforms can be reduced and the footprint of the semiconductor device fabricating system can be reduced by folding the platforms.
US07972467B2
An apparatus configured to confine a plasma within a processing region in a plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a ring that has a baffle having a plurality of slots and a plurality of fingers. Each slot is configured to have a width less than the thickness of a plasma sheath contained in the processing region.
US07972462B2
This invention provides a method for manufacturing a combination-type optical film comprising a plurality of optical films each having at least one end face at which the optical films are opposed to one another, comprising the steps of: (1) opposing the end faces of the optical films to one another with a gap provided therebetween; (2) entirely holding the opposed portions of the optical films with a holding member placed on at least one side; (3) connecting an organic solvent- or adhesive-containing vessel to one side of the gap between the opposed portions of the optical films to charge the organic solvent or the adhesive into the gap with the aid of a negative pressure state; and (4) removing the organic solvent or the adhesive under reduced pressure to bond the opposed end faces to one another.
US07972451B2
The present invention is: a pearlitic steel rail excellent in wear resistance and ductility, characterized in that, in a steel rail having pearlite structure containing, in mass, 0.65 to 1.40% C, the number of the pearlite blocks having grain sizes in the range from 1 to 15 μm is 200 or more per 0.2 mm2 of an observation field at least in a part of the region down to a depth of 10 mm from the surface of the corners and top of the head portion; and a method for producing a pearlitic steel rail excellent in wear resistance and ductility, characterized by, in the hot rolling of said steel rail, applying finish rolling so that the temperature of the rail surface may be in the range from 850° C. to 1,000° C. and the sectional area reduction ratio at the final pass may be 6% or more, and then applying accelerated cooling to the head portion of said rail at a cooling rate in the range from 1 to 30° C./sec. from the austenite temperature range to at least 550° C.
US07972449B2
A metal composite for use in electrochemical devices is disclosed. The metal composite comprises a stainless steel interior component and a deposited nitrided metal exterior layer, wherein the nitrided exterior layer has lower electric contact resistance and greater corrosion resistance than the stainless steel interior component. A bipolar plate made of such metal composite and methods of producing the metal composite and bipolar plate are also disclosed.
US07972445B2
The present invention consists of an improved vertical continuous vacuum pan apparatus consisting of eight chambers (2) (instead of four or five) and a storage or buffer tank (27) at the top, within the existing conventional height, characterized in that each chamber has a bottom mounted mechanical circulator housed in an insulated pocket (28) in the vapour space segment (29) of each chamber and not in additional space above the chamber.
US07972443B2
Apparatus for metering and vaporizing a particulate material, includes: a metering device having: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; a housing having an internal volume and having first and second openings; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove; a rotating agitator with a plurality of tines disposed in the reservoir and cooperating with the rotating shaft for fluidizing particulate material and transporting it from the reservoir into the groove; cooperating such that particulate material is transported by the groove; a scraper cooperates with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein, and deliver metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; the rotatable shaft and the scraper cooperates to fluidize the particulate material at the second opening; and a flash evaporator that flash vaporizes the received particulate material.
US07972440B2
A system (10) for monitoring and controlling a fabrication process includes at least a first subsystem (12), a crystallographic analysis subsystem (14), and a second subsystem (16), wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem perform respective fabrication steps on a workpiece. The crystallographic analysis subsystem may be coupled to both the first subsystem and second subsystem. The analysis subsystem acquires crystallographic information from the workpiece after the workpiece undergoes a fabrication step by the first subsystem and then provides information, based on the crystallographic information acquired, for modifying parameters associated with the respective fabrication steps. The system may also include neural networks (24, 28) to adaptively modify, based on historical process data (32), parameters provided to the respective fabrication steps. The analysis subsystem may include a electromagnetic source (61), a detector (66), a processor (67), a controller (68) and a scanning actuator (65).
US07972439B2
In a method of growing single crystals from melt, the starting material is fused and a single crystal is pulled by crystallization of the melt on a seed crystal with controlled removal of the crystallization heat. Independent heating sources constituting thermal zones are used and constitute two equal-sized coaxial thermal zones which make up a united thermal area for the melt and the single crystal being grown and are separated by the melt starting material being carried out by heating the upper thermal zone with a heater 30-50% of power required for obtaining the melt, until in the upper thermal zone maximum temperature is reached The remaining power is supplied to the lower thermal zone to a lower heater with maintaining constant temperature of the upper thermal zone till complete melting of the charge. Single crystal enlargement and growing is conducted with controlled lowering of temperature in the upper thermal zone.
US07972427B2
An aqueous formulation comprises a sulfonated water-soluble IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye having a central metal atom moiety. A pH of the formulation is in the range of 4 to 6.5, which minimizes visibility of the formulation.
US07972421B2
A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.
US07972416B2
A method and apparatus for humidifying air in which the first side of a permselective water transport membrane is contacted with water vapor laden flue gas from a combustion process having a first water vapor partial pressure and a first temperature and at least a portion of the water vapor is condensed, producing condensed water. The condensed water is transported through the membrane to the opposite side of the membrane, which is contacted with an air stream having a second water vapor partial pressure, which second water vapor partial pressure is less than the first water vapor partial pressure, and having a second temperature, which second temperature is less than the first temperature. Upon contact with the air stream, the condensed water evaporates into the air stream, resulting in a humidified air stream.
US07972411B2
Proposed is a method for separating dross in a soldering process for a printed circuit board using a tin bath containing liquid tin. The method includes collecting dross produced during the soldering process; grinding the dross to tin ash in the tin bath for allowing a portion of tin contained in the tin ash to be melted again to join the liquid tin; and scooping up and recycling the tin ash not melted in the tin liquid. The method precludes a waste of tin resources and high manufacturing costs which might otherwise arise from directly scooping up dross of high tin content.
US07972409B2
Disclosed is a cemented carbide comprising 5 to 10 mass % of cobalt and/or nickel, and 0 to 10 mass % of at least one selected from a carbide (except for tungsten carbide), a nitride and a carbonitride of at least one selected from the group consisting of metals of groups 4, 5 and 6 of the Periodic Table, the balanced amount of tungsten carbide, a hard phase comprising mainly tungsten carbide particles, and containing β particles of at least one selected from the carbide, the nitride and the carbonitride, and the hard phase being bonded through a binder phase comprising mainly cobalt and/or nickel, wherein a mean particle size of the tungsten carbide particles is 1 μm or less, and the cemented carbide having a sea-island structure in which plural binder-phase-aggregated portions composed mainly of cobalt and/or nickel are scattered in the proportion of 10 to 70 area % based on the total area on the surface of the cemented carbide. The cemented carbide is excellent in wear resistance and fracture resistance.
US07972407B2
A honeycomb structure includes an inorganic particle, inorganic binder, a honeycomb unit, a first end face, and a second end face. The honeycomb unit includes plural partition walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit to define through-holes. The first end face is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and provided at a first end of the honeycomb structure. The second end face is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and provided at a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure. First circularity of the first end face and second circularity of the second end face are about 1.5 mm to about 4.0 mm. The circularity of the first end face is different from the circularity of the second end face.
US07972405B2
An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.
US07972404B2
Air cleaner assemblies and components therefore are described and shown. Also methods of assembly and use are described and shown. Example air cleaner assemblies shown. Projection/receiver arrangements are described, for securing a filter cartridge in place within the housing. Also housing seal arrangements for the filter arrangements being sealed to the housing, and specific housing features and cartridge features are shown.
US07972399B2
A fabric filter (1) has at least a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (4). A hopper (42) is adapted for fluidisation of dust collected in the compartments (2, 4) to form a bed (52) of fluidised dust. A partition wall (62) is located between the compartments (2, 4) to separate them from each other. A passage (68) is formed at a lower end (66) of the partition wall (62) such that fluidised dust may pass through said passage (68). The partition wall (62) is arranged to extend into the bed (52) of fluidised dust for forming a seal (74) even when one of the compartments (2, 4) has been shut off. When shutting off a compartment (4) the inlets and outlets to that compartment (4) are closed and the dust in the hopper (42) is fluidised to provide a seal (74) between the compartments (2, 4).
US07972394B2
A method of operating a methanation reactor to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in a reformate stream in a fuel cell reformer. The reactor includes a flowpath with a noble metal catalyst supported by a ceramic support such that the reactor preferentially converts carbon monoxide via methanation over that of carbon dioxide. The reduced level of carbon monoxide present in the reformate stream after passing through the methanation reactor reduces the likelihood of poisoning of the catalyst used on the fuel cell anode.
US07972392B2
The invention relates to a fuel preparation for use in diesel engines consisting of plant oil mono-alcohol esters and up to 20 weight percent linear and branched paraffins and olefins of chain length C5-C11 and alcohols of chain length C2-C8, whereby the paraffins, olefins and alcohols are obtained by means of gasification of biomass and subsequent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not involving any processing of the Fischer-Tropsch fraction by means of hydrogenating procedures and the preparation has a flash point >55° C. and a density >820 kg/m3.
US07972376B1
A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
US07972360B2
A method, system and apparatus for augmenting the surgical repair of soft tissue injuries, in which a first end of a bridge member attaches to a first portion of healthy tissue, and a second end of the bridge member attaches to a second portion of healthy tissue. The bridge member (or bridge members) used to augment the soft tissue repair may be interconnected or function independently. Flexibility and elasticity of the bridge member are determined by the situation and may be altered to improve healing. The device may be used in arthroscopic procedures, and may be manufactured in a variety of lengths, or may be manufactured one length and be cut to the desired length, or otherwise altered to provide an optimal length of the bridge member.
US07972357B2
An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.
US07972347B2
A device and technique for a sutureless wound closure, which limits the risks of rupture and scarring, is described. The device includes a one-piece surgical fastener generally shaped in a curve along the width of the surgical fastener. The fastener includes a tissue insertion tongue with a plurality of tissue attachment points for fixing the fastener to skin tissue. The fastener also includes a clasp for engaging an identical surgical fastener. The surgical fastener can also be a two-piece structure including a male connecting strap and a female connector. Both pieces include a tissue-connecting mechanism for fixing to skin tissue. The female connector includes an engagement clasp for securing the male connecting strap to the female connector.
US07972346B2
Apparatus and methods are provided comprising an implantable non-hydraulic ring that encircles and provides a controllable degree of constriction to an organ or duct and an external control that powers and controls operation of the ring. The ring includes a rigid dorsal periphery that maintains a constant exterior diameter, and a compliant constriction system that reduces intolerance phenomena. A high precision, energy efficient mechanical actuator is employed that is telemetrically powered and controlled, and maintains the ring at a selected diameter when the device is unpowered, even for extended periods. The actuator provides a reversible degree of constriction of the organ or duct, which is readily ascertainable without the need for radiographic imaging. Methods of use and implantation also are provided.
US07972343B2
A medical retrieval device for retrieving foreign objects from a patient and the method of constructing the device are disclosed. The device incorporates a wire cable composed of a precursor alloy to a superelastic material to improve durability of the device. Because precursor alloys exhibit a linear stress-strain relationship and a yield point associated with a relatively high stress level, the device transfers greater stresses before experiencing deformation. Thus, greater crushing forces can be achieved using a device of this type. These crushing forces may be needed when the foreign object is too large to remove intact. This property also facilitates the device in dilating ducts to retrieve foreign objects. Using the precursor alloy additionally eliminates the need for heat treatment of the cables used in constructing the device. A retrieval device made of precursor alloy cable also is less susceptible to permanent deformation and unwinding during use.
US07972332B2
A system and method for controlling electrosurgical snares are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical instrument having an elongate tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends, the sheath having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a shaft having proximal and distal ends. The shaft extends through and is axially movable relative to the sheath. A snare loop is provided at the distal end of the shaft and is configured for encircling tissue. Movement of the shaft relative to the tubular sheath changes the diameter of the exposed snare loop. A feedback sensor operatively connected to the elongated tubular sheath which determines at least one condition of the snare loop, and an electrosurgical generator provides electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical snare instrument. The generator is configured to receive feedback measurements from the electrosurgical snare instrument and to adjust electrosurgical energy as a function of the measurements.
US07972316B2
A disposable diaper (1) has a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions and contains an absorbent body including a topsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent core (4) is composed of a central absorbent member (41) and a pair of side absorbent members (42) disposed on both sides of the central absorbent member (41). The central absorbent member (41) is discrete from the side absorbent members (42) in at least the crotch portion (C). Each side absorbent member has a raising elastic member which is provided near its outboard edge along the longitudinal direction, so that the side absorbent member (42) rises while worm. The diaper is configured to exert a higher wearing pressure in its regions (91) that are to be applied to a wearer's body part between the iliac crests and the anterior superior iliac spines than in its waist opening portion while worn.
US07972313B2
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.
US07972310B2
A securement device for indwelling catheters or introducers has a pad with an adhesive backing for securement to the skin of a patient. A base is mounted on the pad having one or more spaced holes therethrough with an elongated strand extending through said hole or holes. The strand may be wrapped around or passed through a connector mounted on the base and the free end(s) thereof may be tied to the strand or to another strand arising from the base.
US07972301B2
A braking mechanism for a retractable safety syringe is disclosed herein. In a first embodiment, the braking mechanism is disposed about the distal end of a piston. The braking mechanism may comprise a friction material about a post attached to a piston. The friction material is displaced from a seat to a landing when the piston is traversed to a fully extended position to disengage the braking mechanism. In a second embodiment, the braking mechanism is disposed at a proximal end of a syringe body. The braking mechanism has a friction member which engages an outer surface of a rigid shaft of a plunger. The friction member is selectively pivotable to disengage the braking mechanism.
US07972300B2
A retractable needle safety syringe is provided having a braking mechanism. The braking mechanism may be disposed at a proximal portion of a syringe body of the syringe. The braking mechanism may comprise a brake member which is traversable between a braking position and a released position. At the braking position, fingers of the brake member frictionally engage an outer surface of the shaft of a plunger of the syringe. The frictional engagement counterbalances a retraction force that urges a piston of the syringe toward a retracted position. When the brake members are traversed to the released position, the fingers do not press against the outer surface of the shaft. As such, the retraction force may traverse the piston toward the retracted position and traverse a needle and needle holder into the body of the syringe.
US07972291B2
A peristaltic roller pump includes a rotor carrying a pumping roller on one end and an occluding roller on the other end. Occluding roller has a number of protrusions designed to occlude the tubing section that is located under that roller as it moves over it in order to prevent any back flow through that section of the tube. Occluding roller is designed to not cause any pumping of fluid through the section of the tubing under that roller. Such design is useful in a single-needle dialysis system in which during a first phase of pumping blood is moved in one direction from the patient towards the dialysis unit and during the second phase of operation blood is returned to the patient in the opposite direction.
US07972284B2
A method of preventing nerve damage positional injury during surgery includes providing a nerve damage positional injury pressure monitoring system including a site sensor with a transducer in the form of a transducer element and a ring extending outward from the transducer element, and a monitor connected to the site sensor; adhering the ring of the site sensor to the patient so that the transducer element forms a protective barrier in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery; using the system to continuously monitor pressure on the protective barrier formed by the transducer element in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery with the site sensor and monitor; and causing an alarm to be actuated to alert medical personnel of a pressure condition when monitored pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US07972276B1
An exemplary method includes acquiring intrathoracic impedance values over one or more respiratory cycles, acquiring myocardial evoked response values and assessing cardiac condition based at least in part on the intrathoracic impedance values and the evoked response values. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US07972274B2
A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status.
US07972273B2
A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position.
US07972272B2
The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probe uses electrostatic discharge for actuating a metalized cantilever which holds the end portion of imaging assembly which emits energy in the imaging probe device by holding the cantilever at a potential such that it is neither grounded or charged such that the only electrical path to ground is through a dissipative polymer forming part of the device which is enveloped by a wire or coil held at ground potential. A high voltage electrode attracts the metalized cantilever and the dissipative polymer is used to connect to the cantilever to ground causing the cantilever to move about thereby scanning the region in front of the probe.
US07972263B2
A penis rigidity stabilizer and method therefore capable of being placed about the shaft of a penis while allowing the glans of the penis to remain exposed and capable of achieving and maintaining a rigid state and capable of maintaining its position about the shaft of the penis and being inherently rigid during sexual activity.
US07972260B2
A method and device for applying a radioactive source to a tissue site is disclosed. The device facilitates the precise placement of, for example, 125Iodine seeds relative to the surgical margin, assures the seeds remain fixed in their precise position for the duration of the treatment, overcomes the technical difficulties of manipulating the seeds through the narrow surgical incision, and reduces the radiation dose to the clinicians. The device incorporates the radioactive seeds into a fastening means, preferably surgical staples, used in the surgical procedure. In this way, the seeds are concurrently secured in position directly adjacent to the surgical resection and remain immobile.
US07972252B1
An ergonomic tool lifting machine and method particularly useful for manipulating a machine tool or another heavy object. In one embodiment of the invention, the machine tool is a large milling cutter. The ergonomic tool lifting machine generally includes an articulating arm attached at a fixed end to a vertical lift mechanism, and at a free end to a grasping device or tool holder adapted for gripping and retaining an object of interest. When the object is a milling cutter, the ergonomic tool lifting machine may be used to transfer the cutter between a stored position and an installed position in a milling machine. Consequently, the tool holder of this embodiment is preferably able to rotate between a pick-up/drop-off position and an installation/removal position associated with the cutter. In general, the ergonomic tool lift machine allows heavy loads to be accurately moved with very little effort required on the part of an operator.
US07972250B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-purpose exercise training tool and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose exercise training tool includes a planar bottom face and a contoured top face and is approximately elliptical-shaped or circular-shaped. The multi-purpose exercise training tool may include one or more sets of grip portions allowing a user to grip the multi-purpose exercise training tool at different arm width distances allowing the user to target different muscle groups during use. The training tool is made of a hard, durable material and can be manufactured in a variety of weights.
US07972229B2
A novel baseball or softball bat is disclosed. The bat has a handle of a heavy, strong wood such as hickory, to resist breakage, and a barrel of a lighter wood such as sapele, to facilitate a controlled and comfortable swing. Methods for making the bat are also disclosed. It may be formed of a plurality of wedge-shaped pieces of wood, and the two species of wood may be joined by interleaving these wedges over part of the bat's length.
US07972216B2
A digital camera accessory is provided for use with a game system having a processing system to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a user to generate video game control signals. The digital camera accessory includes an image sensor for capturing video images, communication circuitry configured to transmit the captured video images, and a connector that, in use, electrically connects the digital camera accessory to the game system.
US07972214B2
The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for downloading gaming software. According to some implementations of the invention, gaming software is continuously transmitted on a plurality of channels, e.g., by one or more servers. In some such implementations, each channel is dedicated to software for a different wagering game. In other implementations, gaming software components are transmitted on a plurality of channels, with each channel dedicated to a particular gaming software component. Some implementations provide gaming software in response to a request from a gaming machine. Implementations over dedicated and/or public networks are provided. Preferred implementations of the invention allow gaming software to be downloaded to gaming machines in a secure manner that automatically ensures that licensing and regulatory requirements are satisfied. Some such implementations determine whether payment is required for gaming software and provide for automated payment, if so required.
US07972198B2
There is provided a groove machining method by means of water jet which machines grooves by means of a water jet device including injection nozzles for injecting a water jet on a face to be machined of a member to be machined, including a step of disposing protection members which are more resistive against an injection power of the water jet than the member to be machined so as to cover a portion which is a part of the face to be machined, and on which grooves are not to be formed in order to form ends of the machined grooves in a travel direction of the injection nozzles inside an outline of the face to be machined, and a step of moving the nozzles across the protection members and the face to be machined while injecting the water jet at a predetermined injection power from the injection nozzles.
US07972192B2
A curing device comprises a reaction chamber, a workbench provided at a bottom of the reaction chamber, an ultraviolet lamp provided at the top of the reaction chamber for irradiating the workbench, and a light shielding plate provided under the ultraviolet lamp for shielding the second area of the workbench from the light of the ultraviolet lamp. The workbench comprises a first area and a second area surrounded by the first area, the first area corresponds to a non-display area of a display panel to be produced, and the second area corresponds to the display area of the display panel to be produced. The workbench comprises a heating device.
US07972190B2
A method for producing an organic electroluminescent device includes forming a first electrode configured to partially cover a substrate, forming an organic light-emitting layer configured to cover the first electrode, forming an optically transparent second electrode that lies on a side of the organic light-emitting layer opposite the side adjacent to the first electrode and is superposed on a current-carrying portion of the first electrode in plan, forming a third electrode in at least part of a region that is not superposed on the current-carrying portion in plan, the third electrode being electrically connected to part of the second electrode, forming an optically transparent protective layer configured to cover at least a region of the second electrode where the second electrode is not superposed on the third electrode in plan, and removing part of the organic light-emitting layer with the third electrode and the protective layer serving as a mask.
US07972189B2
A tilt and trim device for an outboard motor includes a tilt cylinder and a trim cylinder arranged to raise and lower the outboard motor, a reserve tank, an oil route arranged to allow the tilt cylinder to communicate with the reserve tank, and a branch oil route branched from the oil route and arranged to communicate with the trim cylinder. At least one hydraulic pressure adjustment mechanism is arranged to adjust the hydraulic pressure applied to the trim cylinder via the branch oil route to be equal to or lower than a pressure resistance of the trim cylinder when the outboard motor is forcibly lowered by an external force from a tilt range in which the outboard motor is raised or lowered only by the tilt cylinder. The tilt and trim device is operative to prevent deformation of and damage to a trim cylinder by suppressing the hydraulic pressure applied to the trim cylinder to be not greater than a specified pressure value even when the outboard motor is rapidly lowered from a tilt range, and a high hydraulic pressure from the tilt cylinder is returned in the direction of the trim cylinder.
US07972183B1
A connector plug terminates a communication cable having a plurality of twisted pair conductors therein. The plug includes a conductor organizing sled, which includes structural features to minimize variations in conductor organization, as the conductors pass along the sled. By minimizing the variations as the conductors pass along the sled, technicians may assemble plugs having a relatively consistent level of crosstalk. The structural features of the organizing sled may include combinations of a ramp surface for a center pair, neck-down portions to cause consistent placement of stacked pairs, and crossing of stacked pairs to prevent a lower stacked pair from rising above a floor surface of the sled.
US07972178B2
A pinned interposer and mating sockets to facilitate removable mounting of high connection density micro devices between a pair of substrates in compact electronic circuit packages. The pinned interposer has an inner set of contacts, typically in a rectangular array, that, in cooperation with a mating socket, allows pluggable connection of a micro device such as a MEMS device connected to a first printed circuit substrate. An outer set of contacts on the interposer provides electrical interconnection between the first substrate and a second substrate located atop the high connection density micro device, thereby effectively sandwiching the micro device between the first and second substrates. The outer set of contacts may be disposed in a circular array.
US07972168B2
A cable connector assembly (100) comprises an insulative housing (1), a contact group (2, 3) assembled with the insulative housing, an insulated cover (5), a cable (4) connected with the contact group, and an apparent member (6) with a columnar shape having a right-hand thread (61) on one end of an inner wall thereof and a left-hand thread (62) on the opposite end, and the inner wall of the apparent member is matched with the insulated cover via the threads in different directions.
US07972166B2
A push-in wire connector having a sealant therein to enable formation of a waterproof electrical connection by axial insertion of a wire into a chamber contained an electrical conductor protected by the sealant with the electrical conductor displaceable into a waterproof electrical contact with the wire while both the conductor and the wire remain in the presence of the sealant.
US07972165B1
An apparatus for holding at least two devices together is provided with a first securing member, a second securing member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second securing members. The first securing member may be an elongate member having first and second ends such that the elongate member has a length between said first and second ends sufficient to wrap around one of the at least two devices, and the first end of the first securing member having securing means that operates to connect the first end to the second end. The second securing member may receive at least one other of the at least two devices, and may have at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. Each receptacle may receive the at least one other of the at least two devices. The two devices may be one or more cords, extension cords, and electrical plugs.
US07972160B2
Provided is an adapter for an electrical device such as a photographing device. In an embodiment, the adapter includes a base frame, a connector that is disposed in the base frame and can be connected to a power input terminal of the electrical device, and a power input jack that is disposed in the base frame and electrically connected to the connector and can be connected to an external power supply device. In yet another embodiment, the power input jack of the previously-mentioned embodiment is replaced with a power input cord having a plug that is configured to interface with an external power supply device such as an AC power outlet.
US07972158B2
An RF plug connector having a plug head on which a sliding sleeve is seated which can be rotated, can be moved axially and clasps a radially elastic collet (4) in such a manner that the sliding sleeve compresses the collet radially in the coupled state, the design can be considerably simplified in comparison to that of known plug connectors of this generic type, to be precise by the collet (4) being arranged such that it cannot be moved axially on the plug head. For connection to a coupler with an external thread, the collet (4) has internal profiling on the plug side, in particular an internal thread with a pitch which is not the same as that of the external thread of the coupler.
US07972146B2
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (1) for circuit boards (40), comprising a number of contact elements (30). Each contact element (30) is fitted with two terminal ends, one of which is designed as a wire-connecting contact for connecting wires while the other terminal end is designed as a tuning fork contact (31) for contacting terminal areas on a circuit board (40). The plug-in connector (1) further comprises a plastic housing inside which the contact elements (30) are arranged. The wire-connecting contacts can be connected from outside and are designed as wire-wrap contacts (32) which are disposed in at least two rows. The wire-wrap contacts (32) of the different rows are offset relative to one another.
US07972141B2
Many people do not have a physical feeling for what normal and abnormal blood pressure levels mean in relation to the forces exerted on the heart and blood vessels. A blood pressure simulation apparatus provides human subjects a means to physically feel simulated blood pressure levels through tactile feedback. Both normal and abnormal blood pressure cycles are simulated. Interfacing of the apparatus to an electronic blood pressure monitor is provided.
US07972133B2
A burner (23) for operating a heat generator includes a swirler (2) for a combustion air flow (9), and also devices (7, 12) for injecting at least one fuel into the combustion air flow (9), wherein a mixing path (3) is arranged downstream of the swirler (2), and wherein at least one nozzle (20) for feeding liquid pilot fuel is arranged in the region radially outside the discharge opening of the mixing path (3) of the burner. With such a burner, an operating mode which is as pollutant-free and overheating-free as possible can be enabled even at low load and under transient conditions if the at least one nozzle (20) is arranged in a burner front plate (32), wherein at least one discharge opening (15), through which the pilot fuel discharges into the combustion chamber (16), is provided in a front face (34) of the burner front plate (32), which is arranged essentially parallel to a combustion chamber rear wall (28).
US07972130B1
An injection blow molding machine (10) having a core rod (18) against which a parison of a thermoplastic material is formed by injection molding. The core rod is cooled by causing a stream of compressed and conditioned air from an inlet manifold (52) to flow through the core rod. The core rod has an outer annular tube (70) surrounding an inner annular tube (74) and defining an annulus (80) therewith, and the annulus (80) is divided into inlet and outlet flow passages (82, 84) by opposed projections (76, 78) that extend thereinto. Spent cooling air from the core rod is exhausted to an outlet manifold (54) from which it is discharged to atmosphere through a line (42) or recompressed by a compressor (46) and returned to the inlet manifold (52) after reconditioning. The conditioned air has a regulated pressure as a result of passing through a pressure regulator (24), and is heated, if needed, by passing it through a heater (26), or cooled, if needed, by injecting a water spray from a spray nozzle (36) thereinto.
US07972127B2
A wedge-lock system for injection molds, using a protrusion on one side of the mold and a mating opening and sets of wedges which act together upon mold closing to provide and maintain accurate centering of the core and cavity halves in reference to each other, to prevent core shifts and compensate for uneven thermal expansion of mold components.
US07972115B2
A turbomachine moving blade without a top platform, the blade including a fastener root (110) surmounted by an airfoil (112) that presents an end face (114), a pressure-side face (116), and a suction-side face, said fastener root and said end face being situated respectively at bottom and top ends of the blade that are spaced apart along the main axis (A) of the blade. The airfoil presents a projecting edge defined between a portion (124) of its end face and a top portion (122) of its pressure-side face, these portions forming between each other a mean edge angle that is strictly less than 90°. The top portion (122) of the pressure-side face is corrugated, and in a section plane perpendicular to the main axis of the blade, it follows an outline formed by an alternating succession of concave curves (129) and convex curves (131).
US07972108B2
A turbine for a hydroelectric power plant intended to equip a water stream at the level of a very low head lower than 10 meters, and preferably from 1 to 5 meters, comprising a helix-shaped wheel, the ratio between the kinetic energy of the water flow coming out of the wheel and the potential energy of the head being smaller than 20%.
US07972102B2
A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers. The vehicles also are adapted to receive one or more alternative platforms including a coning platform for workers to manage container coning, a reefer access and maintenance platform, and a worker transport platform.
US07972099B2
A self-tensioning tie down assembly and safety system for tightening the retaining straps securing cargo on a carrier. Retaining straps are connected to winches connected to the carrier. A ratchet system is used to tighten the winch. A two bar torque linkage has a ratchet arm connectable to the ratchet wheel of the winch via a socket and has a connector arm connected to an actuator. The actuator is connected to a pneumatic/electrical circuit and provides reciprocating linear motion thereby actuating the torque linkage. The torque linkage may be set in a tightening or loosening position. The required tension level of the retaining strap is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit drives the actuator thereby actuating the torque linkage which tightens the strap on the winch until the tension level is reached. Signals are sent to a display panel to indicate when a strap is loose.
US07972094B2
A rotary cutting tool having a longitudinal axis defining forward and rearward directions and a direction of rotation, includes a cutting head releasably mounted to a front end of a tool shank. The cutting head includes a cap portion and a rearwardly extending tail portion. The cap portion is provided with a plurality of head segments, each head segment having a rotationally leading end facing the direction of rotation and a rotationally trailing end. The trailing end of each head segment is provided with a locking member which extends in a direction opposite the direction of rotation. The tool shank has a forward end provided with a corresponding plurality of locking recesses opening out to the direction of rotation, and a shank pocket recess. In the assembled tool, the tail portion of the cutting head is received into the shank pocket recess and each of the plurality of locking members is received into a corresponding locking recess.
US07972092B2
An insert for rotary milling includes a polygonal member having at least one primary cutting edge and at least one secondary cutting edge arranged at an obtuse angle thereto. At least one connecting region is arranged between the at least one primary cutting edge and the at least one secondary cutting edge. The connecting region has a local radius of curvature. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07972091B2
A milling tool intended for chip-removing machining includes a basic body rotatable around a geometrical centre axis and peripherically spaced-apart, detachable cutting inserts, which separately are securable in insert pockets adjacent to chip channels formed in the basic body. The individual cutting insert have at least one edge formed between a chip surface on the top side of the cutting insert and a clearance surface along the periphery side of the cutting insert, and the individual insert pocket is arranged to secure the individual cutting insert in a position in which the chip surface is inclined in relation to the centre axis while forming a positive angle of inclination.
US07972084B2
The disclosure is directed to methods of making and using a water treatment composition for improved water infiltration during irrigation of agriculture. These methods include combining additives with an aqueous fluid to create a treated irrigation water, wherein the additives comprise a preselected amount of a surfactant and a preselected amount of a displacement ion. The improved infiltration is obtained through a constant, or substantially constant, application of the treated irrigation water to the soil during the irrigation.
US07972076B2
A binding mechanism assembly for binding a sheet item, the binding mechanism assembly including a backing member having an upper surface, and a binding member directly or indirectly coupled to the backing member. The binding member includes a protrusion shaped and located to protrude through a hole of a sheet item to be bound thereto. The binding member further includes a generally flexible flange that is manually movable into engagement with the protrusion to form a generally closed loop and thereby bind the sheet item thereto. The loop is rotatable relative to the backing member from a first position in which the loop is generally located above the upper surface to a second position wherein at least part of the loop is located below the upper surface. The loop is fixedly and not slidably coupled to the backing member.
US07972075B2
To provide an applicator in which an application core does not become shaky or unstable even if force in a lateral direction is applied to an application portion of the application core during use, an applicator is provided with a container (1) having an accommodation portion (101) to accommodate a liquid material (10), and an application core (2) supported by a leading end inner portion of the container (1) from an outside and having a communication hole (23) communicated from an inside of the accommodation portion (101) and extending toward a leading end side, the container (1) has a guide tube (102) guiding the liquid material (10) toward a leading end side from an inside of the accommodation portion (101) to be inserted fitly to the communication hole (23) from a rear side, and the application core (2) is supported by the guide tube (102) from a rear side.
US07972068B2
In one example, a header assembly for use in a communication device has a base that includes a plurality of single ports through which a corresponding plurality of leads extends. The leads are retained in their respective single ports by a retainer material. Additionally, the base includes one or more plural ports through which two or more leads extend.
US07972061B2
An x-ray device is provided. The x-ray device includes a C-arm, on which a radiographic source and a heat pump are arranged. At least sections of the C-arm are hollow, such that at least sections of the radiographic source and the heat pump are arranged inside the C-arm.
US07972047B2
A headlight unit having a virtual pivot center provided at a position different from a supported position to a vehicle body. Two, upper and lower headlight supporting portions spaced apart from each other are provided at a rear portion of a headlight unit The upper headlight supporting portion on each side includes a guide shaft formed on a support member of a radiator cover and a groove formed on an upper base portion of the headlight unit. The lower headlight supporting portion on each side includes an elongated hole formed through the support member of the radiator cover and a bolt threadedly engaged with a lower base portion of the headlight unit. The guide shaft and the bolt slide in the groove and the elongated hole, respectively, for performing the swing motion of the headlight unit about the virtual pivot center C to perform an adjustment of an optical axis.
US07972043B2
The present invention relates to a built-in light fixture to be fitted in a suspended ceiling or similar, with a mounting ring (4) insertable into an opening in the ceiling and fixable by holding elements (6) and a light unit (3) which is attached in particular releaseably to the mounting ring (4), wherein fixed to the mounting ring (4) is a support frame (13) which defines a mounting space for the light unit (3) and has on its upper side facing away from the mounting ring (4) attachment means (18) for fixing the light unit (3) onto the support frame (13).
US07972040B2
The present invention relates to lighting assemblies and more particularly to light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs comprising a support for one or more LED lenses, which can be used to position and support the lenses within the lamp housing and which facilitate assembly of the light bulbs during manufacturing.
US07972039B2
A light guiding diffuser used for assembling with a light emitting diode module to form an illuminating light source. The light guiding diffuser includes an elliptical ring-shaped base portion and a convex portion extended from a surface of the base portion and formed a space with the base portion for accommodating the light emitting diode module. The convex portion has a cross section which has a minimum thickness in a center thereof and the thickness of the cross section continuous increases from the center toward the base portion.
US07972036B1
A modular louver assembly for a bollard luminaire comprises a louver having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening, a heat sink disposed within the opening of the louver and adjacent the lower surface, a plurality of LEDs disposed about the heat sink on a lower surface of the louver, and, a lens disposed beneath the heat sink.
US07972030B2
A lighting system comprises at least one excitation source (5), preferably an LED, operable to generate and radiate excitation radiation of a first wavelength (λ1); a shade (4) configured to at least in part surround the at least one source (5) and remotely located thereto; and at least one phosphor (16) provided in or on at least a part of the shade (4), wherein the phosphor (16) emits radiation of a different wavelength in response to incident excitation radiation. The phosphor can be provided on a part of an outer or inner surface of the shade. Alternatively, or in addition, the phosphor is incorporated within the shade. The lighting system finds particular application as a hanging, a desk, a floor standing, a wall mountable, a spot, an outdoor or an accent lighting fixture.
US07972022B2
A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.
US07972021B2
The invention relates to a window glazing comprising at least two window panes with an intermediate ventilated space arranged therebetween, wherein at least one window pane is provided with a layer which is arranged on the interior side therefore and whose transmission is controllable. More specifically, said invention relates to a multilayer glazing comprising corresponding intermediate spaces in which a sweeping gas circulates, wherein said sweeping gas consists of a mixture of air and other gaseous components in which the sweeping gas content is adjustable.
US07972007B2
An image generating apparatus is provided, which has a plurality of image generating optical paths and means for simultaneously deflecting a received plurality of light beams of primary illumination light having coherence properties. The received light beams are assigned to the respective optical paths. The means for deflecting simultaneously optically couples each of the received light beams into a respective assigned optical path and irradiates intermediate faces of illumination units of each respective optical path with the respective assigned light beam. The means for deflecting is configured so that, during the process of irradiating, each of the light beams subsequently in time irradiates different portions of the respective assigned intermediate faces.
US07972004B2
A system and method for uniform light generation in projection display systems. An illumination source comprises a light source to produce colored light, and a scrolling optics unit optically coupled to the light source, the scrolling optics unit configured to create lines of colored light from the colored light, and to scroll the lines of colored light along a direction orthogonal to a light path of the illumination source. The scrolling optics unit comprises a single light shaping diffuser to transform the colored light into the lines of colored light, an optical filter positioned in the light path after the light shaping diffuser, and a scrolling optics element positioned in the light path after the optical filter. The single light shaping diffuser is capable of simultaneously transforming colored light into lines of colored light having substantially uniform intensity to provide uniform illumination.
US07971996B2
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens, having, on its surface, a colorless or yellow, central first zone and at least one peripheral second zone, selectively transmitting visible light having a wavelength of less than 570 nm.
US07971982B2
A recording apparatus may include a channel unit including a pressure chamber configured to store a liquid, and nozzles. The recording apparatus may include a reservoir unit connected to the channel unit and including a supply port, a drain port, a supply channel communicating with the channel unit, and a drainage channel branching off from the supply channel and communicating with the outside via the drain port. The recording apparatus may include actuators configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber. The recording apparatus may include a meniscus vibrator configured to drive the actuators to vibrate meniscus produced in the nozzles without causing liquid droplets to be ejected therefrom when the liquid supplied from the supply port is being drained from the drain port after traveling through the supply channel and the drainage channel.
US07971981B2
A liquid circulation apparatus includes: a plurality of liquid ejection elements each of which includes a nozzle, a pressure chamber which is connected to the nozzle and accommodates liquid, and a piezoelectric element which displaces a wall of the pressure chamber to eject the liquid in the pressure chamber through the nozzle; a plurality of individual supply channels which are respectively connected to the liquid ejection elements; a common supply channel which is connected to the individual supply channels, the liquid being supplied from the common supply channel to the liquid ejection elements through the individual supply channels; a plurality of individual circulation channels which are respectively connected to the liquid ejection elements; a common circulation channel which is connected to the individual circulation channels, the liquid being circulated from the liquid ejection elements to the common circulation channel through the individual circulation channels; and a control device which controls a circulation volume of the liquid circulated from the liquid ejection elements to the common circulation channel, by adjusting a supply volume of the liquid supplied from the common supply channel to the liquid ejection elements in accordance with an ejection volume of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection elements.
US07971980B2
An ink stick for use in an imaging device comprises an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material; and a reflection surface formed in the ink stick body. The reflection surface is configured to receive light from a light source associated with the reflection surface in an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device. The reflection surface is configured to direct the light from the light source away from or onto one or both a first light detector and a second light detector associated with the reflection surface in the ink delivery system.
US07971972B2
A nozzle arrangement for a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink supply channel; an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel, the ink chamber defining an ink ejection port around which an ink spreading prevention rim is provided; a thermal actuator mechanism arranged in the substrate and configured to eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port, the mechanism having a thermal actuator arm adapted to deflect as a result of relative thermal expansion; and control logic architecture provided on the substrate for controlling the thermal actuator arm. The architecture has a plurality of successive shift registers, a transfer register for receiving data output from a last shift register, and a firing control gate. The firing control gate has an enabling input and a gate data input for receiving an output from the transfer register. The gate operatively drives the thermal actuator according to the enabling and gate data inputs. The shift register and transfer register are provided as fully static CMOS.
US07971971B2
An inkjet nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet; and a thermal bend actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. The actuator includes: an active beam for connection to drive circuitry; a first passive beam fused to the active beam; and a second passive beam fused to the second first passive beam. The first passive beam is sandwiched between the active beam and the second passive beam such that when a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beams, resulting in bending of the actuator and ejection of ink through the nozzle opening.
US07971967B2
A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining a supply channel; side and roof walls positioned on the substrate, said walls defining a nozzle chamber operatively supplied with ink via the supply channel, and a nozzle rim defined in the roof wall; an actuator device passing through a slot in a side wall of the chamber, the device configured to operatively eject ink from the nozzle rim; and an actuator slot protection barrier mounted on the actuator device, and extending at a normal to the actuator device, the actuator slot protection barrier located proximate the slot and configured to reduce ink wicking on the nozzle rim during ejection of ink from the nozzle rim.
US07971951B2
The printing elements of each printing element array are divided into blocks. A block to be driven and a block not to be driven are determined for each scanning of a printhead. The printhead is driven to print by complementing blocks to be driven by each scanning in a plurality of scanning operations. In each scanning, the printhead prints while making a printing area corresponding to at least one ink different from a printing area corresponding to another ink.
US07971940B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed at least to a plastic wheel, methods of making a plastic wheel and a waste receptacle. The wheel has a wheel body and a hub. The hub has an outer wall, an inner wall and a central bore orientated along an axis that the hub extends along. The outer wall of the hub has been compressed inwardly toward the inner wall, providing greater structural support for the hub.
US07971939B2
A seat structure which can ameliorate fatigue of a sitting person in accordance with a long period of sitting is provided.In a vehicle seat 10, a back edge side of a lower layer sheet 50 of a cushion material 20, of which a front edge side is fixed to a front edge side of a sitting portion frame 14, is resiliently connected to a back edge side of the sitting portion frame 14 via a movable frame 34 and a torsion bar 46, which is a resilient member. The cushion material 20 has a spring zero characteristic in which a spring constant of a portion that supports a protrusion portion of the sitting person is smaller than a spring constant of other portions. This vehicle seat 10 makes smaller the energy of vibrations which are transmitted to a spinal column portion of the sitting person through the sitting portion frame 14, and peripheral portions thereof convert vibrations corresponding to fluctuations in the body and transmit these through the sitting portion frame 14. α waves of 10 Hz to 12 Hz, which occur in a relaxed waking state, are caused in the brain of the sitting person. Vibrations in a resonance frequency region are attenuated in amplitude and transmitted to the sitting person.
US07971933B2
An infant swing has a base member supported by hanger members for reciprocal movement. The base member is formed with an upwardly extending mounting protrusion that nests into a mating receiver structure formed on the bottom of the seat carrier. A latch mechanism carried by the seat carrier is selectively operable to disengage a pivoted, spring-loaded latch member mounted on the base member mounting protrusion. The seat carrier is formed with a pivoted lift handle that provides a dual lift function, including the normal lift function associated with the lift handle being raised into the upright operative position. The lift handle is formed with grip openings adjacent the pivot connection of the lift handle such that the grip handles are rotated for access when the lift handle is lowered to the folded position to enable the seat carrier to be lifted by grasping the two transversely spaced grip openings.
US07971931B2
There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.
US07971929B2
A meal tray assembly for being carried by an aft-facing side of a seat back for use by a person seated aft of the seat back is provided. The assembly includes a tray mountable to the seat back and including a first shell having a forward facing surface when in the stowed position and a second shell for mating with the first shell and having a rearward facing surface towards the aft-seated person when in the stowed position. A major recess is defined in the rearward facing surface of the second shell and an inwardly facing elongate flanged is carried by the rearward facing surface of the second shell and extending towards the major recess. A flexible screen is provided for being positioned in the recess by an interference fit between the inwardly facing flange and an engaging surface of the major recess.
US07971910B2
A leak detection mechanism for use with a pressurized system that relates generally to an assembly for connecting a conduit to a component. The mechanism utilizes a fluid passageway for detecting a leak or absence of a seal after connecting a conduit to a component such as an expansion valve of a pressurized fluid system. The fluid passageway forms a predetermined leak path enabling fluid flow into or out of the system when an o-ring or other seal means is missing.
US07971907B2
A vehicle seat belt assembly comprises a vehicle seat configured to contain a seat occupant; a seat belt webbing mountable to the vehicle seat and connected to a latch plate, wherein the latch plate is configured to be releasably connected to a seat belt buckle in order to secure the webbing in a position capable of restraining the occupant; and a buckle strap mountable to a portion of the vehicle seat or vehicle structure and connected to the buckle, wherein the buckle strap includes a plurality of brackets configured to attach to a buckle component. Additionally, a vehicle seat belt assembly could comprise a buckle strap and buckle frame manufactured as a single component.
US07971899B2
An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is disclosed herein, the inflatable cushion having: a first cushion section formed from a first material, the first cushion section having a plurality of separate inflatable cells each of which having an inlet opening for receipt of an inflation gas; an internal passageway formed in the first cushion section, the internal passageway linking and fluidly coupling to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells via the inlet opening of each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells; a diffuser member disposed in the internal passageway, the diffuser member being configured to supply the inflation gas to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells, wherein the diffuser member consists essentially of a non-rigid fabric member formed from a permeable material, the non-rigid fabric member is independent of the first material used to form the first cushion section and the permeable material of the non-rigid fabric member is the main source of fluid flow into each inlet opening of each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells such that the inflation gas must pass through the permeable material; and means for restricting fluid flow between the plurality of inflatable cells by limiting fluid flow between an exterior portion of the diffuser member and an interior surface of the internal passageway proximate to an edge of the inlet openings of the plurality of inflatable cells.
US07971897B2
A stroller is provided having a stroller frame supported by front and rear wheels. The frame includes a latch assembly that is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the latch assembly prevents the frame from being folded. When in the unlocked position, the latch assembly allows the frame to be folded. The frame is connected to an ergonomically friendly handlebar having discrete outer ends. The handlebar includes a latch release handle that is operably connected to the latch assembly.
US07971894B2
A device for the active damping of swivel joint couplings, particularly for semi-trailers, articulated buses, and rail vehicles. The device serves to avoid or reduce dynamic driving instabilities known as yaw, sliding, rocking, oversteering, and jack-knife effects in curves, in lane changes, for example in construction sites, in the case of uneven road contact, and in the case of uneven load distribution, for example in semi-trailers. The damping device includes primarily a rotational assembly (5, 12) and a friction brake (9) which is applied front inside to outside within the rotation assembly. The friction brake minimizes or avoids rotational movements of the vehicle about the vertical axis (10) of the vehicle. The damping moment created by the brake (9) is electronically controlled according to the present driving condition.
US07971891B2
A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service contains a frame with two parallel side parts (4) connected by an end profile (5), contains a step plate (2) supported in the side parts (4) in such a manner that it can be retracted and extended, and contains drive means comprising a drive motor (10) for the step plate (2). According to the invention the drive means contains two drive elements (19) designed as a chain or belt and associated one of the two side parts (4), which drive elements are arranged between guide tracks (9) and outer walls (4c) of the associated side parts (4), have a driving connection to the step plate (2) and are guided over a deflection roller (18) and a drive roller (17) connected to the drive motor (10).
US07971883B2
A failsafe workholding clamping assembly includes a base, an axially slidable draw bar and collet, and a force amplifier. A driver applies a continuous driving force to the force amplifier. The force amplifier amplifies the driving force and applies a resulting amplified force to the draw bar to bias the draw bar toward its closed position and the collet toward its gripping position. A collet opener mounts to the base and selectively applies an opening force to the draw bar to counteract the driving force and move the collet into its released position. The workholding clamping assembly holds a collet in a predetermined rotational orientation and includes a draw bar rotating mechanism to enable an operator to rotate the draw bar to threadingly engage the draw bar and a rotationally-fixed collet.
US07971876B2
One disclosed feature of the embodiments is a method of aligning transport modules in a printing system, the method comprising a step (a) including passing at least one substrate media in a process direction through two adjacent belt driven transport modules with at least one module belt steering control disabled. The method also comprising a step (b) including detecting a position of at least one module transport belt in a cross-process direction using an edge sensor. Further, the method comprising a (c) including aligning the two adjacent transport modules based on the detected cross-process position.
US07971871B2
A sheet stacking tray assembly may include a tray having a lead edge surface, a tray exit ramp having a first end and a second end, and a feeder having a feeder edge. The first end of the tray exit ramp may be configured to connect to the lead edge surface. The tray exit ramp may be convex relative to the lead edge surface and may extend beyond the lead edge surface. The tray exit ramp may include one or more first anti-stub surfaces, that may be configured to be positioned below a lead edge of a sheet in a sheet stack. The feeder edge of the feeder may include one or more second anti-stub surfaces that are complementary to the first anti-stub surfaces. The feeder edge may be configured to interconnect with the second end of the tray exit ramp to form a transition surface.
US07971867B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a feeding unit capable of feeding a sheet-like medium, plural speed detecting units capable of respectively detecting a speed of the medium fed by the feeding unit, at plural positions along a width direction of the medium orthogonal to a feeding direction of the medium, and a bound-medium detecting unit capable of detecting the medium having a part thereof bound with another one of the medium, based on the speed detected respectively by the speed detecting units.
US07971860B1
Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of an abatement system that removes heat and/or one or more byproducts of combustion from a gas flow. In various aspects a misting array assembly is provided that includes at least one nozzle tubing having at least one nozzle coupled thereto.
US07971853B2
A pressure management apparatus including a housing (30) defining a fluid communication passage between first and second fluid ports (46, 48). A poppet (40) is disposed in the housing and is movable between first and second positions. The first position prevents fluid communication between the first and second fluid ports, and the second position permits fluid communication between the first and second fluid ports. The poppet includes a portion (75) translatable along an axis relative to the housing. A member (78) is fixed with respect to the housing and is associated with the portion of the poppet. Spring structure (72) is associated with the portion of the poppet. The spring structure is constructed and arranged to engage and bias the portion of the poppet to frictionally engage a portion of the member to create a dashpot damping of resonance of the poppet in the second position.
US07971846B2
The invention relates to a constant bearer for moving loads, especially pipelines and similar, comprising a fastening part, a load-bearing part, and a spring system located between the fastening part and the load-bearing part for generating a constant bearing force, where the spring system displays a main spring assembly absorbing the load and a compensating device to compensate for changing spring forces of the main spring assembly.With the objective of more easily transmitting the forces of the spring assembly and enabling improved compensation for the changing forces of the main spring assembly, two basic embodiments are proposed as a solution, where, in the first embodiment, an auxiliary spring assembly, as part of the compensating device, and the main spring assembly are located roughly perpendicularly to the bearing force, at least one cam part facing the main spring assembly is provided on the load-bearing part guided in sliding fashion over a travel path in the bearing force direction, and a load side of the main spring assembly is supported on the cam part of the load-bearing part. In the second embodiment, the auxiliary spring assembly is dispensed with and compensation for changing spring forces over a spring excursion is achieved via a cam part 13 with cam lever.
US07971842B2
A swivelable support assembly for angularly adjustably supporting a sign from an overhead support rail. The support assembly comprises an elongated upper wing attachable to the overhead rail. An elongated lower wing is swivelably attached to the upper wing, the sign being secured to the lower wing. The lower wing has a housing with an alignment port therein for facilitating entry of a lift pole therein.
US07971836B2
A supporting table having heaters inside a crystal-growing furnace includes a table plate and a plurality of supporting posts, wherein the supporting posts support the table plate and are, respectively, electrically connected with the heaters. Each supporting post includes, among others, a graphite electrode post, a metal electrode post, and an anchoring base. The supporting posts are each with its graphite electrode post screwed to a nut portion of the metal electrode post, and with the metal electrode post fixed to a wall of the crystal-growing furnace. The anchoring base includes, among others, a flange and an elastic washer, where the flange is welded to the wall of the furnace, and with the help of elasticity adjustment of the elastic washer, the supporting table can bear an equal distribution of loading from the supporting posts. To distribute weight of the supporting table and to stably secure the supporting table on the wall of the crystal-growing furnace will make a crucible in the furnace not easy to fall down so as to avoid incurring of public casualty. Further, to thin the table plate of the supporting table will facilitate a uniform transfer of heat to the crucible, and will facilitate a uniform crystal growth for silicon slurry when the crucible is cooled.
US07971835B2
A mounting apparatus for mounting a device, preferably to a surface of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting apparatus may comprise a base, a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, and an adapter. The first intermediate component may be engageable to the base in at least two positions relative to the base. The second intermediate component may be engageable to the first intermediate component in at least two positions relative to the first intermediate component. The adapter may be engageable to the second intermediate component in at least two positions relative to the second intermediate component. The adapter may also be engageable to the device. The first intermediate component, the second intermediate component, and the adapter may be adjustable to position the device in a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the base, and may also be configured to receive a wire.
US07971831B2
A geosynchronous Solar Power Satellite System is created by an artificial gravity, closed ecology, multiple use structure in low earth orbit that manufactures modular solar power panels and transmitter arrays. This facility takes empty fuel tanks and expended rocket boosters from launch vehicles that are sent into low earth orbit, and re-manufactures them into structural components. These components are mated to solar cells that are launched from earth. The modular solar panels are transported to geosynchronous orbit by vehicles with ion engines, where the panels are mated to other solar panels to collect power. Structural components are also mated to transmitter elements launched from earth. These are likewise transported to geosynchronous orbit. They are mated to the solar power collecting panels and they beam the collected power back to earth.
US07971822B1
A yarn package holder including a support post, a latch block coaxially disposed on the support post and selectively rotatable thereon, a rotatable support block coaxially disposed on the support post above the latch block, a cone holder extending laterally from the support block, a collar coaxially disposed on the support post above the support block and selectively rotatable thereon and stop means extending upwardly from the support block and cooperating with a stop extension extending from the collar to stop rotation of the support block.
US07971808B2
Method for a continuous dry milling operation of a vertical grinding mill and vertical grinding mill
The invention relates to a vertical grinding mill including a closed vertical milling container in which a screw conveyor is arranged for rotary drive so as to convey grinding bodies to the top. The package of grinding bodies adjusts itself during operation such that the surface thereof is configured to slope radially outwards and downwards and to end in the region of the bottom edge of an outlet for grinding stock. Gas is introduced into the milling container above the package of grinding bodies. The gas and grinding stock are discharged from the milling container via the outlet for grinding stock.
US07971803B1
The portable sprayer having automated pressurizing means includes a canister, air compressor, and battery compartment. In an alternative embodiment a pair of fold out wheels can extend and retract from underneath the canister to improve the overall mobility of the sprayer. In yet another embodiment, the canister includes an optional manual pump to use in the event the batteries lose their charge. In all embodiments, a cover screws onto a top of the canister to enable refilling of the canister.
US07971800B2
An adjustable nozzle comprising a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet. The passageway has an inner dimension transverse to the central axis of the nozzle and a compressible wall wherein the inner dimension is adjustable to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle.
US07971783B1
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. The automated banking machine may generate a password for the machine responsive to randomly generated data.
US07971776B2
An ultrasonic instrument includes a socket and a front-end system, wherein the socket is provided with at least two probe model identification pins and a plurality of functional signal pins. The front-end system comprises a decoding module, a switch selection module, and a probe driving control module. The decoding module has its input terminals electrically connected to the probe model identification pins of the socket, and has its output terminal coupled to the control terminal of the switch selection module. The input terminals of the switch selection module are electrically connected to the functional signal pins of the socket respectively, and in response to a probe identification signal outputted from the decoding module to the control terminal, the switch selection module establishes connection between its input terminals and a group of output terminals corresponding to the probe identification signal. The probe driving control module is electrically connected to the output terminals of the switch selection module.
US07971771B2
In at least one embodiment, for producing segments of tubular jackets, a strip-shaped sheet material is continuously reshaped transverse to the strip axis into a closed form and following the welding of a longitudinal seam, jacket sections are cut off the jacket strip. In at least one embodiment, a support edge is provided on the inside of the continuously formed jacket strip for the cutting operation, essentially in the form of a closed circle and extending in a normal plane to the longitudinal axis of the jacket strip, which fits directly against the inside of the jacket strip and cooperates with at least one cutting tool. The cutting tool is pivoted into the cutting position during the cutting operation along the support edge, so that a cutting region rotates once around the longitudinal axis. A section of the jacket strip is cut off, wherein during the cutting operation, the support edge and the at least one cutting tool are advanced along with the jacket strip. Following the cutting operation, the at least one cutting tool is moved to a non-contacting position relative to the support edge and together with the support edge is moved counter to the movement of the jacket strip and back to the starting position occupied prior to the cutting operation.
US07971769B2
A weld stack includes a horn having a weld end, a polar mount adapted to receive a portion of the horn therein, a first adjustment ring coupled to the polar mount at a pre-determined distance from the weld end of the horn, and a second adjustment ring coupled to the polar mount adjacent the first adjustment ring, wherein the second adjustment ring includes a fine adjustment device for adjusting a relative position of the first adjustment ring and the second adjustment ring.
US07971766B2
A switch mechanism for a stapler includes a trigger, a pivotable member, and a swing member, which is pivotably connected to the trigger by two pins. The pivotable member has a first protrusion extending from a top of the pivotable member. The pivotable member is received in a recess of the slide member and a second protrusion extends from an inner top end thereof A spring is connected between the first and second protrusions so that the slide member is movable relative to the pivotable member. The swing member includes a first curved part and a second curved part which is located at a side of the pivotable member. The curved part of the swing member is inserted into a hole of the slide member when pulling the trigger, and the slide member is moved downward to change the relative position between the slide member and the valve of the stapler.
US07971763B2
A unique strap carrier tote carries a rolled yoga mat, collapsed hula hoop, towel, prayer rug, poster/drawing case, or other piece of equipment in a backpack style on the user's back. Two adjustable straps encircle the piece of equipment—typically proximate opposing ends of the rolled mat or opposing sectional sides of the collapsed hoop—and two adjustable shoulder straps extend therefrom. The user can sling the piece of equipment across her back so that her hands will be free, and the equipment will be securely and easily carried during walking, running, climbing, biking, etc.
US07971760B1
A divot mix dispenser having an annular body sized to mate with a holder mounted to a golf cart. The body includes a spout located at the upper end of the body with the spout having an opening offset from a centerline of the container through which the divot mix flows out of the dispenser. The lower end of the body defines an inlet for removable attachment with a cap so that the cap can be removed to fill the dispenser with divot mix and attached to secure the divot mix within the dispenser.
US07971759B2
An aerosol container (10) dispenses a fluid product under pressure. A pressure relief mechanism (30) vents the container in a controlled manner when the container is subjected to excessive pressure so to prevent the container from bursting. The container has a container body (12) of a hollow, generally cylindrical shape. Pressurized contents of the container are expelled through a valve assembly (18) installed at one end of the container. An end piece (22) attached to the container body at the other end of the container has a first circular shaped section (26) surrounded by a ring shaped outer section (28). The pressure relief mechanism comprises U-shaped score lines (32) formed across the transition between the two sections of the end piece. These score lines create lines of weakness in the material from which the end piece is made for the end piece to fracture along the score lines when the pressure within the container exceeds a predetermined pressure level. This allows the container to vent a controlled manner rather than burst.
US07971754B2
A refill system and method of use for a beverage dispenser. The refill system includes a fill tube coupled to the water bath generally at an upper portion to dispense water into the water bath. The tube is configured for coupling to a dispense nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can be operated to dispense water only when the fill tube is coupled to the nozzle. The beverage dispenser can be controlled to prevent dispensing of product into the water bath when the fill tube is attached to the nozzle. An overflow tube may be provided and may be used to monitor the level of water retained in the water bath.
US07971750B2
An apparatus for dispensing and mixing fluids from multiple cartridges into a removable container, based on the user input through the provided interface. The user interface allows viewing and adjusting of the mix to be dispensed prior to the actual dispensing. The apparatus is capable of dispensing fluids that have a wide range of viscosities, and that are sticky or that solidify quickly due to the evaporation of the volatile substances they contain.
US07971749B2
Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (3) having a plurality of tablets (41) contained in corresponding blisters (40), the apparatus comprising abutment means (30), receiving means (10, 26) for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, either one of the abutment means (30) and the receiving means (10, 26) being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selecting blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes biasing means (14, 20) for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and that the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet.
US07971748B2
A flexible, silicone mold having a container and a peripheral rim that defines an opening to the container. Grasping zones are disposed along the rim and the grasping zones have sufficient dimensions to permit control of the geometry of the rim and also to permit control of the horizontal positions of the two grasping zones.
US07971739B2
A closure for a container with a cap connecting to a neck of the container has at least one cutter edge placed around a central axis internal of the neck. The edge cuts through a closure film as axially displaced on a holding sleeve, which is held centrally by the cap with a flexible skirt. The holding sleeve contains a component for mixing with the contents of the container. A screw cap holds an initial non-puncturing position and, a stop position after additional screwing on, at which the film is punctured. The cap remains permanently on the neck of the container, and includes a pouring opening. In the stop position, the container contents flow toward the pouring opening. When the screw cap is back into its initial position, flow to the pouring opening is interrupted.
US07971730B2
Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.
US07971729B2
A separation membrane complex where a carbon membrane is formed directly on a porous body (surface layer) and an intermediate layer has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm can be used as a filter having improved flux and selectivity in comparison with a conventional one.
US07971724B2
The apparatus for separating residues from a thermal waste treatment into one fine fraction and one coarse fraction comprises a housing (1) abutting on swinging elements (2), said housing having a plurality of diagonally offset plates (3.1-3.5) that are disposed one beneath the other and are connected to said housing (1) by their side edges, and being equipped with means (5) for generating a vibration component oriented in the direction of the plates (3.1-3.5) disposed diagonally offset downward.The apparatus further comprises one suction line (6) as well as an inlet opening for a gas that may be passed between the plates for wind sieving. Residues or slag from a waste treatment plant or an incineration plant are supplied to this apparatus in order to separate them into at least one fine fraction and one coarse fraction.
US07971721B1
A decorative gift-wrap kit for creating a background scene of a village for a Nativity set by wrapping presents to simulate a plurality of background buildings adapted to be arranged as the background scene for the Nativity set. The kit includes wrapping paper for a plurality of presents designed to visually represent the exterior of buildings; a plurality adhesive stickers on a backing sheet shaped as windows, doors, and archways; and instructions with suggested arrangement displays.
US07971717B2
A packaging for hygiene products, includes, in order to define a volume accommodating the hygdene products, at least two main walls which are situated substantially opposite to one another and two side walls which connect the main walls with one another and that are situated substantially opposite to one another, a tear tab including at least one section of one of the main wails and one section of one of the side wails, the tear tab exposing a removal opening for removing hygiene products
US07971715B1
A disposal system including a container having a door movable between a first position and a second position for introducing material to be disposed into the container, and a sensing system operatively associated with the container to sense the position of the door and to generate an alarm signal in response to a predetermined position of the door.
US07971714B1
A system and method is provided for displaying a padlock. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a padlock, a card and a back plate, wherein the card includes a front side, a back side and an aperture sized to receive at least a body of the padlock, and the back plate is configured to be attached to the back side of the card (e.g., via coupling portions). Once the padlock is placed in the aperture and the back plate is attached to the card, the padlock is secured (e.g., between at least one retaining tab and the back plate) and ready to be displayed (e.g., on a hook, on a shelf, on a display rack, etc.).
US07971699B2
A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.
US07971698B2
A chute for mechanical guiding of pieces or particles of material comprises two or more separate chute elements which are coaxially mounted above each other and connected by flexible connecting devices and designed to be telescopically mutually stackable. The separate chute elements have two or more replaceable wall elements.
US07971693B2
In a damper, in particular for spin-drying washing machines, it is provided, with a view to improved solidity and noise behaviour of the damper, that at least one buffer stop is disposed between at least one piston and at least one stop element, the buffer stop comprising at least one flexibly pliable buffer stop element which is integral with the at least one piston or the at least one stop element.
US07971690B2
A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed in a flat shape or a curved shape at an edge portion of a circular arc portion at the base of the tooth in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.
US07971683B2
An acoustic protective panel for the fitting of a wall of a vehicle, has an upper porous layer, in particular with a felt or remelted flexible foam base, at least one zone of the porous layer being arranged on one sealing layer, the sealing layer being arranged on one backing layer (5) with a flexible polyurethane base forming a spring, said sealing layer being formed by impregnation on a portion of the thickness of the porous layer by the polyurethane of the backing layer overmolding the porous layer. Architectures for mounting such a panel are described.
US07971673B2
A saddle-ride type electric vehicle includes an electric motor for generates power for rotationally driving a rear wheel. Foot rests are provided for an occupant seated on an occupant seat. A battery is disposed in a space S surrounded by a down frame which is coupled to a head pipe or to a front end of a main frame and which extends downwardly, pivot frames, and the main frame. Steps disposed to both sides of the battery in planar view are provided to front ends of a pair of left and right step frames coupled to lower portion of the pivot frames, the step frames extending forward and overlapping a rear portion of the battery in planar view. The battery is wider in an area adjacent to the head pipe as compared to the width of the battery in an area adjacent to the steps.
US07971662B2
In an aspect, a drill bit is provided that includes at least one blade profile having a side section and an adjustable pad on the side section that is configured to extend from the side section to cause the drill bit to alter a drilling direction when the drill bit is used to drill a wellbore. In addition, the drill bit may also include a fluid line configured to supply a fluid under pressure to the pad to cause the pad to extend from the side section.
US07971657B2
A system for handling drill cuttings conveys cuttings slurry into bulk tanks via a conduit. The bulk tanks have an un-pressurized interior volume that receives the slurry. A conveyance member positioned inside the bulk tank forces the slurry out of a discharge port at the bottom of the bulk tank. One suitable conveyance member is a screw-type conveyor coupled to a motor that applies a vertical motive force to the slurry. The bulk tanks hold the cuttings slurry until it can be discharged via the discharge port to a transport vessel for processing or disposal. For offshore operations, the system includes a separation unit on the rig that forms the cuttings slurry from fluid returning from the wellbore and a cuttings flow unit that conveys the slurry effluent from the separation unit to the bulk tanks. In one arrangement, a controller and sensors control the flow of slurry into the bulk tanks.
US07971656B2
A hand-held power tool, has a housing, at least one partially hollow U-shaped C-shaped handle with a yoke part and two parallel leg parts and supported in a resilient manner such that the handle is movable relative to the housing in order to dampen vibrations, at least one coupling element accommodated at least partially inside the C-shaped handle to synchronize motion between the two leg parts and having a recess, and a switch arranged in a vicinity of the coupling element and having a switch housing extending in an interior of the handle and accommodated in the recess of the coupling element.
US07971652B2
A device for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through a flow tube comprises a stationary ring surrounding the flow tube, the ring having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the flow tube. An interior of the ring and an exterior of the flow tube have complementary screw threads. At least three actuators are equally circumferentially spaced along an exterior of the ring. When activated an actuator induces a screw thread on the interior of the ring to engage a screw thread on the exterior of the flow tube such that the flow tube is moved in an axial direction relative to the ring.
US07971650B2
A method of pumping wellbore fluid, comprising the steps of: installing an electric submersible pump in a wellbore; and operating the pump at more than 4,500 rpm to pump the wellbore fluid. Pumping in this manner provides a number of advantages in use in that the required high-speed motor and pump is shorter for a given power than existing arrangements, and provides increased reliability due to reduced complexity. A much shorter motor/pump combination also allows such equipment to be used in deviated boreholes with a reduction in damage due to mishandling and bending, as well as facilitating assembly and testing in the manufacturer's plant.
US07971642B2
A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. The joint assembly also includes a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
US07971637B2
A well surface control system for use with various types of work strings such as, but not limited to, drill strings, coiled tubing, snubbing pipe, electric line, production tubing, and wireline. The system includes a main housing with a main bore extending from one end to the other. The main housing is equipped with a side port which communicates with the main bore between the two ends. The main housing is also equipped with two valves for controlling fluid and/or gas flows through the main bore and for severing a component of a work string running through the main bore. The first valve is positioned between the side port and one end of the main housing and the second valve is positioned between the side port and the other end of the main housing. Attached to each end of the main housing is a saver sub, with means for temporarily locking the saver subs to the main housing to prevent circular and longitudinal movement of the saver subs in relation to the main housing.
US07971634B2
Air conditioner pertaining to the present invention in which a synthetic polymer case, in which an antibacterial agent impregnated in a medium such as a porous body or water-absorbing polymer is sealed, is arranged in the upstream airflow side and/or downstream airflow side of an evaporator, which air conditioner is characterized in that the thickness of the wall of the case is formed to allow gas permeation of the antibacterial agent, and in that the thickness of the wall on the downstream airflow side is less than the thickness of the wall on the upstream airflow side.
US07971632B2
The invention relates to a cooling system for a computer system, said computer system comprising at least one unit such as a central processing unit (CPU) generating thermal energy and said cooling system intended for cooling the at least one processing unit and comprising a reservoir having an amount of cooling liquid, said cooling liquid intended for accumulating and transferring of thermal energy dissipated from the processing unit to the cooling liquid. The cooling system has a heat exchanging interface for providing thermal contact between the processing unit and the cooling liquid for dissipating heat from the processing unit to the cooling liquid. Different embodiments of the heat exchanging system as well as means for establishing and controlling a flow of cooling liquid and a cooling strategy constitutes the invention of the cooling system.
US07971631B2
A heat exchanger unit for motor vehicles includes one first heat exchanger and one second heat exchanger. Each heat exchanger includes two collector pipes which are arranged at a distance from each other. One collector pipe of the first heat exchanger is arranged substantially adjacent to one collector pipe of the second heat exchanger. Also, the other collector pipe of the first heat exchanger is arranged substantially adjacent to the other collector pipe of the second heat exchanger.
US07971626B2
A protective device for a vehicle interior having a flexible sheetlike structure provided on opposite sides with side edge regions, a winding shaft rotatably mounted and on which the sheetlike structure is held such that it can be wound up and unwound, and dimensionally rigid pull-out profile fixedly connected to a front face end region of the sheetlike structure in the unwinding direction.Each side edge region of the sheetlike structure cooperates with at least one deflecting guide means which, in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, transmits to the side edge region a tensile force component which acts outward transversely with respect to the winding-up or unwinding direction of the sheetlike structure.
US07971618B2
A hand-held device for transferring a film of material from a backing tape onto a substrate that includes a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member, as well as an application member around which the tape is guided and which is designed to be pressed against a substrate in order to transfer the film. The first and second housing member are mounted telescopically with each other such that in an extended position one of the housing members cover the application member and in a pushed-back position the application member is exposed for usage.
US07971607B2
An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1) is provided having a magnetic armature (8) which is guided in a longitudinally movable fashion in an armature guide (9) and activates a valve push rod (15) which extends in a valve housing (14). The valve push rod (15) controls the connection between connection openings (28, 29, 30), formed in the valve housing (14), for hydraulic medium in that the valve push rod (15) is operatively connected to one or more sealing bodies (22, 23) which correspond to one or more sealing sleeves (17, 18) supported in the valve housing (14). The hydraulic valve (1) includes an arrangement for precipitating particles of dirt, which element includes an intermediate floor (31), which is arranged between the armature guide (9) and the connection openings (28, 29, 30). The intermediate floor (31) forms a hydraulic seal with an inner casing surface (16) of the valve housing (14), and the valve housing (14) is formed of a magnetizable material in order to precipitate ferromagnetic particles of dirt.
US07971605B2
An air admittance vent diaphragm assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base, an annular retainer ring, and an annular malleable washer. The base has an annular portion and a stem extending orthogonally from the center of the annular portion. The annular retainer ring includes a circumferential skirt engaged with an outer perimeter of the annular portion of the base, with the stem extending beyond the annular retainer ring. The annular malleable washer is disposed between the annular retainer ring and the annular portion of the base.
US07971603B2
Disclosed herein is a header for a heat exchanger that has an inflow side, an outflow side, a bypass port therebetween, and a pressure-sensitive flapper valve proximal the bypass port. As pressure increases at the inflow side of the header, the flapper valve opens proportionally, and, as pressure decreases at the inflow side, the flapper valve closes proportionally. The flapper valve is preferably included as part of a service cartridge assembly to facilitate easy repair and/or replacement of the flapper valve. In some embodiments of the invention, a differential pressure is measured between the inflow and outflow sides, and activation of the heat exchanger is initiated in response to the differential pressure having exceeded a set point.
US07971601B2
A valve assembly for a water circulation system includes a valve body defining a bypass passage between a hot water side and a cold water side of the valve body. The bypass passage has a valve seat therein. A bypass valve is received within the bypass passage. The bypass valve restricts the flow of water through the bypass passage based on a temperature of the water in the bypass passage. The bypass valve is variably positionable with respect to the valve seat to control a bypass shut-off temperature of the water.
US07971592B2
In the present invention, because no examples are known of binding of magnetic particle to mesenchymal cell or chondrocyte which might be used in regenerative medicine, whether or not a cell having the magnetic particle bound thereto is retained in local by external magnetism after administration and whether or not the cell can exhibit intrinsic activity is studied. According to the present invention, a magnetic cell comprising mesenchymal cell or cultured chondrocyte having magnetic particle bound to the surface thereof is provided, and when the cell is administered in vivo and an external magnetic field is applied, the cell can be retained for a long time at a disease site. Moreover, a drug delivery system can be constructed by causing the magnetic cells to contain a drug.
US07971587B2
An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.
US07971585B2
Less hazardous methods for generating thermal energy for heating water, medical supplies or comestible products using improved flameless chemical heaters/flameless ration heaters by novel chemical or electrochemical means, each capable of suppressing the generation of hydrogen gas. Remote unit self-heating meals may be more rapidly heated by forming a reaction mixture comprising magnesium or a magnesium-containing alloy, and a hydrogen eliminator or suppressor, and introducing water to react the reaction mixture and generate a more rapid release of thermal energy sufficient to effectuate a more accelerated temperature rise and more rapid heating of medical supplies, water, rations or other comestible substances while simultaneously suppressing or eliminating the generation of potentially hazardous hydrogen.
US07971581B1
The air intake accessory includes a housing containing a non-electric fan. The housing has an inlet and outlet each of which connects between the air filter and engine on the air intake line. The housing has a nozzle along the side of the fan closest the air filter, which speeds up movement of the intake air. The inclusion of the nozzle and non-electric fan improves fuel efficiency and engine performance.
US07971576B2
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine is returned to the internal combustion engine via an exhaust gas recirculation device, which comprises at least two cooling units with each of which a bypass is associated, the exhaust gas being cooled in the exhaust gas recirculation device as a function of the load state of the internal combustion engine, and wherein fresh air is fed to the internal combustion engine via a charge-air feed device, which comprises at least one cooling unit and at least one bypass connected in parallel to the cooling unit, the fresh air being supplied via the cooling unit and/or the bypass as a function of the load state. The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation device and a charge-air feed device.
US07971575B2
A system for an engine of a vehicle includes methanol and water injection to abate engine knock. The injection is provided directly into the cylinder.
US07971573B2
The invention relates to supplying pilot fuel to the cylinders of a combustion engine. The invention comprises cylinder-specific pressure sensors (1) that are installed in the cylinders of the combustion engine, as well as a control unit (2). The control unit determines each cylinder's crankshaft angle at maximum pressure and the cylinders' average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure, and verifies whether the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure is within a certain range of crankshaft angle variation. If the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure is outside the range of variation, the duration of total pilot fuel injection into the engine is controlled. Furthermore, the differences between each cylinder's crankshaft angle at maximum pressure and the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure are determined. The differences are compared with a certain range of difference variation, and the duration of fuel injection into a cylinder is controlled if the difference in an individual cylinder traverses the minimum or maximum limit of the range of difference variation.
US07971570B2
An engine controller for a vehicle equipped with an emission reduction apparatus determines whether the emission reduction apparatus has malfunction. When it is determined that the emission reduction apparatus has malfunction an execution of an idle shutdown control process is permitted. When a predetermined condition is established during an engine idling, the engine is automatically shut down. On the other hand, when it is determined that the emission reduction apparatus has no malfunction, the execution of the idle shutdown control process is prohibited.
US07971566B2
The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, having a combustion depression (13) which is provided in the piston head (11) and has an encircling undercut (14), wherein the encircling depression edge (15) which connects the undercut (14) to the piston head (11) has alternately rounded (16, 17) and sharp-edged depression edge regions (18, 19). It is provided according to the invention that the encircling depression edge (15) merges along its entire periphery into a planar encircling face (20) which in turn merges along its entire periphery with a sharp edge into the undercut (14). The method according to the invention for producing a piston (10) of the type is characterized in that, in a first method step, a combustion depression with an encircling undercut and with an encircling depression edge is formed in the piston head (11) using a lathe tool, and in that, in a second method step, in order to produce the rounded (16, 17) and sharp-edged depression edge regions (18, 19), the lathe tool is moved radially outwards rectilinearly from the central point of the combustion depression by a defined magnitude.
US07971559B2
The invention provides a method for removing salt deposits from waste heat boilers in a reformer train. The method includes the steps of producing a fluid stream which includes steam from a reformer and flowing to waste heat boilers, and controlling the temperature and pressure of the fluid stream to reach a temperature in the waste heat boilers of below or equal to the salt deposit saturation point of the steam in the fluid stream.
US07971557B2
A dog boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate, preferably of durable material such as heavy nylon. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, tensioning straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching.
US07971552B1
A water bottle has a main body section and a dispensing mechanism. A tapering section is between the main body section and the water dispensing mechanism. A support base includes a horizontal lower plate and a vertical upper plate, a pair of laterally spaced top holes and at least one pair of vertically aligned, laterally spaced additional holes. A bottle retainer has a vertical component. The vertical component has a pair of bolts. The bolts extend rearwardly from the vertical component. The bolts are spaced the same distance between the holes. A pair of horizontal components extend forwardly from the vertical component. Each of the horizontal components have an opening to receive the main body portion of the bottle. A rotation abater is secured to the bottle retainer with an angled face to contact the water bottle there adjacent.
US07971549B2
A hydration system for kayak integration includes a deck port configured to allow fluid passage through a deck of a kayak. The system includes a reservoir having an internal sealable compartment configured to contain a liquid under pressure. The reservoir has a first port configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment, a second port, and a third port through which the liquid can be supplied into the compartment. A transfer tube couples the reservoir to the deck port. The transfer tube has a first end configured to be coupled to the second port of the reservoir and a second end configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position within an interior space of the kayak. A pressurizer is configured to be coupled to the first port of the reservoir. The pressurizer is operable to supply the pressurizing gasses. A drinking tube has a first end with a valve and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position exterior to the kayak. When the compartment is sealed and pressurized, activation of the valve unseals the compartment and allows the liquid to be expelled from the compartment via the second port, the transfer tube, and the drinking tube as a result of the pressurization of the compartment by the pressurizing gasses.
US07971547B1
A method and apparatus for the cleaning of an underwater surface, such as a hull. The method and apparatus enables cleaning to be conducted while mitigating the release of removed material into surrounding waters. The integrated apparatus includes a cleaning deck for removing fouling from the underwater hull surface, and a pre-processing deck with integrated components for the processing of cleaning effluents. According to the method and apparatus, materials removed by the shroud are sucked into the pre-processing deck, crushed, and separated into a separator effluent that may be recycled to the shroud, and a concentrate, which is discharged to a land treatment unit for further processing.
US07971546B1
In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a watercraft, including: at least two center members of relatively hard material; each of the at least two center members having a tube of relatively soft material forced thereover; the tube of relative soft material contacting a rubrail of the watercraft; and no other part of the apparatus contacts any portion of the watercraft.
US07971540B2
A process for capturing undesirable combustion products produced in a high temperature combustion system. Very finely sized particles of alkaline earth carbonates or hydroxides, with or without added ground fly ash, are provided in slurry form and are injected into the high temperature zone of a furnace. The particles flash calcine to provide substantially unagglomerated particles having a particle size of less than about 0.5 microns to capture and neutralize SOx, NOx, and toxic chemicals.
US07971539B2
A cleaning device, cleaning tool and method for cleaning outlet ports or the like and/or outlet spouts (12) or the like in soda recovery boilers of the like the cleaning device including at least one connecting rod and at least one front tool part mounted on the connecting rod.
US07971538B1
A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of tracks, a set of batteries for providing electrical power to the traction motors, a hydrogen fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries, an air system having a variable speed compressor for providing air flow to the power plant, and a DC to DC converter for managing power distribution from the hydrogen fuel cell power plant to the batteries. A controller determines an amount of current required from the power plant to produce a selected amount of power, determines a stoic operating setpoint for the power plant based on the current required, sets the speed of a compressor within the air system to provide a selected amount of air flow to the power plant for the determined stoic operating setpoint, determines from a resulting actual air flow to the power module available power, and sets an operating setpoint of the DC to DC converter from the determined an available power.
US07971530B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for positioning a flexible printing plate on a carrier, comprising the following steps of: placing on a table the flexible printing plate for positioning; determining the position of the printing plate by means of a visual display device; and depending on the position, moving the printing plate to its end position on the carrier, wherein the position of the carrier is sensed in the vicinity of the final position and the carrier is moved to its end position depending on the position sensed in the vicinity of the final position. The positioning takes place much more accurately as a result of these measures.
US07971529B2
An assembly for a rotary press is provided including a hub which is suitable for being rotatably mounted about a center axis in a rotary press, a format adaptation sleeve and means for fixing the adaptation sleeve to the hub. The hub and the adaptation sleeve each include a stop surface. The stop surfaces have a frustoconical shape about the center axis, and the fixing means comprise a radial stop element which is suitable for being interposed between the hub and the adaptation sleeve.
US07971527B2
Images are printed on surfaces of discrete objects that are loaded onto an upstream end of a production path passing through a plurality of treatment stations and taken off a downstream end the path. The path passes through a plurality of treatment stations and is split at least one of the stations into a plurality of generally parallel lanes each having a respective treatment device or printer. At the one treatment station the objects are split up and fed to the lanes from the path, the images are printed on the objects in the lanes with the respective printers, and all the objects are returned to the path after printing. The objects move single-file downstream along the path upstream and downstream of the one station. Instead of printers, each lane can have some other type of treatment machine and the operations performed by these treatment machines in the lanes can be the same or different.
US07971522B2
In summary there is provided in one embodiment a grill liner for placement on top of a cooking grate and used to cook food placed thereon. The grill liner includes a plurality of holes to help allow heat to move through the grill liner. The grill liner further includes at least one flap that is secured to a portion of the grill liner through a frangible bridge, point, or line of weakness. The frangible bridge when broken permits the flap to bend downwardly. The grill liner when placed on the cooking grate may then have its one or more flaps bent downwardly through bars such that the grill liner movement across the cooking grate can be limited.
US07971518B2
A direct drive retrofit system for use with an M-16 or AR-15 rifle for conversion from an impingement system comprising: a gas block, the gas block having a barrel bore and a gas plug bore; a gas plug, the gas plug being inserted into the gas plug bore from the muzzle end; a bolt carrier key, the bolt carrier key being configured to mount directly to a bolt carrier; a rod, the rod being manufactured from a single continuous material stock; and a biasing means; wherein, the rod can be uninstalled without removal of a hand guard or the gas block by extracting the gas plug from the gas plug bore from the muzzle end, the actuating means releasing the rod, the rod being freely extracted thereafter by a user in a single piece.
US07971515B2
A gatling gun construct increases operational life and reduces jams by utilizing in a feeder/delinker a feeder sprocket that engages the neck and shoulder of each cartridge. The gun also facilitates access to a feeder/delinker by utilizing a single access door that includes a plunger that maintains a cartridge in place in the feeder/delinker while the access door is opened and closed.
US07971506B2
An adaptive position kick-down detent mechanism for providing a force feedback to an operator of a vehicle through a drive-by-wire accelerator prior to the transmission performing a kick-down. The kick-down detent mechanism includes a plunger portion, a plunger driving device, and an elastic portion. The plunger portion is slidable within the plunger driving device and is biased by the elastic portion. An electronic control unit communicates a kick-down pedal position to the plunger driving device, which moves the plunger portion to the kick-down pedal position so that the force feedback is provided to the driver before the kick-down even as the kick-down pedal position changes during vehicle operation.
US07971505B2
In a bearing detachment prevention structure provided in a rotation pair portion of a link mechanism, play filling-up and pre-load adjustment for the bearing are realized with ease. As a means for therefor, there is provided a link actuating device having three or more sets of link mechanisms in each of which end link members are rotatably connected to input and output members respectively arranged on the input and output sides, the respective end link members on the input and output sides being rotatably connected to intermediate link members to form four rotation pair portions, the input and output sides being geometrically the same with respect to a cross section in a central portion of each link mechanism, in which each rotation pair portion of the link mechanisms has a bearing structure consisting of two bearings, with a play filling-up means for regulating axial movement of the two bearings being provided in the rotation pair portions. Further, by appropriately determining the configuration of each component forming the link mechanisms, interference between the components during operation of the link mechanisms is prevented. As a means therefor, a beveled portion is formed on the link side peripheral end edge portion of each input member, whereby interference between the end link member and the outer peripheral surface of the rotation pair portion of each intermediate link member is prevented.
US07971497B2
Devices and methods facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.
US07971496B2
The invention relates to a method for determining the elastic deformation of components, especially parallel kinematic devices, under a load. Said method is characterised in that the geometry of the articulation points on the fixed platform (9) and the mobile platform (10) is determined; the replacement spring constants of the actuators (K1, K2, K3) and the replacement spring constants of the bearings are determined; the theoretical length of the actuators is determined; the theoretical position of all of the articulation points in the area is determined therefrom; the forces acting on the individual actuators are determined from said geometry and the load (F); and the real geometrical image and thus the real position of the mobile platform are determined from said forces. The real position is compared with the calculated theoretical position and is brought into line by the actuation of corresponding actuators.
US07971491B2
A composite specimen for conducting transverse tension strength testing may include a solid cylinder comprising parallel opposing ends, a cylindrical surface extending between and around the parallel opposing ends, and only parallel planar plies extending between and perpendicular to the parallel opposing ends. The parallel planar plies may comprise fibers extending within the parallel planar plies.
US07971490B2
A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device (10) having rotating shaft (30) maybe used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device (10) may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam (65a) operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor (80) maybe coupled with the at least one beam (65a) and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings (74) of the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to the housing (120) of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam (65a) may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam (65a) may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.
US07971483B2
A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial sensor systems and methods are operable to determine linear acceleration and rotation. An exemplary embodiment applies a first linear acceleration rebalancing force via a first electrode pair to a first proof mass, applies a second linear acceleration rebalancing force via a second electrode pair to a second proof mass, applies a first Coriolis rebalancing force via a third electrode pair to the first proof mass, applies a second Coriolis rebalancing force via a fourth electrode pair to the second proof mass, determines a linear acceleration corresponding to the applied first and second linear acceleration rebalancing forces, and determines a rotation corresponding to the applied first and second Coriolis rebalancing forces.
US07971481B2
A circuit for conveying signals between one or more ink level sensors and a circuit includes a substrate having a circuit end, a sensor end, and an elongated body extending therebetween. The sensor end includes a bottom layer in which the first signal trace is routed and a top layer in which the second and third signal traces are routed. The sensor end includes a first, a second, and a third connector each extending through the top and the bottom layers that are electrically connected to a first signal trace, a second signal trace, and a third signal trace, respectively, in the substrate. The first connector, the second connector, and the third connector are configured for electrical connection to a first probe, a second probe, and a third probe, respectively, of the level sensor. A first ground trace is positioned in the sensor end that includes a first continuous guard ring in the top layer completely surrounding and spaced from the first connector, and a first segmented guard ring in the bottom layer including a plurality of segments that are each electrically connected to the first continuous guard ring and being spaced from the other segments in the first segmented guard ring. The first signal trace is routed in the bottom layer to the first connector via a space between the segments of the first segmented guard ring.
US07971473B1
An apparatus and process for testing airflow through a turbine vane under actual engine airflow conditions. The apparatus includes first a second static pressure chamber each with an opening on which a cover plate is to be secured to enclose the chamber and hold the vane in place for testing. Each chamber includes a pressurized air supply tube that extends into the chamber to deliver the volume of air necessary for testing the airflow. The chamber is of such a size that the high volume of pressurized air delivered to the chamber will enter the vane as static air for the testing. The cover plates are formed of two halves in which the vane endwall can be secured between the halves. A stand supports both cover plates so that the plates and the vane can be moved into position where the cover plates are secured to the opening of the chamber for testing. The pressurized air supplied to both chambers flows into the vane and through the film cooling holes so that proper testing of the airflow can be done. If a vane has two separate internal cooling passages, each pressure chamber can be supplied with different pressures to simulate airflow conditions through the two different passages.
US07971468B2
A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out. A rail transfer module (74) interconnects each arm with the associated rail for moving the rails (80, 82) side-to-side.
US07971466B2
A press-formed member includes a first wall with a first thickness, a second wall with a second thickness, and a first corner portion. The first corner portion is disposed between the first and second walls, with the first corner portion having an increased thickness formed by pressure-forming such that the increased thickness of the first corner portion is larger than the first and second thicknesses of the first and second walls adjacent to the first corner portion. In a manufacturing method for the press-formed member, a preliminary body structure to be deformed is provided, and the thickness of the first corner portion of the preliminary body structure is increased by applying pressure to the preliminary body structure.
US07971464B2
One mode of the present invention relates to a small-sized electronic casing comprising an aluminum alloy extruded shape having a hollow sectional part at least contained in a main part, wherein the extruded shape has at least either component-mounting holes or notches. Another mode of the present invention relates to a small-sized electronic casing manufacturing method that comprises a press punching process of forming at least either component-mounting holes or notches in an aluminum alloy extruded shape of a prescribed length having a hollow sectional part. The present invention may provide an aluminum alloy casing that is excellent in formability and productivity, has a smaller thickness and provides higher dimensional precision.
