US08050259B2
Disclosed is a system and method for transmitting a data packet from a source to a destination via a network path having a number of hops. The sum of a playback delay associated with the data packet and the number of hops are stored in a header of the data packet. The data packet is transmitted from the source to the destination via the network path.
US08050249B1
A first information block is transmitted from a first terminal, the first terminal retaining access to a channel until either i) the first information block is acknowledged by a second terminal, or ii) at least a first predetermined period of time following transmission of the first information block expires, whichever is shorter. It is determined whether the first information block is acknowledged within the first predetermined period of time. A second information block is transmitted from the first terminal in response to the first information block being acknowledged within the first predetermined period of time. When the first information block has a first type, the first information block is retransmitted in response to the first information block not being acknowledged within the first predetermined period of time. When the first information block has a second type, retransmitting the first information block is attempted after waiting a second predetermined period of time.
US08050243B2
A method and system for evaluating proximity of the electronic device to a wireless local area network (WLAN) involves generating a location where the location is defined by a list of cellular communication access points that is sorted based on signal strength for each access point. The list may be scored against one or more similarly defined reference locations to determine if the electronic device is at a geographic position that is favorable to probe for a WLAN that the electronic device was connected to at a prior time, but is presently not connected.
US08050242B2
Before a WiMAX-equipped device is distributed to an end-user, the manufacturer or distributor of the WiMAX-equipped device will record in the device a set of data that describes characteristics (e.g., type, features, capabilities, and limitations) of the device. When the end-user powers on the device or otherwise brings the device within the coverage of a service provider's WiMAX base station, the device will then acquire radio connectivity, typically with the service provider authenticating the device's WiMAX chipset. Thereafter, the device will engage in a first-time activation/service-provisioning session with a system operated by the service provider, and during that session, the device will provide the system with its device-characteristics data and the service provider will use that device-characteristics data as a basis to customize provisioning of service for the device based on the device's features and capabilities.
US08050237B2
Apparatus and method to process a pilot channel and a synchronization channel to obtain a combined noise estimate of the pilot channel and the synchronization channel that is synchronized to the pilot channel. The combined noise estimation is processed to determine a first noise component for a period when both the pilot channel and the synchronization channel are present. Then, the combined noise estimate is processed to determine a second noise component for a period when only the pilot channel is present. Next, the second noise component is subtracted from the first noise component to derive a noise estimation for the synchronization channel. The technique may be applied to the Common Pilot Channel (CPICH), and the Synchronization Channel (SCH) defined in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project standard specification.
US08050236B1
A wireless communication system is disclosed comprising a communications network; and a plurality of base transceiver stations (BTS) coupled to the communications network. At one of the BTS is adapted to send traffic data modulated onto orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones to mobile units, and send control data modulated onto code division multiplexing (CDM) codes to the mobile units. The BTS may be further adapted to send pilot data modulated onto OFDM tones to the mobile units. The transmission of the data may be compatible with HSDPA and/or IP Wireless protocols. Because the modulation scheme for the traffic data is OFDM instead of CDM, higher throughputs may be achieved in an HSDPA and/or IP Wireless-based wireless communication systems.
US08050233B2
A method and apparatus for shifting functional entity in WiMAX network is disclosed. A functional entity at the network side is set to be master functional entity or slave functional entity. The method includes: setting a binding relationship between a master functional entity and at least one slave functional entity; triggering the master functional entity to shift, combining a context of the slave functional entity bound with the master functional entity and a context of the master functional entity to form a context message that is required by the master functional entity for the shift, and forwarding the context message according to the course of shifting the master functional entity.
US08050231B2
Vertical handover apparatus and method in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes examining whether there exists an accessible target network while communicating with a serving network; when there exists the accessible target network, linking up to the target network; changing a communication state to an idle mode by de-registering the linked target network; and performing a network re-entry to the target network in a vertical handover to the target network. When the terminal can execute the vertical handover without the seamless service support and reduce the handover delay.
US08050226B2
A method of transmitting a control signal in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a control signal on an uplink channel, determining whether an unrecoverable error, which cannot be corrected in a specific layer, is detected during the transmission of the control signal and if the unrecoverable error is detected, transmitting a message which informs that the unrecoverable error is detected. A deadlock due to an unrecoverable error in the specific layer can be prevented.
US08050210B2
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting the configuration mode of MBMS carrier frequency time slots, and a method for receiving the configuration mode of MBMS carrier frequency time slots. The present invention also discloses a RNC and a terminal. The present invention enables the terminal to ascertain the configuration mode of MBMS carrier frequency time slots, and performs appropriate combining operation on the basis of the capability of the terminal itself, hence reduces the workload on the terminal.
US08050206B2
Apparatus, systems and techniques associated with battery powered wireless camera systems. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a system that includes a battery powered wireless camera including an internal battery to provide energy and a burst transmission unit to transmit information during burst periods. The system includes a base station, separated from the battery powered wireless camera, in wireless communication with the battery powered wireless camera to receive information from the battery powered wireless camera. The base station is configured to process the received information and includes a web server to transmit the processed information to a client. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
US08050205B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing wireless slot adaptation with reservations in a time division multiple access (TDMA) network where time is divided into time slots in repeated frames. During operation, the system receives a vector from a neighbor node, wherein a respective element in the vector indicates received signal quality for a corresponding time slot in a frame with respect to that neighbor node. Next, the system updates a record which indicates the received signal quality for all the time slots within a frame for the neighbor node based on the received vector. The system then determines a transmission threshold for a time slot with respect to a neighbor node based on the record. Subsequently, the system transmits a packet destined for the neighbor node in an outbound queue if the record indicates that the received signal quality in an upcoming slot is better than the transmission threshold.
US08050201B2
A transmit signal second-order inter-modulation (IM2) canceller for a portable handset using a full duplex mode of operation (e.g., WCDMA) is used to controllably reduce IM2 introduced by a transmit signal that appears in a received signal in a receive channel of the portable handset. The transmit signal IM2 canceller includes a delay estimator and a digital signal adjuster. The delay estimator receives a first input from a receive channel and a second input from a transmit channel. The delay estimator generates an estimate of the IM2 that the transmit channel introduces in the receive channel. The digital signal adjuster removes the estimate of the IM2 before forwarding a modified receive channel signal to a baseband subsystem of the portable handset.
US08050198B2
A transmitter directed, distributed receiver using multi-user diversity provided by the distribution of the receiver. Advantage is taken of the uncorrelated variations over time in the condition of communication links between a common transmitter and several users. The greater the variation in the quality of a particular link over time, the greater the increase in total system throughput provided. A scheduler metric (or scheduler metric) represents the instantaneous quality of the communication link between each user and the transmitter with respect to the average quality of the link. Alternatively, the scheduler metric represents the instantaneous channel condition with respect to the average data throughput over that channel. The common transmitting station uses the scheduler metric to directly compare the desirability of granting each channel access with the desirability of granting each other channel access. The users with links that have the greatest scheduler metric are provided access to the channels.
US08050190B2
A method for feeding back a link parameter configuration result includes the following steps. After receiving a configuration request for at least one link parameter from the higher layer to the lower layer, a media independent handover layer instructs the lower layer to perform link parameter configuration, and the lower layer returns the configuration result for each link parameter to the media independent handover layer after the link parameter configuration completes; the media independent layer receives the configuration result for each link parameter, and feeds back the configuration result for each link parameter to the higher layer. The method overcomes the disadvantages in the prior art, and achieves the objective that the configuration results are fed back accurately when configuration requests to a plurality of link parameters is brought up simultaneously and the configuration of some parameters is successful, failed, or rejected, thereby enabling the higher layer to obtain the accurate configuration results for link parameters.
US08050184B2
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for network connection setup and bandwidth allocation comprising negotiable and non-negotiable modulation allocation procedures.
US08050182B2
A system includes, in order to detect a failure occurring on a transmission path through which service traffic is transmitted from a delivery server, a node that is on the transmission path and that monitors the service traffic, and a monitoring server that determines a location at which a failure has occurred by analyzing information transmitted from the node. Each node measures the service traffic, recognizes an adjacent node, which is a node adjacent in a logic tree structure corresponding to a transmission path, establishes a link, recognizes a position of the node in the logic tree structure, sets a monitoring target link to be monitored in the logic tree structure, uses a measurement result, and transmits the estimation result to one of the adjacent node and the server. The server analyzes the estimation result received from the node, and determines the location of a failure on the transmission path.
US08050180B2
Systems and methods for gathering troubleshooting information through one or more networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises a switch port configured to receive a frame that has information added by another switch. As the frame traverses the network, control logic in the switch adds additional information into the frame from the current switch.
US08050176B2
A bus management tool that allows communication to be maintained between a group of nodes operatively connected on two busses in the presence of radiation by transmitting periodically a first message from one to another of the nodes on one of the busses, determining whether the first message was received by the other of the nodes on the first bus, and when it is determined that the first message was not received by the other of the nodes, transmitting a recovery command to the other of the nodes on a second of the of busses. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention also provide for a bus recovery tool on the other node that re-initializes a bus interface circuit operatively connecting the other node to the first bus in response to the recovery command.
US08050172B2
A method for writing a signal on an optical disk is disclosed. The optical disk comprises a track groove on a recording surface thereof, on which information is recorded along the track groove on a block-by-block basis each said block having a predetermined length and where an identification mark indicating the beginning of each said block, has been formed on the track groove. Writing is started before the identification mark, located at the beginning of at least one block on which the signal should be written, is reached and writing is ended after the identification mark located at the end of the at least one block on which the signal should be written has been passed.
US08050164B2
An optical recording device includes a light source, a spatial light modulator, a correcting optical system and a light guiding section. The spatial light modulator includes plural pixels, a signal light region that displays a signal light pattern, and a reference light region that displays a reference light pattern. The spatial light modulator modulates and outputs incident light for each pixel in accordance with a display pattern. The correcting optical system includes a pair of axicon lenses that correct the emitted light from the light source so as to flatten the light intensity distribution thereof on an irradiated surface of the spatial light modulator. The light guiding section guides the corrected light to the spatial light modulator. The signal light and the reference light are irradiated onto an optical recording medium simultaneously and a hologram is recorded into the optical recording medium.
US08050159B2
This document relates to a method of recording data on an optical disc and an optical disc apparatus. The method of recording data on an optical disc may comprise determining a recording speed at which a recording power control operation will be performed based on a recording start position and the amount of data for which recording has been requested, performing the recording power control operation at the determined recording speed, and recording the data for which recording has been requested on the optical disc based on a result of performing the recording power control operation.
US08050154B2
A control unit is caused to drive a collimator lens from a position of an origin, by a clock number A of drive pulses of a pulse rate T1, thereby to move the collimator lens, and is caused to return the lens to the position of the origin at a pulse rate T2 higher than the pulse rate T1, and counts a clock number B of drive pulses required for returning the lens, and repeats the counting while raising the rate T2 stage by stage, until the clock numbers A and B do not become equal. When the clock numbers A and B are not equal, the control unit judges the occurrence of the step-out, and determines the rate T2 being one stage lower than the rate T2 at which the occurrence of the step-out has been judged, as the pulse rate of the operation of correction of spherical aberration.
US08050139B2
A technique facilitates the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. A source array system comprises a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in a plurality of layers positioned at different vertical levels. A bridle is coupled to the plurality of layers to enable towing of the source array system. The bridle is constructed and connected in a manner such that the arrangement of acoustic sources substantially retains its nominal shape during towing.
US08050136B2
A semiconductor device includes a system clock input unit configured to receive a system clock for synchronizing input times of an address signal and a command signal from a memory controller, a data clock input unit configured to receive first and second data clocks for synchronizing an input/output time of a data signal from the memory controller, wherein a phase of the second data clock is shifted according to a training information signal, and the second data clock having the shifted phase is inputted to the data clock input unit, and a phase detection unit configured to detect a logic level of the second data clock based on an edge of the first data clock, and generate the training information signal to transmit the generated signal to the memory controller according to the detected logic level.
US08050121B2
A plurality of memory blocks includes real memory cells and redundancy memory cells, are accessed independently during a normal operation mode, and are accessed simultaneously during a test mode in order for common data to be written to the plurality of memory blocks. A block control unit selects the plurality of memory blocks irrespective of a block address signal in order to execute a compression test. During the test mode, a redundancy access unit simultaneously accesses the redundancy memory cells of the plurality of memory blocks when a forced redundancy signal supplied to a block address terminal indicates first level. Therefore, the redundancy memory cells of the plurality of memory blocks may simultaneously access and test without providing any special terminal. As a result, before a defect is relieved, an operation test of the redundancy memory cells may efficiently execute, which may shorten the test time.
US08050113B2
A core voltage discharger is capable of adjusting an amount of a current discharged according to temperature. The discharger for decreasing a level of a predetermined voltage receives temperature information from an on die thermal sensor and discharges a different amount of current in response to the temperature information.
US08050098B2
A program method of nonvolatile memory devices, which can solve an under program problem by preventing a drop of a verify voltage in the program, and verify operations. According to an aspect of the method, a program operation is performed on a selected memory cell block. Electric charges charged to a channel of memory cell strings included in unselected memory cell blocks are discharged. A verify operation is performed on the selected memory cell block.
US08050086B2
A method for operating a memory (28) includes storing data in a group of analog memory cells (32) of the memory as respective first voltage levels. After storing the data, second voltage levels are read from the respective analog memory cells. The second voltage levels are affected by cross-coupling interference causing the second voltage levels to differ from the respective first voltage levels. Cross-coupling coefficients, which quantify the cross-coupling interference among the analog memory cells, are estimated by processing the second voltage levels. The data stored in the group of analog memory cells is reconstructed from the read second voltage levels using the estimated cross-coupling coefficients.
US08050075B2
A memory is so formed that, in a first block and a second block each including a prescribed number of the bit lines arranged therein, positions of the bit lines simultaneously selected in the first and second blocks with reference to ends of the first and second blocks respectively are different from each other.
US08050065B2
A multi-phase voltage converting device includes voltage converters each performing voltage conversion based on a control period selected from among a plurality of predetermined control periods, and a control device indicating the control period to the voltage converters. The control device updates the control period of voltage converters in a predetermined period related commonly to the plurality of control periods. The update period is a least common multiple of the plurality of control periods. The plurality of voltage converters are n in number, and the control device successively updates the control periods for the plurality of voltage converters with a time difference equal to 1/n of the update period. Thereby, the multi-phase voltage converting device suppressing output voltage ripples can be provided.
US08050059B2
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a charging probe may include an alternating current (AC) input configured to receive current from an AC source, a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the current received from the AC source, a primary coil, and a control circuit configured to convert the rectified current into a regulated voltage across a primary coil. The primary coil may be configured to induce a magnetic field from the regulated voltage.
US08050057B2
A mounting structure for fixing an electronic element on a heat dissipation unit is provided. The mounting structure includes a heat dissipation unit, a fixing member, electronic elements and elastic elements. The fixing member is fixed on the heat dissipation unit. The elastic elements are sandwiched between the electronic elements and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the elastic elements press the electronic elements to make the electronic elements tightly contact the heat dissipation unit.
US08050046B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure with a ground ring and a plurality of pads are provided, wherein the ground ring has a ring inner area used for disposing an integrated circuit (IC) and the pads are disposed around the outer periphery of the ground ring. The ground ring has a plurality of sawtooth structures, wherein each of the sawtooth structures has a sharp end which is adjacent to the corresponding pad.
US08050041B2
A casing assembly includes a casing and a support seat. The casing has interconnected first and second casing walls located on different sides thereof, and an engaging groove portion extending in a direction perpendicular to that of the first casing wall. The first casing wall is formed with an opening portion communicated with the engaging groove portion. The second casing wall is oriented downwardly and the first casing wall extends uprightly when the casing is disposed in an upright state. The support seat includes a supporting bottom portion for supporting the second casing wall when the casing is in the upright state, and an engaging member connected to the supporting bottom portion. The engaging member has an engaging segment spaced apart from and disposed above the supporting bottom portion for insertion into the engaging groove portion through the opening portion so as to engage the engaging groove portion.
US08050035B2
A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink and a cooling fan arranged thereon. The cooling fan includes a motor-stator and an impeller mounted around the motor-stator. The motor-stator is arranged on a middle of the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending upwardly from the base. The heat sink defines a plurality of notches incising the fins. The notches are angled towards the middle of the heat sink immediately under the motor-stator of the cooling fan.
US08050030B2
An electronic device includes a cover, a body, and two connection members. The cover is movably connected to the body via the two connection members. Each connection member includes a first sliding rail, a second sliding rail, a hinge, at least three securing members, and at least two limiting members. The first sliding rail is pivotally connected to the second sliding rail via the hinge. The first sliding rail is slidably connected to the cover via a securing member. The second sliding rail is slidably connected to the body via two securing members. The at least two limiting members, mounted between the first sliding rail and the cover, are configured for limiting a sliding range of the cover.
US08050020B2
A keyboard base includes a frame, a key panel, and a latching assembly having a stop plate, a sliding block and an elastic member. The frame includes a housing defined therein, a hook formed on a bottom of the housing, and a blind slot defined on a side wall of the housing. The key panel is received in the housing of the frame and includes a clasp snapped in the blind slot of the housing. The stop plate is perpendicularly mounted on the key panel facing the hook of the frame. The sliding block is slidably positioned between the stop plate and the hook of the frame. The elastic member is positioned between the sliding block and the stop plate for keeping the sliding block retaining on the hook of the frame to detachably fasten the key panel and the frame.
US08050018B2
A center section of the upper edge of the rotation member which is rotatable with friction with respect to a first housing in an arrow direction A-A by using, as a rotation shaft, a first shaft which forms a rotation shaft in parallel with a rear edge of the first housing, and a center section of a lower edge of a second housing which is openable and closable with respect to the first housing in the arrow direction A-A and which is rotatable in an arrow direction B-B in an opened state, are connected to each other rotatably in the arrow direction B-B a the second shaft which is perpendicular to the first shaft, and which, when the second housing is in a vertically opened state, is inclined at 45° in a direction in which the second shaft is tilted forward.
US08050012B2
A multilayer chip capacitor including: a capacitor body having a lamination structure where a plurality of dielectric layers are laminated and including a first capacitor part and a second capacitor part arranged according to a lamination direction; first to fourth outer electrodes formed on side surfaces of the capacitor body, the first and third outer electrodes having the same polarity and the second and fourth outer electrodes having the same polarity opposite to that of the first outer electrode; and one or more connection conductor lines formed on an outer surface of the capacitor body and connecting the first outer electrode to the third outer electrode or connecting the second outer electrode to the fourth outer electrode.
US08050011B2
A process for connecting two bodies forming parts of an electromechanical, fluid and optical microsystem, wherein a welding region is formed on a first body; an electrically conductive region and a spacing region are formed on a second body; the spacing region extends near the electrically conductive region and has a height smaller than the electrically conductive region. One of the first and second bodies is turned upside down on the other, and the two bodies are welded together by causing the electrically conductive region to melt so that it adheres to the welding region and collapses until its height becomes equal to that of the spacing region. Thereby it is possible to seal active parts or micromechanical structures with respect to the outside world, self-align the two bodies during bonding, obtain an electrical connection between the two bodies, and optically align two optical structures formed on the two bodies.
US08050010B2
A method is provided that includes, but is not limited to the steps of driving in an on-off manner in a period of time an electronic switch in series with a respective glow plug between the terminals of a d.c. voltage supply, sensing the glow plug voltage and the glow plug current, generating analogue sense signals representative of the time integral of the glow plug voltage and current, generating analogue reference signals corresponding to the digital values of corresponding control words, comparing the sense signals to the respective reference signals and modifying the corresponding control words so as to minimize the difference between the sense signals and the reference signals, calculating the average values of the sensed voltage and current on the basis of the values of the control words at the beginning and at the end of the “on” time of the electronic switch.
US08050006B2
A method of providing overload and short-circuit protection for a Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS). The method may rely upon sensing a temperature change rate for a component of the SMPS and implementing a protection scheme when the temperature change rate exceeds a desired temperature change rate. The implementation scheme may include permanently or temporarily shutting-off the component.
US08050002B2
A fault determination apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a circuit board disposed there within. The housing is shaped and dimensioned for non-intrusive placement within an existing electrical system. The circuit board is configured to provide one of a transmitter or a receiver within a fault determination system. A first set of connectors is disposed at a first side of the housing and a second set of connectors disposed at the second end of the housing. The first set of connectors and the second set of connectors are directly connected through the wires provided inside the apparatus while at least one wires under fault monitoring are tapped to the circuit board and configured so as to be electrically coupled to the existing electrical system.
US08050000B2
A system is presented. The system includes a micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switch. A pulse circuit is coupled to the balanced diode bridge to form a pulse signal in response to a fault condition. An energy-absorbing circuitry is coupled in a parallel circuit with the pulse circuit and is adapted to absorb electrical energy resulting from the fault condition without affecting a pulse signal formation by the pulse circuit.
US08049992B2
The present invention provides a tape reel, a recording tape cartridge, a take-up reel, a pullout member and a drive device that can control fluctuation of a recording tape in the axial direction of a hub and can, even when the recording tape is thinned in accompaniment with an increase in recording capacity, prevent the occurrence of tape edge damage. A tape reel 20 includes: a hub 22 on which is wound a recording tape T on which is recorded servo signals S that are a reference for tracking by a recording/playback head 88 of a drive device 70; and flanges 24 and 26 provided integrally at both end portions of the hub 22, wherein the diameter of a substantially central portion of the hub 22 is formed larger than the diameters of each of the end portions of the hub 22.
US08049990B2
A cleaning tape has a base tape made of a synthetic resin and a cleaning layer formed on a surface of this base tape. The cleaning layer has a binding agent and a large number of spherical particles dispersed in the binding agent in a single particle layer. Such a cleaning tape is capable of removing very small unwanted protrusions and particles on the surface of a target object such as a magnetic hard disk without forming scratches.
US08049989B2
Methods and structures for the fabrication of a thin film, perpendicular recording write head are disclosed. The fabrication involves the deposition of two different oxide layers which have mutually high etch selectivities. This characteristic allows a write pole structure to be built wherein the track width is independent of the location of the flare point. The process also produces a structure wherein the throat height of the shield is self aligned to the location of the flare point of the write pole.
US08049984B2
In a method of biasing a slider, a bias voltage is generated for biasing a slider. The bias voltage is integratedly coupled to a conductive body of the slider via an existing signal path of the slider such that the slider is biased with the bias voltage. The existing signal path is primarily used for conveying another signal to or from the slider but at least sometimes conveys the bias voltage to the conductive body in an integral fashion along with another signal.
US08049979B2
The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.
US08049973B2
In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to a projection objective, in particular for a microlithography exposure apparatus, serving to project an image of an object field in an object plane onto an image field in an image plane. The projection objective includes a system aperture stop and refractive and/or reflective optical elements that are arranged relative to an optical system axis. The centroid of the image field is arranged at a lateral distance from the optical system axis). The system aperture stop has an inner aperture stop border which encloses an aperture stop opening and whose shape is defined by a border contour curve. The border contour curve runs at least in part outside of a plane that spreads orthogonally to the optical system axis.
US08049961B2
A lens unit and a projection screen made of the same are disclosed. The lens unit includes a micro lens having a light incident surface and a light emergent surface opposing to the light incident surface; a light absorbing layer formed on the light emergent surface of the micro lens and having a cavity formed therein; a scattering layer formed in the cavity of the light absorbing layer and including a transparent resin blended with scattering particles; and a reflective layer formed on the light absorbing layer and the scattering layer. The projection screen includes a plurality of the lens units, thereby achieving high contrast and high energy utilization efficiency of incident light with a large viewing angle.
US08049957B2
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus encompasses an apparatus that may have: a predetermined length, the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide having first and second opposed sides; quantum wells disposed within the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide along the length of the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide, the quantum wells being formed of a quantum well gain material; microchannel cooler that extends substantially the width of the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide, the microchannel cooler located adjacent the first side of the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide; and a plurality of pump arrays arranged along the microchannel cooler opposed from the first side of the self-imaging semiconductor waveguide; wherein the quantum well gain material is photopumped through the microchannel cooler.
US08049956B2
The present invention relates to an OPCPA apparatus. The OPCPA of the present invention includes an optical pulse stretcher (100) for outputting chirped laser light using odd-order dispersion (third-order dispersion is mainly used). A pump laser (200) outputs pump laser light. An OPA unit (300) receives the pump laser light and the chirped laser light (signal), amplifies the signal using the pump laser light, and generates an idler. An optical signal separation unit (400) separates output light of the OPA unit into the signal, the idler, and remaining light (pump). An optical pulse compressor (600) compensates for pulse chirping caused by odd-order dispersion that is imparted by the optical pulse stretcher, thus temporally compressing the signal and the idler, which overlap each other.
US08049945B2
A technique is provided which can improve optical characteristics by suppressing the occurrence of an error in attachment of a rotary deflector that deflects a light flux from a light source and scans it in a main scanning direction. There are provided a rotary deflector that deflects the light flux from the light source and scans it in the main scanning direction, an imaging optical system that images the light flux scanned by the rotary deflector onto a specified scanning object, a support part that supports the rotary deflector rotatably, and a positioning part that comes in contact with the support part at plural contact positions and positions the support part, in which a shortest distance between the plural contact positions in an optical axis direction of the imaging optical system is longer than a shortest distance between the plural contact positions in the main scanning direction.
US08049941B2
To compensate for an inhomogeneous brightness perception in a holographic reconstruction of 3D-scenes (4), a computing means encodes modulator cells of a SLM with a hologram point data pattern. Multiple bundles of rays illuminate the surface of the SLM and an array of focusing elements (21, 23) directs the bundles of rays to an observer's eye positions. Geometrical and optical properties of the array cause dissimilarly affected illumination regions on the SLM surface. The computing means determine parameters which describe the extent of these effects in combination with an expected spatial filtering at the eye pupil of the observer's eyes. Using these parameters, the computing means estimates which local errors of the reconstruction caused by these dissimilarly affected illumination regions will be perceived by the observer when watching the reconstruction, and corrects the hologram point data pattern such that the reconstruction appears at a corrected brightness uniformity level.
US08049939B2
A method of generating transfer functions to be applied to the input data of an image to be printed by a printing apparatus using a group of colorants, each colorant being assigned to the rendering of a distinct color channel, includes determining a maximum total area coverage and measuring the tonal response of each colorant. The method further includes setting a maximum individual area coverage for each colorant such that the optical density at the maximum individual area coverage is substantially the same for each colorant and the sum of the maximum individual area coverage values is substantially equal to the maximum total area coverage and generating a transfer function for each color channel based on the set maximum individual area coverage for the assigned colorant. An apparatus and a computer program product are provided to generate such transfer functions.
US08049922B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image data processing unit that extracts one image area for each page from bitmap images for a continuous even number of pages of an identical sheet size and creates a combined image obtained by combining these image areas; and a print processing unit that prints the combined image on one print sheet or a size same as the sheet size.
US08049920B2
An image forming system, including: an image reading section, which is capable of reading-in an image of a book original; a memory section to memorize read-in image data; an image forming section to form images on sheets to be a book body and on a cover sheet based on the image data; a book binding apparatus to form a book by covering a bundle of the sheets, on which the images are formed, with the cover sheet in U-shape; an inputting section to input reading conditions of the book original and outputting conditions of the book binding apparatus; and a control section to automatically set the outputting conditions based on a setting of the reading conditions inputted through the inputting section.
US08049919B2
An image processing apparatus is connected to a specific network for processing an image according to image information input to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes an apparatus information storage unit for storing apparatus information of other apparatus connected to the network; an inquiry unit for inquiring an operational state of the other apparatus according to the apparatus information stored in the apparatus information storage unit; a determining unit for determining the operational state of the other apparatus according to an inquiry result of the inquiry unit; and a switching control unit for switching an operational state of the image processing apparatus between an active state and a power save state according to a number of apparatus that the determining unit determines as being in the active state.
US08049918B2
Print plug-in isolation is described. In embodiment(s), a print system input can be received at a print system, and the print system input can be redirected from the print system to an isolation module that isolates one or more print plug-ins from the print system. The print system input can be processed at the isolation module with the one or more print plug-ins to generate print plug-in output, and the print plug-in output can then be communicated back to the print system from the isolation module.
US08049913B2
In order to prevent a sheet of paper on which confidential information is formed as an image from being taken out, an MFP has a print data accepting portion to accept print data, an image-forming portion to form an image based on the print data onto a sheet of paper having an RFID tag provided with a memory and a data communication portion, an RFID reader/writer control portion to acquire tag identification information for identifying the RFID tag provided by the sheet of paper on which the image is formed based on the print data, a definition data control portion to store definition data including the acquired tag identification information, an external reader communication portion to communicate with a communicable RFID reader, and an abnormal state detecting portion to judge as an abnormal state the case where the external reader communication portion communicating with a communicable RFID reader is detected to be non-communicable with the RFID tag specified by the tag identification information included in the definition data.
US08049904B2
A printer, a printing system, and a printing method of the printing system where the printer is provided with a keyboard function, and the printer is connected with a computer via a Universal Serial Bus and includes a key operation section provided with a plurality of keys. The printer further includes: a switching key to select a keyboard function and a printer function; a Universal Serial Bus module to transmit keyboard equipment information and printer equipment information to the computer according to the selection by the switching key; and a key control section to map the keys of the key operation section to those of the keyboard or the those of the printer according to the selection via the switching key. Accordingly, the invention makes printing convenient by directly issuing a command from the printer to the computer to perform a task as requested by a user.
US08049903B2
An optical metrology method is disclosed for evaluating the uniformity of characteristics within a semiconductor region having repeating features such a memory die. The method includes obtaining measurements with a probe laser beam having a spot size on the order of micron. These measurements are compared to calibration information obtained from calibration measurements. The calibration information is derived by measuring calibration samples with the probe laser beam and at least one other technology having added information content. In the preferred embodiment, the other technology includes at least one of spectroscopic reflectometry or spectroscopic ellipsometry.
US08049901B2
A measuring device includes a light-sending part sending light in a first direction which is a depth direction of a hollow shape, a conversion part converting a direction of the light into a circumference direction approximately orthogonal to the first direction, a detection part detecting light reflected inside a measuring object, the direction of which is converted by the conversion part, and a shape measurement part measuring an inside shape of the measuring object by obtaining a shift from a reference position according to a detection result of the detection part. Thereby, it is possible to obtain the hollow shape of an object at one time without a need of rotating the object or a light source, and to carry out a highly accurate measurement using a simple device.
US08049898B2
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with measuring environmental parameters are described herein. In one embodiment, a transducer comprises a tube, an elongated member, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and an optical fiber. The tube has a first end and a second end, and the elongated member also has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the elongated member secured to the tube. The second reflective surface is secured to the second end of the elongated member, and the first reflective surface is spaced apart from the second reflective surface and secured to the second end of the tube. The optical fiber is positioned to direct light towards the first and second reflective surfaces and to collect the reflected light from these two surfaces.
US08049897B2
A reticle defect inspection apparatus that suppresses deterioration of optical components resulting from luminescent spots generated by an integrator and can sustain a defect inspection with high precision for a long time is provided. The reticle defect inspection apparatus is a reticle defect inspection apparatus for inspecting for defects on a reticle using a pattern image obtained by irradiating the reticle on which a pattern is formed with light. And the apparatus includes an illuminating optical system for irradiating the reticle with an inspection light and a detecting optical system for detecting a pattern image of the reticle irradiated with the inspection light, wherein the illuminating optical system comprises an integrator for equalizing illumination distribution of the inspection light and a moving mechanism for enabling the integrator to slightly move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the integrator.
US08049896B2
A detecting element for detecting a target substance in a sample includes a substrate having a pore, in which a thickness direction of the substrate corresponds to a depth direction of the pore, and plurality of metal structures disposed in the pore. The plurality of metal structures have a ring shape.
US08049895B2
Values for one or more particle properties, such as an aerosol asymmetry parameter g, can be measured directly using a detector that measures scattered light. The detector can comprise two or more diffusers coupled to optical sensors responsive to scattered light that is incident on the surfaces of the diffusers. One or more weighing functions can be obtained based on diffuser geometry. In an example, the diffusers correspond to quadrants of a circular toroid.
US08049893B2
A method of identifying analytes that react with probes on encoded particles. The method includes providing a support substrate that has a plurality of the particles randomly distributed on the support substrate. The particles have elongated bodies with codes that extend along the corresponding bodies. The codes identify probes that are attached to the corresponding bodies, wherein at least some of the probes include fluorescent labels from reactions with the analytes. The method also includes detecting fluorescent signals that are emitted from the fluorescent labels. The fluorescent signals emit from random spatial locations along the support substrate. The method also includes detecting the codes of the particles at the random spatial locations along the support substrate and analyzing the codes and the fluorescent signals to identify the analytes that react with the probes on the particles.
US08049888B2
With a device for measuring the fluorescent light or scattered light emitted by microscopically small particles or cells (12), with a flow-through cuvette (8) through which the luminescent particles or cells (12) are guided, whereby the flow-through cuvette (8) has a transparent window (3), and with a photodetector (2), which records the light emitted by the luminescent particles or cells (12), and with an optical element that guides the light emerging from the window (3) to the photodetector (2), the invention suggests that the optical element is embodied as a cylinder (4, 9) with a cylindrical reflecting surface.
US08049885B1
The present invention relates to methods of measuring the optical characteristics of volume holographic gratings with high resolution and with a large spectral coverage using a spectrally broad band source in conjunction with instruments that measure the spectrum such as spectrometers, imaging spectrometers, and spectrum analyzers.
US08049883B2
A swept wavelength interrogation system includes a tunable light source for outputting a light beam that is tunable over a range of wavelengths and an optical reader head for distributing the light beam among a plurality of sensors and for measuring response spectra from the sensors. A wavelength-tracking device measures centroid wavelengths of the light beam. A processor calculates a centroid wavelength of the response spectra from the sensors based on the measured centroid wavelengths of the light beam.
US08049878B2
Systems (50) and methods are disclosed for detecting defects (DEF1-DEF5) in a ceramic filter body (10) having a honeycomb structure (12) that defined multiple channels (20). Plugs (30) are used to seal select channel ends (22, 24). The methods include using a first light source unit (52) and a first detector unit (62) operably arranged at respective first and second ends (16, 18) of the honeycomb structure so as to be capable of being in optical communication. Light beams (LB) are transmitted from the first light source unit to the first detector unit through multiple channels. Defects in a given plug allow a detectable portion (LBD) of the corresponding light beam to be detected. Multiple detector elements (64) are used to detect the detectable light beam portion to provide location and intensity variation information, which helps deduce the precise location and nature of the defect. Light source units (52, 52′) at opposite ends (16, 18) and detector units (62, 62′) at opposite ends (18, 16) form a “double-ended” system that allows for the simultaneous measurement of defect at both ceramic filter body ends. Systems and methods for measuring defects (DEF4, DEF5) for unplugged ceramic filter bodies are also disclosed.
US08049875B1
One embodiment of an instrument for setting the angle between two work pieces. In operation, the instrument is placed on one of the work pieces at a user determined distance from the apex of the angle being set. The instrument projects a light beam creating a light spot on the other work piece. When the light spot is aligned with a user mark on the other work piece the work pieces are aligned at the correct angle. Use of this instrument provides a positive and accurate indication that the work pieces are aligned at the desired angle.
US08049869B2
The present invention includes a multifaceted imaging semi-active laser system (“I-SALS”). In one aspect, the I-SALS closes on a laser designation of a target until it starts imaging the target, whereupon the I-SALS then homes on the target from the image. Some embodiments employ a slightly defocused designation. Other embodiments use existential jitter in the designation and other embodiments intentionally induce a jitter in the designation called dither. One particular embodiments provides a dual field-of-view optics package that has no moving parts.
US08049867B2
A laser tracker includes rotatable structure on which a position detector is disposed. The position detector generates a signal indicating a direction of rotation of the structure so that a beam launched from the structure to a patterned target tracks the patterned target. The laser tracker also includes an optical system that includes a lens and is used to determine the orientation of the patterned target.
US08049866B2
A polarization control device for a lithography system selectively polarizes light in horizontal, vertical and/or circular orientations. A pair of relatively rotatable quarter-wave plates move to provide the desired polarization. When the quarter-wave plates are at a relative angle of 45 degrees, the polarization is circular. When the quarter-wave plates are both at zero or 45 degrees, the resulting polarization is vertical or horizontal. The polarization is selected based on the orientation of an image to be projected. Horizontal polarization is preferably used for images with a strong horizontal orientation, and vertical polarization is selected for images with a strong vertical orientation. Circular orientation is selected when the image has no strong horizontal or vertical orientation.
US08049864B2
A device manufacturing method includes a measurement phase and an exposure phase. The measurement phase includes conditioning a radiation beam with a first beam condition, forming the patterned radiation beam by imparting the radiation beam with the first beam condition with a first pattern in its cross-section, and projecting the patterned beam onto a sensor capable of providing a sensor output signal. The exposure phase includes fast switching the conditioning of the radiation beam to a second beam condition, the second beam condition being different from the first beam condition, forming the patterned radiation beam by imparting the radiation beam with the second beam condition with a second pattern in its cross-section, the second pattern being provided by a patterning device, and projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate.
US08049856B2
In a display substrate and a display device having the display substrate for reducing a line resistance, the display substrate includes a plurality of pixel parts, a signal line part and a signal pad part. The pixel parts are formed in a display area. The signal line part is formed in a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The signal line part includes a first line formed with a first conductive layer, and a second line formed with a second conductive layer over the first line. The second line overlaps the first line. The signal pad part includes a first pad integrally formed with the first line, and a second pad integrally formed with the second line, wherein an identical driving signal is applied to the first pad and the second pad. Accordingly, the line resistance of the signal line part may be reduced.
US08049849B2
The present invention provides an optical film including at least two optically anisotropic layers, wherein one optically anisotropic layer satisfies Expression (1) described below, the other optically anisotropic layer satisfies Expression (2) described below, and a slow axis of the one optically anisotropic layer is parallel to a slow axis of the other optically anisotropic layer, 0≦Re(450)/Re(550)≦0.5 Expression (1) 0.95≦Re(450)/Re(550)≦1.05 Expression (2) where Re (λ) represents an in-plane retardation value (unit: nm) of the corresponding optically anisotropic layer measured at a wavelength of λ nm.
US08049843B2
Disclosed is a polarizing plate comprising at least first and second polarizing elements and satisfying (1) kx1>ky1=kz1, (2) kz2>ky2 and (3) (kx1−ky1)×d1>(kz2−ky2)×d2, wherein an x-axis and a y-axis are in-plane axes crossing perpendicularly to each other, and a z-axis is the axis crossing perpendicularly to the x-y axis plane; kx1, ky1 and kz1 each are the absorption coefficient in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions, respectively, of the first polarizing element; ky2 and kz2 each are the absorption coefficient in the y-axis and z-axis directions, respectively, of the second polarizing element; and d1 and d2 each are the thickness (unit: nm) of the first and second polarizing elements, respectively.
US08049839B2
A flexible light guiding film includes a base film having a substantially constant thickness, and a light controlling portion disposed on the base film. Edges of the light controlling portion and the base film are coplanar and define a light incident surface of the light guiding film. The light incident surface is thicker than the base film, but has a similar thickness with that of a light exiting surface of a light source.
US08049834B2
A display device and a backlight module thereof are provided. The display device further includes a display panel having a display area. The backlight module is disposed under the display panel and includes a light source holder, a light source, and a light guide plate. The light source holder has a sidewall, a top plate, and a bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate partially overlaps the display area of the display device. The light guide plate is disposed corresponding to the display area of the display device and has one end located in an opening between the top plate and the bottom plate. A thermal isolating layer is interposed between the light guide plate and a portion of the bottom plate which corresponds to the display area. The perpendicular distance between the light guide plate and the portion of the bottom plate overlapping the thermal isolating layer is greater than a perpendicular distance between the light guide plate and the other portion of the bottom plate.
US08049830B2
A method for fabricating an LCD device comprising: providing first and second substrates; forming an active area having a source region, a drain region, a channel region, and a storage region on the first substrate; forming a first insulation film on the first substrate; forming a gate electrode, a gate line and a pixel electrode on the first substrate and forming a storage line partially overlapping with the storage region; forming a second insulation film on the first substrate; forming first and second contact holes exposing a portion of the source and drain regions by removing a portion of the first and second insulation films and exposing the pixel electrode by removing the second insulation film on the pixel electrode; and forming a source electrode electrically connected to the source region through the first contact hole and forming a drain electrode electrically connected to the drain region through the second contact hole and partially overlapping with the storage line.
US08049829B2
Pixel electrodes in a liquid crystal panel extend to cover the entire pixel regions. The light leakage is generated only on two sides of the pixel region due to the uncontinuous alignment of liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal panel is driven by dot inversion. Therefore, in the present invention, light-shielding layer is formed on only the corresponding region of the TFT substrate. The aperture ratio of the liquid crystal panel according to the present invention can increase and the light-shielding layer can be employed to repair the gate lines and data lines.
US08049826B2
A liquid crystal display device for preventing light leakage includes a display substrate having gate and data lines arranged in a matrix format and an image display device connected to the gate and data lines, an opposing substrate bonded to the display substrate with liquid crystals disposed therebetween, a touch sensor operated by a pressurization of the opposing substrate, and a gate shielding line arranged parallel with the gate line on the opposing substrate to cut off an electric field caused by the gate line.
US08049821B2
In one embodiment a video system comprises a first tuner, a first memory buffer coupled to the first tuner to receive a first video signal from the first tuner, a second tuner, a second memory buffer coupled to the second tuner to receive a second video signal from the second tuner, and a controller comprising logic to direct the first video signal from the first memory buffer to an output port, receive a signal to switch the output port from the first memory buffer to the second memory buffer, and in response to the signal, couple the output port to the second memory buffer without disrupting the operations of the first memory buffer.
US08049820B2
Video processing circuits and methods using same buffer for video decoder and cross color suppressor
A video processing circuit capable of processing a composite signal and a non-composite signal, includes: a line buffer; a frame buffer; a video decoder for decoding the composite signal by utilizing the line buffer and the frame buffer as temporary buffers of the video decoder; a cross color suppressor for performing color suppression on the non-composite signal by utilizing the line buffer and the frame buffer as temporary buffers of the cross color suppressor; and a path controller, coupled to the video decoder and the cross color suppressor, for coupling the line buffer and the frame buffer to the video decoder or the cross color suppressor when utilizing the line buffer and the frame buffer is required.
US08049818B2
The present invention relates to a video processing method and apparatus capable of performing a proper video process corresponding to various color systems. A decoder extracts color information from a received video signal including vertical synchronous information for a vertical scanning frequency of a picture, color information of the picture, and frequency information corresponding to the color information. A frequency evaluator evaluates the received vertical scanning frequency and the received frequency of the video signal color information on the basis of the vertical synchronous information and the frequency information of the color information. A controller controls the decoder to extract the color information on the basis of the frequency of the color information when the received vertical scanning frequency and the received frequency of the color information evaluated by the frequency evaluator are identical with predetermined vertical scanning frequency and the predetermined frequencies of the corresponding color information.
US08049817B2
A method and system for calculating an interlace artifact in image data are disclosed. A motion picture of the image data comprises a series of frames, captured at a predefined interval of time. During processing of the motion picture, the frames are divided into fields, each field comprising one or more pixels. A difference between the pixels of the fields is calculated. Thereafter, edges of the pixels are calculated in the fields. The method and system then identify the focused area in the fields. To calculate the interlace artifact in the motion picture, the displacement of the focused area is calculated by using motion vectors. The artifacts are calculated as a ratio of a number of pixels based on motion vector calculation.
US08049812B2
A method and apparatus for automatically focusing a camera that may rely upon ambient light for auto focusing and flash illumination for image capture. A correction factor may be determined that is based at least in part on a range between the camera and a desired subject. The camera focus may be adjusted in accordance with the correction factor prior to capturing a capture image using flash illumination.
US08049810B2
If an aperture of the objective-imaging is the same as an aperture when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging or if an F value of the objective-imaging is equal to or greater than an F value when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging, the focused state is maintained and the focusing of the objective-imaging is skipped. Even in other cases, a in-focus position is detected near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. Alternatively, if the user selects a speed priority, the in-focus position is detected in a narrow range near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. This enables to achieve both enough speed and focus accuracy of the main-photographing.
US08049808B2
A cover for an image sensor array is disclosed. The cover includes a plate formed of substantially transparent material and placed adjacent to the image sensor array. The plate has a plurality of surfaces and forms a lensing structure. At least one of the plurality of surfaces is contoured into a lensing surface capable of performing an imaging improvement or enhancement function.
US08049806B2
A camera includes a first substrate having a convex refractive element, a second substrate having a concave refractive element, a separation between the first to second substrates, the separation including an air gap between convex refractive element and the concave refractive element, and a third substrate having a detector array thereon, the concave refractive element being closer to the detector than the convex refractive element, at least two of the first to third substrates being secured along a z-axis, wherein the z axis is perpendicular to a plane of the detector array, e.g., at a wafer level. The convex refractive element may include a plurality of convex refractive elements, the concave refractive element may include a plurality of concave refractive elements, and the detector array may include a plurality of detector arrays, each of the plurality forming a plurality of sub-cameras.
US08049797B2
An image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element group, and color filters of at least two colors arranged on respective photoelectric conversion elements of the photoelectric conversion element group. The color filters are arranged on the respective photoelectric conversion elements such that a spatial frequency component of array of color filters of each color includes a reduced amount of component in a low-frequency region and a band component in a high-frequency region.
US08049794B2
The method of processing a first digital image by combining the first digital image with a second digital image includes the first digital image being received from a pixel array, and when receiving the first digital image it is converted into a first continuous sequential data stream. The second digital image may be provided in the form of a second continuous sequential data stream, and the first and second digital images may be combined by continuously combining the data in the first and second data stream.
US08049785B2
An optimum image selection method for a digital photograph device selecting an optimum image by driving a vibration detection sensor mechanism is provided. In continuous photography mode, as soon as capturing an image, it detects and records the vibration amount of the image, and then compares the presently detected vibration amount with the vibration amount of the image which is stored formerly, and if the vibration amount detected presently is smaller, the image captured presently will be stored, so the clearest image will be distinguished and retained immediately by using the vibration amount.
US08049778B2
An imaging device mounted on a vehicle (30) acquires image data resulting from capturing an image of a scene around the vehicle (30). A parking section (E) corresponding to the desired parking position is set. The image data is subjected to an image-converting process that includes at least one of viewpoint conversion and distortion correction. A deflection angle (λ) between the vehicle (30) and the parking section (E) is calculated. The image data is outputted until the deflection angle (λ) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference deflection angle, the image data being outputted to a display adapted for installation in the vehicle (30). Once the deflection angle (λ) has become equal to or less than the reference deflection angle, converted image data that has been subjected to the image-converting process is outputted.
US08049773B2
A stereoscopic observation system includes a stereoscopic image pick up apparatus to pick up left and right images at an inward angle, a stereoscopic image display apparatus to transmit the left and right images picked up by the stereoscopic image pick up apparatus to an observer so that the images are stereoscopically observed at a convergence angle, a convergence angle change portion provided in the stereoscopic image display apparatus and to change the convergence angle, a recognition portion to recognize the stereoscopic image pick up apparatus, and a control portion to control the convergence angle change portion on the basis of the result of the recognition in the recognition portion so that the convergence angle is substantially equal to the inward angle.
US08049771B2
A multi-beam image forming apparatus includes a beam generating unit 101, an optical scanner 102, an image processing unit 103 for dividing image data into several areas in a primary scanning direction, and image writing units 106 and 107 for writing an image while switching multiple laser beams in accordance with each of the areas in the primary scanning direction in a printing region based on the divided image data, wherein the image processing unit 103 judges continuity of the image data when dividing the image data, so that the image processing unit 103 divides the image data at an image data portion having continuity and transmits the divided image data to the image writing units 106 and 107. The multi-beam image forming apparatus is provided as an apparatus in which scan positions can be aligned accurately both in the primary scanning direction and the secondary scanning direction and which is suitable for wide printing.
US08049766B2
The present invention generates a color template design to format a presentation. According to one aspect, a plurality of template designs are provided on a visual display. A selection of one of the plurality of template designs is received from a user. A plurality of source images that are separate from the plurality of template designs are provided on the visual display. A selection of one of the plurality of source images is received from the user. A processor generates a histogram for the selected source image and analyzes the histogram. The processor automatically adjusts colors of the selected template design based on the analysis of the histogram. The selected template design may include framing, mat, background, and foreground portions, at least one of which is adjusted. After automatically adjusting the colors, the selected template design may be displayed and/or stored for use as a template.
US08049760B2
The present disclosure describes implementations for processing instructions and data across multiple Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs). In one implementation, a graphics processing apparatus comprises a plurality of ALUs configured to process independent instructions in parallel. Pre-processing logic is configured to receive instructions and associated data to be directed to one of the plurality of ALUs for processing from a register file, the pre-processing logic being configured to selectively format received instructions for delivery to a plurality of the ALUs. In addition, post-processing logic is configured to receive data output from the plurality of the ALUs and deliver the received data to the register file for write-back, the post-processing logic being configured to selectively format data output from a plurality of the ALUs for delivery to the register file as though the data had been output by a single ALU.
US08049750B2
In one aspect, an image of an event is obtained from a camera, and an object is detected in the image. Data of a textured 3d model of the event and data from the object are combined to depict virtual viewpoints of the event which differ from a real viewpoint of the camera. The object is at least partially faded out at a virtual viewpoint which meets a specified criterion, such as a specified angular offset, or exceeding a specified difference from the viewpoint of the camera. The fading can occur over multiple virtual viewpoints, or over a time period in which the fading is otherwise apparent to a human viewer. In another aspect, an animation is provided in which one object is faded out at a specified virtual viewpoint so that it does not fully occlude another object. For instance, the objects can be participants in a sports event.
US08049748B2
A system and method for providing digital video scan using 3-D geometry. The digital video scan system includes a 3-D scan scene maker for generating a plurality of video display units for displaying digital video data; a plurality of video producing devices producing a plurality of video feeds; a video scan sequencer receiving and organizing the plurality of video feeds into a predetermined order; a video rendering device rendering the digital video data from the plurality of video feeds for display within a separate one of the video display units; and video display apparatus displaying the digital video data from each video feed in the video display units. The plurality of video display units are positioned in a 3-D scene so that a plurality of video display units are at least partially viewable at the same time. Moreover, at intervals, the digital video data is incremented from one video display unit to another thus allowing an observer to view each digital video data in a foreground position. Furthermore, the observer is provided with a video data selector allowing the operator to select digital video data in one video display unit and move the selected digital video data to another video display unit.
US08049746B2
A display driving apparatus includes: n level shift units shifting a voltage level of n pixel data; a step potential providing unit providing a step potential; a change judgment unit judging whether or not each of the n pixel data has changed from pixel data of an immediately previous cycle; a delay unit generating n timing signals changing with different timings; and a control unit performing control such that the display output terminal corresponding to the pixel data judged to have changed by the change judgment unit is provided with: the step potential provided by the step potential providing unit during a first time period included in each of the cycle; and a potential shifted by the corresponding level shift unit during a second time period that is different from each other and is based on a timing of change of the corresponding timing signal.
US08049739B2
A liquid crystal display includes a light source for emitting light, a first substrate, a second substrate parallel to and facing the first substrate, and a plurality of pixel units formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one pixel unit comprises a reflecting element disposed on the first substrate for reflecting light from the light source, and a photo-sensing element, formed on the second substrate, for outputting a sensing parameter based on light reflected from the reflecting member. Each reflecting element is extended out of the first substrate and faces to one of the plurality of photo-sensing elements. A position of the force applied on the first substrate is determined by detecting a variation of the sensing parameter outputted by the photo-sensing element.
US08049727B2
An accessory module or accessory display device for a handheld computer is disclosed. The device includes an interface configured to be coupled to a handheld computer through an interface slot. The module may be flexibly hinged to the interconnect interface, permitting the coupling of the module to a variety of host devices. The module includes memory configured to store information customized to the user.
US08049724B2
An ergonomic computer mouse whose design and function is solely dedicated to ergonomic benefit and optimal operator comfort for improved operator efficiency and avoided injury. The ergonomically formed mouse body is elevated from a fixed base structure via a short rigid pedestal where the ball-and-socket interface to the mouse body allows for a wide range of adjustment across three axis of positioning. This adjustment is lockable into an operator-selected position which best meets individual operator's ergonomic and comfort requirements. Once in locked mode, the operator's arm, wrist and hand remain stationary to operate the standardized prior art mouse controls, thereby achieving a zero-motion ergonomic benefit. The current art ergonomic mouse solution provides any computer mouse operator with the ability to achieve optimal ergonomic form, comfort and operation under virtually any workstation condition.
US08049721B2
A pointer light tracking method wherein all black image and white square images located at four corners of the all black image are projected on the display, the display on which the all black image and the white square images are displayed is shot by a camera, a domain corresponding to the white square image is extracted from the obtained image data, central coordinates (x, y) of the extracted domain are computed, and a parameter necessary in performing distortion correction by use of projection conversion for coordinate expressing the position of the pointer light on the display is computed from the computed central coordinates (x, y) and central coordinates (X, Y) of the white square image.
US08049713B2
Systems and methods for reducing the power consumption necessary for updating a display are provided. The methods include determining a row addressing order based on an attribute of the image data that minimizes the number of column charging transitions necessary to write the image data to the display. In some embodiments, the row-addressing order is determined based on a determination of a whiteness value for the row. In some embodiments, a power-optimized row-addressing order is embedded in image data, allowing a display device to write the image data to the display more efficiently.
US08049709B2
Provided are systems and methods for controlling a solid state lighting panel. A system according to some embodiments of the invention includes a controller that provides control signals to current drivers that are configured to provide current to multiple solid state lighting devices. The system also includes a sequence generator that generates a firing sequence for firing multiple strings of slid state lighting devices.
US08049707B2
A display apparatus includes a spatial light modulator and an illumination unit for supplying light to the spatial light modulator. The power consumed by the illumination unit is reduced by adjusting both the intensity of light emitted by the illumination unit and video words that are supplied to the spatial light modulator in accordance with what is to be displayed.
US08049704B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device comprises a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of pixel regions defined by a plurality of gate lines and data lines, each pixel region associated with a thin film transistor, a gate driving unit having an amorphous semiconductor and integrally formed with the liquid crystal panel capable of sending a scan signal to the gate lines having a pulse width longer than a turned on time of the thin film transistor located within the pixel region, and a data driving unit connected to the data lines capable of sending an image signal to the data lines.
US08049701B2
A pixel capable of compensating for the threshold voltage of a driving transistor, the voltage drop of a first power source and degradation of an organic light emitting diode is provided. The pixel includes an organic light emitting diode; a second transistor (e.g., a driving transistor) coupled between the first power source and the organic light emitting diode to control the current supplied to the organic light emitting diode; a third transistor coupled between a first electrode of the second transistor and the first power source; a first transistor coupled between a gate electrode of the second transistor and a data line; a first capacitor coupled between the gate electrode and the first electrode of the second transistor; a second capacitor coupled between the first electrode of the second transistor and the first power source; and a compensation circuit coupled between the organic light emitting diode and the gate electrode of the second transistor for adjusting a voltage of the gate electrode of the second transistor in accordance with degradation of the organic light emitting diode.
US08049694B2
An electro-optical device includes a substrate and the following elements. Pixels are disposed in a pixel area on the substrate. Scanning lines and data lines are disposed in the pixel. An image signal line is disposed in a peripheral area located around the pixel area to supply an image signal. A sampling circuit is disposed in the peripheral area and includes transistors disposed in association with corresponding data lines. Each transistor including a semiconductor layer having (i) a source region connected to a source wiring which is electrically connected to the image signal line and which is disposed in a first direction in which the data lines are extended, (ii) a drain region connected to a drain wiring which is electrically connected to the corresponding data line and which is disposed in the first direction, and (iii) a channel region formed between the source region and the drain region. A layer is disposed above the semiconductor layer. A light-shielding film is disposed over the layer and at least in part of a gap region between adjacent transistors of the transistors in plan view. The light-shielding film is at least partially overlapping with the semiconductor layers of the adjacent transistors in plan view.
US08049691B2
Processing of images for displaying on a display for displaying images on a liquid crystal display.
US08049689B2
Disclosed is a display of a particular size that may be perceived as larger than the particular size as a result of light emitted by one or more light guides adjacent the perimeter of the display. The display may also be perceived as brighter. In particular, the display is configured to output a changing image. A light guide is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the perimeter of the display and coupled to a multicolor LED. A controller of the electronic device is configured to analyze the changing image to determine the color content. The multicolor LED is driven to emit light according to the color content of the changing image. The light guide is configured to couple light from the LED in a direction parallel to the display viewing surface, and to couple light out of the light guide in a direction away from the display viewing surface.
US08049688B2
The present invention provides a light-emitting apparatus and a method by which a crowd-based display is created wherein each light-emitting apparatus represents one of many independently moving pixels in the crowd-based display. This invention also provides methods, both internal and external to the light-emitting apparatus, by which the visual display sequence is controlled to provide various forms of colorful illumination. This invention discloses a shock wave method, a time-synchronized playback method, and a laser-based actuation method for creating the visual displays of illumination.
US08049672B2
An ultra wideband antenna includes: a substrate; a grounding unit, installed on the substrate and scooped with a first slot and a first strip hole; a signal feeding unit, installed on the substrate and including a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, in which the horizontal portion is located in the first slot and the vertical portion is located in the first strip hole; a first complementary, separate, circular resonator; and a second complementary, separate, circular resonator, wherein the first complementary, separate, circular resonator and the second complementary, separate, circular resonator are installed in the horizontal portion of the signal feeding unit and are connected with each other.
US08049669B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ID chip in which gain of an antenna is increased and the mechanical strength of an integrated circuit can be enhanced without suppressing a circuit scale. A semiconductor device typified by an ID chip of the present invention includes an integrated circuit using a semiconductor element formed from a thin semiconductor film and an antenna connected to the integrated circuit. The antenna and the integrated circuit are formed on a substrate, and a conducting wire or a conductive film included in the antenna is divided into two layers and formed so as to sandwich the substrate provided with the integrated circuit.
US08049664B2
The invention is a device for multiband, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when necessary, and that automatically avoids harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. The device is especially suitable for, but not limited to, cellular and PCS bands and channels. The invention is a unique combination of a bidirectional amplifier, a GPS receiver, a processor, and a removable, updatable memory. The memory stores comprehensive information that determines if amplification is necessary at a particular location sensed by the GPS receiver. Because the memory is removable and updatable, it therefore provides protection against piracy and unauthorized and improper use.
US08049655B2
A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual and/or audio cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, etc., to indicate a relationship between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key.
US08049644B1
A terrain advisory display including a display, a processing circuit coupled to the display and wherein the display is configured to generate a three-dimensional image.
US08049638B2
A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing, a sensor package, an actuator and a switch. The sensor package is disposed within the sensor housing and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator is disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch is disposed proximate the actuator and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch to control an electrical circuit connected therewith.
US08049631B1
A system of determining an impairment level of a vehicle operator and preventing operation of the vehicle in an impaired state and method of using the same that comprises a key portion to initiate the starting of the vehicle, an electrical source to power the system, a random pattern generator, a display, a user input to allow the user to attempt to replicate the generated random pattern, a processor that compares data from the user input to the generated random pattern to determine if the input sufficiently matches the generated random pattern, and an access preventing feature disabling the key portion from starting the vehicle unless the processor determines the user input sufficiently matches the generated random pattern.
US08049628B2
A container-insertable anti-theft device includes: a main housing containing an electronic article surveillance marker, the main housing being waterproof; and at least one elongated protrusion extending from the main housing, the elongated protrusion being flexible and having a length equal to at least the longest dimension of the main housing. There is also an anti-theft system that includes: (a) a container for strong flowable material having a hollow main body, a pour orifice and a closure for the pour orifice, the container having a maximum internal diagonal dimension x; and (b) a container-insertable anti-theft device that includes: a main housing containing an electronic article surveillance marker, the main housing being waterproof and having a predetermined length y; and, at least one elongated protrusion, the elongated protrusion being flexible and having a length, wherein the sum of the lengths y and y are greater than x, such that the container-insertable anti-theft device may be flexed and force-fitted into a maximum internal diagonal of the container, locking it therein so as to deter easy removal therefrom.
US08049620B2
A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events via black box or spectral line emission at hydrogen, hydroxyl radical or HCl spectral line emission where an HCl spectral line detector may be mounted on a wall or pole and have line-of-sight view of an intruder or fire.
US08049616B2
Methods and devices for tracking portable items, such as luggage, are disclosed. The methods and devices determine an actual location of the portable item, compare the actual location with a predetermined expected location of the portable items, and provide an alert if the actual location is outside of a calibrated range of the predetermined expected location. The system includes a device co-located or stowable with the portable item, and systems and applications remote from the device and able to communicate therewith to send or receive signals, or both.
US08049615B2
In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.
US08049607B2
To determine a failure of a float switch for detecting whether or not the oil level is less than or equal to a predetermined oil level. A predetermined oil level OLth is set between a normal oil level and a minimum oil level in view of the fact that when the oil level in an oil pan is normal, the oil level is decreased from the normal oil level to the minimum oil level during a predetermined time period just after starting an engine. When a float switch is not changed from an OFF position to an ON position during the predetermined time period after starting the engine, it is determined that the float switch suffers a failure or the oil level is excessive.
US08049600B2
The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.
US08049597B1
A biometric sensor may be coupled to a portable communications device, such as a cellular telephone. The biometric sensor may be configured to acquire one or more measurements of biological characteristics of an individual. One or more of the measurements may relate to internal, sub-epidermal characteristics of the individual, such as non-volitional processes occurring within the individual, sub-epidermal structures within the individual, or the like. A biometric marker may be derived from one or more of the measurements. The portable communications device may be activated responsive to deriving the biometric marker. The activation may include transmitting the measurements and/or biometric markers derived therefrom to a receiver using the portable communications device.
US08049596B2
An authentication apparatus includes: image processing means for performing predetermined image processes on biometric trait image data sequentially supplied from image pickup means at predetermined intervals, the predetermined image processes including at least a binarization process; detection means for detecting, over time, correlation values between adjoining images of the image data on a time axis and correlation values between adjoining binarized images of binarized image data on a time axis; and selection means for selecting, when a situation in which both the correlation values of the images and the correlation values of the binarized images are respectively less than a first threshold and a second threshold continues over a predetermined period of time, one of the binarized image data input after the continuation of the situation, to be compared with registration data.
US08049590B2
An embodiment provides an inverter transformer comprising: a first bobbin around which a first coil is wound, the first bobbin comprising a first through hole; a second bobbin around which a second coil is wound, the second bobbin comprising a second through hole; a spacer between the first and the second bobbins; and a core inserted into the first and the second through holes.
US08049584B2
A switching device having a magnetic release includes a yoke having a U-shaped first section that includes a first limb having an opening in the form of a slot open towards a free end of the first limb, a second limb disposed parallel to the first limb, and a web connecting the first and second limbs. The switching device also includes a coil including a coil former, a coil winding and an armature disposed between the first and second limbs, wherein the coil is insertable into the slot towards the web and the armature extends through the slot. A restraint spring is connected at a free end of the armature and disposed outside the first limb.
US08049576B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for pseudo-differential transmission in interconnections used for sending a plurality of electrical signals.The ends of an interconnection having 4 transmission conductors and a return conductor distinct from the reference conductor are each connected to a termination circuit. Three damping circuits are connected between the return conductor and the reference conductor. The transmitting circuits receive at their inputs the signals from the 4 channels of the two sources, and are connected to the conductors of the interconnection. A transmitting circuit in the activated state produces modal electrical variables, each modal electrical variable being allocated to one and only one channel. The receiving circuits are connected to the conductors of the interconnection, each receiving circuit being such that the 4 channels of a source connected to a transmitting circuit in the activated state are sent to the four channels of the destinations, without noticeable echo, internal crosstalk and external crosstalk.
US08049567B2
A circuit comprising a DC current source and at least two spin torque oscillators, the at least two spin torque oscillators being electrically coupled to each other and to the DC current source. A circuit comprising phase shifting means is connected in such a way as to cause a phase shift between current and voltage through the spin torque oscillators. An advantage is that the controlled phase shift significantly increases the tolerance for deviating anisotropy fields, which makes manufacturing of spin torque oscillator devices much more feasible in practice.
US08049564B2
A power amplifier formed by a plurality of pairs of transistors, each pair including a first transistor and a second transistor having each a respective input terminal and a respective output terminal. The output terminals of the first and second transistors of each pair are connected to an output distributed active transformer connected to a differential output of the power amplifier. The input terminals of the first and second transistors of each pair are connected to an input distributed active transformer connected to an input of the power amplifier.
US08049560B2
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available.
US08049553B2
Provided is a high-voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) charge pump. The high-voltage CMOS charge pump includes a first Dickson charge pump for doubling a supply voltage based on an input clock signal and a complementary input clock signal with reversed phases to each other; a level shifter for doubling voltage levels of the input clock signal and the complementary input clock signal based on an output signal and a complementary output signal of the first Dickson charge pump as power sources, to thereby output a doubled-output clock signal and a doubled-output clock signal; and a second Dickson charge pump for doubling voltage levels of the output signal and the complementary output signal based on the doubled-output clock signal and the doubled-complementary output clock signal from the level shifter.
US08049551B2
A ramp-up circuit for switched capacitor circuits with negative feedback to control the slew rate of in-rush current. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08049549B2
A circuit comprises a delta phi generator, a startup circuit, and a level detector. The delta phi generator has a desirable operating state for developing a delta phi voltage at an output node in response to an input voltage, and an undesirable operating state. The startup circuit is coupled to the delta phi generator. The startup circuit ensures that the delta phi generator does not operate in the undesirable operating state. The level detector comprises a comparator with an offset. The comparator has a first input coupled to the output node, a second input coupled to a reference voltage, and an output coupled to the startup circuit. The level detector detects the delta phi voltage, and in response, disables the startup circuit.
US08049535B2
A memory system includes a sense amplifier for detecting content of data memory cells by comparison with a voltage stored in a reference cell. The sense amplifier may comprise a comparator, first and second load circuits, and a low impedance circuit. A first input of the comparator is coupled to the low impedance circuit and a reference voltage node. A second input of the comparator is coupled to a data voltage node. The first load circuit loads a reference cell coupled to the reference voltage node. The second load circuit loads a data cell coupled to the data voltage node.
US08049534B2
In bipolar CMOS or BiCMOS process technologies, drivers (such as mixed mode or hybrid mode drivers) using both bipolar and CMOS transistors (i.e., field effect transistors or FETs) may have undesirable properties, such as reduced speed, ringing, latch-up, or lower electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance. Here, a mixed or hybrid mode driver is provided that employs a current steering circuit (instead of voltages driven differential pair(s) as is done with conventional drivers) to generate pull-down currents that precisely match the voltages in the pull-up portions of driver. It increases the speed and produces smaller output common-mode voltage fluctuation over conventional drivers. Thus, the driver provided here can be produced in BiCMOS process technologies without the undesirable effects of conventional drivers.
US08049533B1
A receiver and a method for dynamically adjusting sensitivity of the receiver are provided. The receiver includes a detection unit and a receiving unit. The detection unit detects an input signal group, and outputs a detection result. The receiving unit receives the input signal group according to a sensitivity. Wherein, the receiving unit dynamically adjusts the sensitivity used for receiving the input signal group according to the detection result of the detection unit.
US08049532B1
A level shifting circuit with a thin gate transistor connected to the input of the output stage is presented. The level shifting circuit has an input stage that receives an input that is at first voltage. A transistor with a thin gate oxide has one terminal connected to the input stage and another terminal coupled to an input of the output stage. The output stage of the level shifting circuit is implemented with thick gate oxide transistors.
US08049529B2
A redundancy scrubber. The novel scrubber includes fault detection logic for detecting if a circuit has been upset and a mechanism for automatically rewriting data to the circuit when an upset is detected. In an illustrative embodiment, the scrubber corrects for upsets in a circuit comprised of a plurality of redundant circuits, each redundant circuit including a data port for receiving data and a load enable port for controlling when the redundant circuit should load new data. The fault detection logic processes the outputs from each of the redundant circuits and outputs a fault detect signal indicating whether an upset has been detected in one or more of the redundant circuits. The fault detect signal is coupled to the load enable ports, forcing the redundant circuits to immediately reload with corrected data from a voter or with new incoming data when an upset is detected.
US08049526B2
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing optimized speed sorting of microprocessors at wafer test. A combination of speed-predicting metrics are measured early in the manufacturing process and are applied to a unique algorithm to properly sort parts into appropriate speed bins. The method significantly improves the accuracy of predicting the chip speed over conventional speed-predicting methods.
US08049520B2
A system for capacitive detection of seat occupancy in a vehicle comprises a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode arranged in substantially parallel layers. A spacer is arranged between the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at a certain distance from each other. The spacer comprises an inner textile layer and at least one of the electrodes comprises a film-based electrode.
US08049516B2
Apparatus for detecting a discontinuity within a non-biological element located within a biological structure, the apparatus comprising: a microwave energy source; a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit the microwave energy into the biological structure; a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted microwave energy; an antenna carrier arranged to have the first and second antenna affixed thereon and including means for moving the first and second antenna with respect to the biological structure; and a signal processing unit coupled to the second antenna arranged to determine the phase and/or magnitude response of the received microwave energy as a function of the position of the antennas with respect to the biological structure and provide an indication of the location of the discontinuity within the non-biological element according to the phase and/or magnitude response.
US08049510B2
Multiple embodiments relate to a method for detecting a fault on a data line in a bus system in a two-line data network having at least two control units. A data signal is emitted by a transmitter-receiver unit on the two data lines as a differential voltage signal that includes a defined quiescent current. The data lines are mutually connected through a resistance bridge for detecting the middle voltage. The middle voltage is detected directly by a microcontroller after a low-pass filter or as a digital value after an analog-to-digital conversion. The result is displayed and/or stored. A circuit arrangement for implementing the method is also provided.
US08049506B2
A wireless transceiver for transmitting data across a pipe joint is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a wireless communication apparatus including a housing configured to be positioned inside/proximate of/to an end of a drill pipe. The housing includes an antenna with at least one RF signal propagation path parallel to the axis of the housing, and an RF module (coupled to the antenna) configured to couple to a communication cable, and to provide at least part of a data retransmission function between an antenna signal and a communication cable signal. A material (transparent to RF signals within the RF module's operating range) is positioned along the circumference, and at/near an axial end, of the housing closest to the antenna. At least some RF signals, axially propagated between the antenna and a region near said axial end, traverse the radiotransparent material along the propagation path.
US08049504B2
A coil (36) includes coil elements (381, 382, . . . , 38n). The coil (36) can transmit radio frequency excitation pulses into an examination region (14) and/or receive responsive radio frequency pulses from the examination region (14). A compensation network (42) includes decoupling segments (98), which each has a selected electrical length at least of a quarter wavelength (λ/4) and is electrically coupled to an associated coil element (381, 382, . . . , 38n) and a reactive network (100). The compensation network (42) at least compensates coupling between the coil elements (381, 382, . . . , 38n).
US08049496B2
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is provided, including the steps of generating a wideband RF signal that has a plurality of frequency bands respectively corresponding to a plurality of different kinds of nuclei, to simultaneously excite the different kinds of nuclei, detecting a wideband responsive RF signal that has a plurality of frequency bands respectively emitted by the different kinds of nuclei, and reconstructing magnetic resonance images for the different kinds of nuclei based on the wideband responsive RF signal. An MRI apparatus employing the MRI method is also provided.
US08049495B2
A probe for a magnetic remanence measurement method, in particular for detecting foreign material deposits and inclusions in hollow spaces, the hollow spaces being formed in a non-ferromagnetic material and the foreign material deposits and inclusions being made of a ferromagnetic material, wherein the probe includes at least one magnetic field sensor, at least one first and one second magnet, the magnets being configured before the at least one magnetic field sensor in a direction of introduction into the hollow space, and being situated relative to one another in such a way that their pole axes run non-parallel to one another.
US08049492B2
A position measuring apparatus includes (a) a sleeve that has an open first end and a second end opposite the first end, (b) a guide pin guided at least partly in the sleeve, (c) a spring, (d) a linear magnetic field sensor and (e) a magnet disposed adjacent to the linear magnetic field sensor. To avoid wear even in the presence of large temperature fluctuations, the magnet is disposed on a face of the guide pin facing the second end of the sleeve, and the spring is disposed between the second end of the sleeve and the magnet such that the spring urges the magnet against the guide pin.
US08049489B2
Systems and methods for sensing external magnetic fields in implantable medical devices are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for sensing magnetic fields. An apparatus embodiment includes a sensing circuit with at least one inductor having a magnetic core that saturates in the presence of a magnetic field having a prescribed flux density. The apparatus embodiment also includes an impedance measuring circuit connected to the sensing circuit. The impedance measuring circuit is adapted to measure impedance of the sensing circuit and to provide a signal when the impedance changes by a prescribed amount. According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit includes a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The impedance measuring circuit includes a transthoracic impedance measurement module (TIMM), according to an embodiment. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08049486B1
In various embodiments, an apparatus for detecting electric fields is disclosed that includes an array of non-linear elements configured into an oscillator with each coupled to one or more electric-field sensing plates. In various embodiments, an output of the array produces a frequency that varies as a function of an electric field sensed by the one or more electric-field sensing plates.
US08049482B2
Disclosed is a multi-phase pulse width modulated voltage regulator and method in which transient voltage excursions or deviations that exceed the load line voltage by more than a pre-determined amount are detected by an ATR circuit and a correction signal is applied. The correction signal is in the form of asynchronous pulses and the number of such pulses is a function of the magnitude of the voltage excursion as determined by the number of thresholds that are exceeded. Also disclosed is an adaptive voltage positioning (AVP) circuit and method for early detection of a transient event by sensing voltage changes at the load and adjusting the target voltage with pre-determined current values prior to the time that ATR event changes in the current at the load are detected.
US08049478B2
The present invention discloses a switching regulator eliminating beat oscillation, comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, and an inductor connected to a common node, wherein the first and second transistors operate to convert an input voltage to an output voltage; a comparator comparing a voltage signal with a saw tooth wave to generate a control signal controlling at least one of the first and second transistors; a feedback loop obtaining a feedback signal from the output voltage and generating the voltage signal according to the feedback signal; and an inductorless filter circuit located in the feedback loop for filtering a predetermined frequency band.
US08049471B2
A method includes coupling a variable output DC power source to power control circuitry, and detecting a type of the variable output DC power source in response to the coupling operation. In one embodiment, the detecting operation may include sending an interrogation signal from the power control circuitry to the variable output DC power source, and evaluating a response to the interrogation signal to determine the type of said variable output DC power source. Power control circuitry may include source type recognition circuitry configured to detect a type of a variable output DC power source in response to a coupling of the variable output DC power source to the power control circuitry.
US08049470B2
Systems and methods are provided for charging a super capacitor bank. One method provides for determining a charge voltage for the super capacitor bank, providing a charging current, limiting the charging current according to a corresponding worst case temperature within the super capacitor bank operating temperature range, limiting the charge voltage according to the worst case temperature, and turning off the charging current once the super capacitor bank is charged. One system provides a super capacitor bank for storing energy providing specified power demand to a circuit, a current charger providing charging current to the super capacitor bank, the charging current limited in accordance with a corresponding worst case temperature within the super capacitor bank operating temperature range, a voltage sense circuit to detect the super capacitor bank voltage, and a control to disconnect the current charger from the super capacitor bank once the super capacitor bank is charged.
US08049466B2
A network device includes several modules and a microcontroller for indicating working operations of the network device. The network device is configured for outputting a plurality of indicating control signals based on a detected signal power and a detected battery capacitance of the network device. The network device indicates the signal power and the battery capacitance based on the indicating control signals.
US08049464B2
An apparatus and a method are disclosed relating to a rechargeable battery for operation with an external voltage which is applied at least at times to the output of the rechargeable battery and is below the output voltage of the rechargeable battery when in its fully charged state, which has at least one chargeable electrochemical cell, an electrical connection to the output of the rechargeable-battery for inputting and/or outputting electrical energy, a housing which surrounds the at least one chargeable electrochemical cell, and a control circuit for controlling the charging process of the rechargeable battery and/or the production of the rechargeable-battery voltage at the output of the rechargeable battery. The disclosed battery offers better characteristics, in particular for mobile electrical appliances, and is useable in appliances that are designed for use with rechargeable batteries of a different type, in particular with cells with a different cell voltage.
US08049461B2
The invention discloses a dummy battery apparatus (30), configured for supplying power to a portable electronic device (10). The portable electronic device (10) has a circuit board (13), which sets at least one testing port (130). The dummy battery apparatus (30) defines at least one gap thereon, and the defining place of the gap is corresponding to the location of the testing port (130) of the circuit board (13).
US08049460B2
An apparatus comprising a rechargeable battery pack installed in an electric vehicle, a power supply coupled to the rechargeable battery pack, the power supply operable to provide a charge voltage to perform charging operations on the rechargeable battery pack, a heater to heat a fluid to be circulated through the rechargeable battery pack, the fluid thermally coupled to a plurality of battery cells within the rechargeable battery pack, a switching circuit, the switching circuit coupled to the heater and to the power supply, the switching circuit operable in a first mode to couple the source of electrical power to the heater without coupling the source of electrical power to the rechargeable battery pack, the switching circuit operable in a second mode to couple a source of electrical power external to the electric vehicle to the power supply to form a recharging circuit in order to perform charging operations on the rechargeable battery pack.
US08049457B2
A press machine controller (10) for controlling a press machine (30) having a servo motor (41) to drive a slide (38) via a reduction mechanism (37) changed in reduction ratio in accordance with the position of the slide (38) is disclosed. The device includes a command generator (20) for generating at least one of a position command, a speed command and a torque command for the servo motor (41); a vibration command generator (13) for generating a vibration command based on a parameter preset for the press machine controller (10); a slide position detector (12) for detecting the position of the slide (38); and a vibration command adding portion (21, 22, 23) for adding the vibration command to any one of the position command, the speed command and the torque command for the servo motor (41) in the case where the slide position is in a predetermined range. The press machine, even if stopped with the slide at the bottom dead center, can be restarted with a small torque.
US08049436B2
A dimmer and a lighting apparatus are provided. The dimmer apparatus includes a rectifier unit, a controller, a voltage divider and a voltage converter. The rectifier unit rectifies an AC power and generates a first operating voltage. The voltage divider outputs a voltage division of the first operating voltage. The controller integrates the voltage division to obtain an average voltage, and provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal based on the average voltage. The voltage converter drives a light emitting diode (LED), and adjusts a driving voltage and a driving current of the LED according to the PWM signal. Wherein, the controller also adjusts the PWM signal according to a feedback signal generated by the voltage converter.
US08049431B2
An apparatus and a method for driving a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a power converting unit which converts a direct current (DC) power into an alternating current (AC) power for driving the light source, and a control unit which controls the power converting unit to convert the DC power into the AC power according to a pulsewave.
US08049425B2
A lamp is provided having an arctube having a light-transmitting envelope. The arctube is surrounded by a gaseous medium confined by a containment envelope such as a hermetic shroud. The gaseous medium is preferably He or H2 or Ne or another gas whose thermal conductivity is greater than that of N2 at 800° C., or a mixture thereof, to help cool the arctube. The inside and/or outside of the shroud may be coated with a diffusion barrier. To help cool the hot spot of the arctube the gap between the shroud and the envelope can be made small, the portion of the shroud wall near the arc can be thickened, the arctube can be offset above the longitudinal axis of the shroud, and the return lead of the arctube can be located between the shroud and the arctube.
US08049424B2
The invention relates to a light source device having a high-voltage discharge lamp (1) on which a trigger line (10) for triggering the lamp is attached. The high-voltage discharge lamp (1) is formed such that an arc tube (7) having a pair of substantially cylindrical sealing portions (9R, 9L) formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction with a light emitting portion (8) in between is sealed with electrode assemblies (3R, 3L). The trigger line (10) is formed such that its one end (10a) is connected to a power supply lead (6), which is of the electrode assembly (3L) and protruded from the one sealing portion (9L), and its other end (10c) is wound around the outer circumference of the other sealing portion (9R). In the light source device, in order to drastically improve the performance for triggering and retriggering the lamp (1), a vicinity guide portion (C) including a hollow groove (11) and an insert opening (17) is formed on a cylindrical portion of the other sealing portion (9R) at a position away from the light emitting portion (8). The vicinity guide portion (C) allows the trigger line (10) to be disposed at a distance shorter than the distance from the electrode assembly to the outer circumference surface of the cylindrical portion.
US08049418B2
The luminance of different colors of light emitted from EL elements in a pixel portion of a light emitting device is equalized and the luminance of light emitted from the EL elements is raised. The pixel portion of the light emitting device has EL elements whose EL layers contain triplet compounds and EL elements whose EL layers contain singlet compounds in combination. The luminance of light emitted from the plural EL elements is thus equalized. Furthermore, a hole transporting layer has a laminate structure to thereby cause the EL elements to emit light of higher luminance.
US08049417B2
A high brightness excimer light source has an elongated tube containing an excimer-forming gas and electrodes for exciting the gas to form a plasma, and thus create excimers such as a rare gas halogen excimer or a rare gas excimer. Light emitted from the excimer propagating axially along the tube passes out of the tube through an exit device such as a lens or optical fiber at one or both ends of the tube.
US08049412B2
An organic light emitting display device. The organic light emitting display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate overlapping with at least one region of the first substrate and a sealing agent attached between the first substrate and the second substrate to seal a display unit therebetween. A conductive wire on the first substrate overlapping with at least a portion of the sealing agent includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer having at least one region formed at different levels to be electrically coupled to each other through contact holes. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are configured to reduce a resistance of the conductive wire and improve an adhesive force of the sealing agent.
US08049395B2
A boundary acoustic wave device includes an IDT electrode between a piezoelectric layer and a dielectric layer. A low thermal expansion medium layer having a linear thermal expansion coefficient less than that of the piezoelectric layer is laminated on the piezoelectric layer opposite to the boundary. Acoustic velocities of transversal waves at the piezoelectric layer, the dielectric layer, and the low thermal expansion medium layer satisfy Expression (1), and (an acoustic velocity of a transverse wave at the dielectric layer)/λ satisfies Expression (2) as follows: (acoustic velocity of transverse wave at dielectric layer)<(acoustic velocity of SH wave at piezoelectric layer)<(acoustic velocity of transverse wave at low thermal expansion medium layer) Expression (1), and (response frequency of boundary acoustic wave)<(acoustic velocity of transverse wave at dielectric layer)/λ<(response frequency of high order mode) Expression (2).
US08049382B2
A Hall element is placed under an outside rotor at an identical angular position to a centerline between two adjacent outer teeth. This structure allows narrowing a dead band of the Hall element when it senses a leakage magnetic flux.
US08049379B2
A radial duct for a dynamoelectric machine having a rotor, and a plurality of radial slots in the rotor is provided. A plurality of coils are respectively seated in the radial slots, and the coils form a plurality of radially stacked turns. The radial duct includes one or more cooling slots defined in at least a portion of the radially stacked turns, and extend in a substantially radial direction to the rotor. At least a portion of an interior surface of one or more cooling slots includes one or more ribs for enhanced heat transfer.
US08049376B2
A rotor for a brushless motor is resistant to degradation in alternative fuels and has desirable magnetic properties. A stator for a brushless DC motor includes coils wound both clockwise and counterclockwise around teeth of a back iron. Pairs of the coils are electrically connected in parallel.
US08049368B2
A load driving circuit that generates a desired voltage waveform to drive a load includes a target voltage waveform output section that outputs a target voltage waveform to be applied to the load. Power supply sections generate electrical power with voltage values different from each other. Negative feedback control sections between the power supply sections and the load supply electrical power from the corresponding power supply sections to the load and execute negative feedback control of a value of a voltage applied to the load for matching the voltage value and the target voltage waveform. A power supply connection section selects one of the power supply sections based on the value of the voltage applied to the load or the voltage value of the target voltage waveform and connects the selected power supply section to the load and disconnects the rest of the power supply sections from the load.
US08049354B2
A wave power converter employing a flow-controlled duct for capturing and converting useful wave surge energy to electric power over a relatively broad range of surf or river flow conditions. The power converter includes an inclined ramp with several openings for receiving wave or river water and retaining surge water in hydraulic isolation, permitting water to flow into a flow-controlled conduit and a generator for producing electrical power from water flow in the conduit. The power converter apparatus is suitable for low-cost manufacture, offers simple robust operation suitable for underdeveloped regions of the world, may be fabricated from commonly-available components, requires few moving parts and no valuable (lootable) components other than a generator, and is self-flushing for low maintenance operation.
US08049348B2
The present invention relates to a control device (1) for an electricity generator set, the generator set comprising: an engine fitted with at least one actuator (2) for controlling fuel admission; an alternator driven by the engine; and a speed regulator (4) for the engine and controlling the actuator(s); the control device being arranged to detect a variation in the load on the alternator as a function of at least one voltage thereof and to control the actuator(s) in such a manner as to compensate for the load variation thus detected; the control device delivering a control signal that acts directly on the actuator(s) taking the place of or being superposed on an output signal of the speed regulator when a variation in load is detected; or the control device delivering a control signal that acts on the actuator(s) via at least a portion of the speed regulator by taking the place of a speed regulator signal.
US08049346B2
A engine driven electrical generating system and its support cradle for use in confined space enclosures with a triple redundant troubleshooting system, a triple redundant troubleshooting data transmission system, and a double redundant electric fan cooling system wherein the most common modes of motor or generator failure can be repaired quickly and easily with the genset in situ. With the most common mode of failure for a genset being overheating, enhanced fan monitoring and replacement systems have been incorporated.
US08049342B2
A semiconductor device is formed of two or more dice of similar dimensions and bond pad arrangement, in which bond pads are located in fields along less than three edges of the active surface of each die. A first die is attached to a substrate and subsequent die or dice are attached in a vertical sequence atop the first die, each in an offset configuration from the next lower die to expose the bond pads thereof for conductive bonding to metallization of the substrate. The multiple chip device permits a plurality of dice to be stacked in a high density low profile device. A particularly useful application is the formation of stacked mass storage flash memory package.
US08049340B2
An integrated circuit package substrate includes a first and an additional electrically conductive layer separated from each other by an electrically insulating layer, a contact pad formed in the first electrically conductive layer for making a direct connection between the integrated circuit package substrate and a printed circuit board, and a cutout formed in the additional electrically conductive layer wherein the cutout encloses an area that completely surrounds the contact pad for avoiding parasitic capacitance between the additional electrically conductive layer and the printed circuit board.
US08049338B2
A power semiconductor module includes: an interconnect layer including an electrical conductor patterned on a dielectric layer, the electrical conductor including a power coupling portion having a thickness sufficient to carry power currents and a control coupling portion having a thickness thinner than that of the power coupling portion; and a semiconductor power device physically coupled to the interconnect layer and electrically coupled to the power coupling portion of the electrical conductor.
US08049335B2
Novel interconnect structures possessing a OSG or polymeric-based (90 nm and beyond BEOL technologies) in which advanced plasma processing is utilized to reduce post lithographic CD non-uniformity (“line edge roughness”) in semiconductor devices. The novel interconnect structure has enhanced liner and seed conformality and is therefore capable of delivering improved device performance, functionality and reliability.
US08049334B1
A buried local interconnect and method of forming the same counterdopes a region of a doped substrate to form a counterdoped isolation region. A hardmask is formed and patterned on the doped substrate, with a recess being etched through the patterned hardmask into the counterdoped region. Dielectric spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the recess, with a portion of the bottom of the recess being exposed. A metal is then deposited in the recess and reacted to form silicide at the bottom of the recess. The recess is filled with fill material, which is polished. The hardmask is then removed to form a silicide buried local interconnect.
US08049317B2
A semiconductor device assembly includes a substrate and a semiconductor die adjacent to a first surface of the substrate. The substrate also includes a second surface opposite from the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface and the second surface, contact pads on the second surface, and substrate pads on the second surface, adjacent to the opening. Bond pads of the semiconductor die are aligned with the opening through the substrate. Intermediate conductive elements, such as bond wires, extend from bond pads of the semiconductor die, through the opening, to substrate pads on the opposite, second surface of the substrate. An encapsulant, which fills the opening and covers the intermediate conductive elements, protrudes beyond a plane in which the second surface of the substrate is located. Discrete conductive elements, such as solder balls, may protrude from the contact pads of the substrate.
US08049313B2
A heat spreader (50) for a semiconductor package (100) includes a heat dissipating portion (52) having a recessed periphery (54). A thermosetting resin (58) is disposed in the recessed periphery (54). The heat spreader (50) may include a heat absorbing portion (56) coupled to the heat dissipating portion (52).
US08049306B2
A high voltage integrated circuit contains a freewheeling diode embedded in a transistor. It further includes a control block controlling a high voltage transistor and a power block—including the high voltage transistor—isolated from the control block by a device isolation region. The high voltage transistor includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a epitaxial layer of a second conductivity type on the semiconductor substrate, a buried layer of the second conductivity type between the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer, a collector region of the second conductivity type on the buried layer, a base region of the first conductivity type on the epitaxial layer, and an emitter region of the second conductivity type formed in the base region. The power block further includes a deep impurity region of the first conductivity type near the collector region to form a PN junction.
US08049302B2
At least a first capacitor is formed on a substrate and connected to a first differential node of a differential circuit, and the first capacitor may be variable in capacitance. A second capacitor is formed on the substrate and connected to a second differential node of the differential circuit, and the second capacitor also may be variable. A third capacitor is connected between the first differential node and the second differential node, and is formed at least partially above the first capacitor. In this way, a size of the first capacitor and/or the second capacitor may be reduced on the substrate, and capacitances of the first and/or second capacitor(s) may be adjusted in response to a variable characteristic of one or more circuit components of the differential circuit.
US08049290B2
Package (1) having a sensor assembly (2) with at least one sensitive surface (21) and an attachment surface (22), a carrier element (3) with a sensor attachment area (31), and a sensor attach material (4) for attaching the sensor assembly (2) to the sensor attachment area (31) of the carrier element. The package (1) comprises an encapsulation (5) of a first material, in which the encapsulation (5) covers the sensor attachment area (31) of the carrier element (3) and the sensor attach material (4) and leaves the at least one sensitive surface (21) free from the first material.
US08049288B2
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor comprises a readout circuitry, interconnections, a first image sensing device, and a second image sensing device. The readout circuitry is disposed on a first substrate. The interconnections comprise a first interconnection and a second interconnection on the first substrate to be electrically connected to the readout circuitry. The first image sensing device is disposed over the first interconnection. The second image sensing device is disposed over the first image sensing device and electrically connected to the second interconnection.
US08049287B2
A substrate-level assembly having a device substrate of semiconductor material with a top face and housing a first integrated device, including a buried cavity formed within the device substrate, and with a membrane suspended over the buried cavity in the proximity of the top face. A capping substrate is coupled to the device substrate above the top face so as to cover the first integrated device in such a manner that a first empty space is provided above the membrane. Electrical-contact elements electrically connect the integrated device with the outside of the substrate-level assembly. In one embodiment, the device substrate integrates at least a further integrated device provided with a respective membrane, and a further empty space, fluidly isolated from the first empty space, is provided over the respective membrane of the further integrated device.
US08049286B2
In the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device including: element isolation regions formed in a state of being buried in a semiconductor substrate such that an element formation region of the semiconductor substrate is interposed between the element isolation regions; a gate electrode formed on the element formation region with an gate insulating film interposed between the gate electrode and the element formation region, the gate electrode being formed so as to cross the element formation region; and source-drain regions formed in the element formation region on both sides of the gate electrode, wherein a channel region made of the element formation region under the gate electrode is formed so as to project from the element isolation regions, and the source-drain regions are formed to a position deeper than surfaces of the element isolation regions.
US08049282B2
The invention, in one aspect, provides a semiconductor device that includes a collector for a bipolar transistor located within a semiconductor substrate and a buried contact, at least a portion of which is located in the collector to a depth sufficient that adequately contacts the collector.
US08049276B2
Disclosed are semiconductor devices and methods of making semiconductor devices. An exemplary embodiment comprises a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having a first surface, a second surface, and a graded net doping concentration of the first conductivity type within a portion of the semiconductor layer. The graded portion is located adjacent to the top surface of the semiconductor layer, and the graded net doping concentration therein decreasing in value with distance from the top surface of the semiconductor layer. The exemplary device also comprises an electrode disposed at the first surface of the semiconductor layer and adjacent to the graded portion.
US08049270B2
This semiconductor device an epitaxial layer of a first conductivity type formed on a surface of the first semiconductor layer, and a base layer of a second conductivity type formed on a surface of the epitaxial layer. A diffusion layer of a first conductivity type is selectively formed in the base layer, and a trench penetrates the base layer to reach the epitaxial layer. A gate electrode is formed in the trench through the gate insulator film formed on the inner wall of the trench. A first buried diffusion layer of a second conductivity type is formed in the epitaxial layer deeper than the bottom of the gate electrode. A second buried diffusion layer connects the first buried diffusion layer and the base layer and has a resistance higher than that of the first buried diffusion layer.
US08049268B2
A dielectric structure in a nonvolatile memory device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The dielectric structure includes: a first oxide layer; a first high-k dielectric film formed on the first oxide layer, wherein the first high-k dielectric film includes one selected from materials with a dielectric constant of approximately 9 or higher and a compound of at least two of the materials; and a second oxide layer formed on the first high-k dielectric film.
US08049267B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film formed on the substrate, a first gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film, source and drain regions formed in the substrate so as to sandwich the first gate electrode, an intergate insulating film formed on the first gate electrode and including an opening, a second gate electrode formed on the intergate insulating film and electrically connected to the first gate electrode through the opening, and a boost electrode formed on the intergate insulating film and electrically isolated from the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode.
US08049259B2
A semiconductor device includes MOS transistors, capacitor elements, a voltage generating circuit, a contact plug, and a memory cell. The MOS transistor and the capacitor element are formed on a first one of the element regions and a second one of the element regions, respectively. In the voltage generating circuit, current paths of the MOS transistors are series-connected and the capacitor elements are connected to the source or drain of the MOS transistors. The contact plug is formed on the source or the drain to connect the MOS transistors or one of the MOS transistors and one of the capacitor elements. A distance between the gate and the contact plug both for a first one of the MOS transistors located in the final stage in the series connection is larger than that for a second one of the MOS transistors located in the initial stage in the series connection.
US08049252B2
Transistors are fabricated by forming a protective layer having a first opening extending therethrough on a substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the protective layer having a second opening extending therethrough that is wider than the first opening, and forming a gate electrode in the first and second openings. A first portion of the gate electrode laterally extends on surface portions of the protective layer outside the first opening, and a second portion of the gate electrode is spaced apart from the protective layer and laterally extends beyond the first portion on portions of the dielectric layer outside the second opening. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.
US08049247B2
The present invention discloses an asymmetric bidirectional silicon-controlled rectifier, which comprises: a second conduction type substrate; a first conduction type undoped epitaxial layer formed on the substrate; a first well and a second well both formed inside the undoped epitaxial layer and separated by a portion of the undoped epitaxial layer; a first buried layer formed in a junction between the first well and the substrate; a second buried layer formed in a junction between the second well and the substrate; a first and a second semiconductor area with opposite conduction type both formed inside the first well; a third and a fourth semiconductor area with opposite conduction type both formed inside the second well, wherein the first and second semiconductor areas are connected to the anode of the silicon-controlled rectifier, and the third and fourth semiconductor areas are connected to the cathode of the silicon-controlled rectifier.
US08049244B2
A package substrate of the present invention at least comprises a metal substrate and a plurality of light emitting dies. The metal substrate is provided thereon with at least one trench. The trench is recessed into the surface of the metal substrate through an insulating layer. The light emitting dies are secured in the trench and electrically connected to a predetermined wiring layer on the metal substrate by metal wires, thereby obtaining a light emitting die package substrate with good thermal conductivity, high heat dissipation, separate electrical and thermal paths and a simple and firm structure.
US08049239B2
Provided are a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. A light emitting device includes an active layer; a first conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer; a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer so that the active layer is disposed between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers; and a photonic crystal structure comprising a first light extraction pattern on the first conductive semiconductor layer having a first period, and second light extraction pattern on the first conductive semiconductor layer having a second period, the first period being greater than λ/n, and the second period being identical to or smaller than λ/n, where n is a refractive index of the first conductive semiconductor layer, and λ is a wavelength of light emitted from the active layer.
US08049233B2
A light-emitting device of the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer 1 including a light-emitting layer 12; a recess/projection portion 14 including recesses and projections formed in a pitch larger than a wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting layer 12, the recess/projection portion 14 being formed in a whole area or a partial area of the surface of the semiconductor layer which light is emitted from; and a reflective layer formed on an opposite surface of the semiconductor layer to the surface from which light is emitted, the reflective layer having a reflectance of 90% or more. According to the light-emitting device having such arrangement, the light can be emitted efficiently by synergetic effect of the reflective layer and the recess/projection portion.
US08049227B2
A group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device with a double sided electrode structure which has a low driving voltage as well as excellent light emission efficiency is provided, and the group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device includes at least an impurity layer 30 composed of a high concentration layer 3b made of a group III nitride semiconductor containing high concentration of impurity atoms, and a low concentration layer 3a made of a group III nitride semiconductor containing impurity atoms whose concentration is lower than that of the high concentration layer 3b; and a group III nitride semiconductor layer 2, and the lower concentration layer 3a and the high concentration layer 3b are continuously formed on the group III nitride semiconductor layer 2 in this order to form the group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device.
US08049226B2
A light-emitting device comprises a channel structure in the semiconductor layer for connecting an electrode and an ohmic contact layer by means of a substrate transfer process including a wafer-bonding process and a substrate-lifting-off process. The channel structure is formed in the semiconductor stack for electrically connecting the ohmic contact layer and the electrode and driving the current into the light-emitting device. Thereby, a horizontal type or a vertical type of light-emitting device has a good ohmic contact and high light efficiency.
US08049219B2
An integrated circuit mounting a DRAM which can realize high integration without complicated manufacturing steps. The integrated circuit according to the invention comprises a DRAM in which a plurality of memory cells each having a thin film transistor are disposed. The thin film transistor comprises an active layer including a channel forming region, and first and second electrodes overlapping with each other with the channel forming region interposed therebetween. By controlling a drain voltage of the thin film transistor according to data, it is determined whether to accumulate holes in the channel forming region or not, and data is read out by confirming whether or not holes are accumulated.
US08049217B2
A display device, and method for making the same, comprising a thin film transistor formed on a first insulating substrate, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor, an organic layer formed on the pixel electrode, a common electrode formed on the organic layer, a conductive layer formed on the common electrode, a transparent electrode layer formed on the conductive layer, the transparent electrode being applied with a common voltage, and a second insulating substrate located on the transparent electrode layer. Thus, the present invention provides a display device to which common voltage is applied effectively.
US08049208B2
It is an object of the present invention, in a case of using a conductive material as part of an electrode for an organic transistor, to provide an organic transistor having a structure whose characteristics are not controlled by the work function of the conductive material. Moreover, it is other objects of the present invention to provide an organic transistor having favorable carrier mobility and to provide an organic transistor which is excellent in durability. A composite layer containing an organic compound and an inorganic material is used for an electrode for an organic field effect transistor, that is, at least part of one of a source electrode and a drain electrode in the organic field effect transistor.
US08049199B2
A phase change memory device and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of defining bottom electrode contact holes by removing portions of an insulation layer, to expose bottom electrodes, on a semiconductor substrate on which the bottom electrodes and the insulation layer are sequentially formed; forming amorphous silicon spacers on inner sidewalls of the bottom electrode contact holes; and forming bottom electrode contacts in the bottom electrode contact holes.
US08049197B2
One embodiment is a phase change memory that includes a heater element transversely contacting a storage element of phase change material. In particular, an end of the storage element contacts an end of the heater element. A first pair of dielectric spacers is positioned on opposite sides of the first heater element and a second pair of dielectric spacers is positioned on opposite sides of the first storage element. The storage element, heater element, and first and second pairs of dielectric spacers can be made by a spacer patterning technique.
US08049194B2
A transport container for nuclear fuel is provided with an outer container having internal insulation, the insulation defining an internal cavity. The cavity receives a plurality of fuel containers wherein the internal volume of the fuel containers is at least 5% of the external volume of the outer container. The container allows substantially higher volume proportions of enriched fuel to be safely transported than is possible with prior containers.
US08049183B1
Apparatuses and methods for the control and self-assembly of particles into adaptable monolayers and changing the relative position of a plurality of particles at an interface between two fluids, including applying an electric field perpendicular to the interface; moving the particles vertically in the interface in response to applying the electric field; moving the particles laterally within the interface in response to the electric field and capillary forces; maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles vertically; and maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles laterally.
US08049182B2
A charged particle filter comprises a magnetic deflector and an outer shield. The magnetic deflector has a bore along an axis thereof passing through the deflector from a specimen end to a detector end of the deflector and through which charged particles pass when in use. The deflector is formed from one or more magnets positioned around the bore in a Halbach configuration thereby generating a relatively high magnetic field strength within the bore and a relatively low magnetic field strength outside of the deflector. The deflector has a geometry defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein each of the outer and inner surfaces of the deflector taper towards the axis as a respective function of distance in the specimen direction along the axis. The outer shield is formed from a soft magnetic material surrounding the magnet deflector on an outer surface side of the deflector and having a projecting portion which extends in the specimen direction with respect to the magnetic deflector from the specimen end of the deflector.
US08049172B2
Methods and devices relate to radiometric measurement of a thin fluid film (4) using absorption of IR radiation. At least one IR radiator (1) is directed to send signals to an IR detector (2) via a bed (3) on which the fluid film (4) is placed. The IR detector is set to receive IR radiation in a band around a characteristic absorption band of the fluid of the fluid film (4). The present invention is developed for printing presses, where the thickness of fountain solution on the printing plate and the proportion of printing ink in an emulsion of printing ink and fountain solution may be controlled.
US08049171B2
A sensor device of the type for sensing incident radiation by charge generation, has a substrate within which charge may be generated by incident radiation. A plurality of electrodes are arranged to cover an image area of the substrate and are selectively connectable to supplied DC voltages such that an electric field is created across the image area to sweep charge across multiple electrodes from the image area to an output. The voltage applied to one of the electrodes may be a voltage of a level so as to present a barrier to charge within the image area. The sensor thus has a variable sample area defined by the barrier voltage level.
US08049168B2
This measurement device is used to determine energy for charged particles. The measurement device includes two segments and a plate that define two thresholds or gaps. The current as a charged particle passes through these thresholds or gaps is measured. The measurement device then calculates the energy of the charged particles. Energy contamination also may be determined.
US08049165B2
A method for determining heavy metal loading in a subject includes collecting a saliva sample from the subject containing a concentration of a heavy metal. The saliva sample is subjected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to yield a heavy metal loading measurement for the subject. The saliva sample is readily collected on a substrate absorbing a preselected amount of saliva such as filter paper. As the amount of saliva necessary to saturate a given volume of substrate is known, the volume of saliva within a substrate is also known. The resulting heavy metal loading measurement is readily correlated with a blood level for the heavy metal in the subject.
US08049162B2
A Zeeman-slower device, a coil for such a Zeeman-slower device, and a method for cooling an atom beam. The Zeeman-slower includes a cooling section including an inner passage extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner passage having a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the area of the cross-section of the inner passage increases monotonously along the longitudinal axis at least in a part of the cooling section.
US08049157B2
The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion device capable of detecting light from weak light to strong light and relates to a photoelectric conversion device having a photodiode having a photoelectric conversion layer; an amplifier circuit including a transistor; and a switch, where the photodiode and the amplifier circuit are electrically connected to each other by the switch when intensity of entering light is lower than predetermined intensity so that a photoelectric current is amplified by the amplifier circuit to be outputted, and the photodiode and part or all of the amplifier circuits are electrically disconnected by the switch so that a photoelectric current is reduced in an amplification factor to be outputted. According to such a photoelectric conversion device, light from weak light to strong light can be detected.
US08049155B2
An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitting LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.
US08049142B2
A cooking appliance includes a cabinet forming an oven cavity, a broil heating element, a bake heating element, a convection heating system and a controller. The convection heating system develops a flow of heated air into the oven cavity, and includes a fan and a convection heating element. The controller controls activations of the broil, bake and convection heating elements during an oven cavity preheating operation in which the broil heating element and the bake heating element are alternately activated while the convection heating element is activated.
US08049139B2
A system and method for determining the approximate weight of metal consumables used by an electric arc welder over a period of welding time, the system comprises a program to calculate the total energy exerted by the welder over a period of welding, a divider to divide the total energy by a number including a power of a selected non-unity factor to obtain said weight. When the energy is in mega joules the factor is in the range of 3.2-4.2 and preferably approximately 4.0.
US08049135B2
A method makes a discrete adjustment to static alignment of a laser beam in a machine for selectively irradiating conductive links on or within a semiconductor substrate using the laser beam. The laser beam propagates along a beam path having an axis extending from a laser to a laser beam spot at a location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The method generates, based on at least one measured characteristic of the laser beam, at least one signal to control an adjustable optical element of the machine effecting the laser beam path. The method also sends said at least one signal to the adjustable optical element. The method then adjusts the adjustable optical element in response to said at least one signal so as to improve static alignment of the laser beam path axis.
US08049133B2
A laser beam machining apparatus including a laser beam irradiation unit, the laser beam irradiation unit including: a laser beam oscillator for oscillating a laser beam; a beam splitter by which the laser beam oscillated by the laser beam oscillator is split into a first laser beam and a second laser beam; a rotary half-wave plate disposed between the laser beam oscillator and the beam splitter; a condenser lens disposed in a first optical path for guiding the first laser beam split by the beam splitter; a first reflecting mirror disposed in a second optical path for guiding the second laser beam split by the beam splitter; a first quarter-wave plate disposed between the beam splitter and the first reflecting mirror; a second reflecting mirror disposed in a third optical path for splitting thereinto the second laser beam returned to the beam splitter through the second optical path; a second quarter-wave plate disposed between the beam splitter and the second reflecting mirror; and a cylindrical lens disposed between the beam splitter and the second quarter-wave plate.
US08049124B2
Disclosed are a button for a control panel assembly and a clothes handling apparatus having the same. In a control panel assembly comprising a control panel having button holes to mount a plurality of buttons and a display window, at least one of the buttons comprises a pressing portion having an optical diffusion portion for diffusing light occurring from a light source disposed at a back of the buttons; a mounting portion for fixing the buttons to a back of the control panel; and a supporting portion for connecting the pressing portion and the mounting portion to each other, and providing an elastic force to the pressing portion. According to this configuration, a larger amount of light occurring from the light source is emitted to a front of the buttons, and a user's convenience is enhanced.
US08049123B2
A waterproof button mechanism of a computer input device has a bottom case having a coding module and at least two micro switches mounted therein and connected with the inner case. Two mounting holes are formed on a front end of the inner case to respectively correspond to the two micro switches on the bottom case. Two waterproof assemblies are respectively mounted on the two mounting holes. A top cover is mounted on the inner case. Two slots are formed through a front end of the top cover. A button is movably mounted in the slot and a front end of the button corresponds to the waterproof assembly. When the button is pressed down, the input device is operated by triggering the micro switches through the waterproof assembly. The waterproof mechanism is waterproof function to be added without sacrificing easy customization of appearance.
US08049115B2
A printed circuit board (PCB) adapted for mounting different kinds of light sensing modules thereon includes a lighting sensing area and a plurality of pads. The pads are disposed around the lighting sensing area, for configuring one light sensing module thereon. In the present invention, the PCB is suitable for different kinds of light sensing modules without redesign, which lowers the manufacturing cost of the PCB.
US08049114B2
A method of making a package substrate includes providing a cladding sheet comprising a first metal layer, a second metal layer and an intermediate layer between the first and second metal layers; etching away a portion of the first metal layer to expose a portion of the intermediate layer thereby forming a metal island body; laminating a first copper clad on the cladding sheet comprising a first copper foil and a first insulating layer; patterning the first copper foil to form a first circuit trace; patterning the second metal layer to form a second circuit trace; removing the metal island body to form a cavity in the first insulating layer; and removing the intermediate layer from bottom of the cavity.
US08049111B2
A first insulating layer is formed on a suspension body. Wiring traces are formed in parallel at an interval on the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is formed in a region on the first insulating layer on both sides of the wiring traces. A wiring trace is formed in a region on the second insulating layer on the side of the wiring trace. A wiring trace is formed in a region on the second insulating layer on the side of the wiring trace. A third insulating layer is formed on the first and second insulating layers to cover the wiring traces.
US08049108B2
A high voltage bushing for a high voltage device containing insulating liquid includes a voltage grading shield, improving performance and facilitating manufacturing.
US08049101B2
In the photovoltaic devices comprising a substantially intrinsic amorphous silicon layer containing hydrogen between an n-type single-crystal silicon substrate and a p-type amorphous silicon layer containing hydrogen, the photovoltaic device according to the present invention comprises a trap layer that contains less hydrogen than the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer between the p-type amorphous silicon layer and the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer. The trap layer reduces hydrogen diffusion from the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer to the p-type amorphous silicon layer.
US08049098B2
The invention provides a solar concentrator structure including a first concentrating element. The first concentrating element includes a first aperture region, a first exit region, a first side and a second side. The solar concentrator structure further includes a second or more concentrating elements integrally coupled with the first concentrating element in a parallel manner. The second concentrating element includes a second aperture region, a second exit region, the third side, and a fourth side. The third side joins with the second side to form an apex notch structure characterized by a radius of curvature. Additionally, the solar concentrator structure includes a separation region by a width separating the first exit region from the second exit region and a triangular region including the apex notch structure and a base defined by the separation region and a refractive index of about 1 characterizing the triangular region.
US08049096B2
A solar battery cell having a hexagonal shape is divided into four at a straight line connecting between opposed apexes and a straight line connecting between middle points of opposed sides. Two of the divided cells are arranged without being turned upside down such that oblique sides thereof oppose each other; thus, a substantially rectangular-shaped unit is configured. In adjoining two units, an interconnector is routed from a front surface of one of the units to a back surface of the other unit. Thus, the two units are electrically connected to each other through the interconnector. Hence, it is unnecessary to route an interconnector from a front surface of one divided cell to a back surface of another divided cell at a portion where oblique sides of the divided cells oppose each other; therefore, it is unnecessary to secure a large clearance at the portion.
US08049095B2
A saddle for a multi-stringed instrument couples to transducer elements, vibrations from plucked musical instruments strings. The saddle includes a top saddle portion, and a body portion beneath the top saddle portion having a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string defining a vertically compliant area of sensitivity beneath each string that couple the string vibrations to a flexurally responsive transducer element mounted within and mechanically coupled to a respective integral cavity. A first ground conductor is formed on a top body portion surface and on each opposing surface of the body portion; and a second conductor is embedded within the body portion. The first conductor and embedded second conductor have respective portions extending to each the integral cavity structure to provide electrical coupling points for electrically connecting the transducer element to the first and second conductors at each respective the integral cavity structure.
US08049085B1
A novel maize variety designated PH12BH and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12BH with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12BH through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH12BH or a locus conversion of PH12BH with another maize variety.
US08049076B2
A novel garden bean cultivar, designated SB4348, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar SB4348, to the plants of garden bean line SB4348 and to methods for producing a garden bean plant by crossing the cultivar SB4348 with itself or another garden bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a garden bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar SB4348.
US08049075B2
A soybean cultivar designated 88234045 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 88234045, to the plants of soybean 88234045, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 88234045, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 88234045 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 88234045, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 88234045, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 88234045 with another soybean cultivar.
US08049072B2
A soybean cultivar designated 86115079 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 86115079, to the plants of soybean 86115079, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 86115079 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 86115079 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 86115079, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 86115079 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 86115079 with another soybean cultivar.
US08049070B2
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-5 desaturase along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using this delta-5 desaturase in plants and oleaginous yeast are disclosed.
US08049049B2
This method of upgrading a biomass comprises: an upgrading step for performing upgrading treatment of a cellulose based biomass with an oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of at least 0.5, in presence of water and under a pressure of at least saturated water vapor pressure, and reducing said oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of said biomass to no more than 0.38, and a separation step for separating an upgraded reactant obtained from said upgrading step into a solid component and a liquid component.
US08049048B2
The present invention provides fully renewable engine fuels derived completely from biomass sources. In one embodiment the fully renewable engine fuel is comprised of one or more low carbon number esters, one or more pentosan-derivable furans, one or more aromatic hydrocarbon, one or more C4-C10 straight chain alkanes derivable from polysaccharides, and one or more bio-oils. In addition, the fuel may contain triethanolamine. Such a lower octane renewable fuel may be utilized, for example, in automobile fuel, 100 LL aviation fuel applications, and turbine engine applications. These ethanol-based, fully renewable fuels may be formulated to have a wide range of octane values and energy, and may effectively be used to replace 100 LL aviation fuel (known as AvGas), as well as high octane, rocket, diesel, and turbine engine fuels. In another embodiment, there is provided a synthetic high octane aviation fuel comprising isopentane and mesitylene, and process of producing same from a biomass.
US08049021B2
There is provided a process for preparing 21-acetyloxy-6-alpha-fluoro-pregna-1,4,9(11),16-tetraene-3,20-dione compound of Formula I, which comprises reacting 21-acetyloxy-pregna-1,3,5,9(11),16-pentaene-3-oxo acetate with a fluorinating agent.
US08049019B2
The present invention provides a novel antagonist or partial agonists/antagonist of MCP-1 receptor activity: N-((1R,2S,5R)-5-(tert-butylamino)-2-((S)-2-oxo-3-(6-(trifluoromethyl)quinazolin-4-ylamino) pyrrolidin-1-yl)cyclohexyl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug, thereof, having an unexpected combination of desirable pharmacological characteristics. Crystalline forms of the present invention are also provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and methods of using the same as agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, allergic, autoimmune, metabolic, cancer and/or cardiovascular diseases is also an objective of this invention. The present disclosure also provides a process for preparing compounds of Formula (I), including N-((1R,2S,5R)-5-(tert-butylamino)-2-((S)-2-oxo-3-(6-(trifluoromethyl)quinazolin-4-ylamino)pyrrolidin-1-yl)cyclohexyl)acetamide: wherein R1, R8, R9, R10, and are as described herein. Compounds that are useful intermediates of the process are also provided herein.
US08049009B2
The present invention relates to novel Tenofovir disoproxil hemifumarate salt, which is prepared by dealkylation of Phosphonate esters by using mineral acids followed by esterification and crystallization to give crystalline Tenofovir disoproxil. The Tenofovir disoproxil is further converted to fumarate salts with improved yield.
US08049007B2
Amorolfine base, which is a compound of formula (I): is improvedly prepared by: (i) contacting a compound of formula (II): with a Friedel-Crafts catalyst; and (ii) adding one equivalent of 2-halogeno-2-methylbutane, wherein the reaction mixture obtained in step (i) is cooled to a temperature from −40° to −60° C. prior to step (ii) and the Friedel-Craft catalyst is selected from the group consisting of gallium chloride, antimony pentafluoride, molybdenum pentachloride, indium chloride, antimony pentachloride.
US08049003B2
A particulate SAE-CD composition is provided. The SAE-CD composition has an advantageous combination of physical properties not found in known solid forms of SAE-CD. In particular, the SAE-CD composition possesses an advantageous physicochemical and morphological property profile such that it can be tailored to particular uses. The SAE-CD composition of the invention has improved flow and dissolution performance as compared to known compositions of SAE-CD.
US08048999B2
There is provided a nuclear reprogramming factor for a somatic cell, which comprises a gene product of each of the following three kinds of genes: an Oct family gene, a Klf family gene, and a Myc family gene, as a means for inducing reprogramming of a differentiated cell to conveniently and highly reproducibly establish an induced pluripotent stem cell having pluripotency and growth ability similar to those of ES cells without using embryo or ES cell.
US08048996B2
The inventive molecular transporter compound shows significantly high permeability through a biological membrane such as a plasma membrane, nuclear membrane and blood-brain barrier, and accordingly, can be effectively used in delivering various biologically active molecules.
US08048995B2
The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.
US08048987B2
A polypeptide having a high fidelity DNA polymerase activity and thus being useful as a genetic engineering reagent; a gene encoding this polypeptide; a method of producing the polypeptide; and a method of amplifying a nucleic acid by using the polypeptide.
US08048986B2
The invention relates to a recombinant receptor, comprising a ligand-binding domain and a signaling domain that comprises a heterologous bait polypeptide, which receptor is inactivated by binding of a prey polypeptide to the heterologous bait peptide, either in presence or absence of a ligand binding to the ligand-binding domain. The receptor is activated by addition of a compound that disrupts the bait-prey interaction. The invention also relates to a method of screening compounds that disrupt compound-compound binding using the recombinant receptor.
US08048973B2
Provided are a novel transition metal complex where a monocyclopentadienyl ligand to which an amido group is introduced is coordinated, a catalyst composition including the same, and an olefin polymer using the catalyst composition. The transition metal complex has a pentagon ring structure having an amido group connected by a phenylene bridge in which a stable bond is formed in the vicinity of a metal site, and thus, a sterically hindered monomer can easily approach the transition metal complex. By using a catalyst composition including the transition metal complex, a linear low density polyolefin copolymer having a high molecular weight and a very low density polyolefin copolymer having a density of 0.910 g/cc or less can be produced in a polymerization of monomers having large steric hindrance. Further, the reactivity for the olefin monomer having large steric hindrance is excellent.
US08048972B2
The present invention relates to novel materials particularly useful for ophthalmic applications and methods for making and using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to relatively soft, optically transparent, foldable, high refractive index materials particularly suited for use in the production of intraocular lenses, contact lenses, and other ocular implants and to methods for manufacturing and using the same.
US08048963B2
An ion exchange membrane is prepared from a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic polymer segment and a polar polymer segment. The ion exchange membrane is formed by placing a film layer in steam, water or an electric field at a temperature greater than about 40° C. for sufficient amount of time to develop a bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane is also formed from a film layer comprising a block copolymer and a solvent. The film layer is placed in an electric field at an elevated temperature and dried therein. The film layer is thereby converted into an ion exchange membrane with bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane prepared according to these processes exhibits improved mechanical and electrochemical properties.
US08048960B2
The present invention is a rubber modified monovinylidene aromatic polymer composition where the rubber is a sulfanylsilane chain end modified elastomeric polymer. In the present invention the functionalized rubber provides sufficient grafting levels in standard graft polymerization process technologies to prepare desired rubber particle size distributions and morphologies. Across a range of rubber modified monovinylidene aromatic polymers, it has been found that the use of the modified elastomeric polymers according to the present invention can improve the combinations of resin properties, particularly clarity, surface and physical properties, including both rubber modified monovinylidene aromatic homopolymers (e.g., high impact polystyrene and copolymers (e.g., ABS). The functionalized rubbers have sulfanyl functional groups that provide an optimized reactive grafting site. This ensures that under graft polymerization conditions a monovinylidene aromatic polymer block is formed grafted to the butadiene polymer block. This is particularly desirable to enable the use of polybutadiene homopolymer rubbers which are more cost effectively used in rubber-modified monovinylidene aromatic polymers.
US08048958B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover is made from a cover composition containing, as a resin component, a thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B) in which a polyisocyanate (b-1) having at least three isocyanate groups is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin (b-2) which does not substantially react with an isocyanate group; and wherein the cover composition has a slab hardness of more than 60 and not more than 75 in Shore D hardness, and the cover has the thickness of 2.5 mm or less.
US08048957B2
Disclosed is a composition comprising a blend and a modifier in which the blend comprises polycarbonate and acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene terpolymer and 15 weight % or less of a modifier wherein the modifier comprises an ethylene ester copolymer and either an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymer or a core-shell polymer. Also disclosed are shaped articles prepared from the composition.
US08048954B2
The present invention relates to aqueous non-ionically hydrophilised binding-agent dispersions based on polyurethane ureas with terminal polyethylene-oxide groups, to the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof for producing coatings.
US08048945B2
4,4′-Biphenol polysulfone composition comprising: as main ingredient, at least one polysulfone comprising more than 50 mol. % of recurring units formed by reacting 4,4′-biphenol with at least one sulfone monomer SM1 (Bo1 PSU), more than 0.01% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one phosphorus-containing compound chosen from organic phosphites and organic phosphonites, and at least one polysulfone comprising more than 50 mol. % of recurring units formed by reacting bisphenol A with at least one sulfone monomer SM2 (Bo1 A PSU). 4,4′-Biphenol polysulfone composition containing at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the 4,4′-biphenol polysulfone composition, of at least one Bo1 PSU, said composition having a melt viscosity ratio at 410° C. and at a shear rate of 50 s−1 (VR40) of below 1.20.Process which is especially well-suited to prepare the above compositions.Articles made from the above compositions or prepared by the above process.
US08048943B2
This invention relates to the modification of bitumen by polymeric materials used particularly for the preparation of asphalt mixtures with enhanced mechanical properties, wherein the polymeric materials are selected from additives capable of forming a supramolecular assembly. The modified bitumen may be used for the fabrication of asphalts mixtures with mineral aggregates used in construction or maintenance of sidewalks, roads, highways, parking lots or airport runaways and service roads and any other rolling surfaces.
US08048942B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising preparing an aqueous mixture of monomers selected to provide after polymerization a superabsorbent polymer; feeding said monomer mixture to a reactor; subjecting the aqueous monomer mixture in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain a superabsorbent polymer gel; removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor; and working-up the superabsorbent polymer removed from the reactor to obtain a final product, whereby a basic aqueous medium comprising carbonate and/or hydrogen carbonate is fed to the superabsorbent polymer gel.
US08048941B2
The present invention is directed to a particulate composite of silica and elastomer comprising a porous silica shell at least partially surrounding a core of diene based elastomer, with at least part of the elastomer extending through at least some of the pores of the porous silica shell.
US08048929B2
The invention relates to agents which combat the hepatitis A virus, containing only minimal amounts of chlorine-containing and/or chlorine cleaving active ingredients, or none of said substances. The inventions also relates to the use of these agents and to a method for their production.
US08048920B2
Biodegradable personal care compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol are provided, and the 1,3-propanediol in the composition is biologically derived. The compositions exhibit a lower anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. Also provided are biodegradable personal care compositions comprising an ester of 1,3-propanediol. In these compositions, the ester can have at least 3% biobased carbon.
US08048916B2
A compound represented by the formula (I): has an excellent pest controlling activity and therefore is useful for an effective ingredient of a pest control composition.
US08048912B2
The present invention relates to a novel benzopyran derivative having goodantagonistic activity on TGF-β receptor which can be effectively used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for liver disease as well as several fibroplasiadiseases such as hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, dermatosclerosis, glomerular fibrosis and the like; and a pharmaceutical use thereof.
US08048906B2
Organic chelating ligands, organic chelating ligand precursors, and metal chelates are disclosed. Methods for synthesizing the same are also described, including methods for preparing optically-enriched or optically-pure compositions of the same.
US08048890B2
Substituted 1-oxa-2,8-diaza-spiro[4,5]dec-2-ene compounds and processes for their production, the use thereof for producing pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treatment using these compounds.
US08048888B2
The present invention describes a method or uses of prevention and/or treatment of a cancer or a tumor, and in particular to a combination therapy, methods, compositions and pharmaceutical packages comprising an inhibitor of receptors of the EGFR family or a chemotherapeutically active pyrimidine analogue and certain platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents.
US08048880B2
Administration of sPLA2 inhibitors has been found to decrease cholesterol levels, atherosclerotic plaque formation and aortic aneurysm in mice, and to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels in humans. Interestingly, administration of sPLA2 inhibitors was found to decrease cholesterol levels even when the inhibitors were administered only once per day. Therefore, provided herein are methods of treating dyslipidemia, CVD, and conditions associated with CVD such as atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome, by administering one or more sPLA2 inhibitors. Significantly, administration of sPLA2 inhibitors and various compounds used in the treatment of CVD, such as for example statins, resulted in greater decreases in LDL and LDL particle levels in a synergistic manner. In addition, administration of sPLA2 inhibitors and statins resulted in a synergistic decrease in plaque content. Therefore, also provided herein are compositions comprising one or more sPLA2 inhibitors and one or more compounds used in the treatment of CVD, such as for example statins, and methods of using these compositions to treat dyslipidemia, CVD, and conditions associated with CVD such as atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
US08048876B2
The invention comprises a process for preparing quetiapine and/or its salts, including, quetiapine fumarate. The process generally comprises reacting dibenzothiazepinone (dibenzo[bf][1,4]thiazepin-11(10H)-one) with phosphorous oxychloride in the presence of triethylamine in an aromatic organic solvent such as toluene or, preferably, xylene at reflux temperature to obtain an aromatic hydrocarbon solution of 11-chloro-dibenzo[bf][1,4]thiazepine. Thereafter, the 11-chloro-dibenzo[bf][1,4]thiazepine is reacted with 2-(2-piperazin-1-ylethoxy)-ethanol to yield, following several processing steps, quetiapine. Compound I can then be further reacted with fumaric acid at elevated temperature to yield quetiapine fumarate. The resulting quetiapine fumarate obtained is suitable for use in pharmaceutical preparations.
US08048873B2
The invention refers to a synergistic pharmaceutical combination which comprises (a) a first pharmaceutical composition containing an antidiabetic or anti-hyperlipidemic active agent and one or more conventional carrier(s), and (b) a second pharmaceutical composition containing a hydroximic acid derivative of the formula I and one or more conventional carrier(s). The pharmaceutical combination is suitable for the prevention or treatment of, among others, diabetes mellitus.
US08048871B2
Methods of inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes are provided that can be used for improving the treatment of diseases by preventing degradation of drugs or other molecules by cytochrome P450. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided that can act as boosters to improve the pharmacokinetics, enhance the bioavailability, and enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs that undergo in vivo degradation by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
US08048870B2
The present invention describes chemotherapeutic compositions, a method for making the same, and methods for inducing apoptosis in tumor cells and/or inhibiting tumors. The compositions are metal coordination complexes of a cytotoxic metal, such as silver(I) and a chiral α-organic acid, such as tartaric acid, in a pharmaceutical carrier.
US08048863B2
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having a Syk-related inflammatory condition or at risk of developing a Syk-related inflammatory condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, allergy, or mast-cell disease.
US08048859B2
A personal care composition is provided and includes an effective amount of a repeat sequence protein polymer. The personal care composition may be a hair care composition, a skin care composition, a nail care composition, a cosmetic composition, or an over-the-counter pharmaceutical composition.
US08048858B2
A peptide consisting of 5 to 30 amino acid residues, preferably 9 to 15, most preferably about 12 amino acid residues, comprising a B epitope of a poly-α2,8 sialic acid attached to NCAM which is recognized by an anti-poly-α2,8 sialic acid (PSA) antibody, the use thereof and the preparation of a medicament for modulating NCAM functions, to be administered for the prevention and/or the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, brain and spine lesions, age-related learning and memory problems, and cancer is disclosed.
US08048848B2
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an IFN protein are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08048844B1
Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.
US08048840B2
The present invention provides a novel ether compound represented by formula (1): wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08048833B2
The present invention is directed to lubricating oils exhibiting improved resistance to oxidation and deposit/sludge formation comprising a lubricant base oil and catalytic antioxidants comprising an effective amount of a) one or more polymetal organometallic compound; and, b) effective amounts of one or more substituted N,N′-diaryl-o-phenylenediamine compounds or c) one or more hindered phenol compounds or both, to a method for improving the antioxidancy and the resistance to deposit/sludge formation of formulated lubricating oil compositions by the addition thereto of an effective amount of the aforementioned catalytic antioxidants, and to an additive concentrate containing the aforementioned catalytic antioxidants.
US08048830B1
A method of forming and delivering a carbonated machining fluid to be used in a machining process, the machining process including a tool contacting a substrate, comprises supplying a pressure vessel with a non-carbonated machining fluid and non-supercritical carbon dioxide. The machining fluid and carbon dioxide are allowed to admix such that at least a portion of the carbon dioxide dissolves into the machining fluid to form the carbonated machining fluid. The carbonated machining fluid is then delivered under pressure from the vessel to an applicator and applied to the tool or the substrate to impart cooling and lubricating effects.
US08048822B2
A method for producing carbon-silica products from silica-containing plant matter such as rice hulls or straw by leaching with sulfuric acid to remove non-silica minerals and metal while adjusting the mole ratio of fixed carbon to silica in the resultant product. The carbon and silica are intimately mixed on a micron or submicron scale and are characterized by high purity and reactivity, small particle size, high porosity, and contain volatile carbon that can be used as a source of energy for the production of silicon-containing products from the carbon-silica products. High purity silicon-containing products made from the carbon-silica products of the invention are also disclosed.
US08048812B2
Differently-sized features of an integrated circuit are formed by etching a substrate using a mask which is formed by combining two separately formed patterns. Pitch multiplication is used to form the relatively small features of the first pattern. Pitch multiplication is accomplished by patterning an amorphous carbon layer. Sidewall spacers are then formed on the amorphous carbon sidewalls which are then removed; the sidewall spacers defining the first mask pattern. A bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) is then deposited to form a planar surface and a photoresist layer is formed over the BARC. The photoresist is next patterned by conventional photolithography to form the second pattern, which is transferred to the BARC. The combined pattern is transferred to an underlying amorphous silicon layer. The combined pattern is then transferred to the silicon oxide layer and then to an amorphous carbon mask layer. The combined mask pattern, is then etched into the underlying substrate.
US08048809B2
A slurry composition includes about 4.25 to about 18.5 weight percent of an abrasive, about 80 to about 95 weight percent of deionized water, and about 0.05 to about 1.5 weight percent of an additive. The slurry composition may further include a surfactant. In a polishing method using the slurry composition, a polysilicon layer may be rapidly polished, and also dishing and erosion of the polysilicon layer may be suppressed.
US08048808B2
A slurry composition for polishing metal includes a polymeric polishing accelerating agent, the polymeric polishing accelerating agent including a backbone of hydrocarbon and a side substituent having at least one of a sulfonate ion (SO3−) and a sulfate ion (OSO3−), and an acidic aqueous solution.
US08048804B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package, including at least a step A that forms a first transforming portion by irradiating a laser beam on at least a portion of a first substrate; a step B that joins together the first substrate and a second substrate in which a functional element is disposed; a step C that removes the first transforming portion that is disposed on the first substrate by etching; and a step D that forms a conductive portion in the first substrate by filling a conductive material in a portion where the first transforming portion has been removed.
US08048803B2
A method for forming a contact plug in a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having an insulation layer. A hard mask pattern is formed over the insulation layer. The insulation layer is etched using the hard mask pattern to form a contact hole. A plug material is formed over the hard mask pattern to fill the contact hole. The insulation layer, the hard mask pattern, and the plug material are polished at substantially the same time such that a seam generated in the contact hole while forming the plug material is not exposed.
US08048796B2
In a sophisticated metallization system of a semiconductor device, air gaps may be formed in a self-aligned manner on the basis of a sacrificial material, such as a carbon material, which is deposited after the patterning of a dielectric material for forming therein a via opening. Consequently, superior process conditions during the patterning of the via opening and the sacrificial material in combination with a high degree of flexibility in selecting appropriate materials for the dielectric layer and the sacrificial layer may provide superior uniformity and device characteristics.
US08048791B2
Methods for forming a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor substrate are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises forming a channel layer overlying the semiconductor substrate, forming a channel capping layer having a first surface overlying the channel layer, oxidizing the first surface of the channel capping layer, and depositing a high-k dielectric layer overlying the channel capping layer.
US08048787B2
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The method may include forming a gate dielectric layer including a plurality of elements on a substrate; supplying a specific element to the gate dielectric layer; forming a product though reacting the specific element with at least one of the plurality of elements; and removing the product.
US08048785B2
Nanosized filamentary carbon structures (CNTs) nucleating over a catalyzed surface may be grown in an up-right direction reaching a second surface, spaced from the first surface, without the need of applying any external voltage source bias. The growth process may be inherently self-stopping, upon reaching a significant population of grown CNTs on the second surface. A gap between the two surfaces may be defined for CNT devices being simultaneously fabricated by common integrated circuit integration techniques. The process includes finding that for separation gaps of up to a hundred or more nanometers, a difference between the respective work functions of the materials delimiting the gap space, for example, different metallic materials or a doped semiconductor of different dopant concentration or type, may produce an electric field intensity orienting the growth of nucleated CNTs from the surface of one of the materials toward the surface of the other material.
US08048776B2
Semiconductor device and method of supporting a wafer during backgrinding and reflow of solder bumps
A semiconductor device is made by providing a semiconductor wafer having an active surface, forming an under bump metallization layer on the active surface of the semiconductor wafer, forming a first photosensitive layer on the active surface of the semiconductor wafer, exposing a selected portion of the first photosensitive layer over the under bump metallization layer to light, removing a portion of a backside of the semiconductor wafer, opposite to the active surface, prior to developing the exposed portion of the first photosensitive layer, developing the exposed portion of the first photosensitive layer after removing the portion of the backside of the semiconductor wafer, and depositing solder material over the under bump metallization layer to form solder bumps. The remaining portion of the first photosensitive layer is then removed. A second photosensitive layer or metal stencil can be formed over the first photosensitive layer.
US08048775B2
A process of forming ultra thin wafers having an edge support ring is disclosed. The process provides an edge support ring having an angled inner wall compatible with spin etch processes.
US08048772B2
A substrate bonding method has a film forming step of forming an insulating film for bonding in such a manner that an SiO2 film made of TEOS is deposited on at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate by a CVD method, and a bonding step of bonding the first substrate and the second substrate with the insulating film for bonding being interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08048768B2
A method of fabricating a joined wafer has an exposure process which comprises a device formed-area exposure process of exposing by a stepper such that parts of the photosensitive adhesive layer formed over a surface of the transparent wafer or the device formed wafer are removed, the parts corresponding to the device formed areas when the transparent wafer and the device formed wafer are stuck together; and a wafer periphery exposure process of exposing such that a portion of the photosensitive adhesive layer over the periphery of the transparent wafer is left.
US08048766B2
A method of fabricating a die containing an integrated circuit, including active components and passive components, includes producing a first substrate containing at least one active component of active components and a second substrate containing critical components of the passive components, such as perovskites or MEMS, and bonding the two substrates by a layer transfer. The method provides an improved monolithic integration of devices such as MEMS with transistors.
US08048762B2
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device includes: forming a first layer on a member to be etched; forming a first hard mask that includes a first hard mask pattern, in the first layer; forming a second layer on the first hard mask and on an exposed surface of the member to be etched; removing by selective etching the second layer to form a side wall core that includes a core pattern; forming side wall spacers on side walls of the side wall core; and using the side wall spacers and the first hard mask to remove by etching the member to be etched.
US08048758B2
A method for fabricating a capacitor includes forming an isolation layer over a cell region and a peripheral region of a substrate. The isolation layer forms a plurality of open regions in the cell region. Storage nodes are formed on surfaces of the open regions. A sacrificial pattern is formed over the isolation layer and covers the cell region. The isolation layer is etched in the peripheral region to expose side portions of the resulting structure obtained after forming the sacrificial pattern in the cell region. With the sacrificial pattern supporting the storage nodes, the isolation layer in the cell region is removed. The sacrificial pattern is then removed.
US08048754B2
An object is to provide a single crystal semiconductor layer with extremely favorable characteristics without performing CMP treatment or heat treatment at high temperature. Further, an object is to provide a semiconductor substrate (or an SOI substrate) having the above single crystal semiconductor layer. A first single crystal semiconductor layer is formed by a vapor-phase epitaxial growth method on a surface of a second single crystal semiconductor layer over a substrate; the first single crystal semiconductor layer and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween; and the first single crystal semiconductor layer and the second single crystal semiconductor layer are separated from each other at an interface therebetween so as to provide the first single crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. Thus, an SOI substrate can be manufactured.
US08048746B2
An integrated circuit includes flash memory cells, and peripheral circuitry including low voltage transistors (LVT) and high voltage transistors (HVT). The integrated circuit includes a tunnel barrier layer comprising SiON, SiN or other high-k material. The tunnel barrier layer may comprise a part of the gate dielectric of the HVTs. The tunnel barrier layer may constitute the entire gate dielectric of the HVTs. The corresponding tunnel barrier layer may be formed between or upon shallow trench isolation (STIs). Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of a driver chip IC may be increased.
US08048743B2
A method for fabricating a vertical channel type nonvolatile memory device includes: stacking a plurality of interlayer insulating layers and a plurality of gate electrode conductive layers alternately over a substrate; etching the interlayer insulating layers and the gate electrode conductive layers to form a channel trench exposing the substrate; forming an undoped first channel layer over the resulting structure including the channel trench; doping the first channel layer with impurities through a plasma doping process; and filling the channel trench with a second channel layer.
US08048741B2
A semiconductor memory device includes: a semiconductor substrate, on which an impurity diffusion layer is formed in a cell array area; a gate wiring stack body formed on the cell array area, in which multiple gate wirings are stacked and separated from each other with insulating films; a gate insulating film formed on the side surface of the gate wiring stack body, in which an insulating charge storage layer is contained; pillar-shaped semiconductor layers arranged along the gate wiring stack body, one side surfaces of which are opposed to the gate wiring stack body via the gate insulating film, each pillar-shaped semiconductor layer having the same conductivity type as the impurity diffusion layer; and data lines formed to be in contact with the upper surfaces of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layers and intersect the gate wirings.
US08048739B2
According to yet another embodiment, a method for forming a non-volatile memory device includes etching a substrate to form first and second trenches. The first and second trenches are filled with an insulating material to form first and second isolation structures. A conductive layer is formed over the first and second isolation structures and between the first and second isolation structures to form a floating gate. The conductive layer and the first isolation structure are etched to form a third trench having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having vertical sidewalls and the lower portion having sloping sidewalls. The third trench is filled with a conductive material to form a control gate.
US08048738B1
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric layer over a substrate. The method further includes forming a select gate layer over the dielectric layer. The method further includes etching the select gate layer at a first etch rate to form a first portion of a sidewall of a select gate, wherein the step of etching the select gate layer at the first etch rate includes using an oxidizing agent to oxidize at least a top portion of the substrate underlying the dielectric layer to form an oxide layer. The method further includes etching the select gate layer at a second etch rate lower than the first etch rate to form a second portion of the sidewall of the select gate, wherein the step of etching the select gate layer at the second etch rate includes removing only a top portion of the dielectric layer.
US08048734B2
One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a heterojunction bipolar transistor, including: forming a collector layer; forming a stack of at least a second dielectric layer overlying a first dielectric layer, the stack formed over the collector layer; removing a portion of each of the dielectric layers to form an opening through the stack; and forming a base layer within the opening.
US08048723B2
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a composite substrate, which includes a bulk silicon substrate and a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer over and adjoining the bulk silicon substrate. A first condensation is performed to the SiGe layer to form a condensed SiGe layer, so that the condensed SiGe layer has a substantially uniform germanium concentration. The condensed SiGe layer and a top portion of the bulk silicon substrate are etched to form a composite fin including a silicon fin and a condensed SiGe fin over the silicon fine. The method further includes oxidizing a portion of the silicon fin; and performing a second condensation to the condensed SiGe fin.
US08048712B2
A method for producing at least one pattern on a top surface of a support made from a material presenting a first thermal conductivity comprises a step of arranging of a mask made from a material presenting a second thermal conductivity and comprising at least one recess having a shape corresponding to that of the pattern, in contact with a bottom surface of the support, the ratio of the first conductivity over the second conductivity being greater than or equal to 2, or smaller than or equal to ½, throughout the duration of the method. The method further comprises a step of depositing on the top surface a solution comprising a material designed to form the pattern, and a step of evaporating the solution.
US08048708B2
Method and apparatus providing a wafer level fabrication of imager modules in which a permanent carrier protects imager devices on an imager wafer and is used to support a lens wafer.
US08048706B1
Provided herein are improved methods of laser scribing photovoltaic structures to form monolithically integrated photovoltaic modules. The methods involve forming P1, P2 or P3 scribes by an ablative scribing mechanism having low melting, and in certain embodiments, substantially no melting. In certain embodiments, the methods involve generating an ablation shockwave at an interface of the film to be removed and the underlying layer. The film is then removed by mechanical shock. According to various embodiments, the ablation shockwave is generated by using a laser beam having a wavelength providing an optical penetration depth on the order of the film thickness and a minimum threshold intensity. In one embodiment, material including an absorber layer is scribed using an infrared laser source and a picosecond pulse width.
US08048698B2
A thin film transistor array structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The thin film transistor array structure comprises a substrate, including a transition area and a pad area. A patterned first metal layer is formed on the substrate, wherein the patterned first metal layer includes a data connecting line disposed in the transition area, and a data pad and a gate pad disposed in the pad area. A patterned first insulation layer is formed on the patterned first metal layer. The patterned first insulation layer at least defines a first opening on the gate pad, a second opening on the data pad, and a third opening in the transition area, so as to simplify following processes to increase the yield.
US08048696B2
A light emitting diode (LED) device includes a stacked epitaxial structure, a heat-conductive plate and a seed layer. The stacked epitaxial structure sequentially includes a first semiconductor layer (N—GaN), a light emitting layer, and a second semiconductor layer (P—GaN). The heat-conductive plate is disposed on the first semiconductor layer, and the seed layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the heat-conductive plate. Also, the present invention discloses a manufacturing method thereof including the steps of: forming at least one temporary substrate, which is made by a curable polymer material, on an LED device, and forming at least a heat-conductive plate on the LED device.
US08048691B2
Size reduction and high integration of each of the laminated substrates are achieved, while forming an excellent wiring which electrically connects the substrates to each other. A conductive ink, i.e., an ink, containing a conductive material is used, and in a state where a voltage is applied between a print head and a substrate unit, an ink droplet of the conductive ink is discharged from the print head, while relatively shifting the substrate unit and the print head substantially parallel to at least the upper surface of the substrate. Thus, a conductive layer which electrically connects electrodes to each other between the substrates is formed.
US08048690B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet according to the present invention is a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is provided on a base film, in which the base film contains conductive fibers, and in which an electrically conductive path is formed between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the base film. With this structure, an electrical continuity test can be performed even in a condition where a semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor chip formed by dicing the semiconductor wafer is applied, and deformation (warping) and damage of the semiconductor wafer and generation of flaws and scratches on the backside can be prevented in the test.
US08048688B2
A method and apparatus for the evaluation and improvement of the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon-nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) arrays grown on a substrate is disclosed. The Young's modulus of a CNT/CNF material is measured by applying an axial compressive force on the CNT/CNF array and measuring the applied forces and the induced displacements. Also disclosed are the evaluation of the nonlinear stress-strain relationship of the CNT/CNF material, increasing of the Young's modulus and decreasing the thermal resistance by application of a compressive load, the application of rapid thermal annealing to improve the quality of the CNT/CNF material and to reduce the interfacial thermal resistance, improvement of the bonding strength of the CNT/CNF array to a substrate, evaluation of the bonding strength of the CNT/CNF array to a substrate, evaluation of the shearing force at failure, and an analytical stress model that enables one to predict the interfacial shearing stress from the measured force.
US08048679B2
The present invention provides several methods of determining values of physical or chemical properties of polymers. In these methods, at least two polymer training samples are provided. Characteristics of the polymer microstructures of the training samples are correlated with values of physical or chemical properties of the training samples. These correlations are subsequently applied to the respective characteristics of polymer test samples in order to determine the values of physical or chemical properties of the test samples.
US08048677B2
The invention relates to a sensor board comprising a plate-like body comprising a body material and having two surfaces substantially parallel to each other, and at least one optical sensor and at least one non-optical sensor, the sensors being positioned at the same surface of the body, wherein the body includes a first area having a thickness D1 of the body material and a second area having a thickness D2 of the body material, where D1>D2>0, the at least one optical sensor being positioned at the second area.
US08048667B2
The present invention relates to alpha-glucoside transporters which can promote assimilation of maltose/maltotriose contained in wort, etc., and so on. Especially in relation to glucose-induced inactivation/degradation, the present invention relates to alpha-glucoside transporters which are less susceptible to glucose-induced inactivation/degradation and can take up maltotriose like AGT1, by constructing the hybrid of AGT1 and MAL21. By using, e.g., a yeast expressing the alpha-glucoside transporter of the present invention, the fermentation rate of moromi mash containing oligosaccharides such as maltose/maltotriose can be accelerated.
US08048665B2
The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having a polynucleotide sequence which codes for the alr gene, and a host-vector system having a coryneform host bacterium in which the alr gene is present in attenuated form and a vector which carries at least the alr gene according to SEQ ID No 1, and the use of polynucleotides which comprise the sequences according to the invention as hybridization probes.
US08048655B2
A method is disclosed for the recovery of an organic acid from a dilute salt solution in which the cation of the salt forms an insoluble carbonate salt. A tertiary amine and CO2 are introduced to the solution to form the insoluble carbonate salt and a complex between the acid and an amine. A water immiscible solvent, such as an alcohol, is added to extract the acid/amine complex from the dilute salt solution to a reaction phase. The reaction phase is continuously dried and a product between the acid and the solvent, such as an ester, is formed.
US08048648B2
The present invention relates to an L-arginine producing mutant strain, and a method for fabricating the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising an argD2 gene (Ncgl2355) that is a putative gene of acetylornithine aminotransferase involved in arginine biosynthesis of Corynebacterium glutamicum, a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide, a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant capable of producing L-arginine in a high yield, which is prepared by introducing the recombinant vector into an L-arginine producing host microorganism to overexpress the argD2 gene, and a method for producing L-arginine by culturing the transformant. The transformant of the present invention overexpresses the argD2 gene to produce L-arginine in a high yield, thereby being used in medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.
US08048642B2
Methods of activating an apo-peroxidase are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a solution comprising an apo-peroxidase and a heme choline ester, hydrolyzing the heme choline ester with a choline esterase, and converting the apo-peroxidase to active peroxidase. The methods disclosed herein also provide for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. The methods include providing a binder capable of specifically binding the analyte wherein the binder is attached to a solid surface, applying the sample to the solid surface under conditions that permit binder-analyte binding, adding a choline esterase-conjugated binder that binds to the analyte, adding an apo-peroxidase, a heme choline ester, a peroxide, and a peroxide-activated signal generator, and detecting the signal produced by the peroxide-activated signal generator. An associated kit and components are also provided.
US08048640B2
Provide is a method for evaluating test agents as candidates for treating prostatic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgen dependent and androgen independent prostate cancer. The method comprises providing a mouse comprising a human prostate primary xenograft, where the xenograft contains blood vessels that include human endothelial cells, initiating androgen deprivation in the mouse, administering to the mouse a test agent within a period of 1-7 days after initiating the androgen deprivation, and determining a reduction in human epithelial cells in the xenografts and/or a reduction in number of the endothelial cells or blood vessels in the xenograft. Also provided is a method for treating an individual for human prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The method comprises initiating androgen deprivation in the individual and administering to the individual an agent capable of inducing apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells within a period of 1-7 days of initiating androgen deprivation.
US08048634B2
A method for screening cancer comprises the following steps: (1) providing a test specimen; (2) detecting the methylation rate of the CpG sequence in at least one target gene of the test specimen, wherein the target genes is consisted of PTPRR, ZNF582, PDE8B and DBC1; and (3) determining whether there is cancer or cancerous pathological change in the specimen based on the methylation rate in the target gene.
US08048633B2
The invention relates to a method for the extraction of nucleic acid from cells, the amplification of segments of nucleic acid using modified primers, and the detection of nucleic acids.
US08048629B2
This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular DNA in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic, pre-malignant or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using DNA extraction and amplification with or without enrichment for DNA. The invention allows the selection and monitoring of patients for various cancer therapies including receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies.
US08048626B2
This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample.
US08048623B1
Disclosed are compositions, products, methods and systems for monitoring ecosystems, such as bodies of water, for a parameter of the ecosystems, such as the presence or absence of mercury. In one embodiment, the product may include a plurality of oligonucleotides immobilized at known locations on a substrate as an array, such that each location on the array is an oligonucleotide having a sequence derived from a single, predetermined operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and wherein at least one sequence on the array is associated with the presence or absence of mercury. The sequences immobilized on the array may be from known, or unknown organisms. Also disclosed are methods for identifying and isolating bioindicators diagnostic of ecosystem parameters, such as whether mercury is present. The compositions, products, methods and systems of the invention may be used for rapid, and continual monitoring of ecosystems for parameters of interest, such as the presence or absence of mercury.
US08048622B2
The present invention provides diagnostic markers of neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or serious mood disorders including bipolar disorder and recurrent unipolar disorder) for use in diagnosis, drug screening, therapy monitoring, research and therapeutic applications. In particular, the present invention provides SLC18A1 and TAAR2, and mutations therein, as biomarkers of neuropsychiatric disorders.
US08048621B2
The present invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods for predicting the effectiveness of treatment of a cancer patient with an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor. Methods are provided for predicting the sensitivity of tumor cell growth to inhibition by an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor, comprising assessing whether the tumor cell has undergone an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), by determining the expression level of epithelial and/or mesenchymal biomarkers, wherein tumor cells that have undergone an EMT are substantially less sensitive to inhibition by IGF-1R kinase inhibitors. Improved methods for treating cancer patients with IGF-1R kinase inhibitors that incorporate the above methodology are also provided. Additionally, methods are provided for the identification of new biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness of tumors to IGF-1R kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, methods for the identification of agents that restore the sensitivity of tumor cells that have undergone EMT to inhibition by IGF-1R kinase inhibitors are also provided. pErk, HER3 and pHER are also demonstrated to be effective biomarkers for predicting sensitivity of tumor cells to IGF-1R kinase inhibitors.
US08048610B2
A polymer comprising recurring units having formulae (1), (2) and (3) is provided as well as a chemically amplified resist composition comprising the same. R1 is H, F, CH3 or CF3, Rf is H, F, CF3 or C2F5, A is an optionally fluorine or oxygen-substituted divalent organic group, R2, R3 and R4 are alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or aryloxoalkyl, or may form a ring with the sulfur atom, N=0-2, R8 is H or alkyl, B is a single bond or optionally oxygen-substituted divalent organic group, a=0-3, b=1-3, and X is an acid labile group. The polymer generates a strong sulfonic acid which provides for effective cleavage of acid labile groups in a chemically amplified resist composition.
US08048597B2
An exposure mask includes a plurality of active region patterns, and a plurality of recess patterns with a first line width, passing across the active region patterns, wherein the line width of at least one of the plurality of recess patterns neighboring one of the plurality of active region patterns is narrowed down into a second line width.
US08048594B2
A photomask blank is for fabricating a phase shift mask having a light-transmissive substrate provided with a phase shift part adapted to give a predetermined phase difference to transmitted exposure light. The phase shift part is a dug-down part formed by digging down the light-transmissive substrate from a surface thereof to a digging depth adapted to produce the predetermined phase difference with respect to exposure light transmitted through the light-transmissive substrate at a portion where the phase shift part is not provided. The photomask blank includes a light-shielding part formed in a peripheral area around a transfer pattern area of the surface of the light-transmissive substrate and adapted to shield exposure light and further includes an etching mask film formed in the transfer pattern area of the surface of the light-transmissive substrate and made of a material being substantially dry-etchable with a chlorine-based gas, but not substantially dry-etchable with a fluorine-based gas, the etching mask film serving as an etching mask at least until the digging depth is reached when forming the dug-down part.
US08048590B2
A photolithography mask includes a design feature located in an isolated or semi-isolated region of the mask and a plurality of parallel linear assist features disposed substantially perpendicular to the design feature. The plurality of parallel linear assist features may include a first series of parallel assist features disposed on a first side of the design feature and perpendicularly thereto, and a second series of parallel assist features disposed on a second side of the design feature and perpendicularly thereto.
US08048589B2
A method for inspecting a phase shift photomask employs a phase shift photomask having an active pattern region. An optical property of the phase shift photomask is measured within the active pattern region, rather than, for example, a non-active pattern border region. By making the measurement within the active pattern region, performance of the phase shift mask may be properly assured. The method is particularly useful for inspecting attenuated phase shift photomasks to assure absence of side-lobes when photoexposing blanket photoresist layers.
US08048584B2
The present invention relates to microfibrous fuel cell sub-bundle structures, fuel cell bundles and fuel cell assemblies formed by such fuel cell sub-bundles and bundles. Specifically, a fuel cell sub-bundle is provided, which comprises multiple microfibrous fuel cells. Each microfibrous fuel cell comprises: (a) a hollow microfibrous membrane separator comprising an electrolyte medium, (b) an inner electrocatalyst layer in contact with an inner surface of such membrane separator, (c) an outer electrocatalyst layer in contact with an outer surface of such membrane separator, and (d) an individual current collector in electrical contact with the inner surface of such membrane separator. Each of such multiple microfibrous fuel cells is in electrical contact with a common current collector at the outer surface of its membrane separator.
US08048580B2
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack which receives a fuel gas and an oxidation gas to generate a power; an air compressor which supplies the oxidation gas to the fuel cell stack; and a controller which reduces the oxidation gas flow rate supplied from the air compressor to the fuel cell stack in consideration of discharge from a capacitance component of the fuel cell stack when decreasing the output voltage of the fuel cell stack. When the output voltage of the fuel cell stack has dropped, the fuel cell system can control a cell operation in consideration of the discharge from the capacitance component of the fuel cell stack to an external load.
US08048572B2
A lead acid electric storage battery uses conventional lead-acid secondary battery chemistry. The battery may be a sealed battery, an unsealed battery or a conventional multi-cellbattery. It has 12 to 25 cells in a single case. The case is less than 12 inches long and may be less than 6 inches long. The battery has a set of positive battery grids (plates) which are constructed with a core of thin titanium expanded metal having a thickness preferably, for start batteries etc. in the range 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm and most preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The grid cores are of a titanium alloy containing a platinum group metal. The cores are coated with hot melt dip lead and are not lead electroplated. The grid cores expand and contract, with temperature changes, much less than conventional lead grids.
US08048571B2
Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.
US08048555B2
Flowing electrolyte batteries capable of being selectively neutralized chemically; processes of selectively neutralizing flowing electrolyte batteries chemically; and processes of selectively restoring the electrical potential of flowing electrolyte batteries are disclosed herein.
US08048554B2
Disclosed herein is a cooling system for vehicle battery packs, including a double filter device mounted at an air inlet part, through which air for cooling the battery pack is introduced from the outside and/or the inside of the vehicle. The double filter includes a pre-filter having relatively large air holes, the pre-filter having high frequency of replacement, and a medium filter having relatively small air holes, the medium filter having low frequency of replacement. The pre-filter is located before the medium filter in the direction in which the air is introduced. Consequently, dust is removed from air, and therefore, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack is increased. In a preferred structure, metal dust is also effectively removed by the magnetic force applied to the medium filter. Consequently, the malfunction or short circuits of the battery pack are prevented. Also, air surrounding the battery pack is directly introduced through the through-type intake ports without passing through any pipe-shaped intake duct. Consequently, generation of noise, which is a problem caused when air in the cabin is used, and backward flow of flames and toxic gas, which are generated during a fire, are prevented. Furthermore, the battery pack is constructed in a compact structure.
US08048542B2
A bis-phenanthroimidazolyl compound having a following formula is disclosed. Where A1 and A2 comprise identical or different aromatic rings, A3 comprises a polyaromatic hydrocarbon or at least two aromatic groups, and each carbon in A1 to A3 and phenanthrol groups is independently substituted or non-substituted. The bis-phenanthroimidazolyl compound exhibits relatively better thermal properties with higher glass-transition temperature and efficient blue emission. The bis-phenanthroimidazolyl compound may function as a host emitter or charge-transporter. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed.
US08048537B2
Provided is a cyclometalated transition metal complex represented by Formula 1: The cyclometalated transition metal complex contains a new ancillary ligand having a carboxylate acid or the like connected to a hetero ring, so that it can efficiently emit red light from a phosphorous material through intersystem crossing (ISC) to form triplet excitons and then metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT). An organic light emitting device manufactured using the transition metal complex shows excellent luminous efficiency and external quantum efficiency.
US08048535B2
An organic electroluminescent device comprising a pair of electrodes and a light emitting layer, a hole transport layer containing a hole transporting material, and an electron transport layer provided between the pair of electrodes wherein, the light emitting layer contains at least two host materials and at least one red phosphorescent material, and the hole transporting material in the hole transport layer has a small ionization potential than the two host materials in the light emitting layer.
US08048534B2
A superalloy article which comprises a substrate comprised of a superalloy, a bond coat comprised of MCrAlY wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel and mixtures thereof applied onto at least a portion of the substrate and a ceramic top coat applied over at least a portion of the bond coat. The bond coat is exposed to a temperature of within the range of between about 1600-1800° F. subsequent to its application onto the substrate.
US08048525B2
An adsorption method includes the step of adsorbing hybrid particles from a colloidal dispersion of such particles at an interface between the dispersion and a second phase, said hybrid particles comprising: (a) a nanoscale inorganic core having an outer surface, and (b) an organic layer disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the inorganic core and comprising one or more phosphonates according to structure (I): wherein: R1 and R2 are each independently H, or a (C1-C20)hydrocarbon group, R3 is a divalent (C1-C20)hydrocarbon group, R4 and R5 are each independently H or (C1-C2)alkyl, provided that R4 differs from R5, R6 is H or a (C1-C30)hydrocarbon group, m and n are each independently integers of from 0 to about 200, provided that the sum of m+n is at least 1.
US08048524B2
The present invention relates to a multilayer polymer latex comprising a seed, a rubbery core surrounding the seed, and a shell surrounding the rubbery core, in which the seed comprises a vinyl unit, a hydrophilic unit and a crosslinker unit, as well as a preparation method thereof. The present invention can provide an acrylic polymer latex and a diene polymer latex, depending on materials constituting the core and the shell. In the present invention, the seed containing a vinyl unit, a hydrophilic unit and a crosslinker unit, and the rubbery core, are used for the preparation of the polymer latex. This can increase the rubber content of the polymer latex, thus improving the impact resistance of the polymer latex, and at the same time, reduce the viscosity of the polymer latex so as to improve the long-term workability of the polymer latex upon spray drying. Thus, polymer powder prepared from the polymer latex is excellent in not only impact resistance but also flow properties.
US08048523B2
Nanoscale UV absorbing particles are described that have high UV absorption cross sections while being effectively transparent to visible light. These particles can be used to shield individuals from harmful ultraviolet radiation. These particles can also be used in industrial processing especially to produce solid state electronic devices by creating edges of photoresist material with a high aspect ratio. The UV absorbing particles can also be used as photocatalysts that become strong oxidizing agents upon exposure to UV light. Laser pyrolysis provides an efficient method for the production of suitable particles.
US08048518B2
A fluoropolymer coated film comprising polymeric substrate film and fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film. The fluoropolymer coating comprises fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride polymer blended with compatible adhesive polymer comprising functional groups selected from carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, aziridine, anhydride, amine, isocyanate, melamine, epoxy, hydroxy, anhydride and mixtures thereof. The polymeric substrate film comprises functional groups on its surface that interact with the compatible adhesive polymer to promote bonding of the fluoropolymer coating to the substrate film.
US08048509B2
Thin sheets of magnetic material are subjected to a pressing process to stamp many sheets of core pieces, and caulking projections defined in the core pieces are caused to go into connecting through holes defined in the core pieces for connecting and laminating to produce a laminated core. In lower layer of the core pieces having the caulking projections arranged in different positions seeing in plan, at least two sheets of core pieces and other core pieces having the connecting through holes are provided. The caulking projections defined in the core pieces have projecting length of at least twice of thickness of the core pieces, and are fitted in the connecting through holes, so that upper and lower laminated core pieces are unified.
US08048506B2
A carpet in the form of a substrate formed with a beveled leading edge and including means to form the beveled edge at the point of use and to securely lock adjacent pieces together along an adjacent side edge in a manner which permits the accommodation of different sized and configured areas and assembling and disassembling of the carpet pad to be readily accomplished.
US08048499B2
An automotive exterior resin part which is a molded article made of a long glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate resin/styrene-based resin, has been molded by injection molding, has a projected area of 200 cm2 or above and allows coating, plating or deposition, wherein the content of the glass fibers in the molded article is 25 to 50% by weight and the weight-average fiber length thereof is 1.0 to 1.5 mm, the centerline average surface roughnesses (Ra) over all faces to be subjected to coating, plating or deposition is 0.8 μm or below and the maximum coefficient of linear expansion at 30 to 80° C. is 5×l0−5 (1/K) or below.
US08048498B2
Provided are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a vanadium catalyst. The compositions can be used to prepare films that can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.
US08048496B2
The purpose the invention is to provide a polymerizable liquid crystal compound which has an excellent solubility with other compounds, a high homeotropic property, and a spirobiindan-backbone, and a liquid crystal composition comprising this compound.The purpose is attained with a polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (1). A polymer which is excellent in many characteristics can be obtained from this compound and a formed body having optical anisotropy, produced from this polymer can be obtained. In Formula (1), G is a single bond or oxygen; R is hydrogen, methyl (Me) or a group represented by Formula (a), wherein at least two of R are groups represented by Formula (a); P is a polymerizable group represented by any of Formula (P1) to Formula (P8). In Formula (a), a desirable A is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z is a bonding group; m is an integer of 0 to 3; X0 is a single bond or alkylene; Z0 is a single bond, —O—, —OCO—, or —OCOO—; X is a single bond or alkylene.
US08048492B2
A magnetoresistive effect element is produced by forming a first magnetic layer, a spacer layer including an insulating layer and a conductive layer which penetrates through the insulating layer and passes a current, on the first magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer all of which or part of which is treated with ion, plasma or heat, on the formed spacer layer.
US08048489B2
The invention pertains to a prepolymer composition comprising a mixture of monomers, oligomers, and polymers obtainable by polymerization of unsaturated monomers consisting of at least one of biscitraconimide, bisitaconimide, and citraconimido-itaconimide, and optionally (co)curable compound selected from bismaleimides, citraconamidomaieimides, and itaconamido maleimides, wherein 5-55 wt. % is monomer, 20-80 wt. % is oligomer having a molecular weight 300 to 3,000, and 10-50 wt. % is polymer having a molecular weight 3,000 to about 80,000, whereas the total content of monomers, oligomers, and polymers in the composition is at least 90 wt. %. The prepolymer can be used for making laminates and prepregs by curing the composition to a polymer.
US08048486B2
A flame-retardant coating composition, which includes a cross-linked thermosetting polymer and a metal hydroxide. A precursor composition for use in preparing the flame retardant-coating is also presented, wherein the precursor composition includes a cross-linked thermosetting polymer varnish, a metal hydroxide, an alcohol, and water. A method for coating an article with a flame-retardant coating layer and articles incorporating the flame-retardant coating are also presented.
US08048485B2
A method and apparatus for the continuous production of carbon nanostructures so as to improve their quality and quantity. Such structures have potential application as hydrogen storage means in new energy sources. The carbon nanostructures (20) are grown in a continuous or semi-continuous manner on a continuous, elongate, heated substrate (15) to form a coated substrate the process involving movement of the substrate through one or more deposition chambers (2,3). The substrate may be an electrically heated wire (15).
US08048482B2
Coating composition comprising a liquid first phase comprising one or more polymer binder components having functional groups capable of cross-linking by electron pair exchange, and a second phase which is a powder material, such as sand, comprising one or more compounds capable of activating crosslinking of the binder components in the liquid phase after the second phase is exposed to the first phase. The activating compound in the second phase may include a Lewis acid or Lewis base. Alternatively, the liquid phase comprises a compound which is reactive with the activating compound in the powder phase to form a Lewis base or Lewis acid. Method of applying a coating composition curable by cross-linking chemistry based on electron pair exchange, wherein after application of a layer of the coating composition on a substrate, a powder material comprising one or more cross-linking activating compounds is sprinkled over the wet layer. The thickness of the freshly applied coating layer is less than the particle size of at least a part of the powder material. After sprinkling the powder material over the coating layer, a second coating layer is applied.
US08048473B2
When a mask layer is formed, a first liquid composition containing a mask-layer-forming material is applied on an outer side of a pattern that is desired to be formed (corresponding to a contour or an edge portion of a pattern) to form a first mask layer having a frame shape. A second liquid composition containing a mask-layer-forming material is applied so as to fill a space inside the first mask layer having a frame shape to form a second mask layer. The first mask layer and the second mask layer are formed to be in contact with each other, and the first mask layer is formed to surround the second mask layer. Therefore, the first mask layer and the second mask layer can be used as one continuous mask layer.
US08048470B2
A method of producing a confectionary product includes providing a chewy material and a candy material. The candy material includes a sweetener and is at least in part amorphous. The water activity of the chewy material is greater than the water activity of the candy material. The chewy material and the candy material are disposed adjacent to each other. Nucleating sites are created in the candy material. Water is allowed to migrate from the chewy material to the candy material. The amorphous candy material is allowed to crystallize at least in part.
US08048467B2
A dairy product of firm consistency having a homogeneous structure and comprising a plurality of adjacent cells, each cell having a core comprising a milk protein, an inner shell around the core and comprising milk fat and on outer shell around the inner shell and comprising gelatin enriched with at least one component of a milk product.
US08048448B2
Nano-constructs comprising nanoshells and methods of using the nano-constructs for treating or ameliorating a medical condition are provided.
US08048441B2
Medical devices comprising nanobeads encapsulating one or more bioactive agents and methods of use thereof are provided.
US08048432B2
Abstract of the Disclosure Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.
US08048429B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an inactivated chimeric virus vaccine and/or immunogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of viral infection. Further, various other embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of preventing and treating virus infection in such animals with the inactivated vaccine and/or immunogenic composition. Other embodiments comprise methods of preparing a vaccine or immunogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of viral infection in such animals.
US08048411B2
A method of inhibiting graft rejection includes isolating Hepatic Stellate Cells from a mammal liver, activating the isolated Hepatic Stellate Cells, and administering a combination of Hepatic Stellate cells and a graft to a mammal.
US08048410B2
A method for treating a renal disease in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering into a kidney of the subject with an effective amount of a gutless adenoviral vector containing a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic agent. The gutless adenoviral vector contains the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:15 and expresses the therapeutic agent in a kidney tissue of the subject.
US08048407B2
A method and composition for treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or abnormal vasculature in the body are provided. The method comprises introducing into the region of an AVM a composition comprising a nucleophilic component, such as a thiol, and a component containing a conjugated unsaturated bond, such as an acrylate through a catheter, whereby the composition crosslinks within the body to block or occlude the AVM.
US08048398B2
Process for preparing a mixed metal oxide powder, in which oxidizable starting materials are evaporated and oxidized, the reaction mixture is cooled after the reaction and the pulverulent solids are removed from gaseous substances, wherein as starting materials, at least one pulverulent metal and at least one metal compound, the metal and the metal component of the metal compound being different and the proportion of metal being at least 80% by weight based on the sum of metal and metal component from metal compound, together with one or more combustion gases, are fed to an evaporation zone of a reactor, where metal and metal compound are evaporated completely under nonoxidizing conditions, subsequently, the mixture flowing out of the evaporation zone is reacted in the oxidation zone of this reactor with a stream of a supplied oxygen-containing gas whose oxygen content is at least sufficient to oxidize the starting materials and combustion gases completely.
US08048394B2
The present invention relates to (1) hollow silica particles including an outer shell portion having a mesoporous structure with an average pore size of from 1 to 10 nm, wherein the silica particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.05 to 10 μm, and 80% or more of the whole silica particles have a particle diameter falling within the range of ±30% of the average particle diameter; (2) composite silica particles including silica particles which include an outer shell portion having a mesoporous structure with an average pore size of from 1 to 10 nm, and have a BET specific surface area of 100 m2/g or more, and a hydrophobic organic compound or a polymeric organic compound incorporated inside of the silica particles; and a process for producing the hollow silica particles.
US08048390B2
The invention relates to a method for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides using ammonia in exhaust gases of vehicles, whereby solutions of guanidine salts with an ammonia forming potential of between 40 and 850 g/kg, optionally in combination with urea and/or ammonia and/or ammonium salts, are catalytically decomposed in the presence of catalytically active, non-oxidation-active coatings of oxides selected from the group containing titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or the mixtures thereof, and hydrothermally stable zeolites which are fully or partially metal-exchanged. The guanidine salts according to the invention enable a reduction of the nitrogen oxides by approximately 90%. Furthermore, said guanidine salts can enable an increase in the ammonia forming potential from 0.2 kg, corresponding to prior art, up to 0.4 kg ammonia per litre of guanidine salt, along with freezing resistance (freezing point below −25° C.). The risk of corrosion of the guanidine salt solutions used according to the invention is also significantly reduced compared to that of solutions containing ammonium formiate.
US08048388B2
This disclosure relates to a process of manufacturing para-xylene, comprising (a) contacting a pygas feedstock and methylating agent with a catalyst under reaction conditions to produce a product having para-xylene, wherein the product has higher para-xylene content than the para-xylene content of the pygas feedstock; and (b) separating the para-xylene from the product of the step (a), wherein the catalyst comprises a molecular sieve having a Diffusion Parameter for 2,2-dimethylbutane of about 0.1-15 sec−1 when measured at a temperature of 120° C. and a 2,2-dimethylbutane pressure of 8 kPa-a and the pygas comprises from about 1 to about 65 wt % benzene and from about 5 to 35 wt % toluene.
US08048383B2
The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.
US08048376B2
An apparatus and a related method for performing particle agglutination reactions in at least one disposable probe tip are disclosed. The at least one probe tip includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition, at least one flanking cavity for the capture of particles by centrifugation or other means, a transition zone for the mixing of the sample with reagents for agglutination and a detection zone for the optical detection of particle agglutination. A mechanism may be attached to the probe tip for the controlled movement of fluids through the internal volume of the probe tip. The probe tip is particularly useful for the automation of high-throughput agglutination-type assays.
US08048373B2
An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.
US08048372B1
A real-time in-situ sensor system is provided for measurement of bioluminescence and determination of bioluminescence surface signature. The system measures bioluminescence in the wake of a submerged moving object as well as ambient light levels outside of the wake. Along with measurements of depth and water-quality parameters including turbidity, temperature and salinity, the surface signature of the induced underwater bioluminescence can be calculated by considering light transmission and attenuation through water. With this real-time information, the operator of the submerged moving object can employ tactical maneuvers to affect the resultant surface signature.
US08048366B2
From tungsten or molybdenum powders, a tungsten or molybdenum compact is pressurized and molded into the same dimensions as or slightly larger than the end product and sintered into tungsten or molybdenum skeleton. After copper infiltration, chemical copper etching is applied to remove excess surface copper. A machining allowance with an absolute value >0-≦0.1 mm may be applied for the machining of uneven surfaces resulting from the chemical process of copper removal.
US08048362B2
A polyolefin-based resin composition of the invention has an addition polymerization-based block copolymer (I) and a polyolefin-based resin (II). The addition polymerization-based block copolymer (I) is selected from block copolymers comprising at least one polymer block A and at least one polymer block B, and the hydrogenated products thereof. The polymer block A comprises an aromatic vinyl compound unit comprising at least 1% by mass of an alkylstyrene-derived structural unit (a), in which at least one alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is bound to a benzene ring. The polymer block B comprises a conjugated diene compound unit. A moiety of polymer block A can undergo crosslinking upon exposure to an active energy ray. After being molded into a desired shape, the composition is exposed to an active energy ray to carry out the crosslinking reaction. The composition exhibits flexibility, heat resistance, mechanical properties and solvent resistance in a well-balanced manner.
US08048358B2
The objective of the invention is to prevent electrostatic destruction of semiconductor chips during resin molding. With the semiconductor device manufacturing method, a substrate 400 that includes on the surface multiple semiconductor chips 410 and liquid resin 434 supplied to multiple semiconductor devices is supported by an electrically insulated lower die 200. An upper die 110 in which multiple shape-forming parts (cavities) 112 are formed is pressed against lower die 200 through the medium of a polymer release film 300, and liquid resin 434 on the substrate is molded.
US08048355B2
A bicycle rim includes a substantially H-shaped outer part including an annular body and two sidewalls. A tire space is defined between the annular body and the two sidewalls. A substantially U-shaped inner part is connected to the outer part. The inner part and the outer part are made by composite material. The outer part is made before the inner part which is combined with the outer part in another mold.
US08048338B2
To provide a phosphor having a broad emission spectrum in a range of blue color (in a peak wavelength range from 400 nm to 500 nm), having a broad flat excitation band in a near ultraviolet/ultraviolet range, and having excellent emission efficiency and emission intensity/luminance. The phosphor is given as a general composition formula expressed by MmAaBbOoNn:Z, (where element M is the element having bivalent valency, element A is the element having tervalent valency, element B is the element having tetravalent valency, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen, and element Z is more than one kind of element acting as an activator), satisfying 5.0<(a+b)/m<9.0, 0≦a/m≦2.0, 0≦o≦n, n=2/3m+a+4/3b−2/3o, and has an emission spectrum with a maximum peak in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 500 nm under an excitation of the light in a wavelength range from 250 nm to 430 nm.
US08048337B2
Disclosed are a composition comprising a mixture of at least one iridium organometallic compound and an electrically conductive polymer, an organic active layer comprising the same, an organic memory device comprising the organic active layer and methods for fabricating the same. The organic memory device may include a first electrode, a second electrode and the organic active layer between the first and second electrodes. The organic memory device possesses the advantages of rapid switching time, decreased operating voltage, decreased fabrication costs, increased reliability and improved non-volatility.
US08048325B2
A method for etching an organic anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on a substrate in a plasma processing system comprising: introducing a process gas comprising ammonia (NH3), and a passivation gas; forming a plasma from the process gas; and exposing the substrate to the plasma. The process gas can, for example, constitute NH3 and a hydrocarbon gas such as at least one of C2H4, CH4, C2H2, C2H6, C3H4, C3H6, C3H8, C4H6, C4H8, C4H10, C5H8, C5H10, C6H6, C6H10, and C6H12. Additionally, the process chemistry can further comprise the addition of helium. The present invention further presents a method for forming a bilayer mask for etching a thin film on a substrate, wherein the method comprises: forming the thin film on the substrate; forming an ARC layer on the thin film; forming a photoresist pattern on the ARC layer; and transferring the photoresist pattern to the ARC layer with an etch process using a process gas comprising ammonia (NH3), and a passivation gas.
US08048320B2
A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
US08048312B2
A separation analyzer for transferring solutions, while changing mixing ratios of the solutions, wherein a flow passage from a first pump, a flow passage from a second pump, and a passage for sample introduction section, the flow passages being connected, which further comprises a flow switching means for temporarily storing the solutions, whereby the flow switching means alternatively makes a first state for pushing out the solutions in a second sampling loop to the sample introduction section by the second pump, while transferring the solutions to the first sampling loop; and a second state for pushing out the solutions in the first sampling loop by the second pump, while transferring the solutions from the first pump to the second sampling loop.
US08048305B2
Systems, methods and compositions for the purification, separation and analysis of anionic compounds, including polyanionic compounds are disclosed.
US08048304B2
Systems and methods for improving dense gas solvent extraction of a solute and recovery of the solvent are provided. A pressure of the solvent/solute mixture obtained from an extraction chamber is increased, e.g. with a pump, thereby providing the mixture above saturation conditions. The increased pressure provides greater solubility of the solute and less solvent being vaporized in a heat exchanger. A buildup of solute in the system is reduced, thus improving system longevity. Also, process conditions of the separation process are isolated from those of the extraction process. Accordingly, the process conditions for the separating process are maintained while the process conditions of the extraction chamber vary with ambient temperature, thus saving cost and energy. This isolation also provides an ability to use, in the gas recovery cycle, a heat pump that can be used for many applications and environmental conditions while still using a conventional refrigerant.
US08048300B1
An oil recovery vessel utilizing a hybrid hull wherein the bow portion is a catamaran style hull having an oil collection assembly intermediate the port and starboard hull portions of the bow. The oil recovery vessel further includes an oil collection assembly proximate the bow of the vessel. The oil collection assembly is formed with three walls and a floor and is operable to be moved in an upwards-downwards direction so that the floor may be positioned beneath the waterline of the vessel. The oil collection assembly further includes two rotating drums having perpendicular members protruding therefrom that are above ramp members. The ramp members are connected to transfer assembly containers having therein a transfer blade that is helical in shape. The transfer blade moves the oil into a collection chamber that the transfer blade is hermetically sealed therewith. Pipes connect the transfer assembly containers to separation tanks that separate the oil and water mixture received. A plurality of storage containers are coupled to the separation tanks so as to receive the oil.
US08048296B2
An apparatus for filtering liquid that includes a filter having an external surface; a rotatable shaft extending through the filter; and a movable member coupled to the rotatable shaft. The movable member is configured to impart a suction force at various locations across the external surface of the filter. The movable member has a trailing portion that extends further than the leading portion in the direction toward the filter.
US08048286B2
A method of taking inoperative pot online using fuse in an aluminium manufacturing plant operating on electrolysis process is disclosed. The manufacturing plant comprises of plurality of electrolysis cells or pots connected in series. Some of the pots are kept off line during start up of the plant by shorting the risers of the non running pots to the cathode bus bar (31) by shorted joints (II). The method comprises, connecting fuse assemblies in parallel with the shorted joints; inserting insulating insert plates between the risers and the short circuit bus bars and securing the insulating insert plates to isolate the short circuit bus bars from the risers (14) such that the total rated current passes through the fuse assemblies. The fuse elements in the fuse assemblies melt within about 8 to 10 minutes, completely isolating the short circuit bus bars from the risers such that the risers now feed the current to the anode assemblies of the non running pot. Feeding of charge to the non running pot is the started, thus taking the non running pot on line.
US08048283B2
First and second electrodes are disposed at first and second locations, respectively, proximate to a periphery of a wafer support, wherein the first and second location are substantially opposed to each other relative to the wafer support. Each of the first and second electrodes can be moved to electrically connect with and disconnect from a wafer held by the wafer support. An anode is disposed over and proximate to the wafer such that a meniscus of electroplating solution is maintained between the anode and the wafer. As the anode moves over the wafer from the first location to the second location, an electric current is applied through the meniscus between the anode and the wafer. Also, as the anode is moved over the wafer, the first and second electrodes are controlled to connect with the wafer while ensuring that the anode does not pass over an electrode that is connected.
US08048271B2
Apparatus for washing and dewatering cellulose pulp is disclosed comprising: a rotatable press roll having a perforated outer surface for dewatering the pulp; a stationary guide surface arranged at a distance from the perforated outer surface so as to enclose the press roll in the circumferential direction, such that a substantially closed vat is defined between stationary guide surface and the press roll; a pulp passage, being provided between the perforated outer surface and its stationary guide surface, such that during operation, pulp is transported in the direction of rotation and, at the end of the pulp passage, is pressed in a pinch between the press roll and a second press roll. A radial distance between the stationary guide surface and the associated press roll is generally increasing towards the pinch, such that the vat diverges, towards the pinch.
US08048270B2
An apparatus for distributing a pulp flow, said apparatus including: a valve body connected to an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit for the pulp flow and provided with a closing member for opening and closing the valve to regulate the pulp flow; a distribution member arranged in a direction the pulp flow and downstream of the closing member, said distribution member distributing the pulp flow into at least two partial flows, and at least two channels wherein each channel receives a respective one of the two partial flows, wherein said channels are connected to the valve body or to the outlet conduit from the valve.
US08048268B2
Method for controlling the deposition of organic contaminants from the pulp and papermaking systems using water soluble aminoplast ether copolymers is described herein. The aminoplast ether copolymer can be used alone or in combination with one or more additives. The pulps to be treated include mechanical, chemical, semi-chemical pulps; sulfide pulp; recycled old newspapers; mixed office wastes; corrugated boxes; and their combinations. The use of water soluble aminoplast ether copolymers to control or prevent pitch and stickies deposition improves down stream performance of papermaking equipment increasing mill efficiency and improving paper quality.
US08048264B2
The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having following formula wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, and (C) an alkaline earth metal compound. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.
US08048262B2
Methods are provided for determining the surface fatty acid content in a wood pulp or whitewater sample. The methods comprise reacting free fatty acids which are present on the surface of the wood pulp fibers in the sample or in the whitewater with one or more reagents to form a measurable species, and determining the fatty acid content from the quantitative measurement of the measurable species. The method is useful as a quick, portable, accurate and low cost assay for assessing the fatty acid content present at various sample points in pulp and paper mills. The method for determining the free fatty acid content can be conducted in a batch process (e.g., where samples are collected periodically and the test is conducted offline). Alternatively, the method for determining the free fatty acid content can be conducted in a continuous or semi-continuous process (e.g., online sampling/analysis).
US08048252B2
The present subject matter relates to a method which includes positioning a bottom and top polymeric separator sheet on a working surface, with a substantially planar battery anode disposed therebetween; applying a pressure and an electrical current to a cutting and welding tool such that top and bottom polymeric separator sheets are welded into a bag and such that the bag is excised from the top and bottom separator sheets, with the battery anode disposed in the bag; stacking the battery anode and at least one cathode into a battery stack; and disposing the battery stack into a battery case having at least one feedthrough, with a first terminal connected to the battery stack through the at least one feedthrough, and with the battery case filled with an electrolyte, wherein the protrusion is defined by laser cutting the cutting and welding tool, machining the cutting and welding tool, or photochemical etching the cutting and welding tool.
US08048251B2
To provide a method of manufacturing an optical film formed on a plastic substrate. There is provided a method of manufacturing an optical film including the steps of laminating a separation layer and an optical filter on a first substrate, separating the optical filter from the first substrate, attaching the optical filter to a second substrate. Since the optical film manufactured according to the invention has flexibility, it can be provided on a portion or a display device having a curved surface. Further, the optical film is not processed at high temperatures, and hence, an optical film having high yield with high reliability can be formed. Furthermore, an optical film having an excellent impact resistance property can be formed.
US08048248B2
An apparatus for winding a fiber strand onto a bobbin having a longitudinal axis has a support holding the bobbin for rotation about the axis, a supply for feeding the fiber strand in a travel direction generally radially or tangentially to the bobbin, and a drive for rotating the bobbin about the longitudinal axis and for, when a fiber strand is engaged with the bobbin, winding the fiber strand onto the bobbin. A handling device is rotatable about the axis adjacent the bobbin and carries a strand layer for at a start of a winding operation moving into a predetermined angular position and pressing a leading end of the fiber strand against the bobbin. The handler also carries a cutter on the handling device for at an end of a winding operation cutting the fiber strand and thereby forming a trailing end attached to the bobbin and a new leading end.
US08048243B2
The present invention pertains to combustion catalysts, including processes for achieving increased thermal output from combustion processes, processes for improved combustion in boilers and furnaces, processes for reducing the emission of undesirable pollutants, and processes for increasing the combustion of carbon.
US08048242B1
A nanocomposite thermite ink for use in inkjet, screen, and gravure printing. Embodiments of this invention do not require separation of the fuel and oxidizer constituents prior to application of the ink to the printed substrate.
US08048241B1
A high energy, stable, electrically activated explosive replacement comprises at least a mixture of a metal, a highly-halogenated polymer moiety (HHPM) and a reduced (or non-) halogenated polymer moiety (RHPM). These replacements can also be used as detonators, initiators, or explosive devices alone or with other explosive systems and materials. The two polymer moieties, the HHPM and RHPM, may be provided in the following manners and generally in the following proportions. The halogen on the polymer preferably comprises chlorine or fluorine, preferably fluorine, and preferably at least 50% of halogen atoms in the polymer comprise fluorine. The fluorine is preferably provided on the polymer backbone (as in polymers formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomeric units such as tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoromonochloroethylene, difluorodichloroethylene, trichloromonofluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, and the like).
US08048240B2
A method of forming an article from an α−β titanium including, in weight percentages, from about 2.9 to about 5.0 aluminum, from about 2.0 to about 3.0 vanadium, from about 0.4 to about 2.0 iron, from about 0.2 to about 0.3 oxygen, from about 0.005 to about 0.3 carbon, from about 0.001 to about 0.02 nitrogen, and less than about 0.5 of other elements. The method comprises cold working the α−β titanium alloy.
US08048238B2
Steel sheet having a composition of ingredients containing substantially, by mass %, C: 0.005 to 0.200%, Si: 2.50% or less, Mn: 0.10 to 3.00%, N: 0.0100% or less, Nb: 0.005 to 0.100%, and Ti: 0.002 to 0.150% and satisfying the relationship of Ti−48/14×N≧0.0005, having a sum of the X-ray random intensity ratios of the {100}<001> orientation and the {110}<001> orientation of a ⅙ sheet thickness part of 5 or less, having a sum of the maximum value of the X-ray random intensity ratios of the {110}<111> to {110}<112> orientation group and the X-ray random intensity ratios of the {211}<111> orientation of 5 or more, and having a high rolling direction Young's modulus measured by the static tension method and a method of production of the same are provided.
US08048236B2
A Gd5Ge2Si2 refrigerant compound is doped or alloyed with an effective amount of silicide-forming metal element such that the magnetic hysteresis losses in the doped Gd5Ge2Si2 compound are substantially reduced in comparison to the hysteresis losses of the undoped Gd5Ge2Si2 compound. The hysteresis losses can be nearly eliminated by doping the Gd5Ge2Si2 compound with iron, cobalt, manganese, copper, or gallium. The effective refrigeration capacities of the doped Gd5Ge2Si2 compound are significantly higher than for the undoped Gd5Ge2Si2 compound.
US08048235B2
A gate valve cleaning method that can clean a gate valve that brings an atmospheric transfer chamber and an internal pressure variable transfer chamber that transfer a substrate into communication with each other or shuts them off from each other without bringing about a decrease in the throughput of a substrate processing system. Before the gate valve brings the atmospheric transfer chamber and the internal pressure variable transfer chamber into communication with each other, the pressure in the internal pressure variable transfer chamber is increased so that the pressure in the internal pressure variable transfer chamber can become higher than the pressure in the atmospheric transfer chamber.
US08048227B2
A compensation plate used in a film coating device includes a main body defining a plurality of guiding holes, a plurality of moveable blades connected to the main body, and a plurality of connectors. Each of the plurality of moveable blades defines two through holes corresponding to one of the plurality of guiding holes. The plurality of connectors engage in the through holes and the guiding holes, fix each of the plurality of moveable blades to the main body when each of the plurality of connectors is fastened, and slide in each of the plurality of guiding holes with each of the moveable blades when each of the plurality of connectors releases.
US08048222B2
The present invention provides an improved process for preparing modafinil, whereby it may be isolated in high purity by a single crystallization. The process produces modafinil free of sulphone products of over-oxidation and other byproducts. The invention further provides new crystalline Forms II-VI of modafinil and processes for preparing them. Each of the new forms is differentiated by a unique powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing novel modafinil Forms II-IV and VI.
US08048221B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With such methods and apparatuses, a cast body of monocrystalline silicon may be formed that is free of, or substantially free of, radially-distributed impurities and defects and having at least two dimensions that are each at least about 35 cm is provided.
US08048220B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a strained layer. Said method comprises the following steps: placing the layer on a substrate and straining it, structuring the strained layer, relaxing the layer, producing directional off-sets in the layer to be strained. A layered structure produced in this manner has triaxially strained layers.
US08048215B2
A process for primer coating steel which is intended to be fabricated and overcoated, in which process the steel is primer coated with a primer coating comprising a silica binder. The binder comprises alumina-stabilized aqueous silica sol and, optionally, a minor amount of alkali metal silicate. The binder has a SiO2/M2O mole ratio, wherein M represents the total of alkali metal and ammonium ions, of at least 6:1. After the primer coating has dried to the extent that it is touch dry, it is optionally treated with a solution which increases the film strength of the primer coating.
US08048207B1
A conduit may be used to deliver a pressurized fluid to a cell of a diesel particulate filter to clean the cell. The pressurized fluid may remove particulate matter from the cell. The conduit may be moved within the cell to dislodge particulate matter within the cell. The conduit may be manually or automatically inserted into the cell.
US08048204B2
A method of mixing polluted air with less polluted air to provide moderately polluted air. The method includes dividing air from a roadway region into a lower part and an upper part, and permitting at least a portion of the upper part to flow substantially in one or more flow directions toward a leeward region. The method also includes directing the lower part substantially upwardly in a direction substantially transverse to the flow direction to intersect with the upper part and to mix the polluted air with the less polluted air, to provide the moderately polluted air proximal to the leeward area.
US08048201B2
An oxygen scavenger is provided. An oxygen scavenger comprises iron, malic acid, and a wicking agent. A method for scavenging oxygen from an enclosed container comprises providing an oxygen scavenger compound comprising iron, malic acid, and a wicking agent, sealing the composition in an oxygen permeable, water impermeable container, and activating the composition by injecting water into the container.
US08048196B2
The aim of the invention is to produce stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. According to the invention, the liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace (1), is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorization, desiliconization and desulphuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace (1) and a DDD device (2) is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters (3, 4), where the required chemical process steps (of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the heating stage being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter (3) and the decarburization being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter (4).
US08048193B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing gold colloid having a targeted particle size, a sharp particle size distribution and a uniform and perfect spherical shape. The present invention relates to a method for producing gold colloid including a nucleation step of forming nuclear colloidal particles by adding a first reducing agent to a first gold salt solution; and a growth step of growing nuclear colloid by adding a second gold salt and a second reducing agent to the solution of the nuclear colloidal particles, characterized in that the growth step is performed at least once; a citrate is used as the first reducing agent and an ascorbate is used as the second reducing agent; and the addition of the ascorbate in the growth step is performed simultaneously with addition of the second gold salt. According to the method for producing gold colloid of the present invention, gold colloid having a sharp particle size distribution and a uniform and perfect spherical shape can be obtained.
US08048182B2
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.
US08048180B2
A dual cyclone dust-collecting apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dust-collecting apparatus includes an air inlet through which an external air is drawn in, two cyclone chambers into which the external air drawn in through the air inlet air is drawn in, the two cyclone chamber being disposed in parallel, at least one dust-collecting chamber divided in parallel with respect to the two cyclone chambers, and two air outlets through which the external air from the two cyclone chambers is discharged. The air inlet is formed between the two cyclone chambers at a lower part of a cyclone body and the two air outlets are formed in bottom surfaces of the two cyclone chambers, respectively, so that the external air is drawn in through lower parts of one sides of the two cyclone chambers and then discharged through the bottom surfaces of the two cyclone chambers.
US08048176B2
A reformer for a fuel cell system, and a method of controlling the reformer. The reformer includes a cylindrical reforming catalyst; a burner disposed inside of the reforming catalyst and comprising a plurality of nozzles to direct flames at the reforming catalyst; a nozzle covering element to selectively cover a portion of each of the nozzles; a combustion fuel supply valve to change the amount of a combustion fuel that is supplied to the burner; and a controller that controls the nozzle covering units and the combustion supply valve. The method of controlling the reformer includes: moving the nozzle covering element to cover a decreasing portion of each of the nozzles in response to an increasing amount of the combustion fuel being supplied to the burner; and moving the nozzle covering element to cover a increasing portion of each of the nozzles in response to a decreasing amount of the combustion fuel supplied to the burner.
US08048173B2
A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot.
US08048172B2
A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.
US08048171B2
According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents.
US08048170B2
A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.
US08048169B2
Methods, devices and systems facilitate intermittent and/or partial obstruction of a pyloric valve. Devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve and a tissue engagement portion for contacting tissue adjacent the pyloric valve to obstruct the valve. Some embodiments also include a positioning member extending from the tissue engagement portion for helping position the device for obstructing the valve. A retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.
US08048168B2
An elongate medical device configured for at least partial implantation or insertion into a subject. The medical device has at least one surface that contains one or more depressions, which are at least partially filled with a soluble material. Also described methods of making such devices.
US08048164B2
A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.
US08048161B2
Glenoid prosthesis with a hybrid design (combining both peg and keel designs), and surgical methods for reconstitution of a shoulder joint. The hybrid design combines both peg and keel components into one device. The hybrid glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis includes an oval body having a concave lateral articulating surface and an opposing convex medial surface. The medial surface is provided with a plurality of pegs and a single inferior protrusion. The pegs are used to attain both a superior location as well as a central location. The inferior protrusion provides stability in the superior-to-inferior translation of the humeral head, as well as rotational articulation of the same.
US08048158B2
A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening. A method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone comprises providing an opening in the bone, inserting the graft ligament and a graft ligament engagement member in the opening, with the graft ligament disposed alongside a first portion of the engagement member, and inserting a locking member in the bone alongside a second portion of the engagement member, the locking member being separated from the graft ligament by the graft ligament engagement member. The method further comprises moving the locking member to cause the locking member to engage the graft ligament engagement member to urge the graft ligament engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.
US08048152B2
A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue.
US08048150B2
The present invention comprises a medical device having an underlying structure on which is disposed a fiber meshwork composed of one or more fibers of substantially uniform diameter. The fiber meshwork may optionally have a multi-layer structure disposed upon it. Either or both of the fiber meshwork or the multi-layer structure may have one or more therapeutic agents absorbed within it. The fiber meshwork is permeable to body fluids and thereby permits body fluids to contact the underlying structure to facilitate its controlled disintegration. The fiber meshwork degrades more slowly than the underlying structure thereby permitting release of the therapeutic agent over a timescale longer than that of the lifetime of the underlying structure, while also ensuring that the support function of the underlying structure is not abrogated by the disintegration of the underlying structure.
US08048142B2
An expandable endolumenal prosthesis comprises, in its non-expanded configuration, a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end. The tubular body having a porous wall defined by a plurality of interlaced circumferential lines forming a pathway motif or pattern.
US08048131B2
A bone fixation screw includes a threaded screw shank and a screw head having upper and lower ends. The screw head lower end is secured to a proximal end of said screw shank. The screw head has substantially frustospherical shaped side surfaces and is split into segments at one of the ends. The head is radially expandable at the one end. An expansion screw is centrally received in the screw head. An interface between the expansion screw and the screw head forms a cam mechanism for expanding the screw head upon axial rotation of the expansion screw.
US08048126B2
A bone fixation assembly and associated method. The bone fixation assembly includes a bone fastener having a head and a bone-engaging portion, a receiver defining an opening along a first axis for receiving the bone fastener at a variable angle, and at least one supporting augment coupled to the bone fastener. The receiver has an inner articulation surface at a lower portion of the opening and matingly articulates with the supporting augment.
US08048116B2
A prosthetic implant for replacing a facet joint of a spinal motion segment includes a generally conical superior component adapted to be implanted at a surgically prepared site on a lower articular process of a cephalad vertebra of a spinal motion segment, and a cup-shaped inferior component adapted to be implanted at a surgically prepared site on a superior articular process of a caudad vertebra of the spinal motion segment.
US08048113B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08048108B2
A vascular closure device comprised of a sheath-delivered expandable, umbrella-like device with structural radial members with terminal and non-terminal hooks that engage the vessel wall. Unlike other vascular closure umbrella-type devices that effect closure by opening of the umbrella to cover an opening, the present invention effects closure of the aperture with closure of the umbrella. The closure can be maintained by a retainer lock that slides down the members, causing contraction, bringing the members into a compressed configuration (e.g., a parallel orientation of linear members) and the wound edges together, permitting immediate vascular closure and healing of the blood vessel. The device can be delivered and recovered by an intravascular sheath.
US08048104B2
A device for the implantation of electrolytically severable occluding spirals in body cavities or blood vessels comprising a source of electrical power, a cathode, a catheter and an occluding spiral adapted to serve as an anode and able to slide in the catheter in the longitudinal direction, wherein the occluding spiral (3) is designed to be electrolytically corrodible at several spaced apart points so that when in contact with a body fluid one or more variably dimensioned lengths of the occluding spiral (3) may be severed by electrolysis.
US08048099B2
To enable puncture of a body wall with a greater degree of sensitivity with a surgical obturator for puncturing the body wall having a knife, the cutting edge of which extends outwards from a tip of the obturator in the direction of various sides and backwards in relation to the tip, and which is orientated throughout its entire length parallel to the puncturing direction, so that the cutting edge points in the puncturing direction, it is proposed that the cutting edge be of helical line-shaped configuration.
US08048098B2
A lancing device comprises a main housing, a movable housing, and a damping ring. The main housing forming an inner aperture that encloses a portion of a lancet assembly. The lancet assembly has a lancet body, a lancet-plunger housing, and a lance. The lancet assembly is adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The movable housing is adjacent to the main housing. The moveable housing is adapted to move from a resting position to a cocking position. The moveable housing is adapted to connect to the lancet assembly. The damping ring is adapted to engage the lancet assembly as the lancet assembly moves from the puncture position back towards the resting position to reduce movement of the lancet assembly back towards the puncture position.
US08048075B2
The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.
US08048068B2
A monopolar electrosurgical return electrode to prevent unwanted thermal effects in monopolar electrosurgery, accomplished in one aspect by volumetric incorporation of temperature-resistive material of positive nature into a flexible and adhesive return electrode pad is provided. The incorporation of positive temperature coefficient resistance with low resistance at room temperature will increase the local electrical resistance of the pad with an increase of the local return electrode temperature corresponding to a switching of the resistance from low to high value which in turn will lead to a reduction of the local current density. The switching temperature of the positive temperature coefficient return electrode is low enough to prevent significant thermal heating of the patient's tissue.
US08048066B2
Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.
US08048057B2
A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongate tubular catheter body defining a lumen. A distal end of the lumen is closed and a portion of the catheter body includes a plurality of openings thereby defining an infusion section of the catheter. A tubular sheath is constructed from a porous material and is positioned over the infusion section. The tubular sheath extends at least a length of the infusion section. The tubular sheath and the catheter body are configured such that fluid within the lumen must pass through the tubular sheath to exit the catheter. In at least one embodiment, a pore size of the porous material is less than about 0.5 microns.
US08048053B2
A tampon having an auxiliary patch. The tampon can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The compressed absorbent member can have an exterior surface. In addition, the tampon can include an auxiliary patch that can partially cover the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The tampon can also include an overwrap.
US08048052B2
A sanitary napkin is constituted of napkin main body composed of a top sheet, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet, and an absorber interposed therebetween; and a napkin sub-body joined to the upper layer of the napkin main body and similarly composed. The napkin sub-body is constituted of a front portion that is joined to the napkin main body at a bleeding port-corresponding region and a back portion that is positioned behind the front portion and can be divided into right and left parts at a dividing line formed along the longitudinal direction from the back end of the center in the width direction of the sanitary napkin such that, to provide hip-holding flaps, the divided right and left parts can spread outward in the width direction of the napkin main body from the boundary between the front portion and the back portion at which the base end of the dividing line is located.
US08048046B2
A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with the healing of a surgical wound is disclosed. The system may be portable or semi-portable, thereby providing the subject with the ability to be partially or completely ambulatory through the course of the treatment. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a vacuum source at least partially disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and a collection canister for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under subatmospheric pressure. An elevation member is mounted with respect to the housing. The elevation member is adapted to position the housing and canister at a predetermined orientation when positioned relative to a support surface to minimize a potential of at least one of spillage of the exudates from the canister, clogging of the filter or an inappropriate canister full indication.
US08048045B2
A blood leakage detection device for attachment to the skin of a patient at a wound such as one caused by insertion a cannula into a vein or artery comprises a support of a flexible material having a top side and an opposite bottom side, a zone of adhesive for attachment to the skin on the bottom side of the support extending along its periphery except for a sector of from about 5° to about 150°, a blood absorbent patch disposed on the support and extending inwardly of the adhesive zone and, optionally, in the sector, and a blood detection probe comprising a probe head disposed at or near the center of the support in the absorbent patch or abutting the bottom side thereof. A blood transport element can be disposed between the support and the absorbent patch.
US08048042B2
Medical devices are described that comprise surface capillary (SCF) fibers, which can impart desirable properties to the devices. For example, implantable prostheses are described comprising SCF fibers. In other embodiments, catheters are described having SCF fibers along the surface of the catheters. In addition, SCF fibers can be useful for the delivery of bioactive agents in association with the fibers. Due to the fluid flow capabilities of the fibers, medical devices are described that incorporate fiber matrices to facilitate blood delivery to cells within the structure.
US08048041B2
A one-way valve comprises a seat and a membrane having an inner portion that is stretched over the seat, wherein, in use, the inner membrane portion is selectively deflected from the seat such that a fluid path is created from one side of the membrane to the other so as to open the valve, and wherein an outer peripheral portion of the membrane is stiffer than the inner portion such that the membrane deflection is substantially restricted to only the inner portion. The one-way valve may be used in a pump for an infusion system.
US08048040B2
A fluid titration system has an optical sensor, a physiological monitor, a titration controller and an infusion device. The optical sensor transmits multiple wavelengths of light into a tissue site of a person and detects the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flowing within the tissue site. The physiological monitor receives a resulting sensor signal and derives a plethysmograph that corresponds to the pulsatile blood flow. The monitor also calculates a plethysmograph variability measure that is responsive to changes in perfusion at the tissue site. A titration controller generates a fluid control output according to the variability measure. The infusion device administers a liquid solution via an intravenous (IV) connection to the person according to the fluid control output so as to regulate at least one of a fluid flow start, rate and stop.
US08048035B2
An auto-injector automatically dispenses a predetermined dose of medicament upon activation. The auto-injector includes a needle cover operative to engage an injection site and activate the injector. The needle cover is configured to move from a locked retracted position prior to a medicament dispensing operation to a locked extended position after the medicament dispensing operation. The non-removable needle cover prevents contact with the needle both before and after the medicament dispensing operation.
US08048029B2
The present invention provides an injector apparatus suitable for use with an automatic injection device. The injector apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a deflectable member and a removable guard. The deflectable member releasably holds a syringe tube assembly in the axial direction when the apparatus is in the initial position. Then, after use, the deflectable member provides a tamper evidence means for indicating whether or not the injector apparatus was previously used or tampered with.
US08048016B2
A long-term implantable arterio-venous shunt device is provided that can be used as a therapeutic method. The shunt device is implanted between an artery and a vein, preferably between the aorta and the inferior vena cava. The shunt device decreases the systemic vascular resistance and allows a blood flow rate through the shunt device of at least 5 ml/min after the implantation. The blood flow rate could be controlled either via an open loop or a closed loop control means. The shunt device could also be a self-adjustable shunt device to self-adjust its structure to control the blood flow rate through its lumen. Based on the effects of the shunt device to the respiratory, cardiac and circulatory system, the implantable shunt device could be beneficial as a therapy to patients with problems or conditions related to these systems.
US08048015B2
The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction.
US08048006B2
A method of treating a peripheral neuropathy, peripheral neurodegenerative disease, or peripheral nerve trauma is disclosed. The method includes the step of applying an ultrasound signal to an anatomical location on a patient.
US08048004B2
Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires, which may have a core wire, a slotted tubular member, or both. Embodiments may have coils, including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils, extended coil tips, and soldered or glued mesial joint coils. Core wires may have a step, ridge, or taper at the joints to the tubular member, and may be flattened at the distal tip. Radiopaque material may be located inside the tubular member, and the distal tip may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members or coils may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members may be chamfered or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots may be arranged in groups, such as groups of three, and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.
US08047999B2
A system and method for filtering a pressure signal in a medical device in which a sensor terminal senses the pressure signal, an electrode terminal receives cardiac electrical signals, a signal filtering system filters the sensed pressure signal in response to a determined heart rate to generate a heart-rate dependent frequency response, and a microprocessor derives a respiration signal in response to the heart rate dependent frequency response, and determines metrics of hemodynamic function in response to the derived respiration signal.
US08047994B2
Ultrasound imaging method combined with the presence of contrast media in the body under examination
An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a fundamental transmission frequency and are focused on at least one scan line. Acoustic beams reflected from the body under examination and the contrast agents are separated into harmonic and subharmonic components along with the fundamental frequency component. The amplitudes of these components compared to determine whether the reflecting material is either body tissue or the contrast agent.
US08047982B2
A urethra support having an elongated mesh tape portion and a mesh extension affixed to the tape portion transverse thereto. In accordance with a method of the invention, the urethra support is inserted into the lower pelvic cavity of a patient with the tape portion forming a sling extending beneath and supporting the urethra of the patient. In this position, the tape portion is generally perpendicular to the urethra. The extension is inserted into the peri-urethral fascia along at least a portion of the length of the urethra. This induces the formation of scar tissue proximate the extension, with the scar tissue eventually contracting thereby compressing the urethra.
US08047977B2
The invention relates to a filter (10) for tobacco products with a first terminal filter element (12), a second terminal filter element (14), a middle filter element (16) which is located between first and second terminal filter element and contains a granular filter material, and a casing (20), one part of one of the terminal filter elements (12) being displaceable vis-à-vis the casing (20). The invention furthermore relates to smoking articles with such filters, filter strands with two or more of the filters, and processes and devices for the production of such filters and tobacco products.
US08047963B2
Control apparatuses (6, 10) include an ending process element that, when a locked state is established within a reference period after operation of a parking mechanism (5), performs a normal ending process that stops a vehicle drive source (1) and switches to an ignition off position, and when the locked state is not established within the reference period, performs an abnormal ending process that stops the vehicle drive source (1) and switches to an accessory position; and a support process element that, when the parking mechanism (5) is operated, if a vehicle speed increase is detected, performs a support process that prohibits operation of the parking mechanism (5) and extends the reference period.
US08047951B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08047949B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.
US08047948B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are clutches and a brake.
US08047940B2
A heat-resistant endless resin belt including a heat-resistant resin sheet, which can be employed in a thermal fixing apparatus, wherein the sheet includes two cutting work parts in an inclined shape. The two parts are overlapped with each other and bonded with an adhesive to form a bonding part. An external shape displacement f(x), measured via a flatness measuring apparatus, which scans the belt in a width direction thereof, satisfies a following formula ∫ 0 x f ( x ) - g ( x ) ⅆ x ≤ XL 6800 , wherein “X” (mm) is a length of the belt in a width direction thereof; “L” (mm) is a perimeter of the belt and “g(x)” represents a displacement of an ideal shape of the heat-resistant resin belt, when g(x)=C (a constant), a left side of the formula is set to be a minimum; whilst when g(x) is a variable, the displacement of the ideal shape of the belt is set.
US08047921B2
A vibration damper, for example, a multistage torsion vibration damper, including at least two damper assemblies, connected in series and arranged coaxially, a first damper assembly forming a primary damping stage and a second damper assembly forming a pre-damping stage. The damper assembly that forms the primary damping stage is configured as a series damper including at least two dampers connected in series and is located on a larger diameter in the radial direction than the second damper assembly that forms the pre-damping stage. A multistage vibration damper, including at least two damper assemblies located in series, a first damper assembly forming a preliminary damper and a second damper assembly stage is configured as a series damper including at least two dampers connected in series and is located on a larger diameter in the radial direction than the second damper assembly that forms the preliminary damping stage.
US08047919B2
An automotive shaft assembly is provided including a first barshaft having a first connection end and a second barshaft having a second connection end. A connection tube rotationally engages the first connection to the second connection end and includes a shear diameter configured to experience shear failure in the presence of an overload torque such that the first connection end is rotationally disengaged the said second connection end.
US08047910B2
A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner.
US08047907B2
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game using a pull-tab ticket. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games.
US08047906B2
A game machine for giving more enjoyment to a player by using a timing instruction image for guiding the player to an evaluated timing. In the game machine for allowing the player to perform a game operation using a controller in time with game music, in order to give guidance to the player about when to execute the game operation, a first timing instruction image (reference arrow mark (48L)) is displayed on a display screen, and a second timing instruction image (special timing guide arrow mark (43)) gradually approaching the first timing instruction image is displayed on the display screen according to timing data stored in timing data storage means. Timing of the game operation executed by the player is compared with timing represented by the timing data stored in the timing data storage manes, the game operation executed by the player is evaluated, and a display position trajectory of the second timing instruction image on the display screen is changed depending on a result of the evaluation.
US08047905B2
A building structure includes means to utilize solar radiation to heat the building structure during relatively cold ambient environmental conditions and to cool the building structure during relatively hot ambient environmental conditions. The building structure includes chambered wall and floor constructions having integral heat sink masses. These integral heat sink masses provide for radiation of heat when air temperature in an interior space of the building structure is below a temperature of the heat sink masses and for absorption of heat when the air temperature in the interior space of the building structure is above a temperature of the heat sink masses. A flow of thermally treated air to the heat sink masses serves to regulate the temperature of the heat sink masses.
US08047875B2
A jack connector includes pairs of jack signal contacts and jack ground contacts arranged alternately, and a plug connector includes pairs of plug signal contacts and plug ground contacts arranged alternately. Respective contacts of each pair of jack signal contacts come into contact with respective contacts of each pair of plug signal contacts, and each jack ground contact comes into contact with each plug ground contact. In a first contact structure, each jack ground contact comes into contact with each plug ground contact at a first position, and in a second contact structure each jack ground contact comes into contact with each plug ground contact at a second position apart from the first position along an extending direction of the plug ground contact.
US08047871B2
An L-shaped coaxial connector manufacturable at low costs includes a housing having a cylinder portion and a back portion. The cylinder portion includes a first opening and a second opening, and the cylinder portion is in contact with an external conductor of a receptacle inserted from the first opening. The back portion is connected to the cylinder portion and covers the second opening. The housing is made of a metal plate. The diameter of a part of a bushing contained in the cylinder portion is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the first opening. The housing further includes a crimping portion extending from the back portion. The crimping portion fixes the bushing to the housing by being bent so as to face the back portion with the bushing therebetween.
US08047868B1
A stud-type junction block assembly having a mounting member and a body constructed from a highly conductive material. A non-conductive or insulating sheath may be provided over a portion of the body. The body defines a bore configured to receive and retain at least one post constructed from a high-strength material. The bore may include threads for receiving an external threaded surface of the post for securing the post with the bore. In addition, a locking agent or adhesive may be provided to secure the post within the bore. An electrical connector having a ring is coupled to the body over the post to provide an electric path of conduction. A nut or other connector is provided on the post for securing the ring of the electrical connector to the body. A non-conductive cap may be provided over the nut.
US08047860B2
An electrical assembly comprises an upper electrical center assembly and a lower mounting bracket lift assembly that is adapted for being secured to a support panel such as a support panel in an automobile. After the lower mounting bracket lift assembly is secured to the support panel, the upper electrical center assembly is attached to the lower mounting bracket lift assembly. The lower mounting bracket lift assembly is then operated to plug wiring harness end connectors in the lower mounting bracket lift assembly into lower sockets of the upper electrical center assembly.
US08047859B2
A USB Plug protective cover configured for detachably covering a USB plug connector of an electronic device includes a base cover and an elastic piece. The base cover includes a covering end, the covering end defines an accommodating cavity recessed therein configured for accommodating the USB Plug therein. The elastic piece is assembled to the base cover and accommodated within the accommodating cavity. The elastic piece detachably latches with the USB plug connector to prevent the USB protective cover from loosening or separating from the USB plug connector.
US08047851B1
A wall-mounted storage and organization organizer for notes, memos, calendars, business cards, reminders, keys and the like, comprising a multi-door cabinet is herein disclosed. The organizer has approximate dimensions of twenty-eight (28) inches in height, twenty (20) inches in width, and three (3) inches in depth. The front door is provided with a clear pane under which photographs, calendars and the like can be placed on a second door in a neat manner for all to see without opening the outer door. When additional doors of the organizer are opened, additional organizational spaces are provided. The organizer further provides cork board surfaces and white board surfaces as well as a magnetic tray for holding dry erase markers and an eraser. Such surfaces would allow users to leave themselves or others messages or large notes. The rearmost door provides a mounting means thereto a wall surface and provides a series of varying sized pockets capable of holding small business cards up to a large sheet of paper. Such pockets would be used to organize lists, appointment reminders, additional calendars, photographs and the like. Finally, the rear surface provides a plurality of hooks used to hold keys, ID tags and other similar items.
US08047850B2
A training tourniquet for use in training a user or another person, such as a medic, includes a non-functioning tensioning mechanism to model application of developing a tensile force in a strap of a tourniquet. The training tourniquet has particular application to training field personnel, such as medics and soldiers as to how to apply a tourniquet, without actually creating a compressive force that could damage a person's tissue during the training or practice sessions. In one embodiment, an inoperative windlass can be rotated to simulate the action necessary to create tension in a strap of a real tourniquet, however, the inoperative windlass spins around without actually tightening a strap of the training tourniquet.
US08047846B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.
US08047835B2
A method of transcribing a shape of a surface of a stamper on a transcription surface of a transcription object by pressing the stamper on the transcription object, which comprises steps of: having one of the stamper and the transcription object positioned opposite a plate surface and the other of the stamper and the transcription object placed on one surface of a pressure plate; and having the one of the stamper and the transcription object pressed onto the plate surface by applying a fluid on the other surface of the pressure plate, wherein an area of the one surface of the pressure plate is larger than a contact area in which the other of the stamper and the transcription object is in contact with the pressure plate.
US08047834B2
A heated, segmented pressware die set for making pressware containers from a paperboard blank includes a plurality of guide keys mounted between at least one of an inner member of a punch or die and an outer ring which reciprocates independently. Each guide key extends in an outward direction from the central axis of the die set. The guide keys are positioned, configured and dimensioned to engage the outer ring in order to limit rotation of the outer ring with respect to the inner member of the punch or die. In a preferred construction, the guide keys have radially extending planar surfaces which cooperate with guide channels having like surfaces such that clearances necessary to accommodate thermal expansion are reduced, greatly increasing durability of the tool.
US08047830B2
For use in a blow molding machine for containers, especially plastic bottles, a production line is provided for thermally pretreating preforms transported by holders, where each holder is loaded with at least one exchangeably fixed fitting such as a shielding plate. To reduce the exchange period for the holders the fitting is secured by a quick-change element which remains on the holder during the exchange and is adjustable on the holder between a secured position and a release position by the application of an external force, and which can be adjusted manually and/or mechanically.
US08047829B1
Methods for making a micofluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention include defining a cavity. Polymer precursor solution is positioned in the cavity, and exposed to light to begin the polymerization process and define a microchannel. In some embodiments, after the polymerization process is partially complete, a solvent rinse is performed, or fresh polymer precursor introduced into the microchannel. This may promote removal of unpolymerized material from the microchannel and enable smaller feature sizes. The polymer precursor solution may contain an iniferter. Polymerized features therefore may be capped with the iniferter, which is photoactive. The iniferter may aid later binding of a polyacrylamide gel to the microchannel surface.
US08047825B2
A positive-displacement pump comprising a housing, a rotatable component disposed at least partially within the housing, and a film disposed at least partially between the housing and the rotatable component, where the film comprises a reinforcing material and a fluoropolymer material.
US08047817B2
A method for managing deposits within a pump mechanism (81) is provided. Fluid suitable for dissolving, diluting or otherwise disengaging deposits which have accumulated on the internal working surfaces of the pump is brought into contact with the mechanism. The performance of the pump is monitored and this data is used together with process data received from, or associated with, a tool (83) being evacuated by the pump to calculate (80) fluid flow characteristics which are required to compensate for the accumulation of deposits on the internal working surfaces of the pump. Fluid is then introduced (2, 84) into the pumping mechanism in accordance with the calculated fluid flow characteristics.
US08047816B2
An electric pump for use with an engine in a vehicle is provided. The electric pump has an impeller having a plurality of blades for moving coolant. A working surface of each blade is formed to be a flat plane which extends generally straight in both an axial direction and a radial direction. The electric pump is formed by a centrifugal pump. When the electric pump is not operating and is used as a portion of a coolant passage, flowing resistance can be reduced as compared with a case where the working surface of each blade is curved.
US08047812B2
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US08047811B2
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US08047791B2
Provided are a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator that allow for alleviation of construction costs, particularly for large wind turbine generators, and alleviation of limitations on construction due to weather. Provided are a rotor head that has a plurality of wind turbine rotor blades and that is rotated by wind power received by the plurality of wind turbine rotor blades, a front segment disposed on top of a tower and constituting a nacelle to which the rotor head is attached, a rear segment attached to the front segment and constituting the nacelle, a front frame disposed in the front segment and positioned between the rotor head and the tower so as to support a load on the rotor head, a rear frame disposed in the rear segment and attached to the front frame, a front cover covering the periphery of the front segment, and a rear cover covering the periphery of the rear segment.
US08047778B2
Disclosed herein is a compressor case assembly that includes a compressor case section having an assembly track and a set of stator portions that are insertable in the assembly track, the compressor case section and the set of stator portions are configured such that the set of stator portions only assembles to the compressor case section in a single configuration.
US08047775B2
There are described components of a steam turbine, comprising a thermally insulating layer and a metallic anti-erosion layer on said thermally insulating layer. The anti-erosion layer is provided with the same material as the metallic connecting layer.
US08047763B2
A method is disclosed for improving a turbine's thermal response during transient and steady state operating conditions in which the flow of cooling fluid in the turbine's casing is caused to be asymmetrical relative to the horizontal and vertical symmetry planes of the casing so that the turbine's cooling symmetry planes are rotated relative to its geometric symmetry planes and thereby the heat transfer at locations in the casing with increased mass is increased.
US08047756B2
An automatic load transfer device is provided for automated material handling systems of the type having a tow AGV pulling a train of trailers along a predetermined path between stations. The device has a base positioned adjacent to the path with spaced apart rails that support a movable carriage which shifts between retracted and extended positions. A conveyor having a plurality of side-by-side fingers with moving conveyor elements is supported on the carriage by a lift which shifts the conveyor between lowered and raised positions. The carriage, conveyor elements, and lift have separate drives that are operably connected with a controller which sequentially activates the same to load and/or unload loads onto and/or from the trailers.
US08047751B2
A wheel chock for restraining movement of a vehicle tire on a supporting grating during transit includes a base, a grate lock mechanism for locking the base to the grating, and a ramp on the base for engagement with a circumference of a vehicle tire. A strap connected with the base is extensible around the vehicle tire to help restrain movement of the tire on the grating. The chock includes a retractor for retracting the strap and for taking up slack that forms in the strap during transit.
US08047744B2
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a conduit laying system for laying conduit, including a vehicle, a trench former, a conduit feed system and a base material handling system. The trench former is configured for forming a trench. The conduit feed system includes a conduit feed passage having a conduit feed passage inlet for receiving at least one conduit and a conduit feed passage outlet positioned to deposit the at least one conduit in the trench. The base material handling system includes a base material hopper and at least one base material passage. The at least one base material passage is positioned to receive base material from the base material hopper and to discharge base material in the trench around the at least one conduit. The base material handling system, the conduit feed system and the trench former are driven by the vehicle.
