US08049842B2
A display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the substrates; a polarizing plate provided on the side of the liquid crystal panel from which display light is to be extracted; and a common electrode and a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed in an insulating state on a face of one of the substrates adjacent the liquid crystal layer. The transmission axis of the polarizing plate extends obliquely with respect to outer peripheral sides of a display screen. Each pixel electrode has a substantially quadrilateral outer shape having two major sides substantially parallel or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the polarizing plate. Each pixel electrode has plural electrode portions extending in parallel to the major sides of the outer shape of the pixel electrode in the outer shape.
US08049838B2
A direct light type backlight unit and a color filterless liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus employing the same are provided. The direct light type backlight unit includes: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting devices inclined with respect to the substrate; a diffraction grating which diffracts light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting devices at different angles according to wavelength and thereby separates the light into a plurality of color beams; and a plurality of reflectors, each reflector disposed at a side of one of the plurality of light-emitting devices, which reduces the range of angles of light incident on the diffraction grating.
US08049832B2
Disclosed is an LCD device having a division-type upper cover provided with male and female coupling means to provide a structural basis for assembly at four corners, and to attenuate distortion of the LCD device. The liquid crystal display (LCD) device comprises: a main support having a rectangular shape with an opened middle portion; an LC panel laminated on the main support; and an upper cover divided into a plurality of parts, and coupled to the main support and the LC panel in correspondence to long and short edges of the LC panel, wherein the upper cover consists of a main frame coupled to edges of the LC panel and an upper surface of the main support, and a side frame coupled to side surfaces of the main support, wherein the upper cover is provided with coupling means adjacently formed at corners of the main support, and serving to couple the main support to the main frame.
US08049828B2
A flat-panel display device having test architecture is disclosed for disposing shorting bars without sacrificing wiring-on-array bus layout area of the outer-lead-bonding region. The flat-panel display device essentially includes a substrate having a plurality of driving integrated-circuit (IC) mounting areas, a plurality of signal lines and transmission lines disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of shorting bars disposed on the driving IC mounting areas. Each shorting bar is coupled to a corresponding signal line and a corresponding transmission line. Furthermore, in order to take out the laser-cutting process in the fabrication of the flat-panel display device for saving production cost, each driving IC mounting area is further disposed with a plurality of transistors for controlling the signal connections between the shorting bars and the signal lines, and also for controlling the signal connections between the shorting bars and the transmission lines.
US08049825B2
An imaging system (200), such as a scanned laser projection system, includes one or more laser sources (201) configured to produce one or more light beams (204), and a light modulator (203) configured to produce images (206) from the light beams (204). Optional optical alignment devices (220) can be used to orient the light beams (204) into a combined light beam (205). A birefringent wedge (221) is disposed between at least one of the laser sources (201) and the light modulator (203). The birefringent wedge (221) is configured to receive light from the laser sources (201) and deliver two angularly separated and orthogonally polarized light beams (223) to the light modulator (203) so as to reduce speckle appearing when the images (206) are displayed on a display surface (207). An optional glass wedge (1004) can be used to correct optical path deviation (1001) introduced by the birefringent wedge (221).
US08049824B2
A single-layer birefringent crystal trim retarder includes a birefringent crystal cut such that its optic axis is at a high oblique angle and such that it provides low in-plane retardance values even when the birefringent crystal is relatively thick. To compensate for the inherent high +C-plate retardance of this high-tilt O-plate, the single-layer birefringent crystal is coupled with a −C-plate thin-film retarder to provide a trim retarder having an overall A/−C-plate retarder functionality. This full-function trim retarder is practical to fabricate, is thickness and azimuthal angle tolerant, and is suitable for low sensitivity angular clocking requirements of LCoS panel compensation.
US08049823B2
The disclosure is directed to projectors, optical compensation methods and liquid crystal devices. In one example, a liquid crystal panel has a liquid crystal layer pinched between a pair of substrates. A pair of polarizing plates is disposed with the liquid crystal panel in between the polarizing plates. A first phase difference plate is disposed between the pair of polarizing plates for compensating for a phase difference of the liquid crystal panel. A second phase difference plate is disposed between the pair of polarizing plates for compensating for a phase difference of the pair of polarizing plates. In certain embodiments, the first phase difference plate may have an optically anisotropic layer having a negative refractive index anisotropy and an optical axis oriented in a thickness direction of the first phase difference plate. This abstract is intended only to aid those searching patents, and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims in any manner.
US08049822B2
There are provided a write light valve for generating image-writing light by modulating write light, a driver for writing images into the write light valve based on image data, read light valves for each color for generating respective color image lights by modulating each received color illumination light, an imaging lens group for guiding the image-writing light emitted from the write light valve to the respective read light valves, a dichroic cube for combining together color image lights emitted from the respective read light valves, a projection lens for projecting each color image light combined together. The imaging lens group has a distortion aberration which reduces or cancels out a distortion aberration of the projection lens.
US08049813B1
A method for automatically focusing a camera including the steps of (A) recording a first topology and a second topology, where the second topology occurs temporally after the first topology, and (B) comparing the first topology with the second topology. A focus of the camera is automatically adjusted based upon one or more similarities between the first topology and the second topology.
US08049811B2
An apparatus and method for automatically focusing a lens of a digital imaging device, such as a digital still or video camera or camera phone, that reduces the auto focus time while not compromising image sharpness quality and simultaneously reducing device power consumption due to focus actuator movement, all without tuning or adjustment of thresholds or parameters is disclosed. The present invention automatically computes a set of digital band-pass filters matched to the imaging device specifications along with corresponding step-size magnitudes. A filter-switching search for the in-focus focus actuator position is formulated such that filters are switched and step-sizes are reduced as the search gets closer to the in-focus position by utilizing local estimates of the first and second-order differential information of the focus value surface.
US08049807B2
Arranged are an optical element, a piezoelectric element arranged on the optical element, and an oscillation circuit for causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate so as to generate vibrational waves, wherein the volume of the piezoelectric element is determined based on density of the piezoelectric element, mass of the optical element, and vibration speed of the optical element, and made a size such that there is no wasteful consumption of energy.
US08049804B2
A contact portion 9 of a lens holding frame 1 and a contact portion 8 of a nut 10 are so formed that when the lens holding frame 1 and the nut 10 are brought into contact with each other by a coil spring 12, an urging force acts on the lens holding frame 1 in an optical axis direction and an orthogonal direction that orthogonally intersects the optical axis direction.
US08049802B2
A camera for forming an image of a scene that moves relative to the camera and the method of forming that image are disclosed. The camera includes an imaging array having a plurality of CMOS pixel sensors having a plurality of columns and rows, an imaging system, and a controller. The imaging system causes a portion of an image of a scene to be projected on the imaging array such that the image of the scene moves across the imaging array in the column direction. First and second images of the scene are formed at first and second times chosen such that the image of the scene moves a predetermined number of rows of the imaging array between the first and second times. The controller combines pixel values from rows in the first image with rows in the second image that are separated by the predetermined number of rows.
US08049798B2
An imaging device able to simplify an optical system, able to reduce costs, and in addition capable of giving a restored image having a suitable quality in accordance with stop control and having a small influence of noise, and an image processing method of same, including an optical system 110 and an imaging element 120 forming a first order image and an image processing device 150 forming the first order image to a high definition last image, wherein a control device 200 detects stop information and controls a switching unit 140 so as to input a dispersed image signal of an object captured by the imaging element 120 via an AFE 130 to the image processing device 150 and input a dispersion-free restored image signal to a camera signal processing unit 160 when not closing the stop down to a predetermined value, while directly input the dispersed image signal of the object captured by the imaging element 120 via the AFE 130 to the camera signal processing unit 160 without passing through the image processing device 150 when closing the stop down to the predetermined value or more.
US08049786B2
The invention provides a method for improving image stitching accuracy and a device for implementing the same, which apply to the multi-camera system for wide-angle image generation. Lens distortion causes mismatches of the features in the overlapping region of the images captured by the multi-camera system. As a result, the mismatches on the stitched wide-angle image are visible. The method and device for improving image stitching accuracy correct the lens distortion before stitching the images captured by the multi-camera system, so that the features in the overlapping region are matched and a seamless wide-angle image is generated by the stitching engine.
US08049783B2
Image files are rearranged according to the blurring amount obtained from each of blurring information pieces of the image files and displayed as thumbnail images. After several image files are selected from the displayed image files, the image information pieces of the selected image files are sequentially corrected.
US08049781B2
A monitor includes a display circuit used for controlling display of the monitor. A camera is disposed on a frame of the monitor, and includes a plurality of signal pins. A power circuit is used for providing power to the display circuit and the camera. A monitor video interface mates with a video interface of a motherboard of a host computer. The monitor video interface includes a plurality of video pins connected to the display circuit, and a plurality of idle pins connected to the plurality of signal pins of the camera. A power pin and a ground pin of the camera are correspondingly connected to a power pin and a ground pin of the power circuit.
US08049779B2
A camera calibrating apparatus uses a calibration target in combination with a laser source generating a laser beam defining a calibration plane and intersecting the camera field of view to define an object imaging area. The calibration target includes a frame defining a coplanar arrangement of more than five reference points having known position coordinates within an object reference system. The frame is disposed in a camera calibration position wherein the coplanar arrangement of reference points is substantially parallel to the calibration plane. The target includes an arrangement of light reflecting members protruding from the arrangement of reference points in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto so as to extend within the object imaging area, to allow the camera to capture an image formed by illuminated portions of the light reflecting members. The apparatus further includes image processor means programmed on the basis a calibrated camera model to associate any position coordinates in the object reference system with corresponding position coordinates in an image reference system.
US08049776B2
The present invention provides a three-dimensional camcorder comprising a three-dimensional imaging system acquiring the three-dimensional image information of an object and a three-dimensional viewfinder displaying three-dimensional image using at least one variable focal length micromirror array lens.
US08049774B2
A stereo image device includes a first pick-up module for capturing a first image, a second pick-up module for capturing a second image, a controlling unit for dividing the first image into first segments, and the second image into second segments, and choosing odd segments of the first segments as first sub-units, and even segments of the second segments as second sub-units, and combining the first sub-units and the second sub-units in alternate fashion to form a combination image, a display screen for displaying the combination image; and a lens plate covering the display screen, the lens plate including a plane surface facing the display screen, and a lenticular surface opposite the plane surface; the lens plate having a plurality of parallel cylindrical convex lenses on the lenticular surface. A stereo image is formed by seen the combination image through the lens plate.
US08049767B2
An image editing method includes recording by coding edit information in a predetermined field of an original image frame, and displaying either the original image or an image edited based on the edit information. Accordingly, the edit information is recorded in a blank field of the original frame without damaging the original image, and thus, the image frame can be efficiently stored without wasting storage space.
US08049763B2
A Red Green Blue-to-Red Green Blue White (RGB-to-RGBW) color decomposition method and system. The RGB-to-RGBW color decomposition method includes: determining an output value of white based on inputted RGB values and a saturation; and outputting the output value when an input color is a pure color.
US08049762B2
Architectural structure design methods, architectural structure design apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an architectural structure design method includes responsive to user input, modifying a visual representation of an architectural structure, wherein the visual representation comprises an object of the architectural structure, first displaying the visual representation comprising the object at a first moment in time, wherein the object is positioned at a first location of a display screen, responsive to user input, selecting an attribute for the object from a second location of the display screen which is different than the first location of the display screen, responsive to user input, associating the attribute with the object after the selecting, and displaying the visual representation comprising the object having the attribute at a second moment in time after the associating.
US08049755B2
Disclosed is a apparatus and a method for displaying various character effects on a character input screen of a mobile station using a differentiated graphic element according to a key input signal. In the method a visual character theme set by a user is displayed in a character input mode, and a character input effect corresponding to the visual character theme is shown according to a key input signal. Accordingly, since the mobile station can show a visual character input effect in every key input sequence by allowing the user to select a desired visual character theme in advance, an entertaining effect is added to a user interface of the mobile station.
US08049751B2
Embodiments include a system for integrating capture software functionality into other software applications including computer aided design (CAD) application, search application, database management application, email applications, network publishing applications, collaboration applications, copying and facsimile applications, manufacturing applications and similar programs. A user may utilize any of these applications to initiate a capture of an image or model. The applications may include an integrated capture functionality or message system to communicate with a capture application to initiate a capture. A separate or integrated conversion application may automatically be invoked to convert and return the image or model to the requesting application.
US08049745B2
A display apparatus including a display, a video processor to output an video signal to the display, a power supply to output a power signal to turn on/off the display, and a controller to control at least one of the power supply and the video processor to make a sequence difference between an enable/disable time of the video signal outputted form the video processor and an on/off time of the power signal outputted from the power supply be within a predetermined range. The display apparatus and a control method thereof, in which the sequence difference is adjusted to be within a predetermined range.
US08049743B2
A display apparatus with a brightness control function is provided, in which a camera portion generates a first detection signal in an image mode by capturing an image of an object by an image sensor according to a first control signal and generates a second detection signal in an illumination mode by detecting external illumination by the same image sensor according to a second control signal. The display displays an image signal, and a controller provides the first control signal to the camera portion in image detection mode, and provides the second control signal to the camera portion in illumination detection mode to control brightness of the display based on the second detection signal received from the camera portion. Only part of the pixels of the image sensor can be used in the illumination detection mode so that additional parts are not required to provide automatic illumination control.
US08049742B2
An image data refreshing method used in an image data displaying device is provided. The method includes the following procedures. First, a refreshing center of a display area is defined according to a visual focus of a present frame displayed on the display area. Next, the display area is divided into at least a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area according to the refreshing center, wherein the refreshing center is located within the first sub-display area which is surrounded by the second sub-display area. Then, the refreshing rate of image data of the first sub-display area and that of the second sub-display area are set respectively. Afterwards, the image data of the first sub-display area and that of the second sub-display area are respectively refreshed.
US08049741B2
An improved system and method for selectively applying LCD Response Time Compensation (LRTC) to areas of an LCD panel containing video motion. Motion vectors contained within macroblocks in a compressed video stream are utilized to qualify whether individual pixels in a video frame are a candidate for LRTC. In various embodiments of the invention, computationally expensive LRTC can be selectively applied, pixel-by-pixel, which can result in portable information system power savings by reducing the number of computational cycles and the amount of graphics controller power overhead.
US08049730B2
Devices and methods of controlling manipulation of virtual objects on a multi-contact tactile screen
A process for controlling computerized equipment with a device including a multi-contact bidimensional sensor that acquires tactile information and a calculator that generates command signals as a function of the tactile information, including graphical objects on a screen placed under a transparent multi-contact tactile sensor, each graphical object associated with at least one specific processing rule such that the sensor delivers during each acquisition phase a plurality of tactile information, and each piece of the tactile information forms an object of a specific processing determined by its localization relative to a position of one of the graphical objects.
US08049723B2
A wireless handheld device is disclosed that includes a device housing, a wireless transmitter, such as a short range wireless transmitter, a local display and a housing motion detector that is operative to detect motion of the housing, for example, relative to a surface or other reference point, and outputs graphic user interface control information for transmission by the wireless transmitter to an external device. In one embodiment, a wireless pointing device is operably coupled with a wireless handheld device such as a cell phone or any other suitable wireless handheld device that includes a short range wireless transmitter and/or transceiver to remotely control operation of a graphic user interface for an external device. The housing motion detector utilizes the battery power of the wireless handheld device as its sole source of power or as an auxiliary source of power.
US08049718B2
Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.
US08049717B2
A portable computer includes a main body, a display and a status reminder apparatus. The status reminder apparatus is provided on the main body or the display for displaying a reminder message, such as time, the email-receiving status, the program status of instant communication, meeting reminder information and so on, so that users can not forget a time or a meeting when playing computer games in full screen mode, and can receive the latest information at any time.
US08049716B2
An apparatus and method for controlling an operation of a portable terminal having a multimedia function are provided. The apparatus includes a multimedia processor for performing the multimedia function when a controller is in a sleep mode wherein the controller is converted to an active mode when a specified key signal is input into the controller in the sleep mode and outputs an inactive signal to inactivate the multimedia processor. According to the present invention, the portable terminal having the controller controlling the mobile communication function and the multimedia processor controlling the multimedia function, can independently perform the mobile communication function and the multimedia function according to the specified key input. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the controller which controls the mobile communication function need not control the multimedia processor which controls the multimedia function. Hence, it is possible to reduce power consumption and software errors occurring when the controller controls the multimedia processor.
US08049714B2
The present invention includes a device suitable for the displacement of a cursor or its equivalent on a monitor. The device comprises a loop (10), mounted in tension around and between two separate shaft devices (20, 30) that can be translated, at least one of which is arranged such that it can be displaced and rotated.
US08049711B2
A liquid crystal display device including an LCD panel modulating light transmissivities of plural pixels disposed in a matrix form on the basis of respective gradation data; an illumination device for irradiating light to the respective pixels while a ratio (duty ratio) of a lighting time in one frame period is changed; and a display data conversion part for calculating respective lightnesses and a lightness histogram from the respective gradation data, determining a threshold lightness from the lightness histogram on the basis of a previously determined ratio of pixels to be saturated in brightness, processing the respective gradation data on the basis of the threshold lightness to output them to the LCD panel, and outputting duty ratio data to change the duty ratio to the illumination device.
US08049706B2
A gate driving circuit capable of suppressing threshold voltage drift is disclosed for providing gate signals forwarded to gate lines. The gate driving circuit includes a plurality of shift register stages. Each shift register stage includes a pull-up unit, an energy-store unit, a buffer unit, a discharging unit, a pull-down unit, a control unit and a signal switching unit. The pull-up unit pulls up a gate signal according to a driving control voltage and a first clock. The energy-store unit provides the driving control voltage through performing a charging process based on an input signal received by the buffer unit. The pull-down unit pulls down the gate signal according to a control signal. The control unit generates the control signal based on the input signal and a second clock having a phase opposite to the first clock. The signal switching unit switches the control signal according to the first clock.
US08049698B2
A liquid crystal display includes a timing controller to activate a dynamic charge share control signal to indicate a time at which the gray level of the data voltage is changed from a white gray level to a black gray level and a time at which the polarity of the data voltage is inverted, and to activate a dot inversion control signal for widening a horizontal polarity inversion period of data voltages to be supplied to the data lines when a weakness patterns are input, and a data driving circuit supplying one of a common voltage and a charge share voltage to data lines only when the gray level of data is changed from the white gray level to the black gray level and when the polarity of the data voltage in response to the dynamic charge share control signal.
US08049697B2
A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines crossing the plurality of data lines, and a plurality of liquid crystal cells, a timing controller to determine gray levels of input digital video data and a time when a polarity of a data voltage to be supplied to the data lines is inverted, and to generate a dynamic charge share control signal when the gray level of the data voltage is changed from a white gray level to a black gray level and the polarity of the data voltage is inverted, a data driving circuit to convert the digital video data from the timing controller into the data voltage, changing the polarity of the data voltage, and supplying any one of a common voltage and a charge share voltage to the data lines in response to the dynamic charge share control signal, and a gate driving circuit to sequentially supply scan pulses to the gate lines under the control of the timing controller.
US08049696B2
A standby circuit and method for a display device is disclosed. A detector detects voltage drop of the first termination resistor of a positive path of a clock channel, and the second termination resistors of a negative path. Upon detecting the voltage drop, a switch controller disconnects the positive path or the negative path that has the detected voltage drop, thereby saving power in the standby mode of the display device.
US08049687B2
A method of driving a display device includes outputting an upper data signal array of a (n+1)th frame to an upper display area of a display panel during a first frame period; and, outputting a lower data signal array of a nth frame to a lower display area of the display panel during the first frame period is provided. The display panel has at least an upper display area and a lower display area which may be independently operable, the display areas communicating with a memory device storing and outputting a signal data array of a (n+1)th frame to an upper display area of a display panel during a first frame period; and, outputting a lower data signal array of a nth frame to a lower display area of the display panel during the first frame period.
US08049685B2
A passive-matrix, thin-film electro-luminescent display system includes a display having a substrate with organic layers and orthogonally arranged electrodes formed thereon. One or more display drivers: (i) receives an input image signal for addressing the light-emitting elements of the display; (ii) decomposes the signal into a low-resolution component signal and a high-resolution component signal, wherein the low-resolution component signal contains one half or less of the number of addressable locations as the high-resolution component signal; and (iii) that provides a drive signal for driving the display wherein the low-resolution component signal and the high-resolution component signal are independently provided to the display to form a combined image.
US08049681B2
A waveform generator capable of generating a square wave and a ramp wave using one switching element is provided. A waveform generator includes a first transistor having a drain electrode, a gate electrode, and a source electrode. A first resistor and a first diode are coupled at a common node between a first input terminal and the gate electrode. A second resistor is coupled between the gate electrode and a second input terminal. A first capacitor is coupled between the drain electrode and the common node between the first resistor and the first diode.
US08049680B2
A method for improving vision of a low-vision person and a viewing aid therefore are disclosed. An image is recorded by means of an image recording device, the image being intermediately stored within an image memory and modified and presented to the eyes of the person by means of an image display device being mounted on the head of the person. An image is recorded within a recording mode and the modified image is transferred to the image display device within a display mode. The display mode is initiated in an interval in time with regard to the image recording mode, the interval in time being manually adjustable.
US08049679B2
A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) includes a first display area, a second display area, a peripheral area outside of the first and second display area, and a dummy pixel unit formed on the peripheral area, wherein the first and second display areas include a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix each of which has a switching element, and data lines and gate lines connected to the pixels, wherein the data lines include a first data line group positioned on the first and second display areas and a second data line group positioned on the first display area and the dummy pixel unit.
US08049671B2
A diversity antenna for use with a portable host device such as a laptop computer, for example as part of a PCMCIA card pluggable into the laptop computer to enable wireless computer by the laptop computer, includes a main antenna and a diversity antenna. Various configurations for these antennas are possible, including the use of a balanced dipole as the main antenna element and a split diversity antenna for the diversity antenna element. The diversity antenna provides high isolation between the antenna elements and isolation from interfering self-noise generated by the host device.
US08049668B1
A method and system for determining a location of a first device that emits a signal: provide at least three sensors separated and spaced apart from each other; determine estimated location data for the first device for each sensor or unique sensor pair; determine an estimated location of the first device using the estimated location data for each sensor or unique sensor pair; determine residual values for the estimated location data for each sensor or sensor pair; convert the residual values into corresponding weights for the estimated location data for each sensor or sensor pair; weight the estimated location data for each sensor or sensor pair by its corresponding weight; and update the estimated location of the first device using the weighted estimated location data for each sensor or sensor pair.
US08049665B1
A method for selecting a local C/A code for GPS signal processing includes performing an autocorrelation of a received GPS C/A code with a plurality of versions of a local coarse acquisition (C/A) code. In such an autocorrelation, each local C/A code version is autocorrelated with the received GPS C/A code over a plurality of autocorrelation periods, and an autocorrelation result is generated for each autocorrelation period. A maximum autocorrelation result and a minimum autocorrelation result are determined from among the autocorrelation results of each C/A code version. Next, one of the local C/A code versions is selected based upon that version's maximum autocorrelation result and the minimum autocorrelation result.
US08049657B2
Sub-aperture processing is carried out. Within each sub-aperture, range compression and a correction for the target range variation are carried out. Baseband azimuth scaling is used for processing the azimuth signal, wherein a long azimuth reference function and thus a wide azimuth dimension are prevented. The scaling range is not constant and depends on the range, which is not equal to the original range vector. It is calculated such that, in combination with a subsequent derotation step, constant azimuth scanning is achieved for all ranges. The selected derotation function, which is applied in the azimuth time domain, makes it possible for all the targets to be in base band, in this way varying the effective chirp rate. Since the phase is purely quadratic because of the azimuth scaling step, it is thus possible to use an optimal filter which takes account of the effective chirp rate. IFFT results in a focused image, and a final phase function in the time domain allows phase maintenance. Application for SAR, SONAR and seismic raw data processing in the TOPS mode, as well as other modes which make use of the antenna polar diagram being scanned in the azimuth and/or elevation direction.
US08049656B2
An expendable, stand-alone, off-board Electronic Counter-Measure system, airborne RF decoy aimed to provide airborne platforms with protection against multiple radar-based threats including Air-to-Air and Surface-to-Air missiles both active and semi-active ones. The airborne RF decoy has the mechanical outline of standard chaff and flare decoys and is safely ejected from any platform by pyrotechnic elements. The airborne RF decoy deceives enemy radar-based threats as follows: immediately after its ejection from the protected airborne platform, the decoy activates an energy source, stabilizes its path, acquires illuminating signals and analyzes threat parameters. Then the decoy alters the received signals to generate an authentic false target and transmits a deceiving signal towards the radar threat. The radar threats locks on the decoy and follow its path. Thus the threat course is diverted from the protected airborne platform and a large miss distance of the attacking missile (tens to hundreds of meters) is assured.
US08049652B2
A coarse reference ladder provides a plurality of coarse references. A coarse ADC receives an input voltage. The coarse ADC performs a first comparison of the input voltage and the plurality of coarse references and outputs a coarse output. A switch matrix is configured to close a switch based on the coarse output. An input line corresponding to a coarse reference is coupled to the switch matrix. The input line is precharged to the input voltage. The input line settles from the precharged input voltage to the coarse reference. A fine reference ladder provides a plurality of fine references based on the coarse reference. A fine ADC receives the input voltage and performs a second comparison of the input voltage and the plurality of fine references and outputs a fine output. Logic outputs a digital output for the input voltage based on the coarse output and the fine output.
US08049650B2
A method for testing a digital to analog converter, which operates in an undersampling environment, wherein signals of a tested DAC and a signal generator are modulated by a PWM device and then processed by a digital processing circuit to generate a digital signal, whereby is formed a low-speed equivalent ADC. The signal generator is provided by uniform-distribution random test patterns, and the signal generator generates an uniform-distribution random analog signal to the equivalent ADC. Thereby, the test error caused by the non-ideality of the signal generator is corrected, and the tested circuit can work in a full speed.
US08049647B2
A capacitive keyboard device with a keystroke triggering threshold adaptively adjustable capability is proposed, which is designed for integration to an electronic unit, such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) computers, mobile phone unit, and calculator, for use as a data input device for the electronic unit. The proposed capacitive keyboard device is characterized by the operation of a triggering threshold adaptive adjustment function that can adaptively adjust the keystroke triggering threshold of the capacitive keyboard device in response to the user's habitual key-pressing action during each use, which also takes account of all internal factors (such as decay of the capacitor structure) and external factors (such as physical characteristics of the user's fingers). This feature allows the capacitive keyboard device to be reliable in operation for long period of use.
US08049645B2
A cylindrical cover-attached encoder apparatus, including a magnetic metal-based body having a cylindrical shape, a magnetic rubber-based encoder having a cylindrical shape and formed around the outer peripheral surface of said magnetic metal-based cylindrical body, and a nonmagnetic material-based cover having a cylindrical shape and adapted to be mounted on said magnetic rubber-based encoder for covering the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of said magnetic rubber-based encoder.
US08049642B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location. Providing such functionality allows for: (a) verification that a remote disconnect switch did open subsequent to an instruction or command to do so, (b) identification of possible user fraud, as would possibly be reflected by the presence of voltage at a time when the remote disconnect switch is open, (c) verification that the remote disconnect switch did re-close after having been given an instruction or command to close, and (d) verification of lack of voltage present before re-closing such remote disconnect switch, which serves an important safety feature.
US08049641B2
This indicator unit includes a light source portion and a lens member including a first reflecting portion reflecting light received from the light source portion in a prescribed direction, a second reflecting portion reflecting the light reflected by the first reflecting portion and light received from the light source portion in a front direction intersecting with the prescribed direction and a display portion displaying the light reflected by the second reflecting portion in the front direction. The light source portion is so arranged that the anteroposterior position thereof overlaps the second reflecting portion.
US08049640B2
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a mirror reflector established at a surface of the mirror reflective element other than the first surface of the glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a plastic molding circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the glass substrate. The plastic molding includes a portion that (a) abuts the circumferential edge of the glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to the first surface of the glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
US08049637B2
According embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for sensor-level machine monitoring are provided. In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a system for monitoring a machine. The system may include a first sensor including a first processor and a second sensor including a second processor. The system may further include a communication trunk in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and operable to communicate sensor data between each of the first processor and the second processor. The first sensor and the second sensor are operable to generate sensor data associated with at least one machine condition. Further, at least one of the first processor or the second processor is operable to analyze sensor data generated by each of the first sensor and the second sensor and determine at least one machine fault based at least in part on the sensor data.
US08049635B2
An apparatus for processing input signals includes a signal receiver, a comparator, first and second drivers, and a calculator. The signal receiver is used for receiving input signals. The comparator compares the input signals with predetermined signals and generates unit signals representing a corresponding comparison result. The first driver generates first drive signals according to the unit signals. The calculator generates a result signal according to the unit signals. The second driver generates a second drive signal according to the result signal.
US08049629B2
A linkage device that can be connected with other linkage devices and to itself, the linkage device comprising a strip having a first end and a second end, a closure hub attached to the first end of the strip and having an opening to receive a second end and a locking mechanism within the closure hub, a connecting surface protruding from the strip operable to secure the second end within a closure device, and a tampering detection device connected to the linkage device.
US08049625B1
An RFID tag's mobility can be increased and cost can be decreased by using high-performance mobile power antennas instead of battery powered tags. Disclosed are some power antennas that include a half wave rectifier, a full wave rectifier, and a voltage multiplier. These antennas can be cascaded to boost the power or voltage gain. Additionally, planar elements can be added to increase efficiency without decreasing mobility.
US08049624B2
To provide a wireless communication method in the case where communication of a wireless signal from a communication device to a semiconductor device can be ensured, communication of a wireless signal can be ensured without using a repeater even when communication of a wireless signal from a semiconductor device to a communication device is difficult due to an external factor such as an obstacle. A plurality of semiconductor devices operate in selectively switching between a first state in which the first wireless signal transmitted from the communication device is received and a second state in which the second wireless signal transmitted from the semiconductor device is received. The semiconductor device in the second state receives the second wireless signal from the semiconductor device in the first state and transmits to the communication device the second wireless signal including detection data for indicating that the second wireless signal is received.
US08049622B2
Multiple RFID integrated circuit microradio chips are located at the feed point of an RFID tag antenna for greater, reliability, elimination of testing and to take advantage of coherent microradio operation for increased gain and power, better signal-to-noise ratios, improved range and low bit error rates.
US08049618B2
An indoor location system having a sensor and a method for checking an indoor location using the indoor location system are disclosed. The method includes: calculating a current location coordinate by using nodes; calculating a first movement distance by comparing the current location coordinate and a stored previous location coordinate; calculating a second movement distance through a sensor; and storing the current location coordinate instead of the previous location coordinate when the distance between the first movement distance and the second movement distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Accordingly, an accurate location of an object can be recognized indoors and an error can be prevented from being caused when the location of the object is recognized.
US08049609B2
An in-vehicle display device includes (a) a display unit provided on a surface of an instrument panel of a vehicle, opposed to a windshield of the vehicle, and configured to indicate a plurality of information dots V in a row or in a rectangular array on the windshield such that the necessary information dots are selectably displayed from among the plurality of the information dots and superposed upon a real image viewed through the windshield, (b) a target information acquisition unit that obtains target information of which a driver of the vehicle is to be notified, and (c) a display control unit that controls the display unit and makes the display unit indicate the predetermined information dots V that correspond to the target information that has been obtained by the target information acquisition unit.
US08049608B2
A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof. The control module determines the distance of travel of the brake cylinder piston based on at least one of the displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, the equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, the pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, the pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof.
US08049599B2
A controllable light bulb comprises an electrical connector, a receiver module, an electronic switch, a translucent casing, and a light producing element. The electrical connector receives a power signal. The receiver module is powered by the power signal received via the electrical connector and determines control parameters based upon on/off modulation of the power signal. The receiver module generates a control signal based upon the control parameters while the power signal is on. The electronic switch outputs an output power signal and reduces the output power signal based on the control signal. The translucent casing encloses the light producing element. The light producing element receives the output power signal.
US08049593B2
A universal remote control apparatus and method for controlling various types of devices and equipments, the universal remote control apparatus includes a service profile generator which generates a service profile based on first device information and second device information that are recognized from at least one device, a service profile management unit which stores and manages the generated service profile, a service profile-based control unit which universally controls the at least one device based on the service profile, and a user interface unit which receives from a user a first selection on a first device object corresponding to the first device information and a second selection on a second device object corresponding to the second device information.
US08049589B2
A Balun circuit manufactured by integrate passive device (IPD) process is provided. The Balun circuit includes a substrate, a first coplanar spiral structure, and a second coplanar spiral structure. At least two first left half coils of the first coplanar spiral structure are electrically connected to the corresponding two first right half coils through a first intersecting structure. At least two second left half coils of the second coplanar spiral structure are electrically connected to the corresponding two second right half coils through a second intersecting structure. The two ends of the second coplanar spiral structure are electrically connected to the innermost second left half coil and the second right half coil respectively. The first left half coils and the second left half coils are interlaced, and so are the first right half coils and the second right half coils interlaced.
US08049585B2
A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.
US08049575B2
A directional coupler provides at least two coupled lines, at least three ports and at least one inductor. A high-frequency signal is transmitted from the first coupled line to the second coupled line. The circuit is constructed in stripline technology. In this context, the second coupled line provides a forward path and a return path, which are connected to a port. An inductor is connected in series to the return path.
US08049566B1
A receiver includes a feedback low noise amplifier (LNA). The feedback LNA has an LNA gain and includes an LNA input configured to receive a signal from an antenna and an LNA output configured to output an amplified voltage signal. The receiver also includes a resistive element, having a resistance, coupled to the LNA output and configured to convert the amplified voltage signal into a current. The receiver also includes a current commuting mixer coupled to the resistive element and configured to receive the current from the resistive element, where the current output by the resistive element is determined at least in part by the amplified voltage signal and the resistance of the resistive element.
US08049563B2
The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
US08049550B2
A device that includes: (i) an evaluated circuit; (ii) a leakage current dependent oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a leakage current of the evaluated circuit; (iii) a switching current dependent oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a switching induced current of the evaluated circuit; (iv) a power reduction module that is configured to: (a) compare between an oscillation frequency of the leakage current dependent oscillator and an oscillation frequency of the switching current dependent oscillator, to provide a current comparison result; (b) select a power reduction technique out of a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling technique and a power gating technique in view of the current comparison result; and (c) apply the selected power reduction technique.
US08049547B2
A semiconductor device includes a first signal generator that generates a plurality of second signals having a delay relative to a first signal and having states that change at different timings. A second signal generator generates a third signal having a delay relative to the first signal. A detector detects a delay amount based on the states of the second signals when a state of the third signal changes. The first signal generator and the second signal generator are different from each other in an amount of change in delay relative to a change in an operating state.
US08049546B2
A flip-flop, and a frequency divider and an RF circuit using the flip-flop. The frequency divider, which receives a first signal and generates a second signal by dividing a frequency of the first signal, including a plurality of flip-flops that each latch and output a signal based on the first signal; and at least one switch unit that is switched in response to a control signal to modify a signal transfer path between the plurality of the flip-flops, wherein a different number of flip-flops are activated in response to each first and second status of the control signal so that the frequency of the first signal is divided by different multiples.
US08049545B2
The DLL circuit includes a control circuit which controls bias currents of the unit delay circuits according to an externally input column address strobe writing latency (CWL) signal, and/or a DCC control circuit which adjusts steps of a DCC current of the DCC according to the externally input column address strobe writing latency (CWL) signal. The CWL signal may be input by a semiconductor memory device and may be indicative of a column address strobe writing latency of the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device may be a double data rate (DDR) synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) device.
US08049543B2
A delay locked loop controls a plurality of delay blocks included in a delay line and thus generate a plurality of clock signals which have a frequency obtained by multiplying a frequency of a reference clock signal, an accurate phase delay, and a constant duty cycle. The delay locked loop calculates an initial delay value and applies it to the delay blocks, thereby preventing harmonic locking and reducing locking time.
US08049541B2
A charge pump for use in a Phase Locked Loop/Delay Locked Loop minimizes static phase error through the use of an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier also mitigates the effects of low power supply voltage.
US08049538B2
A shift register capable of supplying only a necessary clock signal to a necessary unit register with simple constitution. A semiconductor device is provided with a shift register in which a plurality of stages of unit registers is connected, in which the unit register comprises a flip-flop circuit, a first switch and a second switch, a first clock signal line is electrically connected to the flip-flop circuit through the first switch, a second clock signal line is electrically connected to the flip-flop circuit through the second switch, the first switch is controlled to be on/off by an output signal from the flip-flop circuit, and the second switch is controlled to be on/off by an input signal to the flip-flop circuit.
US08049530B2
A method and circuitry for calibration of the output impedance of output driver circuits in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The output drivers within an area on the integrated circuit are defined as a group, and an output model indicative of the operation of the output drivers and used to calibrate their output impedances is provided proximate to the output drivers. A state machine is used to query each output model, and to set the proper output enable signals for the enable transistors in the output drivers in each group so as to calibrate their output impedances. By decentralizing the output models, the process used to form the output models will, due to proximity to the output drivers in each group, be indicative of the process used to form the output drivers. Thus, when each group of output drivers is calibrated, the output models used for each will compensate for process variations as may occur across the surface of the integrated circuit. Each group of output drivers is thus separately calibrated, with the result that the output impedances are made more uniform across the various output drivers despite process variations.
US08049528B2
An electrical drive system includes an electrical machine controlled by an electronic controller, which requires feedback of signals representing quantities associated with the operation of the electrical machine. These signals may represent, for example, flux, current and/or rotor position. The integrity of these signals is validated by setting suitable thresholds for the signals and confirming that both are present at the appropriate time.
US08049525B2
A parallelism adjusting mechanism of a probe card is provided. The parallelism adjusting mechanism can bring probes held by a probe card into uniform contact with a wafer even if a parallelism between a mounting reference surface for the probe card and the wafer as a test object is lost. To achieve this purpose, specifically, to adjust a parallelism of a probe card (101) that holds a plurality of probes (1) for electrically connecting a wafer (31) as a test object and a circuitry for generating a signal for a test with respect to the wafer (31), adjusting screws (22) as at least part of an inclination changing unit are provided. The inclination changing unit changes a degree of inclination of the probe card (101) with respect to a mounting reference surface (S1) of a prober (202) for mounting the probe card (101) thereon.
US08049517B2
A sensor for detecting a substance in a physical space, having an RF energy emitter fed by a signal source on one side of the space and an RF energy receiving element coupled to a detector at an opposite side of the channel, spaced apart by a distance (r) selected so that when the signal wavelength (λ) changes based on the value of the dielectric constant (∈) of the particular substance in the physical space between the emitter and receiver, the mode of field type within the sensor channel changes between near field and intermediate or far field mode.
US08049514B2
Methods and systems that include a nanotube used as an emitter in the testing and fabrication of integrated circuits. The nanotube emits a signal to a substrate. Based on the signal or the electrical properties, e.g., current induced in the substrate by the signal, the region of the substrate is characterized. The characterization includes topology of the region of the substrate such as determining whether a recess in the substrate has a proper depth or other dimensions or characteristics of the substrate.
US08049512B2
A circuit board with embedded components includes a plurality of embedded components and at least one transmission line electrically connected to at least one of the embedded components and having a terminal circuit. Therefore, a measuring device is used to be electrically connected to the transmission line and send out a signal, so as to receive a corresponding reflected signal, and then, compare the received reflected signal with a signal pattern in the database to obtain an electrical parameter of the embedded component.
US08049509B2
A battery information acquiring apparatus includes a voltage acquiring unit which acquires an inter-terminal voltage of the battery cell; a battery information acquiring circuit which acquires battery information of the battery cell with the acquired voltage being supplied as a first power supply voltage and; a radio circuit which transmits a signal of the battery information to the management unit via the antenna with the acquired voltage being supplied as a second power supply voltage and; a rectification circuit which receives a radio signal from the management unit via the antenna, rectify the received radio signal and generate a DC voltage; and a control circuit which controls supply of the first and second power supply voltages to the battery information acquiring circuit and the radio circuit wherein the control circuit operates with the generated DC voltage being supplied as a third power supply voltage.
US08049507B2
A transmitter on an instrument is used to induce currents in an earth formation when it is turned on or off. A Fourier transform is applied to transient measurements made in the receivers. A multifrequency focusing of the transformed data is used for applications like determination of a distance to an interface in the formation, controlling the drilling direction, determination of formation resistivities and formation strike directions.
US08049503B2
A system includes a body-insertable apparatus disposed while introduced in a subject in a detection space, and an external apparatus disposed on the outside of the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes a first switch for connecting/interrupting a resonance circuit and an oscillation circuit or a ground line. The external apparatus includes a drive coil driving unit for outputting a drive signal having the resonance frequency; a drive coil for generating the drive magnetic field in the detection space in accordance with the drive signal; and a second switch for connecting/interrupting the drive coil driving unit and the drive coil. The second switch connects the drive coil driving unit and the drive coil when the first switch is off, and disconnects them when the first switch is on. The resonance circuit generates the resonance magnetic field in accordance with the induction signal or the drive magnetic field.
US08049501B2
A multi-frequency imaging radio frequency (RF) coil operational at three or more different frequencies, with a shifting frequency loop structure proximate the coil and switchably coupled to provide different frequencies when the loop structure is coupled to the coil. In one embodiment one of the frequencies is a proton frequency, one is a sodium frequency, and one of the frequencies is a carbon frequency. One example involves imaging examinations using hyperpolarized compounds.
US08049498B1
Through advancing the phase of radio frequency (RF) excitation with each phase-encoding level, a method, apparatus and article thereof increases the effectiveness of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device by correcting for main magnetic field inhomogeneities without noticeably decreasing the signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. Increased effectiveness of fast imaging with steady precession (FISP) scans and using FISP scans to image multiple slices. In an MRI device, a patient is subjected to a constant magnetic field, and RF pulses are used to excite the nuclei in the patient's body, which release a corresponding RF signal as the nuclei relax, which is measured and mapped into a visual display. The RF pulses used to excite the nuclei cooperate with a slice select gradient and a phase-encoding gradient. When the RF pulse is phase shifted with each phase-encoding gradient level, improved SNR ratios are observed.
US08049491B2
In a position detecting device including a movable member provided in a displaceable manner on a base member, and a proximity sensor which detects the position of the movable member, the proximity sensor includes a magnetic field generating portion, a detecting portion which detects a change in magnetic field according to the displacement of the movable member, and a protruding portion made of a nonmagnetic material, which protrudes toward an object to be detected. A seat position detecting device of a vehicle including the configuration of the position detecting device mentioned above is provided. The base member is comprised of a lower rail which is fixedly installed on a floor of a vehicle body, and the movable member is comprised of an upper rail which is attached to a seat for a vehicle and slidably engaged with the lower rail and which is allowed to be fixed in arbitrary sliding positions on the lower rail.
US08049485B2
A measuring device for measuring the alternating current (AC) loss of a high-temperature superconductor is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a pulse power supply unit, which outputs pulse power in a cycle, a lead wire, which is formed on both sides of the pulse power supply unit and applies the pulse power to a superconductor, a degaussing coil unit, which is connected to one side of the superconductor and cancels an inductive voltage, a shunt unit, which is serially connected between one side of the degaussing coil unit and one side of the pulse power supply unit, and a measurement unit, which is connected to both ends of the shunt unit and measures an electric current flowing through the superconductor.
US08049483B2
A reference voltage generation circuit comprises: a first depletion mode FET; a second depletion mode FET; a first resistor; a first bipolar transistor; a second resistor; a second bipolar transistor; a third bipolar transistor; a third resistor; a third depletion mode FET having its drain connected to a second end of the first resistor and to the collector of the first bipolar transistor; and a fourth bipolar transistor having its base and collector connected to the gate and the source of the third depletion mode FET, and its emitter grounded, wherein source voltage of the second depletion mode FET is output as a reference voltage.
US08049481B2
Adaptive multi-mode digital control schemes that improve the light-load efficiency (and thus the overall average efficiency) in switch-mode power converters without causing performance issues such as audible noises or excessive voltage ripples. Embodiments include a switch-mode power converter that reduces current in the power converter using a second pulse-width-modulation (PWM) mode before reaching switching frequencies that generate audible noises. As the load across the output of the power converter is reduced, the power converter transitions from a first PWM mode in high load conditions to a first pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) mode, then to a second PWM mode, and finally to a second PFM mode. During the second PFM mode, the switching frequency is dropped to audible frequency levels. Current in the power converter, however, is reduced in the second PWM mode before transitioning to the second PFM mode. Therefore, the power converter produces less or no audible noise in light load conditions where the switching frequency drops to audible frequency levels, while achieving high efficiency across varying load conditions.
US08049479B2
In a non-isolated DC/DC converter, a reference potential for a low-side pre-driver which drives a gate of a low-side MOSFET is applied from a portion except for a main circuit passing through a high-side MOSFET and the low-side MOSFET so that a parasitic inductance between a source of the low-side MOSFET and the pre-driver is increased without increasing the sum of parasitic inductances in the main circuit and negative potential driving of the gate of the low-side MOSFET can be performed and a self turn-on phenomenon can be prevented without adding any member and changing drive system.
US08049477B2
An apparatus and a method for a bias modulator using a Zero Current Switching (ZCS) are provided. The bias modulator includes a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal generator for converting an input envelope signal to a PWM signal; a PWM/ZCS converter for calculating the number of ZCS control signals to be provided within an on-time duration of the PWM signal and generating at least one ZCS control signal according to the number of the ZCS control signals; and a ZCS switching regulator for generating a bias current according to the ZCS control signal.
US08049475B2
A voltage regulator circuit comprises an error amplifier for generating an error signal responsive to a reference voltage in a feedback signal. A feedback circuit provides the feedback voltage signal to the error amplifier and a driver circuit provides regulated output voltage responsive to the input voltage in the error signal. Short circuit protection circuitry selectively protects transistors within the error amplifier, the feedback amplifier and the driver circuit responsive to a short circuit protection enablement signal.
US08049472B2
Single inductor multiple output (SIMO) switching devices with efficient regulating circuits. The SIMO switching device includes a plurality of time division multiplexing (TDM) switches for switching current through an inductor of the SIMO switching device. The plurality of TDM switches produces a plurality of outputs. The SIMO switching device further includes an error calculation circuit operatively coupled to the plurality of outputs for determining a calculated error from the plurality of outputs; a time slot generation circuit for controlling the plurality of TDM switches according to the calculated error; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit operatively coupled to the time slot generation circuit for controlling a plurality of PWM switches of a switching stage of the SIMO switching device in a continuous conduction mode (CCM) of operation. The PWM switches are controlled according to the time slots generated by the time slot generation circuit.
US08049469B2
A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.
US08049465B2
Various systems and methods for determining micro-shorts are disclosed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide battery systems including a determination of potential micro-shorts based on rate of change of state of charge. Such battery systems include: a battery, a processor, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the processor to: determine a rate of change of the state of charge of the battery; compare the rate of change of the state of charge of the battery against a threshold; and indicate a potential failure where the result of the comparison is beyond the threshold.
US08049463B2
A stacked battery module or a battery pack is formed by laying a plurality of unit batteries of non-aqueous electrolyte batteries in layers with the surfaces thereof having a large area disposed vis-à-vis and electrically connecting them in series and a temperature fuse is arranged in the central part of the stacked battery module with one of its terminals connected to either the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of the stacked battery module while the other terminal connected to a charging terminal for supplying a charging current in a charging operation. One of the terminals of the stacked battery module is connected to a discharging terminal for taking out a discharging current in a discharging operation and the other terminal of the stacked battery module is a common terminal for charging and discharging operations.
US08049459B2
A blower motor assembly having a variable speed motor that is suitable for direct, drop-in replacement in a residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that employs a PSC motor. The blower motor assembly includes at least a neutral input and two hot AC line connections, one for connection to the heating power source and the other to the cooling power source. A sensing circuit senses which of the inputs is energized by sensing either voltage or current on the inputs. The sensing circuit delivers a corresponding signal to a motor controller to control the speed of the variable speed motor. The blower motor assembly may also be equipped with additional hot AC inputs, more than one neutral line, and several sensing circuits for sensing current or voltage in the hot inputs and/or the neutral lines for controlling various aspects of the variable speed motor.
US08049456B2
Dynamoelectric machine assemblies operable with serial communication signals and PWM control signals
A dynamoelectric machine assembly for connection to a system controller. The assembly includes at least one input contact for receiving a control signal from the system controller and a processor coupled to the input contact. The processor is configured to operate the assembly in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode when the control signal is a PWM control signal and to operate the assembly in a serial mode when the control signal is a serial communication signal.
US08049455B2
Specific anomalies and details of failures as well as measures thereagainst are described that might possibly occur in electric power converters that drive and control permanent-magnet synchronous motors. An electric power converter capable of stable operation has a protective function of taking proper measures against such failures that might possibly occur.
US08049454B2
A rough and fine movement device capable of moving a mobile body with high accuracy, and a liquid supply device incorporating such a device. First and second mobile bodies are movable along guide members with a connection member connecting the mobile bodies in a relatively movable manner. A first drive mechanism roughly moves the first mobile body by a first stroke. A second drive mechanism between the first and the second mobile bodies, finely moves the second mobile body relative to the first mobile body by a second stroke. The second drive mechanism on one of the first and second mobile bodies and includes an actuator having a contactor with a first contact surface. The other of the bodies includes a second contact surface which contacts the first contact surface. At least one of the first contact surface or the second contact surface is spherical.
US08049447B2
Circuitry for controlling motors, such as a brushless motor (BLM), is disclosed. The circuitry may comprise one or more inputs for receiving rotor position signals from one or more Hall effect sensors that detect the position of, for example, a BLM rotor. The circuitry may also comprise an input for receiving a pulse width modulated speed control signal. The circuitry generates one or more drive signals, each of which may comprise a logical combination (e.g., a logical AND combination) of the speed control signal and a rotor position signal, for controlling power switches that are coupled to electromagnets of the BLM.
US08049444B2
A soft-start circuit includes a power source, a switch, a capacitor and a regeneration brake circuit. The regeneration brake circuit absorbs a return current. The regeneration brake circuit includes a resistor, a diode and a transistor. The resistor is connected between two poles of the power source via the transistor. The diode is connected between the resistor and the positive pole of the power source via the switch. The capacitor is connected between the negative pole of the diode and the transistor. The switch is connected between the negative pole of the diode and resistor. When the switch turns off, the power charges the capacitor via the resistor and the diode of the regeneration brake circuit. When the switch turns on, the return current turns the transistor on, and the resistor absorbs the return current.
US08049440B2
The present invention uses the capacitive, inductive, or resistive impedance component to constitute the first impedance, and uses the inductive impedance component and capacitive impedance component which will not produce parallel resonance after parallel connection to constitute the second impedance, whereby the first impedance and the second impedance are series connected for inputting pulsed DC power, and the divided power generated at the two ends of the first or second impedance is rectified to drive the uni-directional light emitting diode.
US08049437B2
A method for real time control of lighting system includes the steps of: providing a computer, a SCM (2), a digital-to-analog converter (3), and at least one power amplifier (41, 42, 43) connected to the digital-to-analog converter, each of the at least one power amplifiers connects with a lamp; receiving light control data inputted by a user; transmitting the light control data to the SCM; processing the light control data received by the SCM, and generating digital signals by the SCM; transmitting the digital signals to the digital-to-analog converter; converting the digital signals into an analog signals by the digital-to-analog converter, and transmitting the analog signals to the at least one power amplifier; and amplifying the analog signals and controlling the corresponding lamp connected to the at least one power amplifier. A system for real time control of the lighting system is also provided.
US08049428B2
The present invention is disclosed by that the series connected capacitive impedance and inductive impedance are powered by a pulsed power, thereby to produce the bi-directional divided power in series resonance at each impedance, and be rectified by a rectifier device to provide DC power output to drive the unidirectional conducting light emitting diode.
US08049427B2
A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to and thus the intensity of a lighting load comprises a visual display operable to provide a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. The visual display may comprise a single visual indicator or a linear array of visual indicators. The visual display is illuminated in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and is illuminated in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity. For example, the single visual indicator may be illuminated a first color, such as green, when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second different color, such as red, when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity.
US08049426B2
An electrostatic fluid accelerator includes an electrode array comprising an array of corona discharge electrodes and an array of accelerating electrodes for moving a fluid. A detector is configured to sense a constituent component of the fluid. A control circuit supplies power to the electrode array and operates the electrostatic fluid accelerator in response to an output from the detector.
US08049423B2
A PDP includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to face each other, a plurality of address electrodes on the first substrate, a plurality of display electrodes on the second substrate, the display electrodes facing the first substrate and crossing the address electrodes, a first dielectric layer on the second substrate, the display electrodes being between the first dielectric layer and the second substrate, a first protective layer on the dielectric layer, the first protective layer including a low work function material, and a second protective layer on the first protective layer, the second protective layer including a high work function material and openings exposing the first protective layer in regions corresponding to the display electrodes.
US08049411B2
Provided are an organic electroluminescence device, which shows high luminous efficiency, is free of any pixel defect, and has a long lifetime, and a material for an organic electroluminescence device for realizing the device. The material for an organic electroluminescence device is a compound having a π-conjugated heteroacene skeleton crosslinked with a carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, or sulfur atom. The organic electroluminescence device has one or more organic thin film layers including a light emitting layer between a cathode and an anode, and at least one layer of the organic thin film layers contains the material for an organic electroluminescence device.
US08049396B2
A piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric ultrasonic motor. The piezoelectric ultrasonic motor includes: a piezoelectric body that generates a traveling wave according to an applied voltage signal; a vibrator that is attached to the piezoelectric body and vibrates; and a rotator that contacts the vibrator and is rotated by friction with the vibrating vibrator, wherein the rotator includes a plate spring member having a contact portion that contacts the vibrator, a support member that is coupled to the plate spring member and supports the plate spring member, and a buffer space defined by the plate spring member and the support member.
US08049394B2
A micro oscillating element includes a frame and an oscillation section connected to the frame via a torsional joining section. The oscillation section includes a movable functional section, an arm section and a first comb-tooth electrode. The arm section extends from the functional section. The first comb-tooth electrode includes first electrode teeth extending from the arm section in a direction intersecting the arm section. The micro oscillating element further includes a second comb-tooth electrode to cooperate with the first comb-tooth electrode for causing the oscillation section to oscillate about an oscillation axis defined by the torsional joining section. The second comb-tooth, electrode includes second electrode teeth extending from the frame in a direction intersecting the arm section.
US08049389B2
An axial gap motor includes a rotor and a stator, and the rotor includes within a rotor frame a plurality of main magnet pieces which are disposed in a circumferential direction in such a manner that their magnetized direction is in a rotational axis direction and magnetic members which are disposed on surfaces of at least one sides in the rotational axis direction of the main magnet pieces. The magnetic member has a fitting portion on one end face in a radial direction of the rotor thereof which is adapted to fit in the rotor frame.
US08049385B2
A fluid deflecting baffle is provided for use on an electric motor to be used in an environment where liquid may otherwise pass through a vent opening in an endshield of the motor. The baffle is secureable to the endshield and extends in a partial covering relationship with the vent opening. The baffle includes a vent passage therethrough and has at least one liquid flow obstructing louver that extends across the vent opening to deflect liquid away from the vent passage while allowing venting air to flow through the vent passage. The louver includes a generally flat liquid deflection surface that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the axis of the motor and at least partially faces a venting direction of incoming air and fluid.
US08049374B2
A mover assembly of a reciprocating motor includes: a mover body disposed at a gap between an inner stator and an outer stator; permanent magnets fixed at an outer circumferential surface of the mover body and reciprocally moved together with the mover body in a direction of an induction magnetic field between the inner stator and the outer stator; and a mixed member made of a fiber and a resin to cover and fix the permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are arranged at an outer circumferential face of the mover body, covered with the mixed member obtained by mixing a fiber and a resin, and hardened to be fixed. Therefore, the permanent magnets can be firmly and easily fixed at the mover body. In addition, by molding the mover body with a non-magnetic and non-conductive material, leakage of the magnetic force of the permanent magnets can be prevented.
US08049370B2
An inductive power transmission platform includes a plurality of inductive power outlets connected to a common driver via individual power switches. The inductive power outlets are configured to couple with inductive power receivers to provide power to electrical loads wired thereto. The switches may be configured to remain closed while current passes therethrough. The common driver may be used to manage the power drawn by the transmission platform to each of the inductive power outlets.
US08049361B2
A wireless adapter for use with a two-wire process control loop is configured to couple to a process field device in an industrial process control system. The wireless adapter is coupled to the two-wire process control loop and provides wireless communication to the process field device. The adapter includes first and second loop terminals configured to couple in series with the two-wire process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry is coupled to the first and second loop terminals and is adapted to provide wireless communication to the process field device. Loop current bypass circuitry is electrically connected between the first and second loop terminals and is configured to provide a loop current path therebetween in response to an open circuit in wireless communication circuitry.
US08049349B2
A power generation control device can include a switching circuit which controls an output of a generator. A periodical power charge control unit can be configured to allow the switching circuit to the operated in a zone including a combustion stroke of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and in an periodical power charge control range preset from in a zone which does not overlap a compression stroke of another cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
US08049327B2
A semiconductor device having one or more through-silicon vias (TSVs) is provided. The TSVs are formed such that sidewalls of the TSVs have a scalloped surface. In an embodiment, the sidewalls of the TSVs are sloped wherein a top and bottom of the TSVs have different dimensions. The TSVs may have a V-shape wherein the TSVs have a wider dimension on a circuit side of the substrate, or an inverted V-shape wherein the TSVs have a wider dimension on a backside of the substrate. The scalloped surfaces of the sidewalls and/or sloped sidewalls allow the TSVs to be more easily filled with a conductive material such as copper.
US08049325B2
An integrated circuit substrate includes an integrated circuit chip having a plurality of electrically conductive pads on a surface thereof and a printed circuit board mounted to the integrated circuit chip. The printed circuit board includes an alternating arrangement of first and second electrically conductive bond fingers. These first and second bond fingers are elevated at first and second different heights, respectively, relative to the plurality of electrically conductive pads. The printed circuit board also includes a first plurality of electrically insulating pedestals supporting respective ones of the first electrically conductive bond fingers at elevated heights relative to the second electrically conductive bond fingers. First and second pluralities of electrical interconnects (e.g., wires, beam leads) are also provided. The first plurality of electrical interconnects operate to electrically connect first ones of the plurality of electrically conductive pads to respective ones of the first electrically conductive bond fingers. The second plurality of electrical interconnects electrically connect second ones of the plurality of electrically conductive pads to respective ones of the second electrically conductive bond fingers.
US08049324B1
An integrated circuit (IC) package includes a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate and a plurality of package attachment terminals. The package attachment terminals are used to conduct electrical signals from a die that is attached and bonded onto the PCB substrate. The PCB substrate has a side edge and includes a plurality of electrically-conductive paths. Each one of the plurality of paths includes an electroplated bond pad, a trace, and a stub trace. The die is connected to the bond pad and the trace couples the bond pad to a respective one of the package attachment terminals. The stub trace is used to facilitate the electroplating process. The stub trace extends from the trace and terminates at a distance away from the side edge. The stub trace is not visible from the side of the IC package and therefore prevents access to IC buses on the package.
US08049322B2
A method for making an integrated circuit package-in-package system includes: forming a first integrated circuit package including a first device and a first substrate and having a first interface; stacking a second integrated circuit package including a second device and a second substrate and having a second interface above the first integrated circuit package; and fitting the first interface directly on the second interface.
US08049312B2
A semiconductor die package includes: an assembly including a semiconductor die, a clip structure attached to an upper surface of the semiconductor die, and a heat sink attached to an upper surface of the clip structure; and a molding material partially encapsulating the assembly, wherein an upper surface of the heat sink is exposed through the molding material.
US08049309B2
In one embodiment, an edge seal region of a semiconductor die is formed by forming a first dielectric layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate near an edge of the semiconductor die and extending across into a scribe grid region of the semiconductor substrate. Another dielectric layer is formed overlying the first dielectric layer. An opening is formed through the first and second dielectric layers. The second dielectric layer is used as a mask for forming a doped region on the semiconductor substrate through the opening. A metal is formed that electrically contacts the doped region and an exterior edge of the first dielectric layer within the opening.
US08049307B2
Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices are presented. An IGBT-ESD device includes a semiconductor substrate and patterned insulation regions disposed on the semiconductor substrate defining a first active region and a second active region. A high-V N-well is formed in the first active region of the semiconductor substrate. A P-body doped region is formed in the second active region of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the high-V N-well and the P-body doped region are separated with a predetermined distance exposing the semiconductor substrate. A P+ doped drain region is disposed in the high-V N-well. A P+ diffused region and an N+ doped source region are disposed in the P-body doped region. A gate structure is disposed on the semiconductor substrate with one end adjacent to the N+ doped source region and the other end extending over the insulation region.
US08049298B2
A first dielectric plug is formed in a portion of a trench that extends into a substrate of a memory device so that an upper surface of the first dielectric plug is recessed below an upper surface of the substrate. The first dielectric plug has a layer of a first dielectric material and a layer of a second dielectric material formed on the layer of the first dielectric material. A second dielectric plug of a third dielectric material is formed on the upper surface of the first dielectric plug.
US08049296B2
A deep isolation trench extending from the main surface of a substrate to a desired depth is formed on the substrate with an insulating film in buried in it to form a through isolation portion. Subsequently, after a MOSFET is formed on the main surface of the substrate, an interlayer insulating film is deposited on the main surface of the substrate. Then, a deep conduction trench extending from the upper surface of the interlayer insulating film to a depth within the thickness of the substrate is formed in a region surrounded by the through isolation portion. Subsequently, a conductive film is buried in the deep conduction trench to form through interconnect portion. Then, after the undersurface of the substrate is ground and polished to an extent not to expose the through isolation portion and the through interconnect portion, wet etching is performed to an extent to expose parts of the lower portion of each of the through isolation portion and the through interconnect portion.
US08049295B2
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a first well region of a first conductivity type overlying the substrate, a second well region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type overlying the substrate, a cushion region between and adjoining the first and the second well regions, an insulation region in a portion of the first well region and extending from a top surface of the first well region into the first well region, a gate dielectric extending from over the first well region to over the second well region, wherein the gate dielectric has a portion over the insulation region, and a gate electrode on the gate dielectric.
US08049291B2
A sensor includes a substrate provided with a circuit element forming region and a photodiode forming region, the substrate having a silicon substrate, an insulating layer on the silicon substrate, and a silicon layer on the insulating layer; a photodiode in the silicon layer; a circuit element in the silicon layer; a first interlayer insulating film formed over the silicon layer; a first light-shielding film on the first interlayer film and having an opening in the photodiode forming region; and a first inter-region light-shielding plug arranged between the two regions, for connecting the silicon substrate and the first light-shielding film.
US08049283B2
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device with a deep trench structure for effectively isolating heavily doped wells of neighboring elements from each other at a high operating voltage. The semiconductor device with a deep trench structure includes a semiconductor substrate in which a first conductivity type well and a second conductivity type well having conductivity opposite to that of the first conductivity type well are formed, a gate oxide film and a gate electrode laminated on each of the first conductivity type well and the second conductivity type well, second conductivity type drift regions formed on both sides of the gate electrode formed on the first conductivity type well, first conductivity type drift regions formed on both sides of the gate electrode formed on the second conductivity type well, and a first isolation layer having a trench structure deeper than the first and second conductivity type wells and isolating the first conductivity type well and the second conductivity type well from each other.
US08049277B2
Methods and structures for semiconductor devices with STI regions in SOI substrates is provided. A semiconductor structure comprises an SOI epitaxy island formed over a substrate. The structure further comprises an STI structure surrounding the SOI island. The STI structure comprises a second epitaxial layer on the substrate, and a second dielectric layer on the second epitaxial layer. A semiconductor fabrication method comprises forming a dielectric layer over a substrate and surrounding a device fabrication region in the substrate with an isolation trench extending through the dielectric layer. The method also includes filling the isolation trench with a first epitaxial layer and forming a second epitaxial layer over the device fabrication region and over the first epitaxial layer. Then a portion of the first epitaxial layer is replaced with an isolation dielectric, and then a device such as a transistor is formed second epitaxial layer within the device fabrication region.
US08049274B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of trenches formed to extend in one direction in the semiconductor substrate, at least one connecting trench connecting at least two of the plurality of trenches to each other, a plurality of trench transistors including a plurality of gate electrodes, each gate electrode partially filling a corresponding trench, and a capping layer filling the at least one connecting trench.
US08049264B2
Method for producing a dielectric material on a semiconductor device and semiconductor deviceMethod for producing a dielectric material on semiconductor device with an atomic layer deposition procedure, whereby an aluminum oxide nitride or a silicon oxide nitride or an aluminum silicon oxide nitride layer is deposited comprising a rare earth metal-element.The invention describes a semiconductor device with a dielectric layer comprising aluminum oxide nitride or silicon oxide nitride or an aluminum silicon oxide nitride comprising a rare earth metal element.
US08049260B2
Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high-density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. A semiconductor memory device includes i) a total of no more than 68,000,000 functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in multiple memory arrays formed on a semiconductor die; and ii) circuitry formed on the semiconductor die permitting data to be written to and read from one or more of the memory cells, at least one of the memory arrays containing at least 100-square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 128 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells, more preferably, at least 100 square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 170 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells.
US08049256B2
A vertically-integrated active pixel sensor includes a sensor wafer connected to a support circuit wafer. Inter-wafer connectors or connector wires transfer signals between the sensor wafer and the support circuit wafer. The active pixel sensor can be fabricated by attaching the sensor wafer to a handle wafer using a removable interface layer. Once the sensor wafer is attached to the handle wafer, the sensor wafer is backside thinned to a given thickness. The support circuit wafer is then attached to the sensor wafer and the handle wafer separated from the sensor wafer.
US08049254B2
A semiconductor device comprises a gate structure on a semiconductor substrate and a recessed region in the semiconductor substrate. The recessed region has a widest lateral opening that is near a top surface of the semiconductor substrate. The widest lateral opening undercuts the gate structure.
US08049250B2
Circuit and method for RC power clamp triggered dual SCR ESD protection. In an integrated circuit, a protected pad is coupled to an upper SCR circuit and a lower SCR circuit; and both are coupled to the RC power clamp circuit, which is coupled between the positive voltage supply and the ground voltage supply. A structure for ESD protection is disclosed having a first well of a first conductivity type adjacent to a second well of a second conductivity type, the boundary forming a p-n junction, and a pad contact diffusion region in each well electrically coupled to a pad terminal; additional diffusions are provided proximate to and electrically isolated from the pad contact diffusion regions, the diffusion regions and first and second wells form two SCR devices. These SCR devices are triggered, during an ESD event, by current injected into the respective wells by an RC power clamp circuit.
US08049237B2
A light emitting device includes a substrate provided with a conductor wiring, a light emitting element mounted on the substrate and a light reflecting resin member configured and arranged to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element. The light emitting device also includes at least one of an electrically conductive wire electrically connecting the conductor wiring and the light emitting element, an exposed region of the substrate on which the conductor wiring is not disposed, and a protective element mounted on the conductor wiring. At least a part of the electrically conductive wire, the exposed region or the protective element is buried in the light reflecting resin member.
US08049230B2
In one embodiment, a surface-mount device comprises a casing having opposed, first and second main surfaces, side surfaces, and end surfaces. A lead frame partially encased by the casing comprises (1) an electrically conductive LED chip carrier part having a surface carrying a linear array of LEDs adapted to be energized to produce in combination a substantially full range of colors, each LED having a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, the first terminal of each of the LEDs being electrically and thermally coupled to the chip carrying surface of the chip carrier part; and (2) electrically conductive connection parts separate from the chip carrier part, each of the connection parts having a connection pad, the second terminal of each of the LEDs being electrically coupled to the connection pad of a corresponding one of the connection parts with a single wire bond. The linear array of LEDs extends in a first direction, and each of the chip carrier part and connection parts has a lead. The leads may be disposed in parallel relationship with each other and extend through the end surfaces of the casing in a second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction. An array of the surface-mount devices may be used in an LED display such as an indoor LED screen.
US08049229B2
A light emitting diode includes a current leakage passage electrically connected in parallel to an active layer to better protect the light emitting diode from static electricity. The light emitting diode includes a substrate, an n-type nitride semiconductor layer on the substrate, an active layer on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer on the active layer, a p-electrode on the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-electrode formed from the n-type semiconductor layer, exposed by etching, to a portion of the p-type semiconductor layer.
US08049225B2
An embodiment is to include a staggered (top gate structure) thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn is used as a semiconductor layer and a buffer layer is provided between the semiconductor layer and a source and drain electrode layers. The buffer layer having higher carrier concentration than the semiconductor layer is provided intentionally between the source and drain electrode layers and the semiconductor layer, whereby an ohmic contact is formed.
US08049215B2
A thin film transistor has a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer provided so as to cover the gate electrode layer; a pair of impurity semiconductor layers forming source and drain regions which is provided so that at least part of each of them overlaps the gate electrode layer and which are provided with a space therebetween; a microcrystalline semiconductor layer provided over the gate insulating layer in part of a channel length; a semiconductor layer provided over the gate insulating layer so as to cover at least the microcrystalline semiconductor layer; and an amorphous semiconductor layer provided between the semiconductor layer and the pair of impurity semiconductor layers. An impurity element which reduces the coordination number of silicon and generates dangling bonds is made to exist in the semiconductor layer.
US08049214B2
A pair of split-gate fin field effect transistors (finFETs) in an IC, each containing a signal gate and a control gate, in which an adjustable voltage source, preferably in the form of a digital-to-analog-converter (DAC), is connected to the control gate of one of the finFETs, is disclosed. Threshold measurement circuits on the signal gates enable a threshold adjustment voltage from the adjustable voltage source to reduce the threshold mismatch between the finFETs. Adding a second DAC to the second finFET allows a simpler DAC design. Threshold correction may be performed during the operational life of the IC. Implementations in a differential input stage of an amplifier and in a current mirror circuit are described.
US08049211B2
A disclosed laminate structure is capable of having its surface free energy changed with a small amount of UV irradiation. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the laminate structure; an electronic device having the laminate structure; an electronic device array having a plurality of the electronic devices; and a display apparatus having the electronic device array. The laminate structure includes a substrate 11, a wettability variable layer 12 disposed on the substrate, and a conducting layer 13 patterned on the wettability variable layer 12. The wettability variable layer 12 includes a material whose critical surface tension varies upon application of energy. The material with variable critical surface tension has a main chain and a side chain. The side chain has two or more sites of which the bond is cleaved upon absorption of energy.
US08049210B2
Provided is a thin film transistor including a substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed above the substrate so as to oppose each other, an organic semiconductor film disposed between the source electrode and the drain electrode to generate a channel region, and a gate electrode disposed opposite the organic semiconductor film via a gate insulating film. The gate electrode includes an aperture in the channel region.
US08049204B2
Semiconductor memory device having variable resistance element and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a variable resistance element including a first electrode, a current path forming region, and a second electrode. The current path forming region includes a first region made of a variable resistance material whose resistivity changes by applying voltage, and a second region formed by doping a metal element to the variable resistance material such that a resistivity of the second region is higher than that of the first region and is not changed by applying a voltage used to change the resistivity of the first region. The first region is in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, and extends from one electrode side to the other electrode side. The second region is provided outside the first region in at least part of the current path forming region in direction extending from one electrode side to the other electrode side.
US08049202B2
Phase change memory device having phase change material layer containing phase change nano particles
A phase change memory device including a phase change material layer having phase change nano particles and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The phase change memory device may include a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, a phase change material layer containing phase change nano particles interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and/or a switching device electrically connected to the first electrode. The phase change material layer may include an insulating material.
US08049201B2
A semiconductor memory device includes first conductive lines on a substrate, an interlayer insulating layer with a plurality of via holes on the substrate, second conductive lines on the interlayer insulating layer, and a resistive memory material in the via holes and electrically connected to the first and second conductive lines, the resistive memory material having a vertically non-uniform specific resistance profile with respect to the substrate.
US08049188B2
The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface at least partly covered with contaminant or undesired material by applying atomic hydrogen. The invention also proposes an irradiation unit adapted to perform the cleaning method. In the present method the atomic hydrogen is generated by dissociation of molecular hydrogen directed to a surface containing catalytic material, which causes the dissociation of at least a part of the molecular hydrogen to atomic hydrogen. The surface with the catalytic material is arranged close to the surface to be cleaned and is dimensioned such that its total surface area is at least twice the surface area of the to be cleaned surface region. The method allows for the cleaning of the surface region in a constructive simple and efficient manner.
US08049187B2
The present invention provides a charged particle beam irradiating apparatus capable of irradiating a charged particle beam using both a wobbler method and a scanning method. A charged particle beam irradiating apparatus includes: scanning electromagnets that scan a charged particle beam; a wobbler irradiation unit that irradiates the charged particle beam using a wobbler method; a scanning irradiation unit that irradiates the charged particle beam using a scanning method; and a control unit that controls the wobbler irradiation unit and the scanning irradiation unit. In the charged particle beam irradiating apparatus, the control unit operates one of the wobbler irradiation unit and the scanning irradiation unit, and controls the other irradiation unit to be in a withdrawn state so as not to hinder the irradiation of the charged particle beam.
US08049186B2
The present application provides a composition showing a color change depending on the absorbed radiation-dose, comprising (a) an acid responsive colorant; (b) a photolatent acid; characterized in that (b) is a sulfonyloxime ester compound; and its use as a radiation dose indicator.
US08049179B2
An ultraviolet radiation detector 10, detecting an ultraviolet radiation transmitted through or reflected from a measurement sample 15 from a light beam including at least the ultraviolet radiation, is characterized by spectral means 19 for spectrally splitting the ultraviolet radiation from the light beam and photodetection means 20 for detecting the ultraviolet radiation spectrally split by the spectral means 19, the photodetection means 20 including a photoelectric surface detecting only the ultraviolet radiation and formed of an element selected from In, Ga, N, Al, O and Cs.
US08049176B1
A method and apparatus for real time imaging and monitoring of radiation therapy beams is designed to preferentially distinguish and image low energy radiation from high energy secondary radiation emitted from a target as the result of therapeutic beam deposition. A detector having low sensitivity to high energy photons combined with a collimator designed to dynamically image in the region of the therapeutic beam target is used.
US08049174B2
A chemical vapor sensor system and method are provided, wherein the system includes an air input device, a light source, a detector, a sample chamber, and a processor. The air input device includes at least a sample input port, a reference input port, and an output port. The light source emits light, and the detector receives at least a portion of the emitted light. The sample chamber is in fluid communication with the output port, wherein the air alternatively enters the air input device from the sample input port and the reference input port and enters the sample chamber. The processor receives an output signal from the detector based upon a detection of at least carbon dioxide and ethanol in the air in the sample chamber, wherein the processor determines a blood alcohol content of a person whose breath was received in the sample input port.
US08049148B2
Embodiments of a missile, an airframe and a structure comprising piezoelectric fibers and a method for active structural response control are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a housing structure includes a composite material containing a plurality of piezoelectric fibers adapted to generate an electrical signal in response to a deformation in the structure and to deform the structure to provide low frequency stiffness and strength performance while attenuating high frequency vibrations.
US08049137B2
A laser shock peening process for producing one or more compressive residual stress regions in a medical device is disclosed. A high-energy laser apparatus can be utilized to direct an intense laser beam through a confining medium and onto the target surface of a workpiece. An absorption overlay disposed on the target surface of the workpiece absorbs the laser beam, inducing a pressure shock wave that forms a compressive residual stress region deep within the workpiece. Medical devices such as stents and guidewires having one or more of these compressive residual stress regions are also disclosed.
US08049136B2
A method for producing a metal mask for screen printing is provided, in which dross that is deposited at the time a boring operation is conducted via a laser beam is removed, without causing warpage or bending. The method for producing a metal mask for screen printing includes steps of: forming openings in the metal plate by melting the metal plate at positions irradiated by the laser beam; and ejecting an abrasive onto the other surface of the metal plate after the openings are formed. The abrasive ejected in the abrasive ejection step is one having a predetermined flat shape (plate-shaped abrasive), so as to form a plate shape having a flat surface, or an elastically deformable abrasive, with an average grain diameter of a dispersed or carried abrasive grain being 1 mm to 0.1 μm, and which is ejected at an incident angle of equal to or less than 80 degrees with respect to the other surface of the metal plate, and at an ejection pressure of 0.01 MPa to 0.7 MPa or at an ejection speed of 5 m/sec to 150 m/sec, so as to slide along the other surface of the metal plate.
US08049132B2
A method of repairing a turbomachine blisk having at least one damaged zone by build-up of metal in the damaged zone using a laser build-up welding machine is disclosed. The method includes preparing the damaged zone by machining the damaged zone to obtain a zone of defined profile to be repaired, build-up welding of a start-of-run test piece that includes the defined profile using the laser build-up welding machine, checking geometric and metallurgical quality of the test piece, and build-up welding the zone to be repaired of the blisk using the laser build-up welding machine.
US08049130B2
The vacuum insulated switch includes a vacuum container; two stationary contacts contained in the vacuum container; two movable contacts contained in the vacuum container, each capable of contacting and separating from a corresponding one of the stationary contacts; a vacuum insulated actuating rod connected to the two movable contacts; an operating rod connected to the vacuum insulated actuating rod via a metal bellows; and a guide for guiding the operating rod. The vacuum insulated switch has an off-axis displacement allowing structure which is provided between the guide and the operating rod for allowing the off-axis displacement of the operating rod.
US08049128B1
This invention is for a trigger switch apparatus for a hand held electric drill and includes a control of the electric power to a drill for fast or slow rotation of the drill bit by moving a rheostat contact bridge over a rheostat coil section for control of the rotation speed of the drill bit, and further a leaf spring holds the trigger carriage stop shoulder onto the carriage, and on seizure, kick back or sudden torque of the drill bit there is a cut off of power and the switch reverts to an “off” or “open” position, which then requires re-setting of the switch to a “closed” or “on” position for re-actuating operation of the hand held electric drill.
US08049127B2
A touch panel has an upper board having an upper conductive layer, a lower board having a lower conductive layer, a pair of upper electrodes along the periphery of the upper conductive layer and having an upper electrode lead, a pair of lower electrodes along the periphery of the lower conductive layer and having a lower electrode lead, and a slit formed at the upper and lower conductive layers. One of the upper electrodes is formed along a side of the upper conductive layer, and the other of the upper electrodes is formed in a substantially U shape surrounding a whole periphery excluding the upper electrode lead. One of the lower electrodes is formed in a direction orthogonal to the side of the upper conductive layer, and the other of the lower electrodes is formed in a substantially U shape surrounding a whole periphery excluding the lower electrode lead.
US08049126B2
A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.
US08049125B2
A key structure including at least two protruding keys and a key frame is provided. The at least two protruding keys are arrayed adjacently. Each of the at least two protruding keys has a first side edge, a second side edge and a protrusion. The second side edge is opposite to the first side edge. The protrusion has a curved-convex surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The curved-convex surface is getting protruding inwardly from the first side edge and the second side edge. The top end of the curved-convex surface has a crest line. The first side surface passes through the end points of the first side edge, the second side edge and the crest line in the same side. The second side surface is opposite to the first side surface. The key frame is used for carrying the at least two protruding keys.
US08049121B2
The invention relates to control unit for a domestic appliance, especially for a washing machine with a fascia panel (10) to which is assigned at least one control button (16), indicator (18) or similar arranged within a panel opening (12, 14), with a board 22 for mounting at least one electrical or electronic component (24, 26, 28) arranged at a distance behind the fascia panel (10), and with a sealing element (34) arranged between the fascia panel (10) and the board (22) by means of which the at least one electrical or electronic component (24, 26, 28) is to be protected against water or similar, whereby the sealing element (34) is attached to the fascia panel (10) of the control unit.
US08049104B2
A donor silicon wafer may be bonded to a substrate and a lamina cleaved from the donor wafer. A photovoltaic cell may be formed from the lamina bonded to the substrate. An intermetal stack is described that is optimized for use in such a cell. The intermetal stack may include a transparent conductive oxide layer serving as a quarter-wave plate, a low resistance layer, an adhesion layer to help adhesion to the receiver element, and may also include a barrier layer to prevent or impede unwanted diffusion within the stack.
US08049102B1
A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter part of a second conductive type positioned at a front surface of the substrate; a first silicon thin film layer positioned on the emitter part and including amorphous silicon containing impurities of the second type that are doped therein; a first transparent conductive layer positioned on the first silicon thin film layer and electrically connected with the emitter part; a first electrode positioned on the first transparent conductive layer and electrically connected with the first transparent conductive layer; and a second electrode positioned on a back surface of the substrate. For example, the first silicon thin film layer includes N+-a-Si:H or N+-a-SiC:H.
US08049074B2
A soybean cultivar designated S080173 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080173, to the plants of soybean S080173, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080173, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080173 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 S080173, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080173, 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 S080173 with another soybean cultivar.
US08049073B2
A soybean cultivar designated 8434328 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 8434328, to the plants of soybean 8434328, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 8434328, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 8434328 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 8434328, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 8434328, 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 8434328 with another soybean cultivar.
US08049071B2
The present invention provides a transgenic soybean event MON87701, and cells, seeds, and plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the soybean event. The invention also provides compositions comprising nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for said soybean event in a biological sample, probes and primers for use in detecting nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for the presence of said soybean event in a biological sample, and methods for detecting the presence of said soybean event nucleotide sequences in a biological sample. The invention further provides methods of growing the seeds of such soybean event into soybean plants, and methods of breeding to produce soybean plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the soybean event.
US08049065B2
Methods for engineering transgenic organisms that synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) containing 3-hydroxyhexanoate as comonomer have been developed. These processes are based on genetically engineered bacteria such as Escherichia coli or in plant crops as production systems which include PHA biosynthetic genes from PHA producers. In a preferred embodiment of the method, additional genes are introduced in wild type or transgenic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) producers, thereby creating new strains that synthesize 3HH monomers which are incorporated into PHAs. The 3HH monomer preferably is derived in microbial systems using butanol or butyrate as feedstocks, which are precursors of 3-hydroxyhexanoyl-CoA. Pathways for in vivo production of butyrol-CoA specifically encompassing butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity are provided.
US08049064B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in transgenic plants, by introducing, into the plant, the nucleic acids which code for polypeptides with Δ6-desaturase, Δ6-elongase, a Δ5-desaturase, Δ5-elongase, Δ4-desaturase, Δ12-desaturase and/or ω3-desaturase activity. These desaturases and elongases are advantageously derived from Phytophthora sojae. The invention furthermore relates to the nucleic acid sequence, nucleic acid constructs, vectors and organisms comprising the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention, vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequence and/or the nucleic acid constructs and to transgenic plants comprising the abovementioned nucleic acid sequence, nucleic acid constructs and/or vectors. A further part of the invention relates to fatty acid compositions produced by the process according to the invention and to their use.
US08049062B2
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-9 elongases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these delta-9 elongases in plants.
US08049059B2
A tissue graft product includes at least one collagen layer comprised of submucosa or renal capsule tissue having slits therein to provide a mesh pattern which in turn establishes a graft structure that is highly deformable. The slits and mesh pattern provide for improved characteristics when utilized as a tissue graft and in particular an external wound care. Preferred devices have multiple submucosa, renal capsule or other collagenous extracellular matrix layers, providing a substantial and lasting scaffold for tissue ingrowth during wound treatment.
US08049056B2
A method and system for the reduction of contamination in soil and groundwater is provided. A clathrate of ozone and a cyclic oligosaccharide can provide for an extended zone of influence due to, for instance, the improved stability of the ozone. The clathrate can include cyclodextrin and ozone and can improve the oxidative destruction of organic and inorganic contaminants.
US08049054B2
Process for the preparation of C5 and/or C6 olefins from a lower olefin, which lower olefin comprises from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and an oxygenate, which oxygenate comprises at least one oxygen-bonded alkyl group, comprising contacting the lower olefin with the oxygenate, in a molar ratio of oxygen-bonded alkyl group to lower olefin of at least 1:1 in the presence of a MTT-type zeolite.
US08049052B2
A method of deactivate a catalyst system is described. The method may include contacting a reactor effluent comprising a catalyst system, an oligomerized olefin, and diluent with a kill agent to at least partially deactivate the catalyst system, separating the reactor effluent into one or more first streams comprising oligomerized olefin and diluent, the one or more first streams being substantially devoid of the at least partially deactivated catalyst, and a second stream comprising the deactivated catalyst; and contacting the second stream with a quench agent.
US08049050B2
A method for synthesizing exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (exo-THDCPD) and adamantane is provided, including isomerization of an endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (endo-THDCPD) as a reaction feed with an acidic ionic liquid of aluminum trichloride in a pseudo-fixed bed ionic liquid reactor. Reactants float as a droplet from bottom to top of the pseudo-fixed bed reactor, and finally are discharged from a side tube. A mole fraction of aluminum trichloride in the acidic ionic liquid of aluminum trichloride is from 0.5 to 0.9, a feeding rate of the reaction feed is 0.1-10 g/min, and a temperature for the isomerization is between 25-120° C.
US08049034B2
Biphenyl compounds having the formula (I): are useful for preventing/treating pathologies linked to a deficiency of the activation of the RAR gamma receptor, e.g., for treating a pathology linked to a cell differentiation and/or proliferation disorder, for treating acne, for treating psoriasis.
US08049029B2
Disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 comprising contacting a compound of Formula 2 with a metal cyanide reagent, a copper(I) salt reagent, an iodide salt reagent and at least one compound of Formula 3 wherein R1 is NHR3 or OR4; R2 is CH3 or Cl; R3 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylcyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl or methylcyclopropyl; R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; Y is Br or Cl; X is NR13 or O; n is 0 or 1; and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 2 wherein Y is Br and R1 is NHR3 comprising introducing a gas containing bromine into a liquid containing a compound of Formula 4, and further disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 5 wherein R14, R15, R16 and Z are as defined in the disclosure using a compound of Formula 1 characterized by preparing the compound of Formula 1 by the method disclosed above.
US08049028B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a specific apparatus and process for using a single distillation column on a low boiling point reaction mixture containing a large amount of a dialkyl carbonate and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol produced through a reactive distillation process of taking a cyclic carbonate and the aliphatic monohydric alcohol as starting materials, continuously feeding the starting materials into a continuous multi-stage distillation column in which a homogeneous catalyst is present, and carrying out reaction and distillation simultaneously in the column, so as to separate the low boiling point reaction mixture by distillation into a column top component BT having the aliphatic monohydric alcohol as a main component thereof and a column bottom component BB having the dialkyl carbonate as a main component thereof stably for a prolonged period of time industrially.
US08049018B2
The present invention provides novel organic compounds, which absorb the light in the ultra violet and the infrared regions, have improved light tolerance and solubility in solvents, and have thermal tolerance suitable for uses to which the organic compounds are applied, and provides uses of the same. The above objects are solved by providing indolenine compounds and methine dyes, which have a bis-indolenine skeleton composed of two indolenine rings linked together at their respective C-3 positions via a divalent linking group, and by providing optical recording media containing the methine dyes.
US08049005B2
The present invention relates to substituted tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrido-azepine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrido-azepine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US08048997B2
The present invention relates to a process for spray drying uronic acid oligosaccharides and to a powder compositions thus obtained. Typically the powder composition comprises between 25 and 100 wt.% uronic acid oligosaccharide with a DP between 2 and 50 based on total weight of uronic acid, with and an average particle size between 20 μm and 100 μm.
US08048994B2
Provided herein are polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences for a molecule having homology to the C-type lectin family of polypeptides. Also provided are methods of making and using the polypeptide and polynucleotides.
US08048992B2
It is intended to clarify a molecule which is available as a target in treating or diagnosing cancer and utilize the molecule in the medical field or the research field. By treating IgSF4, which has been identified as a molecule specifically expressed in lung cancer cells, with an antibody, and ADCC activity is exerted. Based on this finding, an anti-IgSF4 antibody is provided as a means efficacious in treating cancer, etc.
US08048985B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions of modified variants of diphtheria toxin (DT) that reduce binding to vascular endothelium or vascular endothelial cells, and therefore, reduce the incidence of Vascular Leak Syndrome. One aspect of the present invention relates to a polypeptide toxophore from a modified DT, wherein the mutation is the substitution or deletion at least one amino acid residue at the amino acid residues 6-8, 28-30 or 289-291 of native DT. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified DT and a non-DT fragment. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of modified DT for the treatment of cancer.
US08048980B2
The present invention relates to the discovery of new class of linear and multiarmed hydrolysable linkers and cross linkers for use in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers as, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyureas and degradable epoxy amine resin. The linear and multiarmed hydrolysable linkers of the present invention include symmetrical and/or unsymmetrical ether carboxylic acids, amines, amide diols, amine polyols and isocyanates.
US08048979B2
The present invention involves the design of a radiation curable organic pre polymer resin material based on urethane acrylic linkage synthesized from the natural renewable resource cardanol or a derivative thereof, for coating application. These new molecules have a faster and better curing rate compared to the starting renewable resource—cardanol. This is brought about by the hydrogen bonding of the urethane linkage which leads to a pre organization of the molecules in such a way as to bring the cross linkable double bonds closer to each other. The present invention also involves a UV curable formulation of the above mentioned resins along with 2-10 parts by weight of a photopolymerization initiator. The resin, either in a formulation or alone turns into a cross linked film upon photopolymerization in presence of photoinitiator under a UV curable radiation source like a mercury vapor pressure lamp.
US08048977B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and processes that are useful in making organosilicon polymers, including cross-linked organosilicon networks. The invention is also directed to articles that incorporate the cross-linked organosilicon networks.
US08048969B2
An epoxy resin composition comprising (A) a naphthalene type epoxy resin in which 35-85 parts by weight of 1,1-bis(2-glycidyloxy-1-naphthyl)alkane and 1-35 parts by weight of 1,1-bis(2,7-diglycidyloxy-1-naphthyl)alkane are included per 100 parts by weight of the resin, (B) a curing agent in the form of a naphthalene type phenolic resin, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a phosphazene compound is best suited for semiconductor encapsulation because it has good flow, a low coefficient of linear expansion, a high Tg, minimal moisture absorption, and crack resistance upon lead-free soldering.
US08048964B2
In order to make available a crosslinking agent for ethylene acrylate (AEM) and polyacrylate (ACM) elastomers, which is equivalent to the crosslinking agents containing guanidine that have been used until now, but which does without the teratogenically acting guanidines which are toxologically hazardous, it is proposed that the crosslinking agent for diaminically crosslinkable AEM and ACM elastomers comprise a diamine crosslinker, an accelerator selected from 1,8-diazabicyclo-5,4,0-undec-7-ene (DBU), derivatives and salts thereof, and a moderator of the pyrrolidone type.
US08048959B2
Disclosed are poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) compositions comprising a poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) polymer, such as poly(lactic acid), and an impact modifier comprising a copolymer of ethylene and one or more alkyl acrylates of the formula CH2═C(R1)CO2R2, where R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1-8 carbon atoms and R2 is an alkyl group with 1-8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, or butyl.
US08048953B2
A polymer having at least one urea linkage prepared by: (i) reacting (a) at least one diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, having isocyanate groups, and (b) at least one fluorinated compound selected from the formula (I): Rf(CH2CF2)p(CH2CH2)q(R1)r—XH Formula (I) wherein p and q are each independently an integer of 1 to 3; r is 0 or 1; X is —O—, —NH— or —S—; R1 is a divalent radical selected from the group consisting of —S(CH2)n—, n is an integer of 2 to 4; s is an integer of 1 to 50; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and Rf is a linear or branched chain perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and (ii) reacting with (c) water, a linking agent, or a mixture thereof and methods for treating substrates to obtain surface effects is disclosed.
US08048951B2
A rubber latex composition is disclosed having reduced allergenicity. Methods for producing a rubber latex composition having reduced allergenicity are also disclosed.
US08048947B2
The present invention provides a nanocomposite of a star branched elastomer and a clay. The nanocomposite can be a mixture of a halogenated star branched elastomer and a clay, desirably an exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier. The halogenated star-branched elastomer can be the primary halogenated elastomer in the blend, and a ratio of the star-branched elastomer to clay can be from 2:1 to 500:1.
US08048940B2
Composites comprising at least one graphite-carbon nanofiber (GCNF) and a polymer phase covalently linked to a surface thereof.
US08048935B2
An all-liquid foam-forming system contains: a first part (A) containing at least one liquid isocyanate or polyisocyanate; and a second part (B) containing: at least one liquid aromatic polyester polyol having an hydroxyl value of at least 110 mg KOH/gram and an average hydroxyl functionality of at least 2, at least two liquid halogenated flame retardants and water; the foam-forming system having an NCO/OH ratio of from about 0.9:1 to about 1.3:1; wherein the first and second parts are such that reaction therebetween forms a rigid polyurethane foam having a density of at least about 5 pcf and an ASTM E-84 Class 1 rating. Resultant polyurethane foams can be used to make articles, particularly for use in commercial decorative molding applications.
US08048934B2
A composition for acrylic artificial stone, the composition including a (meth)acrylic monomer and an inorganic material. At least one of the (meth)acrylic monomer and the inorganic material may be contained in a component generated by decomposing a polymeric (meth)acrylic resin.
US08048927B2
The present invention provides methods for treating and preventing benign breast disease by administering 4-hydroxy tamoxifen to a patient. When percutaneously administered to a patient's breasts, 4-hydroxy tamoxifen concentrates locally, and exerts an anti-estrogenic effect. In patients with benign breast disease, this effect induces disease regression. In patients at risk for developing breast cancer, the anti-estrogenic effect prevents formation of benign breast conditions that can lead to cancer.
US08048922B2
Compositions comprising eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in a ratio of from 1.2 to 2 are administered to felines to treat feline inflammatory bowel disease.
US08048921B2
Carnitine and Taurine Compounds are described. The Carnitine Compound comprises Carnitine and one of a Nitrate and a Nitrite. The Taurine Compound comprises Taurine and one of a Nitrate and a Nitrite.
US08048917B2
The present invention provides prodrugs of GABA analogs, pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for making prodrugs of GABA analogs. The present invention also provides methods for using prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for using pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs for treating or preventing common diseases and/or disorders.
US08048907B2
The present invention relates to novel oxo-prolinamide derivatives of formula (I) which modulate P2X7 receptor function and are capable of antagonizing the effects of ATP at the P2X7 receptor and the use of such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions thereof in the treatment of disorders mediated by the P2X7 receptor, for example pain, inflammation and neurodegeneration.
US08048904B2
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of Olmesartan medoxomil by condensing the ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propylimidazole-5-carboxylate with 4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]benzyl bromide to obtain ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl ethyl)-2-propyl-1-{4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methylimidazole-5-carboxylate and then hydrolyzing ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl ethyl)-2-propyl-1-{4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methyl imidazole-5-carboxylate to obtain trityl Olmesartan dihydrate followed by reacting trityl Olmesartan dihydrate with 4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolene to obtain trityl Olmesartan medoxomil and then deprotecting trityl Olmesartan medoxomil to obtain Olmesartan medoxomil.
US08048902B2
Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of lysophosphatidic receptor(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating LPA-dependent or LPA-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08048901B2
The invention relates to 1,3-substituted cycloalkyl derivatives having acidic, mostly heterocyclic groups and to their physiologically acceptable salts and physiologically functional derivatives.What is described are compounds of the formula I, in which the radicals are as defined, and their physiologically acceptable salts and processes for their preparation. The compounds are suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization disorders as well as of disorders in which insulin resistance is involved.
US08048895B2
Kappa opioid receptor antagonists are provided that yield significant improvements in functional binding assays to kappa opioid receptors, and the use of these antagonists in treatment of disease states that are ameliorated by binding of the kappa opioid receptor such as heroin or cocaine addictions.
US08048894B2
Compounds of Formula I are useful inhibitors of HIF prolyl hydroxylases. Compounds of Formula I have the following structure: where the definitions of the variables are provided herein.
US08048887B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08048882B2
The invention relates to novel pharmaceutical combinations with improved sodium channel blocking effect. Further, the invention relates to the use of said pharmaceutical combinations in chronic pain, in disturbances of the motor system, in epilepsy, as well as in other therapeutic fields where the use of sodium channel blockers is acceptable.
US08048879B2
The present invention relates to substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-isoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridine compound corresponding to formula I, methods for producing them, to medicaments containing these compounds, the use of these compounds for producing medicaments and related treatment methods
US08048878B2
The present invention relates to a novel two cyclic cinnamide compound and a pharmaceutical agent comprising the compound as an active ingredient. The two cyclic cinnamide compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein represents a single bond or a double bond; Ar1 represents a phenyl group or pyridinyl group that may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents; R1 and R2 each represent a C1-6 alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, or the like; Z1 represents a methylene group or vinylene group, which may be substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Substituent Group A1, an oxygen atom, or an imino group that may be substituted with a substituent selected from Substituent Group A1; and p, q, and r each represent an integer of 0 to 2, which has an effect of reducing Aβ40 and Aβ42 production, and thus is particularly useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a neurodegenerative disease caused by Aβ such as Alzheimer's disease or Down's syndrome.
US08048866B2
The invention is to develop an agent having at least one of anticalcipenic, antiedemic and diuretic activities for humans or animals and to inhibit the postpartum drop of the calcium concentration in blood, thereby maintaining the health of the mother body and smoothing nursing and lactation.In the invention, difructose anhydride (DFA) being a disaccharide made of two molecules of fructose coupled together is administered. In particular, for inhibiting the postpartum drop of the calcium concentration in blood, DFA III and/or DFA IV is administered before childbirth delivery (in a cow, before an expected date of calving). The joint use of a calcium agent or vitamin D is possible as required.
US08048852B2
The invention relates to the use of a molecule comprising a backbone of 2 to 35 non-hydrogen atoms in length, having covalently attached thereto at least two bulky and lipophilic groups and having at least one more cationic than anionic moiety, in the manufacture of a medicament for destabilizing microbial cell membranes and the use as a membrane acting antimicrobial agent of a molecule comprising a backbone of 2 to 35 non-hydrogen atoms in length, having covalently attached thereto a super bulky and lipophilic group comprising at least 9 non-hydrogen atoms and having at least two more cationic than anionic moieties and to methods of treatment involving such molecules, in particular peptides including peptide derivatives, and peptidomimetics.
US08048849B2
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an amino terminus of a cytokine and two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a carboxy terminus of a cytokine are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08048835B2
The present invention provides a grease composition capable of securely preventing generation of a low-temperature abnormal noise when it is cold and a grease-enclosed bearing. A grease composition comprises a base oil and a thickener, wherein the base oil has a pour point not more than −50° C. and a kinematic viscosity not less than 15 mm2/s at 40° C. The base oil is at least one oil selected from a PAO oil and a perfluoro ether oil. The thickener is at least one substance selected from a urea compound and a fluororesin. A mixing consistency of the grease composition is in the range of 250 to 350. A grease-enclosed bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, rolling elements interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a grease composition enclosed on a periphery of the rolling elements. The grease-enclosed bearing is used for an automotive electric auxiliary machine.
US08048829B2
Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. More particularly, spotting fluid compositions are provided having a water insoluble external phase fluid; a water soluble internal phase fluid; and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.
US08048828B2
Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. More particularly, methods of reducing drill string sticking are provided, which include: providing a spotting fluid composition comprising a water insoluble external phase fluid, a water soluble internal phase fluid, and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent; introducing the spotting fluid to the vicinity of a desired portion of a drill string; and allowing the spotting fluid to interact with a portion of material surrounding the desired portion of the drill string spotting fluid. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.
US08048827B2
Gas hydrate formation in a well completion fluid in the annular space of a hydrocarbon producing well may be controlled by the incorporation of effective amounts of one or more low dose gas hydrate inhibitors, including but not limited to, low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs), kinetic hydrate inhibitors, dendrimeric or branched compounds, linear polymers and copolymers, grafted or branched linear polymers and copolymers, and onium compounds.
US08048826B1
The present invention provides methods for synthesizing arrays of polymers. The polymers are synthesized from monomers through a series of synthesis steps at chemically-modified electrodes by the action of an electrochemically generated reagent (EGR) at subsets of the electrodes. These subsets of electrodes vary with each step. Crosstalk of the EGR between electrodes is prevented by the production of a scavenging agent, which neutralizes the EGR, at those electrodes where the EGR is not produced. The scavenging agent acts as a “virtual cap” to prevent mis-incorporation of monomers and other anomalies in the polymers.
US08048814B2
A method of aligning a set of patterns on a substrate, the substrate including a substrate surface, is disclosed. The method includes depositing a set of silicon nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the set of nanoparticles including a set of ligand molecules including a set of carbon atoms, wherein a first set of regions is formed where the silicon nanoparticles are deposited and the remaining portions of the substrate surface define a second set of regions. The method also includes densifying the set of silicon nanoparticles into a thin film wherein a set of silicon-organic zones are formed on the substrate surface, wherein the first set of regions has a first reflectivity value and the second set of regions has a second reflectivity value. The method further includes illuminating the substrate surface with an illumination source, wherein the ratio of the second reflectivity value to the first reflectivity value is greater than about 1.1.
US08048813B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a substrate; forming a first hard mask layer over the substrate; forming a second hard mask layer over the first hard mask layer; patterning the second hard mask layer to form a hard mask; and, after the step of patterning the second hard mask layer, baking the substrate, the first hard mask layer, and the hard mask. After the step of baking, a spacer layer is formed, which includes a first portion on a top of the hard mask, and a second portion and a third portion on opposite sidewalls of the hard mask. The method further includes removing the first portion of the spacer layer; removing the hard mask; and using the second portion and the third portion of the spacer layer as masks to pattern the first hard mask layer.
US08048810B2
A method for fabricating a integrated circuit is disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a substrate; forming a hard mask layer over the substrate; forming a patterned photoresist layer over the hard mask layer, such that portions of the hard mask layer are exposed; performing a dry etching process to remove the exposed portions of the hard mask layer; removing the patterned photoresist layer using at least one of a nitrogen plasma ashing and a hydrogen plasma ashing; and performing a wet etching process to remove remaining portions of the hard mask layer.
US08048802B2
A method for forming an interlayer insulating film includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first substrate region with a plurality of metal wiring and a second substrate region having no metal wiring, and then forming an insulating film dummy pattern in the second substrate region, wherein the insulating film dummy pattern has the same thickness as the metal wiring, and then forming an interlayer insulating film over the semiconductor substrate including the insulating film dummy pattern.
US08048798B2
A method for manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device, including: forming a first conductive layer so that it is sandwiched in an up-down direction by first insulating layers; forming a first hole so that it penetrates the first insulating layers and the first conductive layer; forming a first side wall insulating layer on a side wall facing the first hole; forming a sacrificing layer so that the sacrificing layer infills the first hole; forming a second conductive layer on an upper layer of the sacrificing layer so that the second conductive layer is sandwiched by the second insulating layer in an up-down direction; forming a second hole on a position which matches with the first hole so that the second hole penetrates the second insulating layer and the second conductive layer; forming a second side wall insulating layer on a side wall facing the second hole; removing the sacrificing layer after the formation of the second side wall insulating layer; and forming a semiconductor layer so that the semiconductor layer infills the first hole and the second hole after the removal of the sacrificing layer.
US08048792B2
In a replacement gate approach, a superior cross-sectional shape of the gate opening may be achieved by performing a material erosion process in an intermediate state of removing the placeholder material. Consequently, the remaining portion of the placeholder material may efficiently protect the underlying sensitive materials, such as a high-k dielectric material, when performing the corner rounding process sequence.
US08048783B2
A method of forming a polycrystalline silicon layer and an atomic layer deposition apparatus used for the same. The method includes forming an amorphous silicon layer on a substrate, exposing the substrate having the amorphous silicon layer to a hydrophilic or hydrophobic gas atmosphere, placing a mask having at least one open and at least one closed portion over the amorphous silicon layer, irradiating UV light toward the amorphous silicon layer and the mask using a UV lamp, depositing a crystallization-inducing metal on the amorphous silicon layer, and annealing the substrate to crystallize the amorphous silicon layer into a polycrystalline silicon layer. This method and apparatus provide for controlling the seed position and grain size in the formation of a polycrystalline silicon layer.
US08048781B2
Methods of packaging integrated circuits are described. One method relates to attaching a singulated device wafer to a substrate. The singulated device wafer includes a multiplicity of integrated circuit dice arranged in a first configuration. The method also involves a substrate, which includes a sacrificial semiconductor wafer having device areas with metalized contacts. The device areas on the substrate may be arranged in a configuration matching that of the dice on the device wafer. The method also entails aligning the singulated device wafer as a whole with the substrate so that the dice of the device wafer are positioned substantially simultaneously over associated device areas on the substrate. The method also involves attaching the dice from the singulated wafer as a whole substantially simultaneously to the substrate such that each die of the device wafer is attached to an associated device area of the substrate.
US08048774B2
A formation in a first surface of a substrate is machined by an ultraviolet or visible radiation laser, to a predetermined depth that is less than a full depth of the substrate; and material is removed from a second surface of the substrate opposed to the first surface to the predetermined depth from the first surface to communicate with the formation. Material may be removed by, for example, lapping and polishing, chemical etching, plasma etching or laser ablation. The invention has application in, for example, dicing semiconductor wafers to forming metallised vias in wafers.
US08048773B2
A single crystal semiconductor separated from a single crystal semiconductor substrate is formed partly over a supporting substrate with a buffer layer provided therebetween. The single crystal semiconductor is separated from the single crystal semiconductor substrate by irradiation with accelerated ions, formation of a fragile layer by the ion irradiation, and heat treatment. A non-single crystal semiconductor layer is formed over the single crystal semiconductor and irradiated with a laser beam to be crystallized, whereby an SOI substrate is manufactured.
US08048769B2
There is provided a bonded wafer having excellent thickness uniformity after thinning but also good surface roughness and being less in defects.In the production method of a bonded wafer by bonding a wafer for active layer to a wafer for support substrate and thinning the wafer for active layer, oxygen ions are implanted into the wafer for active layer to form an oxygen ion implanted layer in the active layer and thereafter a heat treatment is carried out in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of not lower than 1100° C., and an oxide film formed on the exposed surface of the oxygen ion implanted layer is removed and then a heat treatment is carried out in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of not higher than 1100° C.
US08048767B2
A bonded wafer is produced by directly bonding a silicon wafer for active layer and a silicon wafer for support substrate without an insulating film and thinning the silicon wafer for active layer to a given thickness, in which a silicon wafer cut out from an ingot at a cutting angle of 0-0.1° (compound angle) with respect to a predetermined crystal face is used in each of the silicon wafer for active layer and silicon wafer for support substrate.
US08048764B2
A method of forming a hardmask for defining shallow trench isolation regions in a semiconductor substrate layer includes the steps of: depositing a hardmask layer over the semiconductor substrate layer; depositing and patterning a first photoresist layer over the hardmask layer; etching the hardmask layer after patterning the first photoresist layer to form an interim hardmask layer having at least one line feature; depositing and patterning a second photoresist layer over the interim hardmask layer; and forming a hardmask, the forming step including etching the interim hardmask layer after patterning the second photoresist layer to define a line end of the at least one line feature.
US08048761B2
An improved crack stop structure (and method of forming) is provided within a die seal ring of an integrated circuit die to increase crack resistance during the dicing of a semiconductor wafer. The crack stop structure includes a stack layer (of alternating insulating and conductive layers) and an anchor system extending from the stack layer to a predetermined point below the surface of the substrate. A crack stop trench is formed in the substrate and filled with material having good crack resistance to anchor the stack layer to the substrate.
US08048755B2
Resistive memory and methods of processing resistive memory are described herein. One or more method embodiments of processing resistive memory include conformally forming a cell material in an opening in an interlayer dielectric such that a seam is formed in the cell material, forming a conductive pathway by modifying the seam, and forming an electrode on the cell material and the seam.
US08048745B2
Disclosed are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device can include a transistor structure including a gate electrode and a first channel region and source/drain regions on a substrate, and a second channel region and source/drain regions provided on the transistor structure. Accordingly, transistor operations can utilize the current path above and below the gate electrode.
US08048744B2
A semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The method includes forming a polysilicon layer on a semiconductor substrate including a high-voltage area and a low-voltage area, partially etching the polysilicon layer in the low-voltage area, forming an anti-reflective layer on the polysilicon layer to reduce a step difference between the high-voltage and low-voltage areas, forming a photoresist pattern in the high-voltage and low-voltage areas, and forming a high-voltage gate and a low-voltage gate by etching the polysilicon layer using the photoresist pattern as an etch mask.
US08048740B2
In one embodiment, a vertical MOS transistor is formed without a thick field oxide and particularly without a thick field oxide in the termination region of the transistor.
US08048730B2
Disclosed are a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes an isolation area formed on a semiconductor substrate to define NMOS and PMOS areas, a gate insulating layer and a gate formed on each of the NMOS and PMOS areas, a primary gate spacer formed at sides of the gate, LDD areas formed in the semiconductor substrate at sides of the gate, a secondary gate spacer formed at sides of the primary gate spacer, source and drain areas formed in the semiconductor substrate at sides of the gate of the PMOS area; and source and drain areas formed in the semiconductor substrate at sides of the gate of the NMOS area, wherein the source and drain areas of the NMOS area are deeper than the source and drain areas of the PMOS area.
US08048729B2
A highly responsive semiconductor device in which the subthreshold swing (S value) is small and reduction in on-current is suppressed is manufactured. A semiconductor layer in which a thickness of a source region or a drain region is larger than that of a channel formation region is formed. A semiconductor layer having a concave-convex shape which is included in the semiconductor device is formed by the steps of forming a first semiconductor layer over a substrate; forming a first insulating layer and a conductive layer over the first semiconductor layer; forming a second insulating layer over a side surface of the conductive layer; forming a second semiconductor layer over the first insulating layer, the conductive layer and the second insulating layer; etching the second semiconductor layer using a resist formed partially as a mask; and performing heat treatment to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.
US08048724B2
A switching device and methods of making and operating the same are provided. In one aspect, a method of operating a switching device is provided that includes providing a MOS transistor that has a gate, a source region, a drain region and a body region. A bipolar transistor is provided that has a collector, a base and an emitter. The body region of the MOS transistor serves as the base of the bipolar transistor and the drain region of the MOS transistor serves as the collector of the bipolar transistor. Activation of the MOS transistor causes the bipolar transistor to turn on. The MOS transistor is activated to turn on the bipolar transistor and the bipolar transistor delivers current to the source region.
US08048719B2
A semiconductor device capable of preventing contact between electrode terminals and a die pad as well as capable of surely performing wire bonding to the electrode terminals. A passive component is formed such that a vertical height of each electrode terminal is higher than that of an element part. More specifically, each cross-sectional area of the electrode terminals is slightly larger than that of the element part. Therefore, an upper part and lower part of each electrode terminal are slightly higher than (project from) the element part. Through an adhesive, the passive component is fixed such that the element part is located on the high position part so as to be nearly parallel to a substrate surface. Further, a part of each electrode terminal (bottom part) is located in each space within concave parts. Thus, a predetermined space is formed between each of the electrode terminals and the die pad.
US08048709B2
A photovoltaic panel made by direct co-extrusion of a plurality of superimposed polymeric layers and a plant for carrying out such a process.
US08048707B1
A method of making a photovoltaic device includes forming a compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, gallium, selenium and sulfur by reactive sputtering at least one target including copper, indium, gallium and a sulfur compound in an atmosphere including selenium.
US08048702B2
In the method of fabricating a nitride-based semiconductor optical device by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, a barrier layer is grown at a first temperature while supplying a gallium source to a reactor. The barrier layer comprises a first gallium nitride-based semiconductor. After the growth of the barrier layer, a nitrogen material and an indium material are supplied to the reactor without supply of the gallium source to perform a preflow of indium. Immediately after the preflow, a well layer is grown on the barrier layer at a second temperature while supplying an indium source and the gallium source to the reactor. The well layer comprises InGaN, and the second temperature is lower than the first temperature. The gallium source and the indium source are supplied to the reactor during plural first periods of the step of growing the well layer to grow plural InGaN layers, respectively. The indium material is supplied to the reactor without supply of the gallium source during the second period of the step of growing the well layer. The second period is between the first periods. The well layer comprises the plural InGaN layers.
US08048695B2
A light source and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The light source includes a die, a light conversion component, and a scattering ring. The die emits light of a first wavelength through a top surface of the die and one or more side surfaces of the die, and is bonded to a mounting substrate. The light conversion component converts light of the first wavelength to light of a second wavelength, the light conversion component having a bottom surface bonded to the top surface of the die. The light conversion component has lateral dimensions such that a space exists around the die, the space being bounded by the substrate and the light conversion component. The scattering ring is positioned in the space such that a portion of the light emitted from the side surfaces of the die is scattered into the light conversion component.
US08048694B2
A package base structure of a light emitting device and associated manufacturing method is provided. The method includes steps of forming a first mask layer and a second mask layer on a first surface and a second surface of a substrate; defining a first opening and a second opening on the first mask layer and the second mask layer wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening; etching the substrate to form the package base structure having a holding space and at least two through holes. The upper opening of the holding space is located on the first surface of the substrate, and the bottom of the holding space can support the light emitting device. The lower openings of the through holes are located on the second surface of the substrate, and the tops of the through holes reach the bottom of the holding space. There is at least one slant structure at the contact between sidewalls of the through holes and the bottom of the holding space.
US08048686B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a device comprising magnetic blocks magnetized in different directions, comprising steps of:a) forming, in a stack of one or more layers of at least one antiferromagnetic material and one or more layers of at least one ferromagnetic material resting on a substrate, at least one first block and at least one second block, said blocks being longilineal and separate and extending respectively in a first main direction and in a second main direction, the first and the second main direction forming between them a first non-zero angle α,b) annealing said blocks at a temperature greater than the ordering temperature of said antiferromagnetic material or than the blocking temperature or than the Néel temperature of said antiferromagnetic material.
US08048685B2
A memory element for a magnetic RAM, having a first magnetic portion in a first recess of a first insulating layer; and a non-magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion in a second recess of a second insulating layer covering the first insulating layer, the second recess exposing the first magnetic portion and a portion of the first insulating layer around the first magnetic portion, the non-magnetic portion being interposed between the first and second magnetic portions.
US08048682B2
The present invention relates to a method for selectively detecting and/or measuring gaseous SO2 at a temperature of at least 500° C., the method involving: (i) providing a SO2-detecting device including an oxygen ion-conducting substrate having on its surface at least three electrodes comprising a first, second, and third electrode; (ii) driving a starting current of specified magnitude and temporal variation between the first and second electrodes; (iii) contacting the SO2-detecting device with the SO2-containing sample while maintaining the magnitude and any temporal variation of the starting current, wherein said SO2-containing sample causes a change in the electrical conductance of said device; and (iv) detecting the change in electrical conductance of the device based on measuring an electrical property related to or indicative of the conductance of the device between the first and third electrodes, or between the second and third electrodes, and detecting SO2 in the SO2-containing sample based on the measured change in electrical conductance.
US08048680B2
A sensor for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety, which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, and wherein the medium is a polymer comprising a group of formula (I): wherein n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; each X (if present) is independently is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and Y is a spacer which, when n is 0 or otherwise optionally, is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom. Such a sensor may be used for the detection of glucose.
US08048678B2
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.
US08048674B2
The present invention is generally directed to the evolution of new metabolic pathways and the enhancement of bioprocessing through a process herein termed recursive sequence recombination. Recursive sequence recombination entails performing iterative cycles of recombination and screening or selection to “evolve” individual genes, whole plasmids or viruses, multigene clusters, or even whole genomes. Such techniques do not require the extensive analysis and computation required by conventional methods for metabolic engineering.
US08048670B2
The present invention relates generally to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention provides novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or a target gene in an organism when introduced thereto.
US08048654B2
The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into compounds such as esters and fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the compounds produced are secreted into the medium used to culture the organisms.
US08048641B2
The present invention employs the natural hydrophilic properties of a macromolecular film such as a hydrogel and in combination with localized photo-ablation of monolayers created with the hydrogel using multi-photon laser excitation, provides a stampless, versatile method of micropattern fabrication.
US08048639B2
The invention relates to methods and reagents for diagnosing and assessing the prognosis of multiple sclerosis.
US08048631B2
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for amplifying target nucleic acids using nucleic acid primers designed to limit non-target nucleic acid dependent priming events. The present invention permits amplifying and quantitating the number of repetitive units in a repetitive region, such as the number of telomere repetitive units.
US08048619B2
The umbilical cord blood (UCB) compositions of the present invention possess the unique features of having plasma that is substantially depleted from the UCB unit and red blood cells (RBC) that are not depleted from the UCB unit. Such UCB units can be prepared by a process that combines plasma depletion with cryopreservation, selection, thawing, and/or transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells to provide superior clinical outcome by maximizing post-processing cell recovery and post-thaw infusion cell dose. Methods for treating a wide variety of malignant diseases and benign diseases associated with the hematopoietic system by administering the UCB compositions of the present invention are also provided.
US08048618B2
A natural spinal disk including adjacent vertebral structures is removed from a deceased donor, rinsed in normal saline, preserved in a cryopreservative solution, and then frozen by gradually decreasing the temperature using liquid nitrogen or similar method. The implant may be thawed in normal saline solution and then implanted in a patient in need of a vertebral disk replacement.
US08048617B2
A method for manufacturing a patterned thin-film layer according to one preferred embodiment includes the steps of: providing a substrate with a plurality of banks thereon, the plurality of banks defining a plurality of spaces therein for receiving ink therein, each of the banks having a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to the top surface; irradiating the plurality of banks with UV light beams, wherein the UV light beams are obliquely incident on the top surfaces of the substrate such that a surface wettability of the ink on the top surfaces is lower than that of the side surfaces of the banks; applying ink into the spaces; and curing the ink so as to form a patterned thin-film layer on the substrate.
US08048611B2
A polyorganosiloxane compound is modified such that some silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups are substituted with acid labile groups and/or intermolecular or intramolecular crosslinks form with a crosslinking group having a C—O—C linkage. Cured films of a composition comprising the polyorganosiloxane are useful as interlayer dielectric films on TFT substrates.
US08048608B2
An ink formulation comprises a marking component, e.g. ammonium octamolybdate, and a metal salt that absorbs laser irradiation at 780-2500 nm, e.g. reduced indium tin oxide, and thereby causes the marking component to change colour.
US08048605B2
A laser-markable composition which comprises a binder and an oxyanion of a multivalent metal.
US08048596B2
In a photomask blank serving as a base member for producing a halftone-type phase shift mask in which a light-transmissive substrate is formed thereon with a light-semitransmissive phase shift pattern having a desired opening, a light-semitransmissive phase shift film, a chromium film, and an etching mask film are stacked in order on the light-transmissive substrate. The etching mask film is made of an inorganic-based material having a resistance against dry etching of the chromium film. The photomask blank further may has a resist film formed on the etching mask film.
US08048595B2
A method of manufacturing a photomask includes forming an upper layer on a photomask substrate, and patterning the upper layer to form an upper pattern having an inclined sidewall, wherein patterning the upper layer includes anisotropically etching the upper layer using charged particles moving in parallel to a first direction inclined toward a top surface of the upper layer.
US08048587B2
An electrically-conductive mesh spacer incorporated into the hydrogen and air gas flow spaces between each anode and cathode and its adjacent interconnect in a fuel cell stack. The mesh is formed of metal strands and is formed into a predetermined three-dimensional pattern to make contact at a plurality of points on the surfaces of the electrode and the interconnect element. The formed mesh spacer is secured as by brazing to the interconnect element at a plurality of locations to form an interconnect, which preserves the pattern during assembly of a fuel cell stack. The height of the formed pattern is greater than the height of a gas flow space after fuel cell assembly, such that the mesh spacer is slightly compressed during assembly of a fuel cell stack. Because the metal mesh is both compliant and resilient, the compressed spacer is continuously urged into mechanical and electrical contact with its electrode over all temperatures and pressures to which the fuel cell assembly may be subjected during use.
US08048581B2
A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively with a water coolant system which does not permit liquid water to exit or flow through the coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous member (28) for venting gases such as fuel and/or air from a coolant water flow field in the system. Coolant water (36) is prevented from continuosly contacting the porous member during operation of the power plant thus preventing blockage of the porous member by coolant water or contaminants disposed in the coolant water.
US08048576B2
A power generator has a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.
US08048567B2
There is provided a metal oxide having a continuous nano-fiber network structure as a negative active material for a secondary battery. A method for fabricating such negative active material for a secondary battery comprises spinning a mixed solution of a metal oxide precursor and a polymer onto a collector to form composite fibers mixed with the metal oxide precursor and the polymer, thermally compressing or thermally pressurizing the composite fibers, and thermally treating the thermally compressed or thermally pressurized composite fibers to remove the polymer from the composite fiber.
US08048565B2
A process for preparing an at least partially lithiated transition metal oxyanion-based lithium−ion reversible electrode material, which includes providing a precursor of said lithium-ion reversible electrode material, heating said precursor, melting same at a temperature sufficient to produce a melt including an oxyanion containing liquid phase, cooling said melt under conditions to induce solidification thereof and obtain a solid electrode that is capable of reversible lithium ion deinsertion/insertion cycles for use in a lithium battery. Also, lithiated or partially lithiated oxyanion-based-lithium-ion reversible electrode materials obtained by the aforesaid process.
US08048563B2
A battery using the anode, and methods of manufacturing the anode and the battery are provided. The battery is capable of relaxing stress while securing the contact characteristics between an anode current collector and an anode active material layer, and capable of improving the characteristics. The anode active material layer containing Si as an element is provided on the anode current collector. The anode active material layer includes a first anode active material layer having a first particle formed by being grown on the anode current collector by vapor-phase deposition method and a second anode active material layer having a second particle with an average particle diameter ranging from 0.2 μm to 20 μm which is deposited on the first anode active material layer by coating the first anode active material layer with the second particles.
US08048560B2
An alkaline battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode includes manganese dioxide and graphite; the cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters of 3 to 5 nm in the manganese dioxide is X (cm3/g), and the weight loss rate of the manganese dioxide when heated from 150 to 400° C. is Y (%), X and Y satisfying 0.005≦X≦0.011, 3.4≦Y≦3.9, and −16.7X+3.58≦Y≦66.7X+3.17; the negative electrode includes zinc; and the alkaline electrolyte includes an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution.
US08048558B2
A nickel-zinc battery cell is formed with a negative can, a positive cap, and a jelly roll of electrochemically active positive and negative materials within. The inner surface of the can is protected with an anticorrosive material that may be coated or plated onto the can. Good electrical contact between the jelly roll and the cap is achieved through folding the nickel substrate over to contact a positive current collection disk.
US08048553B2
A battery apparatus and electronic equipment in which the battery apparatus has a characteristic compatible with the electronic equipment can be suitably attached to the electronic equipment. In a battery apparatus, an identification section of the battery apparatus serves to identify a characteristic of the battery apparatus, and which is provided on an end surface and on both sides of a battery-side terminal in the width direction of the battery apparatus. The identification section is configured with identification recesses formed in a manner open to the end surface, and at least one of the positions, cross-sectional shapes, and lengths on the end surface of the identification recesses, is formed on the basis of the characteristic of the battery apparatus. The cross-sectional shape and length of the identification recess is formed on the basis of the characteristic of the battery apparatus.
US08048551B2
Disclosed is a battery safety device having a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a pressure-sensitive conducting film interposed between both metal plates and adapted to exhibit electrical conductivity when a predetermined pressure or higher is applied. The first and second metal plates are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, respectively. The safety device connected to a battery prevents the battery from being damaged or at least from igniting or exploding, even when an external impact caused by pressure, a nail, or a nipper or an external pressure is applied to the battery, by conducting the current of the battery to the safety device and discharging the battery before the battery is damaged by the external impact or external pressure.
US08048536B2
Disclosed is an organic EL dye enabling to provide an organic EL device which is capable of emitting a light at a low voltage even when it has a single layer structure. Also disclosed is an organic EL device using such an organic EL dye. The organic EL dye is represented by the general formula (1): (Y—L)nXm wherein x is an n-valent charge-transporting group, Y is a light-emitting group, L is a linking group bonding the charge-transporting group and the light-emitting group, and m and n are respectively an integer not less than 1.
US08048531B2
A protective plate for a plasma display comprises conductive substrate for protecting a plasma display and an electrode in electrical contact with the conductive substrate.
US08048528B2
According to the present invention there is provided coal-based cellular or porous products, also referred to herein as “carbon foams”, having a density of preferably between about 0.1 g/cm3 and about 0.8 g/cm3 and most preferably between about 0.3 and about 0.4 g/cm3 that are produced by the controlled heating of coal particulate preferably up to ¼ inch in diameter in a “mold” and under a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The coal-based cellular or porous products of the present invention have ash contents typically greater than about 1%. More typically these coal-based cellular or porous products have ash contents greater than about 3%, with ash contents in the range of about 7% to 15% being most typical. The ash residue remaining after essentially complete combustion/oxidation of these coal-based cellular or porous products is predominately composed of oxides of aluminum and silicon. Additionally, the cellular coal-based products of the present invention have relatively low overall B.E.T. surface areas. Such surface areas are typically less than about 5 m2/g and are commonly in the range of about 1 m2/g to about 2 m2/g.
US08048526B2
The present invention relates to additives for use in lubricant compositions to processes for producing the additives, and to the use of the additives in lubricants and in systems that are lubricated. More specifically, the additive includes a capped particle comprising: (i) one or more core particles wherein the core particle is an inorganic particle having a dimension less than about 5 μm; and (ii) one or more multi-block copolymers attached to the inorganic particles, wherein the multi-block copolymer comprises a) at least one nonpolar polymer block; b) at least one first polar polymer block; and c) at least one second polar polymer block; wherein the nonpolar polymer block is interposed between the first polar polymer block and the second polar polymer block, the first polar polymer block is attached to the core particle, and at least a portion of the second polar polymer block is not attached to the core particle. When used in a lubricant to lubricate a metallic surface of a workpiece, the capped particle preferably adhere to the metallic surface of the workpiece.
US08048520B2
The present invention provides a solar cell pre-lamination assembly comprising a terionomer multilayer film or sheet and solar cell modules prepared therefrom.
US08048516B2
A waterproof, vapor-permeable and gas-permeable sheet material and a method of making are provided. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous layer and a thermoplastic layer attached to the microporous layer. The thermoplastic layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The microporous layer is at least partially integrated with the thermoplastic layer to form a zone that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the microporous layer to permit passage of water droplets. The Zone can be considered to be resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the microporous layer and inhibits detachment of the layers.
US08048515B2
A graphite material includes a plurality of graphite particles and a plurality of pores which form a microstructure. When a cross-section of the microstructure is observed with a scanning electron microscope, the number of the pores appearing on the cross-section is more than 250 or more per 6000 μm2, an average area of the pores appearing on the cross-section is 5 μm2 or less, and an average aspect ratio of the pores appearing on the cross-section is 0.55 or less.
US08048511B2
This invention provides a coating agent, which can form a coating film over a wide area in a simple manner, is chemically and physically stable, and can form an ultrathin film, a coating film, a method for formation of coating film, and various products coated with the coating film. The coating agent contains thin sheet titanium oxide fine particles. The coating agent may comprise a solution containing a titania nanosheet and a sol of silicon oxide or titanium oxide. The coating film is formed by coating and then drying and heating the coating and has a microstructure in which thin sheet titanium oxide fine particles are stacked with a high level of orientation.
US08048507B2
A carpeted surface is protected with a temporary carpet protection sheet that includes a lightweight non-woven or knit fibrous material laminated with a resin backing into which at least portions of fibers of the fibrous material are embedded, or to which resin of the fibers is directly and chemically fused. Male touch fastener elements extend along the backing and are arranged in spaced apart fastening regions adjacent the longitudinal edges of the fibrous material. The male touch fastener elements are configured to be both releasably engageable with the hook-engageable fibers of the fibrous material, when the protection sheet is arranged in overlapping fashion, and releasably engageable with looped carpet tufts. A protection system features multiple lengths of such protection sheet joined by hook seaming tape.
US08048494B2
A hollow diamond shell with a size of a few micrometer to hundreds of micrometer and having a geometrical shape and its fabrication method are disclosed. A diamond film is deposited by a CVD method and porous grits are used as a victim substrate to be etched later, so that the substrate can be easily removed by a capillary phenomenon that an etching solution can be intensively absorbed in a substrate etching process. Thus, a perfect diamond shell with only a plurality of fine pores with a nano size without any conspicuous opening can be obtained. Also, a diamond shell with a small opening of below 10 percent of the surface area of grits can be fabricated by controlling a nuclear generation of diamond particles.
US08048490B2
Provided are a carbon nanotube structure more excellent in electric conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, and a method of manufacturing the carbon nanotube structure. A carbon nanotube composite structure is characterized by including: a first carbon nanotube structure in which functional groups bonded to plural carbon nanotubes are chemically bonded and mutually cross-linked to construct a network structure; and a second carbon nanotube structure in which functional groups bonded to plural carbon nanotubes are chemically bonded and mutually cross-linked to construct a network structure, the second carbon nanotube structure being combined with the network structure of the first carbon nanotube structure.
US08048484B2
Methods and apparatus for deposition of a film on a substrate in a reaction chamber by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process include providing one or more reactants, and providing a volatile neutral coordinating ligand capable of coordinating at least one selected from the following: (i) one of the reactants; (ii) a reaction by-product formed during the deposition process. The neutral coordinating ligand thus improves volatility of either reactants and/or by-products, either in the gas phase or aiding in removal of species from reaction space surfaces. The neutral coordinating ligand is provided during the deposition process, either during or after reactant supply.
US08048481B2
There is disclosed a method for the manufacture of coating or doctoring blades, wherein an elastomeric wear-resistant material at the blade tip is provided in a continuous process. During the manufacturing, the thickness of the applied elastomeric material is determined by winding the blade (containing the applied polymer composition) into a coil before the applied composition is fully cured. Successive turns of the coil are separated by a distance which is smaller than the initial thickness of the applied composition, such that the only partly cured composition is deformed by adjacent turns of the coil into the desired thickness and/or shape.
US08048479B2
A method for placing material onto a target board by means of a transfer board comprising a plurality of blind holes, the method comprising the steps of immersing the transfer board in a material bath, wherein a first pressure acts on the material bath and a second pressure acts in the blind holes, and wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are substantially equal; generating a pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, so that the blind holes of the transfer board are filled at least partially with the liquid material; extracting the transfer board from the material bath; and positioning the transfer board opposite to the target board, the material being expelled from the blind holes, such that the material touches the target board.
US08048478B2
A method of manufacturing an electrode for an electrochemical device is provided with the steps of: supplying, onto a collector, a powdered mixture containing a binder and an active material; and heating the powdered mixture to form an electrode layer on the collector, that allows continuous mass production of electrodes for electrochemical devices.
US08048474B2
A method of making a nonvolatile memory cell includes forming a steering element and forming a carbon resistivity switching material storage element by coating a carbon containing colloid.
US08048469B2
The present invention relates to a process for reducing the polyphenol oxidase activity in cocoa beans comprising the step of steaming non-fermented, non-roasted raw cocoa beans with water vapor.
US08048465B2
A method of forming elbow-shaped crackers using a die cutter is provided. By one approach, the method includes first preparing a cracker dough, and then sheeting the cracker dough to form a dough sheet having a thickness. Next, the formed dough sheet is advanced through a die cutter to form a plurality of elbow-shaped dough pieces from the dough sheet. The formed dough pieces have a non-symmetrical degree of curvature between top and bottom sides thereof so that the formed dough pieces have a recognizable elbow-shaped configuration and the plurality of formed dough pieces are nested together by the die cutter so that there is no sheeted cracker dough remaining between adjacently nested dough pieces.
US08048464B2
A method for making a snack product having a target shape from expandable pellets is disclosed. The snack product is formed into a target shape by expanding the pellets inside a mold. As the pellets expand inside the mold, the mold walls restrain the pellets expansion in the direction normal to the mold wall surface. The pellets also adhere to one another as they expand. An edible binder material can be included to facilitate such adherence.
US08048460B2
The water heating flow detection system for a beverage maker includes a heater control logic circuit that controls heating in response to temperature and flow conditions in the beverage maker. A heater control logic circuit receives a temperature detection signal and a flow detection signal, and generates a water heater control signal for controlling operation of one or more water heaters. A flow detection device may be connected to the hot water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit, and may include a magnetic flow detection device. A faucet lever position detection device may also be used to indicate flow through a faucet outlet valve.
US08048456B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating skin comprising a chemically compatible combination of skin active ingredients comprising palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, methylsilanol mannuronate, and Lactobacillus ferment, a chemically compatible combination of skin active ingredients comprising plant extracts from Punica granatum, Castanea sativa, Gossypium hirsutum, and Euterpe oleracea, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The compositions can be substantive in that they can remain on a person's skin during sleep.
US08048453B1
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08048450B2
An aqueous dispersion of hydrogel nanoparticles and methods of making the aqueous dispersion of hydrogel nanoparticles having an interpenetrating polymer network (“IPN”) are described. The uniformed sized mono-disperse IPN nanoparticles have inverse thermo gelation properties that allow therapeutic medications to be uniformly distributed in a liquid form of the aqueous dispersion of hydrogel nanoparticles. Such medications can then be released from a solid form of the aqueous dispersion of hydrogel nanoparticles in time dependant manor.
US08048449B2
Disclosed herein is a orally disintegrating and/or dissolving oral pharmaceutical composition, comprising one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients, one or more fillers having particle size of 100 microns or above, a high and desirable amount of silicon dioxide, one or more disintegrating agents, optionally effervescent couple, wherein said composition has good organoleptic properties like desired mouth feel and fast oral disintegration time.
US08048434B2
The invention relates to a novel adjuvant Mycobacterium w and or its constituents and adjuvant containing composition, which contains antigen (s) with pharmaceutical acceptable carrier and its uses.Mycobacterium w and or its constituents when administered with antigen (s) to mammal results in enhanced immunogenicity of antigen. The enhanced immunogenicity manifests as humoral responses as well as cell mediated immunity. The adjuvant effect is seen with variety of antigens in various mammals irrespective of their immune status at the time of administration of Mycobacterium w and antigen containing composition. e.g. immune naïve or preimmunized status.
US08048431B2
The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates and/or to an immunogen that induces a T cell immune response. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies, and/or to a method of inducing a T cell immune response, using such an immunogen. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present immunogens.
US08048425B2
This invention relates to cytotoxic variants of human ribonuclease 1 (RNase 1) identified through analysis of the interaction between RNase 1 and the human ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) as defined by the three dimensional (3-D) atomic structure of the RNase1 hRI complex. Also disclosed is the 3-D structure of the hRI•RNase 1 complex and methods for designing the RNase 1 variants.
US08048424B2
The invention relates to recombinant insect poison allergens and to a specific method for producing them. Said allergens can be varied according to whether they are produced using folds (conformations) that are identical or different to those that occur naturally. The proteins with folds that do not occur naturally have a reduced IgE reactivity or allergenity and can therefore be used as therapeutic agents in the immunotherapy of allergies.
US08048421B2
This invention provides an agonist antibody to a human thrombopoietin receptor (alias: human c-Mpl). More particularly, this invention provides an agonist antibody to a human thrombopoietin receptor, wherein the agonist antibody comprises: antibody constant regions comprising (1) amino acid sequences in a heavy chain constant region and a light chain constant region of a human antibody, (2) an amino acid sequence of a heavy chain constant region with a domain substituted between human antibody subclasses, and an amino acid sequence of a light chain constant region of a human antibody, or (3) amino acid sequences comprising a deletion(s), substitution(s), addition(s), or insertion(s) of one or several amino acid residues in the amino acid sequences of (1) or (2) above; and antibody variable regions capable of binding to and activating a human thrombopoietin receptor; and wherein the agonist antibody has the properties: (a) that the antibody induces colony formation at a concentration of 10,000 ng/ml or lower as determined by the CFU-MK colony formation assay using human umbilical-cord-blood-derived CD34+ cells; and (b) that the antibody has a maximal activity at least 50% higher than that of PEG-rHuMGDF and an 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 100 nM or less in the cell proliferation assay using UT7/TPO cell. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition for treating thrombocytopenia comprising said antibody.
US08048420B2
The present invention is related to methods and compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of disorders and abnormalities associated with amyloid protein such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides novel methods and compositions comprising highly specific and highly effective antibodies having the ability to specifically recognize and bind to specific epitopes from a range of β-amyloid proteins. The antibodies enabled by the teaching of the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of diseases and disorders associated with amyloid plaque formation including secondary amyloidosis and age-related amyloidosis including, but not limited to, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
US08048416B2
This invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases, particularly to the mediation of cytotoxicity of primary and metastatic human tumor cells; and most particularly to the use of an isolated monoclonal antibody or cancerous disease modifying antibodies (CDMAB) thereof, optionally in combination with one or more chemotherapeutic agents, as a means for initiating the cytotoxic response in human tumors, e.g. any primary or metastatic tumor sites which arise from hepatocytes and to binding assays which utilize the CDMAB of the instant invention.
US08048413B2
Compositions which deliver adsorbents, alone or in combination with active drug “degrading molecules,” in a site-specific manner to the intestine, and which eliminate or at least lower the concentration of residual unwanted material within the intestine, are disclosed. Methods of treatment using the compositions are also disclosed. The material to be eliminated can include residual active antibiotics, metabolites, bacterial or other toxins, and drugs which cause side effects in the gastrointestinal tract. The adsorbents can be formulated in capsules, tablets or any acceptable pharmaceutical composition, and are ideally designed to specifically release the adsorbents in a programmed manner at a specific site of the intestinal tract. The programmed delivery prevents adsorbents from interfering with the normal absorption process of a given molecule after oral absorption, until it reaches the lower part of the small intestine. The compositions can be used to adsorb, and therefore remove, any residual drug, metabolite thereof, or bacterial toxin after oral or parenteral administration which would otherwise cause adverse effects in the lower intestine and/or colon.
US08048404B1
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08048403B2
This invention relates to a new family of crystalline aluminosilicate compositions designated the UZM-26 family. These include the species UZM-26P, UZM-26PX, UZM-26 and UZM-26X, which have unique structures. UZM-26P is an as synthesized layered composition, while UZM-26 is a calcined form of UZM-26P which has a three-dimensional structure. UZM-26PX is an ion-exchanged form of UZM-26P while UZM-26X is a calcined form of UZM-26PX which has a three-dimensional structure.
US08048400B2
There is provided a process for the preparation of a alumina precursor powder from aluminum hydroxide powder obtained by hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxide which precursor enables to provide alumina powder with a high volumetric efficiency.Such process comprises mixing aluminum hydroxide powder obtained by hydrolysis of an aluminum alkoxide with the following aqueous medium so as to obtain an aluminum hydroxide mixed slurry and then drying the aluminum hydroxide mixed slurry:aqueous medium: water or a medium mixture of water and a water-soluble alcohol wherein a water content in said medium mixture is not less than 15 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the medium mixture.
US08048396B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a process of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes, capable of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes with high purity. A process of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes according to the present invention includes feeding a feedstock including a hydrocarbon source, a metallocene, and a sulfur compound in a state of mist to a feeding zone where hydrogen gas flows at a linear velocity of 1-50 m/second wherein the amount of the hydrocarbon source is 0.01-0.2% by mass and the amount of the metallocene is 0.001-0.2% by mass based on the total amount of the hydrogen gas and the feedstock, and the amount by mass of the sulfur compound is ⅛-4 times as much as that of the metallocene; and making the hydrogen gas and the fed feedstock flow through a reaction zone with a temperature of 800-1000° C.
US08048392B2
The present invention relates to a method for cleaning off-gas comprising the following steps: 1. Sulphur dioxide is separated from the off-gas by way of at least one first scrubber stage (c) by means of ammonia or ammonium compounds, 2. the off-gas is transferred into a second scrubber stage (d) and 3. in the second scrubber stage the sulphur dioxide not separated in the first scrubber stage (c), is oxidized to sulphuric acid and separated in at least one scrubber (d) and simultaneously, the ammonia released in the first scrubber stage (d) is separated by means of the formed sulphuric acid, whereby ammonium sulphate is formed, 4. the separated stream of the second scrubber stage (d) is transferred into the first scrubber stage (c).
US08048387B2
Provided are a centrifugal microfluidic device having a sample distribution structure and a centrifugal microfluidic system including the centrifugal microfluidic device. The centrifugal microfluidic device includes: a rotatable platform; a sample chamber which is disposed in the rotatable platform and houses a fluid sample; a distribution channel connected to an outlet of the sample chamber; a valve which is disposed in the outlet of the sample chamber; a plurality of non-vented reaction chambers which are disposed in the rotatable platform outside of the distribution channel in the radial direction; and a plurality of inlet channels connecting the distribution channel with the reaction chambers.
US08048382B2
A honeycomb structure includes a first end face, a second end face, a honeycomb unit, and an ammonia adsorbing material. The second end face is located opposite to the first end face along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb unit has plural cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction from the first end face to the second end face to define plural cells. The cell walls include a NOx adsorbing material and an inorganic binder. The ammonia adsorbing material is supported on the cell walls. An amount of the ammonia adsorbing material supported on the cell walls is varied between the first end face and the second end face.
US08048380B2
A plant for producing metal oxide from metal compounds includes a fluidized-bed reactor in which the metal compounds are heated by a combustion of a fuel to produce metal oxide. The fluidized-bed-reactor reactor includes at least one gas supply tube at least partly surrounded by an annular chamber in which a stationary annular fluidized bed is disposed, and a mixing chamber disposed above an orifice region of the gas supply tube. A gas flowing through the gas supply tube entrains solids from the stationary annular fluidized bed when passing through the orifice region.
US08048377B1
The present invention is drawn toward a chemical or biological sensor that can comprise a semi-conducting nanowire and a chemical or biological sensing molecule tethered to the semi-conducting nanowire through a spacer group including a hydrophilic reactive group. In one embodiment, the semi-conducting nanowire can be part of an array of like or similar semi-conducting nanowires. Electrical leads can provide an electrical current to the array, and a signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array, and can be configured for detecting changes in the electrical current of the array.
US08048370B1
A combined ozone and ozonites generator and ozone eliminator is disclosed. The device uses different modes of operation to control generation or elimination of ozone, with some modes being used for generating ozonites, some of which are generally less reactive and provide more far reaching beneficial effects than ozone alone. The device uses 185 nm radiation to disassociate atomic oxygen leading to creation of ozone, and uses 254 nm radiation to disassociate ozone, reducing its concentration, with both processes leading to creation of ozonites. These effects are achieved by operating either lamp separately or by operating both lamps simultaneously while drawing air through a chamber containing the lamps.
US08048365B2
Crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer containing an oxide selected from scandium oxide, yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, a lanthanide series oxide, and combinations thereof, and a backing including at least one backing layer where the crucible has a backing to facecoat thickness ratio of from about 6.5:1 to about 20:1.
US08048348B2
Filtration devices may include a shape-memory material having a compressed run-in position or shape and an original expanded position or shape. The shape-memory material may include an open cell porous rigid polyurethane foam material held in the compressed run-in position at the temperature below glass transition temperature (Tg). The foam material in its compressed run-in position may be covered with a fluid-dissolvable polymeric film and/or a layer of fluid-degradable plastic. Once filtration devices are in place in downhole and are contacted by the fluid for a given amount of time at temperature, the devices may expand and totally conform to the borehole to prevent the production of undesirable solids from the formation.
US08048347B2
The method of manufacturing an article having a surface, a skin, and a core includes closing a first mold portion on a compressible seal. The seal is disposed between the first and second mold portions. The portions define a pressurizable mold cavity having a spaced apart injection port and a vent. The mold cavity is pressurized at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Molten plastic and blowing agent are injected form gas cells within the mixture. The gas cells have an internal pressure exceeding the first pressure. After waiting for a first period, the pressurizing gas is vented for a second period at a rate sufficient to rupture the gas cells which form a skin adjacent to the mold cavity wall. The skin defines a core cavity filled with the foamed mixture, which is solidified. The mold portions are separated releasing the article.
US08048343B2
Light filters that use yellow melanin or melanin like materials prepared to have a yellow color and a melanin transmission spectrum in combination with a photochromic dye are disclosed. The yellow form of melanin has minimal impact on the perception of light intensity with transmission values greater than 80%. The combination allows for a single light filter suitable for both night driving and sunglass applications and which also preserve color perception.
US08048342B2
Disclosed herein are sol-gel compositions for fabricating conductive fibers in an electrospinning process and methods for producing the same.
US08048333B2
A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.
US08048328B2
Methods for rotating a magnetic field in a process chamber is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for rotating a magnetic field in a process chamber includes forming a magnetic field having a primary shape; changing the primary shape to at least two sequential transitional shapes; and changing the transitional shape to a rotated primary shape. Optionally, the magnetic field may be maintained at an approximately constant magnitude throughout each step. Optionally, a maximum of one current applied to one or more magnetic field producing coils is equal to zero or has its polarity reversed between any two adjacent steps.
US08048327B2
In a plasma processing apparatus for processing an object to be processed by generating plasma in a processing chamber: a first electrode is arranged in the processing chamber and a second electrode is arranged to face the first electrode in the processing chamber; a first and a second power systems include a first and a second power supplies for supplying a first and a second powers to the first and the second electrodes, respectively; and a control unit controls both or either one of the first and the second power systems so as to apply a preprocessing voltage to the second electrode for a time period before plasma processing is performed on the object.
US08048322B2
A method for manufacturing a thermal interface material includes the following steps: providing a carbon nanotube array formed on a substrate, the carbon nanotube array having a number of carbon nanotubes and a number of interstices between the adjacent carbon nanotubes; filling a liquid state first base material into the interstices; curing the first base material, thereby achieving a carbon nanotube/first base material composite; dripping a liquid state second base material onto the surface of the carbon nanotube/first base material composite, the first base material melting and flowing out of the carbon nanotube/first base material composite, until the carbon nanotube array being substantially submerged in the second base material; and curing the second base material, thereby achieving a thermal interface material.
US08048310B2
A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.
US08048302B2
An endless belt filtering system for separating solid particles from a flow of contaminated liquid to produce a generally clean liquid. The system having a continuous loop belt extending between a first end and a second end and being formed by a plurality of plates pivotably joined to one another about space horizontal axes. The plurality of plates together forming an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side, the belt further including an upper section wherein the outward side generally faces up and moves from the first end toward the second end and an opposite lower section wherein the outward side generally faces down and moves from the second end toward the first end. The system having a housing forming a tank with a bottom, an end wall near the first end and a pair of side walls extending from the end wall. The lower section of the belt including a bottom region passing near the tank bottom and the plurality of plates including pivot plates having pivoting flaps that are pivotable between an opened condition and a closed condition. The flaps being in the opened condition when in the bottom region and in the closed condition when in the inlet region such that movement of the portion of particles through the belt is restricted in the inlet region and is promoted in the bottom region.
US08048299B2
Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).
US08048298B2
Plant comprising a homogenization tank (100) equipped with a stirrer (120) and with a pumping unit (140), a connecting pipe (300) leaving the pumping unit (140) comprising an injector of reagents (310) and a static mixer (320), a second chamber (200) surmounted by a mixing tank (210) into which the connecting pipe (300, 320) opens tangentially and comprising a flocculation pan (220) above the sludge pit (230) and surmounted by a filtration chamber (240), a pipe (270) leading down to the bottom (222) of the flocculation pan (220) and a bypass pipe (160).
US08048284B2
Disclosed are metal plating compositions for plating a metal on a substrate. The metal plating compositions include compounds which influence the leveling and throwing performance of the metal plating compositions. Also disclosed are methods of depositing metals on a substrate.
US08048267B2
The present invention relates to a sizing or coating composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate having improved waterfastness, surface strength, and surface strength as measured by resistance to abrasion. In addition, the present invention relates to paper substrates containing the composition, as well as methods of using and making the paper substrate and composition.
US08048253B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.
US08048250B2
A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film. The method includes providing an extrusion device with an embossing roller engraved to have a pattern corresponding to a set of absorption enhancement structures. The method includes feeding a web of substantially transparent material, such as an UV-stabilized blend of polycarbonate or acrylic. The method includes rolling the embossing roller against a first side of the web to form the absorption enhancement structures. The absorption enhancement structures each include a light receiving surface that directs at least a portion of light that passes through a second side of the web toward the first side back toward the second side (e.g., the structures may be configured to provide total internal reflection when applied to a PV device). The structures refract incident light to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.10 in the PV device.
US08048249B2
A process is provided for making a fastening element for absorbent sanitary products having first and second parts that are symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, each part including a base branch connectable to the first part, and a distal branch connectable to the second part. The base branch and the distal branch are connected together according to a general book-like configuration. A dorsal part of the book-like configuration for connection between the base and the distal branches is set at a distance from said intermediate plane, the base branch connects the two parts to form a single body, each of which can connect mutually facing edges of the end parts of an absorbent sanitary product and to ensure the fastening of the flaps set on the sides. The fastening element can enable releasing and refastening the product and/or adjusting the fit of the product to the wearer's body.
US08048246B2
The invention relates to a method for ultrasound welding of a first and a second component, whereby the first component contains a recess for the reception of first and second protrusions of the second component, with the following steps: Positioning of the first and the second components so that the first and second protrusions protrude into the recess and touch a floor of the recess, Transmission of an ultrasound oscillation for the generation of a relative movement between the first and the second components, whereby the floor is pressed against the first and second protrusions, so that first protrusion is deformed in a first direction and second protrusion in a direction opposite to the first direction, and that at least a first welding connection between the first protrusion and the floor and a second welding connection between the second protrusion and the floor are formed.
US08048223B2
The present invention provides in one example embodiment a synthetic diamond and a method of growing such a diamond on a plurality of seed diamonds, implanting the grown diamond with ions, and separating the grown diamond from the plurality of seed diamonds.
US08048218B2
A coating comprising a polymer (I)-containing coating component and colloidal silica (II) of 60 nm or less average particle diameter, wherein 0.5 to 20 parts by mass, in terms of solid content, of colloidal silica (II) is contained per 100 parts by mass of polymer (I) and wherein the area of colloidal silica exposed from the surface of the coating occupies 35% or more based on the coating surface. This coating exhibits excellent antifouling performance and excels in transparency, weather resistance, water resistance, and elongation degree.
US08048216B2
The invention provides an anti-corrosive package which can be added to release agents used in preparing textiles and molded articles from lignocellulosic materials, concrete and polyurethane foam.
US08048212B2
A self-governing continuously variable inertial gas-liquid separator has an axially movable valve controlling axial flow through a nozzle orifice, and a variable flow controller upstream of and controlling the valve.
US08048197B2
The present invention provides a low carbon steel sheet and a low carbon steel slab on which formation of surface defects can be surely prevented by preventing aggregation of inclusions in the molten steel and finely dispersing inclusions in the steel sheet or slab, and a process for producing the steel sheet and slab. The present invention provides a process comprising the steps of decarburizing a molten steel so as to produce a carbon concentration of up to 0.01% by mass, pre-deoxidizing the molten steel by adding Al thereto so as to produce a dissolved oxygen concentration from 0.01 to 0.04% by mass, adding thereto Ti and at least La and/or Ce, and casting the molten steel, and a steel sheet and a steel slab obtained by the process.
US08048186B2
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a filter holding frame configured to support a plurality of filters for a turbine engine. The filter holding frame has a first filter cell and a first retainer. The first retainer has a first retaining pad coupled to a first shaft, wherein the first retaining pad and the first shaft are movable to secure and release a first filter in the first filter cell.
US08048183B2
An indoor vacuum cleaner comprises a dirty air inlet, a handle, a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirty air inlet and a fluid outlet, a plate having a cyclone chamber surface and positioned to substantially divide the cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, each of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber having an outer wall, the outer wall of each of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber having an outer perimeter, the dirt collection chamber having a cyclone chamber end spaced from a dirt collection floor, a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber, the passage configured such that separated dirt travels at least outwardly as the dirt travels through the passage and, an air flow motor.
US08048156B2
An intraocular lens for providing accommodative visions to a subject includes an adjustable optic and a haptic that is operably coupled to the optic. The adjustable optic comprises an optical axis, a central zone disposed about the optical axis, and an annular zone surrounding the central zone. The optic may also comprise additional annular zones disposed about the central zone and the first annular zone. The haptic comprises a transparent portion protruding into the adjustable optic. The intraocular lens has a disaccommodative configuration in which the central zone has a base optical power and an accommodative configuration in which the central zone has an add optical power that is at least about 1 Diopter greater than the base optical power, preferably at least about 2 Diopters greater than the base optical power. In some embodiments, the add optical power is at least 3 Diopters, or even 4 Diopters, greater than the base optical power. The central zone and the annular zone have different optical powers when the adjustable intraocular lens is in the accommodative configuration and/or when the adjustable intraocular lens is in the disaccommodative configuration.
US08048154B2
Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials. The materials contain a hydrophilic side-chain macromer for glistening resistance.
US08048146B2
Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The annular elements are longitudinally aligned and connected at connection locations with connectors, wherein at least one of the connectors is constructed of a bio-absorbable material.
US08048144B2
A prosthesis anchor is adapted to convert a previously untreatable anatomy into a more typical and treatable condition. Preferably, the anchor is adapted to be transported endoluminally to a deployment site in a body lumen. The anchor includes a landing section for securing the anchor at a relatively fixed position in the lumen, and a docking section adapted to receive a mating prosthesis the landing section of the anchor may be permanently affixed to the lumen by a variety of mechanical and/or adhesive fixation means.
US08048133B2
A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the anchoring element being movable relative to the receiving part in limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angles lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a fixation element cooperating with the receiving part to lock the anchoring element relative to the receiving part. The anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around one rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US08048124B2
A bone screw assembly includes a tulip-shaped seat, a bone fixation device, a ring-shaped washer, a rod and a cap. The tulip-shaped seat comprises a through opening dimensioned to receive the bone fixation device and a horizontal channel dimensioned to receive the rod. The washer is placed into the seat on top of the bone fixation device head and comprises first and second side tabs and a first pair of upward extending projections separated by a first gap and a second pair of upward extending projections separated by a second gap. The side tabs interface with a groove formed in the bottom portion of the seat. The rod is placed within the channel and positioned within a groove formed on the top surface of the washer. The cap includes first and second projections extending downward from its bottom surface and each of the first and second downward projections comprises first and second sidewise extending ridges. The first ridges of the first and second projections are aligned and placed within the first and second gaps of the washer, respectively, and interface with a first groove formed on the side portion of the seat and the second ridges interface with a second groove on the side portion of the seat when the cap is rotate.
US08048122B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08048121B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08048117B2
Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having a spacer with an expandable portion. An insert can be positioned within a groove of the spacer to distract the expandable portion away from the main portion of the spacer. The expandable portion can optionally include a grip that can at least partially deform to conform to a contour of a spinous process to provide a frictional grip to prevent the implant from shifting position. Implants in accordance with the present invention can also include a binder that can be arranged around the adjacent spinous processes to limit flexion movement.
US08048114B2
A guidance device including two vertebral units adapted to be fixed to the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine and wherein the two units have substantially spherical complementary articulation surfaces which, when the units are fixed to the vertebrae, extend overall on the posterior side of the vertebrae and slide against one another about a center point located in the intervertebral space that separates the vertebrae, and wherein the device also includes a mechanical element to limit an amplitude of the relative sliding of the articulation surfaces.
US08048112B2
The fixing apparatus includes a pressure fixing device to pressure fix a rod to a circular arc rod engagement portion, and small protruding portions that bite into the rod and have an acute angle in both end sides of the rod engagement portion outside of the pressure fixing device. A recess surface of the circular arc rod engagement portion between the small protruding portions is formed as a rough surface.
US08048101B2
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of elements for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable or degradable material that supports tissue ingrowth or wound healing or a similar response that replaces the cured occlusive material leaving little or no original occlusive material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.
US08048100B2
A blunt dissector for separating a blood vessel from surrounding tissues in a body comprises a longitudinal rod having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal passage for conducting insufflation gas between the proximal and distal ends. An interior sleeve is mounted within the longitudinal rod for receiving an endoscope at the proximal end. A transparent tip is mounted to the distal end of the longitudinal rod. A handle is mounted to the proximal end of the longitudinal rod. The longitudinal rod has an outer surface along substantially all of the longitudinal rod between the proximal and distal ends consisting essentially of a fluoropolymer.
US08048094B2
A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.
US08048093B2
A cutting balloon for use in PTCA and PTA procedures and methods for manufacturing cutting balloons are disclosed. One or more surfaces of the cutting balloon are formed with a non-smooth surface texture to improve adhesion between cutting blades and the inflatable balloon, to improve traction between the cutting balloon and the arterial wall, or to prevent inadvertent balloon perforation by a cutting blade. Textures, which can include a knurling texture and a nodular texture can be formed on the inflatable balloon surface directly using laser ablation. Alternatively, the texture can be formed on a mold surface used to mold the inflatable balloon from a parison. Mold surfaces can be textured using a laser photolithography process, sandblasting or a high-speed tool such as a diamond saw.
US08048092B2
Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot is inserted through a penetration and actuated extend the foot carrying suturing attachment cuffs. Needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn along the needle paths and through the tissue tract to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract.
US08048090B2
Systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre-determined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skill models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.
US08048086B2
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.
US08048069B2
The disclosure describes a user interface that may be used to control ablation therapy and monitor ablation therapy progress in systems that utilize wet electrode ablation techniques. The user interface presents a virtual electrode depth icon to a user that indicates the size of a lesion that may be created with the selected virtual electrode depth. The virtual electrode depth may be changed by the user according to the ablation therapy most appropriate for a patient, and the user may interact with the user interface to define the virtual electrode depth. In this manner, the user interface may be a touchscreen or other input device such as a mouse, pointing device, or keyboard. The user interface may also provide a thermometer icon that represents a patient temperature, a timer icon that represents a remaining time for therapy, and other representations of therapy progress.
US08048061B2
An adapter for an introducer comprises a medical device having a tubular port on a proximal end such as a splittable hemostatic valve. A tubular fitting is provided on a proximal end of the introducer. An elastomeric member is disposed between the port of the medical device and the tubular fitting of the introducer for providing a fluid tight and mechanically secure connection therebetween. The introducer and valve are manually connectable and reconnectable with each other while maintaining the fluid tight connection between them. A side port may communicate with the hemostatic valve, the side port having a controllable valve ending. In the preferred embodiment the introducer comprises a splittable introducer. In the illustrated embodiment the elastomeric member provides a slip fit between the medical device and the tubular fitting of the introducer. A tab extends from the tubular fitting of the introducer to facilitate manual manipulation of the tubular fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the introducer is torqueable and the tab is used to rotate the introducer.
US08048060B2
A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
US08048058B2
A tip for attachment, in use, to the distal end of a catheter for insertion into a body lumen. The tip comprises an attachment region. The attachment region is formed from a material selected to have at least one characteristic having a first parameter of a predetermined value to enable attachment of the tip in use. There is also a second region, connected to the attachment region. The second region is formed from a material selected to have the at least one characteristic defined by a second parameter value, the second parameter value being lower than the first parameter value.
US08048055B2
Clamps and methods are disclosed for clamping portions of fluid containers and displacing fluid from portions of fluid containers. In one embodiment, a clamp has a first jaw having a photopermeable main body portion and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are operatively associated so that at least one jaw, or both jaws, may be moved between clamped and released positions. The clamp is sized to receive a portion of a fluid container and displace fluid in the fluid container from a clamped region of the fluid container when the first and/or second jaw(s) are in the clamped position. The photopermeable main body portion(s) of the first and/or second jaw(s) allow some light to reach the clamped region of the fluid container during photoradiation to inactivate pathogens in the fluid. Various clamp embodiments and assemblies having lock members and interlocks are also disclosed herein.
US08048054B2
The invention relates to a disposable article and method relating to attachment tabs on a disposable article. The disposable article typically comprises a non-woven layer, an absorbent layer, and an outer film-wrapping layer associated with an attachment tab. The tabs are adhered to the polymer film and can be used to close the absorbent garment when in use. The invention also relates to a method of attaching the tabs to the polymer film using an adhesive having improved adhesive properties.
US08048032B2
A coaxial guide catheter to be passed through guide catheter having a first lumen, for use with interventional cardiology devices that are insertable into a branch artery that branches off from a main artery. The coaxial guide catheter is extended through the lumen of the guide catheter and beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and inserted into the branch artery. The device assists in resisting axial and shear forces exerted by an interventional cardiology device passed through the second lumen and beyond the flexible distal tip portion that would otherwise tend to dislodge the guide catheter from the branch artery.
US08048019B2
A transdermal drug delivery system (100) for providing controlled doses of a drug through the skin of a human or other animal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the transdermal drug delivery system (100) includes a substrate (110) designed to adhere to skin and a transdermal injector array (140) coupled to the substrate (110). The transdermal array (140) has one or more transdermal injectors (210, 220, 230) embedded within including a first transdermal injector (210) configured to administer or provide a first substance to the skin at a speed great enough to produce an appreciable breach in the surface of the skin.
US08048012B1
A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. The custom articulated AFO has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. The custom articulated AFO is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.
US08048010B2
A massage nozzle is disclosed including a vortex chamber having a water intake section provided to form a vortical flow therein, a spouting port provided to spout the vortical flow to form a negative pressure region, a water-spray plate provided at a distal end of the spouting port, the water-spray plate having an opening at a center thereof and a plurality of water-spray holes around the opening. The water-spray plate allows a large area suction and smooth movement while moving in contact with the skin. Further a movable member having an opening may be provided with at least a part inserted into the vortex chamber. Some part of a first portion of the movable member has a larger outside dimension than the spouting port, allowing physical vibration of the movable member in addition to the suction massage effect.
US08047998B2
A method for estimating systolic and diastolic pressure is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a predetermined type of blood pressure data from a patient, and providing previously acquired blood pressure data obtained from a plurality of different subjects. The method also includes implementing the previously acquired blood pressure data to select systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios that most closely correlate with the predetermined type of blood pressure data obtained from the patient. The selected systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios are adapted to compensate for the effects of arterial compliance. The method also includes implementing the selected systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios to generate a systolic and diastolic blood pressure estimates.
US08047997B2
A non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system is disclosed herein. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system includes a pressure cuff comprising a resistive portion and a conductive portion aligned with the resistive portion. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system also includes a controller operatively connected to the pressure cuff. The controller is adapted to estimate the circumference of the pressure cuff based on the position of the conductive portion relative to the resistive portion.
US08047993B2
Disclosed is a method for detecting the degree of malignancy in tumors noninvasively, which comprises the steps of: using a Power Doppler ultrasound unit to scan a tumor and capture sequential color imagines in a complete heartbeat cycle, and choosing an area of interest (AREA_ROI) from the images; labeling pixels reflecting signals of bloodflow in the imagines during one heartbeat cycle to contour an area of tumor blood vessels (AREA_vessel); calculating a difference of PDVI between maximal systolic pressure and diastolic pressure during the heartbeat cycle to obtain tumor differential vascularity index (TDVI), in which PDVI is the ratio obtained by dividing pixels of AREA_vessel by a total area in the section of AREA_ROI; and determining the degree of malignancy by the TDVI. The method of the present invention can be applied to monitor the response of tumor to clinical treatment.
US08047992B2
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, an image-processing part, a received signal intensity-adjusting part, and a display part. The ultrasonic probe three-dimensionally transmits/receives ultrasonic waves. The image-processing part generates a first ultrasonic image along a plane intersecting the scanning lines of ultrasonic waves, based on the signals obtained by transmitting/receiving of the ultrasonic waves. The signal intensity-adjusting part changes the intensity of the signals on the scanning lines passing through a brightness adjustment range for brightness adjustment set on the first ultrasonic image. The image-processing part generates a second ultrasonic image, based on the signal changed by the signal intensity-adjusting part. The display part displays the second ultrasonic image.
US08047979B2
The invention involves enhancing brain function by stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. Applications of the new methods include improving the condition of individuals with cognitive disorders, such as depression, and studying the effects of neural stimulation using induced electric fields. These techniques can avoid deleterious effects of psychotropic pharmaceutical treatments, and provide a relatively safe, comfortable, inexpensive means of direct cranial stimulation.
US08047974B1
An exercise apparatus includes a bar assembly and weight assemblies and can be used according to various methods of performing exercise routines using the apparatus. An exemplary exercise apparatus includes bar segments that are coupled together to create a bar assembly. Weight can be added to the bar assembly and the assembled device can be used to perform exercises that involve, for example, twisting and stretching.
US08047970B2
A weight plate having a detachable locking cartridge by which the weight plate is releasably connected to a lifting element (e.g., a center post) whereby one or more weight plates carried by the lifting element may be lifted by a user. The weight plate also has a plate body with a central bore in which to receive the lifting element. In one embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge is mounted flush against one side (e.g., the bottom) of the weight plate body so as to lie entirely external to the plate body. In an alternate embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge includes a stabilizer extension that is received within a cavity recessed in the one side of the plate body. The detachable locking cartridge includes a manually-accessible toggle lever switch arm that is adapted to rotate within a housing of the cartridge between locked and unlocked positions to thereby control the displacement of a locking pin relative to the lifting element within the central bore of the plate body.
US08047964B2
An intra-oral system is disclosed for assisting an individual in developing intra-oral muscle control and strength, and for facilitating typing of alphanumeric characters on a virtual keyboard. The system may also be used to enable an individual having limited use of the upper extremities to control an electrical apparatus such as a wheelchair, a bed or a light fixture. The intra-oral system includes a mouthpiece having a plurality of cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of an individual. Movement of the tongue over and against the cells causes an object to be moved over a display. In one embodiment, the object is moved through an obstacle course or over a simulated track as part of a therapeutic regimen. In another embodiment, the object is moved over alphanumeric characters on a digital keyboard, and selected characters are typed by operation of the mouthpiece. In this manner, textual matter may be produced and stored by the user, and then sent via electronic means using a wired or wireless communication network. In yet another embodiment, a character or icon on the display is selected and activated to manipulate an electrical apparatus. A method for moving an electrical apparatus using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement is also provided.
US08047961B2
An engine control system of a vehicle comprises a first module and a cylinder deactivation module. The first module selectively adjusts torque output by an engine based on a vehicle torque request that is greater than a driver torque request. The cylinder deactivation module selectively deactivates a cylinder of the engine when a difference between an estimated maximum torque output of the engine and the driver torque request is greater than a predetermined maximum torque.
US08047960B2
A continuously variable transmission reduces slips between a primary sheave and a V-belt when decelerating. A target value setting section sets a control target value for control by a control device. In the target value setting section, a normal mode, a kick down mode set to be in a Low gear range lower than in the normal mode, and a restriction value given in a throttle fully closed state are provided. The control device controls the continuously variable transmission based upon the kick down mode provided in the target value setting section, in response to an operation of a kick down operator. The control device controls a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission not to vary to a Low gear range lower than the restriction value provided in the target value setting section.
US08047953B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three 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.
US08047945B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external 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. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US08047943B2
A reduction gear transmission, a kind of eccentrically-oscillating-type reduction gear transmission, is provided with an internal gear, an external gear, a carrier, a crank member and a bearing mechanism. The external gear comprises a through hole at a position offset from its central axis. The carrier comprises a support shaft that extends into the through hole of the external gear. The crank member comprises a though hole into which the support shaft extends and an eccentric member that engages inside the through hole of the external gear. The central axis of the eccentric member is offset from a central axis of the support shaft. The bearing is disposed between the support shaft and the crank member, and supports the crank member such that the crank member is capable of rotating with respect to the central axis of the support shaft. In this reduction gear transmission, a clearance that extends along the support shaft between the carrier and the inner ring is narrower than a clearance between the carrier and an end face of the crank member.
US08047933B2
The present invention is to a golf ball having an equator at latitude 0° and two poles; and an equator region defined by latitudes 0 to 25°, a shoulder region defined by latitudes from more than 25° to less than 65°, and a pole region defined by latitudes 65° to 90°; and a dimple pattern on the surface of the golf ball having an average dimple volume of the equator region Ve, an average dimple volume of the shoulder region, Vs, and an average dimple volume of the pole region, Vp such that the ratio Vs/Ve is less than 0.97 and the ratio Vp/Vs is less than 0.97.
US08047932B2
A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a predetermined distance DUTr and a treated region disposed about the untreated region and extending inward from the outer surface a predetermined depth DTr. The treated region has been exposed to and comprises a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition wherein the treated region comprises a first hardness and the untreated region comprises a second hardness different than the first hardness. Additionally, a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the geometric center having a hardness (Hg) and the outer surface having an extrapolated hardness (HE) and an actual hardness (HOS) wherein HE is derived from a five point extrapolation within three quarters of an outer core diameter and HOS as measured on the curved surface of the core, and the cover has a hardness (HC), wherein HC>HE>Hg>HOS.
US08047931B2
A golf club head comprises a face portion improved in the durability by increasing the strength of the toe-side upper region of the face portion. The face portion is formed from a unidirectionally rolled plate of a titanium alloy having alpha phase, and at least in the toe-side upper region, the titanium alloy has alpha phase crystals of a hexagonal closely packed structure whose hexagonal symmetry axis (a) is oriented in the direction of a line (k) drawn between the sweet spot (SS) and the toe end point (TP).
US08047930B2
A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. A dense insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The dense insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions.
US08047925B2
Playground device, for example a swing or a see saw, having a ground supported, movable part and at least one motion sensor configured for sensing the motion of the movable part. The motion sensor is functionally connected to a sound signal feedback generator that is configured for converting the signals from the motion sensor into a sound feedback in response to the motion of the movable part. The sensors are mechanically connected only to the movable part in order to provide system with a large number of variations of embodiments.
US08047923B2
A rethreading die for clamping over a section of threaded rod is formed of two separable identically die section halves. Each die section has one-half of an outer gripping surface and an inner abutment face formed of identically shaped spaced first and second face sections in a common plane. One face section has a perpendicular alignment pin and the second face section has a perpendicular recess. The first and second faces are spaced and in a common plane. The die sections are joined together with the pin-containing face of each die section abutting the recess-containing face of the other die section so that the pins are inserted into the recesses to hold the die sections in alignment. A die tool is then clamped around the die surface, so that the die can be rotated over the damaged rod section to repair the threads.
US08047916B2
A gaming apparatus has several primary gaming devices. Each of the primary gaming devices is configured to accept a wager and to generate a bonus qualifying event. A central display device is mounted in association with the primary gaming devices. The central display device has several flexible belt displays having indicia thereon. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the central display device. The controller is configured to detect the bonus qualifying event and to position the flexible belt displays such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the flexible belt displays convey a game outcome. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.
US08047909B2
The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices wherein players may share and combine outcomes or parts thereof. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. During the interaction, players may combine outcomes in an attempt to win group prizes. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.
US08047896B2
The present invention provides a polishing apparatus and a polishing method capable of calculating outside diameters of rolls of a polishing tape on a polishing-tape supply reel and a polishing-tape recovery reel and capable of calculating a remaining amount of the polishing tape and a consumption of the polishing tape from the outside diameters of the rolls. This polishing apparatus includes a polishing-tape supply reel (46), a polishing head (44), a polishing-tape drawing-out mechanism G1, and a polishing-tape supply and recovery mechanism (45) configured to recover the polishing tape (43) from the polishing-tape supply reel (46) via the polishing head (44). The polishing-tape supply and recovery mechanism (45) includes a motor Mb adapted to apply a torque to the polishing-tape supply reel (46) so as to exert a predetermined tension on the polishing tape (43) traveling through the polishing head (44), and a rotation angle detector REa adapted to detect a rotation angle of the polishing-tape supply reel (46).
US08047894B2
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a evaluating the quality of a lapping plate. In one embodiment, an information receiver receives information while the lapping plate is being used to lap a slider. The information indicates the quality of a lapping plate. A quality determiner that evaluates the quality of the lapping plate based on the information while the lapping plate is being used to lap the slider.
US08047893B2
A posture support garment comprises shoulder cap straps designed to pull the shoulders back thereby straightening the wearer's posture. The shoulder cap straps may be lined with silicone or some other appropriate material to grip or “grab” the skin at the area of the pectoral muscles or may be designed to cup the shoulders mechanically. This invention provides an effective posture enhancement while also providing a garment that is comfortable to wear all day. The posture support garment may be integrally designed and manufactured into a brassiere, T-shirt, bodice, or other top garment. The posture support garment may be worn by computer users or others concerned with detrimental genetic posture or the detrimental effects of everyday activity.
US08047880B2
Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
US08047874B2
The high-density connector for high-speed transmission comprises a female connector having a connector body formed with a plurality of contact accommodating concave portions and a plurality of female contacts, and a male connector having a connector body and a plurality of male contacts. The female contacts are arranged in zigzag in a plurality of rows such that adjacent female contacts in a front-back direction are diagonally positioned to each other. Contact portions of the male contacts are arranged in zigzag in a plurality of rows corresponding to the arrangement of the female contacts. Among the rows of the female contacts, two adjacent rows in the front-back direction are rows of a pair of signal line contacts, and one row on either side in the front-back direction of the pair of signal line contacts is a row of a ground contact.
US08047872B2
A coaxial angle connector includes a pin having first and second ends, the first end being generally perpendicular to the second end. The pin is moveable from a first position to a second position in response to insertion of a coaxial cable into the connector and provides a positive visual indication of proper cable center conductor installation. The connector can also optionally include an coupling nut with a dual-grip surface.
US08047869B2
A multi-port connector of different standards is electrically connected on a circuit board of an electronic device and includes a base, a High Definition Multimedia (HDMI) connector and a SPDIF connector. The base has a first mounting space and a second mounting space. The HDMI connector is mounted in the first mounting space. The HDMI connector is provided with conductive pins extending to the outside of the base. The SPDIF connector has a housing that is mounted in the second mounting space. The interior of the housing has a light receiver. The pins of the light receiver extend to the outside of the base.
US08047865B2
A pair manager for use in securing a twin-axial cable to a printed circuit board is described. The pair manager comprises a generally block-shaped portion containing a pair of channels. The channels extend from the front face to the rear face of the block-shaped portion. An integral flange and a pair of integral fingers extend perpendicularly from the front face of the block-shaped portion. The flange extends generally from the center of the front face and the fingers extend from opposite edges of the front face. The fingers and flange function as a partial shield cavity around each pair of conductors. This design helps to maintain better impedance matching when connecting twin-axial cables to a printed circuit board.
US08047857B1
A battery connector mounted on a printed circuit board which has an insulating housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface and two side surfaces. The front surface defines a plurality of terminal grooves. The rear surface defines two first fixing grooves and two second fixing grooves. A plurality of conductive terminals fixed in the terminal grooves each has a soldering portion for soldering on the printed circuit board. A pair of fixing elements each has a first fixing slice secured in the first fixing groove. The first fixing slice is bent perpendicularly to form a soldering slice for soldering with the printed circuit board. A connecting portion extends perpendicularly from the first fixing slice for being attached on the rear surface. A distal end of the connecting portion is bent frontward to form a second fixing slice fixed in the second fixing groove.
US08047856B2
A connector having a Ball-Grid Array on one side of a connector circuit board and a socket recess on the other side of the connector circuit board can be used to mate an opto-electronic transceiver module to a system circuit board. A base portion of the transceiver module can be received in the socket recess. Within the socket recess, an exposed portion of the connector circuit board has an array of resilient conductive contacts corresponding to an array of conductive pads on the lower surface of the base portion of the transceiver module.
US08047852B2
A notebook computer includes a display and a host panel. The display includes a number of first contacts electrically connected to a number of controlling circuits therein for controlling the display to display images. The host panel is pivotably connected to the display. The host panel includes a number of second contacts corresponding to the first contacts and each electrically connected to a triggering circuit of the host panel, for triggering a function of the notebook computer. The first contacts are arranged along a first line and a number of ends of the second contacts on a same side are arranged along a second line. An acute angle is defined between the first line and the second line. When the display is rotated relative to the host panel, the first contacts contact the second contacts in sequence, to trigger multiple functions of the notebook computer.
US08047841B2
The application of a dental material to a site in the oral cavity includes the application of vibrational energy and heat to the dental material in order to substantially impart a preselected or desired viscosity to the dental material.
US08047832B2
An injection/stretch blow mold clamping mechanism comprises mold clamping shafts erected vertically movably on both sides of an injection molding operation section and extending through the lower base platen and upper base platen, hydraulic mold clamping means connected respectively to lower ends positioned within a bed of the clamping shafts, a mold clamping platen having core molds attached thereto and being fitted on the mold clamping shafts, the clamping platen being installed vertically movably between the upper base platen and a top platen, a pair of mold air cylinders connecting on both sides thereof the upper base platen and the clamping platen with each other and causing the clamping platen to move vertically with respect to the upper base platen, a mold clamping rod connected to the mold clamping platen through the top platen, and a pair of clamp members disposed on an upper surface of the top platen.
US08047818B2
A multiple-chamber, multiple-stage reciprocal pump for compressing air through a series of up-strokes and down-strokes. The pump includes an upper reciprocal portion and a fixed portion. The fixed portion further includes a base housing with an ambient air inlet cavity and a compressed air outlet cavity formed therein. It further includes an outlet valve body fixed to the base housing with an outlet valve pneumatically coupled to direct high-pressure compressed air into the outlet cavity. The outlet valve body also has an inlet port pneumatically coupled to the inlet cavity, and there are plural cylinders coupled to the outlet valve body, which slideably and sealably engaged with the upper reciprocal portion, thereby enabling the series of up-strokes and down-strokes to compress air.
US08047814B2
A chemical liquid supplying apparatus which can discharge chemical liquid with high accuracy is provided. The apparatus is used to discharge the chemical liquid in a chemical liquid tank from an application nozzle. The apparatus has a combined member formed integrally with a pump case and a cylinder, and a flexible tube serving as a pump member is provided in the pump case, wherein its inside is a pump chamber and its outside is a pump-side driving chamber. A piston is assembled to the cylinder and when the piston is reciprocated by a motor, the pump chamber is expanded and contracted. A gap between the piston and the cylinder is covered with a diaphragm, and an interior of the diaphragm is a seal space. Therefore, an incompressible medium having leaked from the gap between the piston and the cylinder enters into the seal space and does not leak to the outside.
US08047813B2
An aromatherapy air pump is damped and largely isolated against acoustic and mechanical transmission of vibrations in three dimensions by a combination of containment within multiple, nested housings and standoffs provided by elastomeric supports having anisotropic geometry. An elastomeric liner as well as unstable legs, physical separations, and hermetic seals combine to provide sound reduction for noise and vibration emanating from the pump and its drive motor.
US08047806B2
An improved jet well pump includes a centrifugal pump assembly that is a stamping-welding one and a jet pump assembly. The centrifugal pump assembly includes a pump body and a pump cover, an impeller and a shaft that are disposed in the pump body, it also includes a motor arranged outside of the pump body. The impeller is installed on the shaft and driven by the motor. The jet pump assembly includes a jet pump body, a nozzle installed in the jet pump body and a throat member disposed on the upper end of the jet pump body. The centrifugal pump assembly and the jet pump assembly are communicated with each other by means of an inlet pipe and a return pipe. The upper ends of the inlet pipe and the return pipe are connected with an inlet and an outlet that are arranged on the axial surface of the pump body respectively, and the lower ends are connected with the throat member and the jet pump body respectively. The well pump not only improves manufactural process by simplifying and compacting structure and is convenient for transportation and use, but also reduces the intensity of labor and the cost, saves materials and has no pollution.
US08047796B2
A method of assembling a steam turbine including a rotor assembly is provided. The method includes providing at least one turbine bucket including a dovetail that includes a plurality of crush surfaces, a plurality of non-contact surfaces, and at least one neck defined between one of the crush surfaces and one of the non-contact surfaces. The method also includes providing a turbine wheel that includes at least one dovetail slot defined therein that is defined by a plurality of crush surfaces and a plurality of non-contact surfaces, and coupling the dovetail of the at least one turbine bucket within the turbine wheel slot such that a slant angle of the at least one neck facilitates a substantially uniform distribution of load between the dovetail and the at least one slot.
US08047788B1
A turbine airfoil with a leading edge cooling air supply channel located along the leading edge region of the airfoil to supply cooling air from an outside source and a series of serpentine flow cooling circuits positioned along the leading edge of the airfoil connected to the cooling supply channel to pass cooling air through the series of serpentine passages in a direction from the airfoil root to the airfoil tip. The series of serpentine circuits includes legs on the pressure side and the suction side of the leading edge. Cooling air from the supply channel is metered into the first leg of the serpentine circuit located near the root, flows through a series of serpentine circuits along the leading edge of the airfoil, and flows out to the tip through a tip hole in the last leg of the last serpentine circuit.
US08047780B2
An assembled fan frame suitable for a case body includes a framework, a plurality of first assemblies, a back slab, and a plurality of second assemblies. The framework includes a fixing slab, a first side wall and a second side wall facing each other, and an accommodation space is defined to accommodate at least one fan module. The fixing slab has at least one first vent and a plurality of first assembling holes which are disposed around the first vent. The first assembly is disposed through the first assembling hole and fastens the fan module on the fixing slab. The back slab is vertically mounted on a surface of the case body and faces the fixing slab. The back slab includes at least one second vent and a plurality of second assembling holes. The second assembly is disposed through the second assembling hole and detachably fixes the framework on the back slab.
US08047773B2
A support apparatus for a gas turbine shroud is disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer shroud block having a coupling connectable to a casing of the gas turbine and a shroud component having a forward flange and an aft flange. The shroud component is attached to the outer shroud block via the forward flange and the aft flange. The apparatus further includes a damper disposed between the outer shroud block and the shroud component and a biasing element disposed within the outer shroud block. A translational degree of freedom between the damper and the outer shroud block defines a direction of motion of the damper. The biasing element is in operable connection between the outer shroud block and the shroud component via the damper, a bias force of the biasing element directed along the direction of motion of the damper.
US08047772B2
There is described a variable geometry turbine having a sliding element (5) for the control of the section throat of the turbine (1) by sliding movement along an axial direction of a turbine wheel (71). The turbine wheel operates to convert a flow of working fluid into mechanical energy. At least one bypass channel (51) is defined in the sliding element (5). The bypass channel is further connected to a turbine wheel outlet area (79) downstream of the turbine wheel for selectively guiding an excess flow of working fluid past the turbine wheel (71), so as to control the operation of the turbine. A use of the variable geometry turbine with a turbocharger for an engine and a method for controlling such turbine is also described.
US08047766B2
The invention relates to an electromechanical drive for actuating valves, especially in steam turbines including an electromotor, a linear unit, a clutch and an electronic control unit. The linear unit includes a piston rod which is guided in a power-transmission thread of a screw nut, and is arranged, at least in sections, as a spindle and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis for actuating the valve in the screw nut with the power-transmission thread. The clutch is arranged for transmitting a rotational movement of the motor axis of the electromotor onto the piston rod. The electronic control unit is set up to control the speed and/or rotor position of the motor axis of the electromotor depending on a control signal and an output signal of a position pick-up of the position of the piston rod in the screw nut with power-transmission thread, and/or to control the engagement and/or disengagement of the clutch depending on the control signal.
US08047765B2
An actuating device includes: at least one first elongated member having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); and at least one second elongated member having a second CTE different from the first CTE, the second elongated member being nested within the first elongated member, the device being configured to displace a portion of the device a selected distance along a major axis of the device based on a relationship between the first CTE and the second CTE in response to a change in temperature.
US08047764B2
The fan duct of a ducted fan gas turbine engine has a fan case lined with a honeycomb structure that acts to absorb the energy of a separated part of a blade. A layer of composite material lining honeycomb structure delaminates/breaks when a separated blade part passes through a further, inner honeycomb liner and hits it. The resulting free end of composite liner wraps round the striking end of the blade part, thus blunting the cutting action of the blade part and spreading the generated forces to the extent that the blade part is de-energised sufficiently to prevent it penetrating the fan case.
US08047758B2
A Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer (30) includes a winch (44) for loading and unloading the towed vehicles (32, 34, 36) and can act alone as a crane (42) if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer (30) to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.
US08047752B2
A fastener assembly, such as a nail assembly, includes a row of fasteners held together and maintained in position by a multi-layered structure including a first polymeric layer having a first surface for contacting the fasteners and a second surface and including a polymer with at least one polar moiety; and a second polymeric layer is disposed on the first polymeric layer over the second surface, the second polymeric layer being sufficiently rigid for reinforcing the first polymeric layer.
US08047748B2
A cutting tool insert includes: a body defining a rake face, a flank face, and a cutting edge at an intersection of the rake and flank faces; and a cooling microduct within the body. The microduct has a cross-sectional area of not more than 1.0 square millimeter. The microduct is adapted to permit the flow of a coolant therethrough to transfer heat away from the cutting edge and extend the useful life of the insert. The microduct may have a portion with a cross-sectional area no larger than 0.004 square millimeter, and may communicate through at least one of the rake fact and the flank face to exhaust coolant near the cutting edge and further enhance cooling.
US08047747B2
A rotary cutting tool is provided having an axis of rotation, a shank section, a fluted section, and a plurality of helical teeth. The shank section and the fluted section both extend along the axis of rotation. The fluted section has a first end integrally attached to the shank section, a second end, and an outer surface extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of helical teeth is disposed along the outer surface, each having a cutting edge and an undulating geometry. The helical teeth are arranged so that rotationally successive cutting edges are sufficiently dissimilar relative to one another to inhibit a detrimental periodic response in the rotary cutting tool.
US08047740B2
Friction-welded connection between a sheet metal element and a therein inserted rotation body. The sheet metal element is provided with a protruding, circular annular wall as a pressure face, which pressure face is adapted to be engaged by the rotation body with a counter-pressure face. At least one pressure face is of such conicity that the insertion of the rotation body loads the annular wall with increasing pressure, there being formed a friction-welded connection between rotation body and annular wall as a result of rotation of the rotation body.
US08047739B2
An improved compression load ball joint assembly consisting of a metal housing having an open end and an internal cylindrical chamber which at least partially encloses a portion of a movable stud member, a lower metal bearing, an upper metal split bearing, and a Belleville washer. The upper metal split bearing is disposed opposite the lower metal bearing to engage the movable stud member and the housing simultaneously. The upper metal split bearing is configured to slide within the housing to provide for a constant wear surface against the movable stud member. The lower metal bearing, upper metal split bearing, Belleville washer, and movable stud member are contained within the housing by a cover plate concentrically disposed about the movable stud member and secured within the open end of the housing.
US08047734B2
A pencil-form cosmetic composition which has a good stability at high temperature, an excellent smoothness during application, and an excellent long-lasting property, and also provides a cosmetic product thereof. The pencil-form cosmetic composition comprises (a) 15 to 50% by mass of volatile oil, (b) 5 to 25% by mass of heavy liquid isoparaffin, and (c) 5 to 30% by mass of rice wax.
US08047731B2
An electronic device includes a main body, a lens received in the main body, and a collapsible lens cover with one end fixed on the main body and the other end capable of resisting or detaching from the main body such that the lens is covered or uncovered.
US08047730B2
A handwriting device includes a supporting device using two supporting arms. Each of the supporting arms is an elongated plate, includes a sliding end and an opposite pivoting end, and further includes an engaging surface. The sliding ends of the supporting arms are slidably engaged in two respective sliding channels defined in a supporting base. A cutout is defined in the engaging surface at the pivoting ends. A through hole is defined at each of the pivoting ends where the cutout is formed. The through holes of the supporting arms are aligned with each other. The supporting arms are rotatably connected with each other via a threaded bolt passing through the through holes of the supporting arms. As such, the height of a camera module supported by the supporting arms can be adjusted.
US08047729B2
An enhanced camera transport system and method includes a strap and coupler. The coupler is configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera otherwise reserved by engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler is slideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of the camera from a transport position to a picture taking position. Other implementations include an enclosure for storage of the camera while not being used.
US08047725B2
In an optical connector adapter for use in connecting a first and a second optical connector plug to each other, a second adapter half is butted against a first adapter half in a predetermined direction. The first and second adapter halves have engaging means for maintaining the first and second adapter halves in a butted state in the predetermined direction. The engaging means is configured to be disposed inside the optical connector adapter and to be prevented from releasing engagement thereof by at least one of the first and second optical connector plugs.
US08047722B2
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has a substantially cylindrical outer ring formed with double row outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference and with press fitting surfaces on its outer circumferences of its cylindrical portions. A pair of inner rings is formed with inner raceway surfaces on their outer circumferences. The inner rings cylindrical portions have fitting surfaces on their inner circumferences. The fitting surfaces fit onto a cylindrical portion of a wheel hub. The inner rings are adapted to be arranged so that end faces of the cylindrical portions abut each other. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably arranged between outer and inner raceway surfaces. At least the outer ring of the outer and inner is formed by pressing or rolling from a plate member or a pipe member. The outer ring and the inner rings have cylindrical portions axially extending, respectively, from the outer raceway surfaces and the inner raceway surfaces. The thickness of the cylindrical portions of the outer ring is thinner than that of the outer raceway surfaces. Seals are arranged in annular spaces formed between the inner circumferences of the cylindrical portions of the outer ring and the outer circumferences of the cylindrical portions of the inner rings. The seals are adapted to be press-fit into the inner circumferences of the cylindrical portions of the outer ring. The double row outer raceway surfaces of the outer ring and the inner raceway surfaces of the inner ring are surface hardened.
US08047719B2
A support device for a shaft extension of a motor, the motor including a flange facing and a shaft, the shaft not protruding outward beyond the flange facing. The support device includes a retainer and a bearing. The retainer includes a receiving chamber. The retainer is fastened to the flange facing of the motor. The bearing includes an inner hole. The bearing is received in the receiving chamber of the retainer. A shaft extension is coupled with the shaft of the motor through the inner hole of the bearing. The shaft extension is supported by the retainer and bearing.
US08047711B2
A thermocouple vacuum sensor is provided, the thermocouple being surrounded by a gas or mixture of gases the pressure of which is to be measured. Cyclically the thermocouple is heated until its temperature reaches an upper temperature threshold. The thermocouple is subsequently cooled until its temperature reaches a lower temperature threshold. The heating time required to heat the thermocouple from the lower to the upper temperature threshold is measured. The cooling time required to cool the thermocouple from the upper temperature threshold to the lower temperature threshold may also be measured. The pressure surrounding the thermocouple may then be determined as a function of either the heating time, or the cooling time, or both.
US08047706B2
Methods and systems for calibrating a temperature control system in a vapor deposition chamber. A temperature sensor senses temperature within a semiconductor processing chamber and generates an output signal. A temperature control system controls a chamber temperature by controlling a heating apparatus based on the output signal. A method includes instructing the control system to target a setpoint temperature, and depositing a layer of material onto a surface in the chamber by a vapor deposition process. A variation of a property of the layer is measured while depositing the layer, the property known to vary cyclically as a thickness of the layer increases. The measured property is allowed to vary cyclically for one or more cycles. If there is a difference between a time period of one or more of the cycles and an expected time period associated with the setpoint temperature, the temperature control system is adjusted based on the difference.
US08047703B2
A method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.
US08047702B1
A high shear mixer in a holding tank is used in a continuous flow process. Flow rate of material into and out of the holding tank establishes residence time in contact with shearing elements. A batch shear mixer is used in a tank that has continuous flow into the bottom and out of the top. A level controller controls a valve or a positive displacement pump at the inlet. The mixing chamber is sized for the maximum needed residence time, slowing the flow increases the residence time. In an open tank lower inlet pump and upper outlet pump are coordinated. Incoming flow rate matches outgoing flow for continuous processing.
US08047701B2
A batch mixer, which includes a floating weight that is freely elevatable by hydraulic cylinders in a hopper which is provided for a mixer main body in a communicated state and into which mixing materials are charged, includes: a linear scale capable of continuously detecting the elevating/lowering position of a floating weight; a position setting device that sets the elevated position of the floating weight; and a control device that controls the elevating/lowering position of the floating weight based on the positional detection signal of the linear scale and the set value of the position setting device. The control device sends a stop signal to a direction switching solenoid valve to stop the action of the hydraulic cylinders when the positional detection signal matches the positional set value. With such a constitution, the stop position of the floating weight can be changed without requiring a complicated work.
US08047693B2
A cooling device for a light emitting device package of a vibration generating machine, includes: a heat releasing plate provided at one side of the light emitting device package; a vibrator disposed to face the heat releasing plate and vibrating to generate an air flow according to vibration of the vibration generating machine; and a vibration transfer unit configured to connect the vibrator and the heat releasing plate to allow the air flow generated from the vibrator to be transferred to the heat releasing plate so as to be cooled.
US08047678B2
A multiparameter stage lighting apparatus is provided comprising a lamp housing, which may include a plurality of sets of light emitting diodes, each set of light emitting diodes having a plurality of colors, the plurality of sets of light emitting diodes forming an additive color mixing system. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus may further include a plurality of pie shaped light emitting circuit boards, one light emitting circuit board for each set of the plurality of sets of light emitting diodes, each set of the plurality of sets of light emitting diodes mounted to its respective light emitting circuit board. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus may further include a plurality of light emitting diode signaling circuit boards, one for each of the plurality of pie shaped light emitting circuit boards. Each of the plurality of light emitting diode signaling circuit boards may be connected to its corresponding pie shaped light emitting circuit boards by a corresponding one of a plurality of multiconductor cables.
US08047677B2
A light emitting diode illuminator includes a reflecting shell (120), a light emitting diode light source (140) and a transparent cover (160). The reflecting shell includes a plurality of sequentially connected hollow tapered bodies (122, 124) having different taper angles. The tapered bodies cooperatively form a receiving space (123). The light source is installed at an end of the receiving space. The transparent cover is disposed at an opposite end of the reflecting shell away from to the light source and configured for directing light emitted from the light source out from the light emitting diode illuminator.
US08047667B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle through a transflective mirror reflector of a reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the information display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the interior rearview mirror assembly by at least one photosensor. The information display is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing video camera of the vehicle and the information display displays video images captured by the rearward facing video camera during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a signal indicative of the vehicle transmission being in reverse is communicated via a network bus of the vehicle to a control of the interior rearview mirror assembly.
US08047644B2
An air removing device is connected to a tank to contain ink through a first supply tube, and an ink-jet head is connected to the air removing device through a second supply tube. The first supply tube and ink-jet head are heated and controlled. Air dissolved in ink is sucked out through a hollow fiber membrane provided in a housing by operating a vacuum pump by supplying ink to the hollow fiber membrane while heating and controlling atmosphere in the housing. Thus, air dissolved in ink is removed, and ink heated to a temperature suitable for ejection is supplied to the ink-jet head.
US08047637B2
A piezoelectric actuator is disclosed. The piezoelectric actuator includes a base member and three or more piezoelectric element members in which plural piezoelectric elements are formed by slits. The three or more piezoelectric element members are arrayed in a line on the base member and a gap is formed at the connection position between two adjacent piezoelectric element members.
US08047630B2
The same water-repellent process is provided on a nozzle forming part and the outer circumferential part of a nozzle formation member. A first water-repellent layer is formed through a first water-repellent process on the surface of a nozzle forming part (which forms nozzles on a surface of a nozzle plate, and a second water-repellent layer is formed through a second water-repellent process different from the first water-repellent process on the surface of the outer circumferential part (outer portion of surface) of the nozzle plate.
US08047621B2
A system for adjustably mounting the face plate of a drawer so that when the drawer is closed, the drawer face plate is flush with the adjacent drawer face plate and in a desired height, pitch, roll, lateral and skew position with respect to the front surface of the enclosure. The drawer face panel can be easily adjusted in an inward and outward direction, or a rearward and frontward direction, to compensate for differing degrees of tilt and skew of the drawer face panel with adjacent drawer face panels. A face plate alignment mounting system is provided and includes a lateral adjustment mechanism that engages a face plate and a drawer front panel, a first nut fastener, and an adjustable fastener. The first nut fastener preferably includes a head portion that is affixed to a drawer body and a shaft slidably engaged with a first bore of the drawer body. The first nut fastener shaft defines an opening with internal threads. The adjustable fastener has external threads engaged with the internal threads of the first nut fastener shaft opening. The adjustable fastener includes a first mechanism for adjusting the adjustable fastener in a frontward direction and a rearward direction to suitably adjust the distance between the face plate and said drawer front panel, which is preferably accessible at the rear surface of the drawer front panel.
US08047618B2
A braking system for a motor vehicle includes a hydraulic circuit for producing a brake force, the hydraulic circuit having a pressure source for producing a hydraulic pressure and a pressure store, the pressure store of the hydraulic circuit being able to be supplied with hydraulic fluid from a delivery side of the pressure source if necessary. In this braking system, there is provision for the pressure store to be able to be coupled in fluidic terms to an intake side of the pressure source by means of an interposed actively controllable multi-way valve, in particular a two-way solenoid valve, and for the pressure store to be able to be decoupled therefrom.
US08047615B2
A seat belt stowage apparatus includes a seat with a backrest, a cavity, and a seat belt buckle. The cavity is located in the seat. The buckle is releasably attached to a seat belt tongue. The buckle is movable between a stowage position inside the cavity and an in-use position. When a force is applied to the seat belt buckle, a buckle strap allows the seat belt buckle to be rotated forward out of the seat. When the force is removed, a torsion spring reverts the seat belt buckle to the stowage position inside the cavity.
US08047607B1
Modular stackable furniture systems comprising chairs with modular removable seats, chair-leg covers, and/or chair-back covers. The chair frames are stackable and are structurally reinforced for heavy rental use, with specially reinforced frame, legs, and front feet. Methods of doing event-furniture rental and related business based on the space-saving and modular nature of the furniture are disclosed.
US08047602B2
The invention relates to a shock absorber for protection against side impact on a motor vehicle, which absorber is made of fiber material and has a cross-sectional profile comprising at least first, second, third and fourth flanks, wherein two consecutive flanks extend in opposite directions, respectively.
US08047596B2
An adjustable vehicle seat (1) has an inclinable seat part (2). Front and rear bearings (7, 5) have upper ends pivotably connected to front and rear areas of the seat part (2) and having lower ends mounted pivotably in bearings (7, 5) in floor rails (10). The front bearings (7) have an adjustable length for changing an inclination of the seat part (2). First additional links (11) are mounted pivotably about a first axis (G2) in the seat part (2). Second additional links (12) have lower ends mounted pivotably in the rails (10) and upper parts connected pivotably to the first additional link (11) at a second axis (G6) spaced from the first axis (G2). An inclinable backrest (3) is mounted pivotably in the first additional link (11).
US08047594B1
A detachable body for a motorcycle trike has a rigid trunk section with an interior volume, the body being configured for location between rear wheel assemblies of the trike. A door adjacent the volume is operable to allow access to the volume. At least two attachment features provide for releasably attaching the body to a frame of the trike, the attachment features being operable without the use of tools for attaching and detaching the body from the frame.
US08047593B2
A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives.
US08047591B2
A grip device for moving a front floor of a vehicle includes a front clamping member and a rear clamping member. The front claming member can clamp a flange portion around a suspension mounting hole of the front floor according to an angle of the flange portion. The rear clamping member can claim a member flange portion of the front floor according to the change of clamping position. The device can be applied to various vehicle models.
US08047589B1
Apparatus is disclosed for performing tasks during maintaining filtered swimming pools and spas. The apparatus can perform a number of such maintenance tasks simultaneously, without having to kneel down, and comprises a number of individual tools for performing such tasks. The apparatus includes tools and elements for: (a) extracting skimmer covers, (b) lifting skimmer baskets, (c) grabbing a automatic cleaner hose, (d) snatching a pool thermometer line, (e) obtaining water samples, (f) confirming a depth of 18 inches to take a water sample, (g) securing a water chemical test strip for submersion into the water, (h) brushing the walls and sides of pools, (i) grasping and retaining a vacuum hose, (j) clenching and holding onto solid chemical tablets and sticks, and (k) removing leaves and debris.
US08047583B2
A handle for use in operating a door of an aircraft. The handle is fixed to a shaft and rotates the shaft about an axis. The handle includes multiple separately movable sections, the sections arranged so that each section has a limited range of movement separate from the other. The handle is capable of operating the door when the sections are moved substantially in unison. The handle also provides positive actuation of movable door components.
US08047580B2
An apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot. In particular, an apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot for a necktie, with the knot being symmetric, and the tie hanging straight and of proper length for the wearer or the necktie. The apparatus and method are universal for neckties, not requiring a special necktie to be used in conjunction with the apparatus and method.
US08047579B2
A self-lubricating swivelling coupling for interconnecting lines, includes a housing with internal surfaces defining a cavity. It also includes a male component, including a shank and a flange provided on the shank, insertable within the cavity to enable the flange to be abuttable on the internal surfaces. The coupling also includes a nut securable within the cavity, to abut axially via an internal axial projection on the flange, and to surround the shank, allowing the male component to rotate. The fluid leaks between the components to lubricate the coupling. Lines are connectable to ports to be swivellably interconnected without needle- or ball-bearings. There is high surface contact and support between the flange, shank and nut, to withstand and distribute forces. Hydraulic fluid is preferred. A seal-unit between the male component and the nut, and a slide-ring between the flange and the nut, are also preferred.
US08047575B2
The invention relates to reflective and non-reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the printed feature comprises a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first printed element disposed on the first region; and a second printed element disposed on the second region, wherein the first printed element is more adherent than the second printed element to the first region. In another embodiment, the printed feature comprises multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.
US08047572B2
A reversibly deployable energy absorbing assembly includes a rigid support structure having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a flexible covering sealingly engaged with the rigid support structure to define an inflatable interior region; a gas source in fluid communication with the at least one inlet; an inlet control valve positioned intermediate the gas source and the at least one inlet; and an actively controlled pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the at least one outlet. The inlet control valve and the pressure relief valve are adapted to provide a response suitable for use in vehicle impact management.
US08047562B2
A generator assembly for an airbag module of a motor vehicle is provided. The generator assembly comprising a gas generator for inflating an airbag of an airbag module with gas, wherein the gas generator defines with its generator housing a lateral surface that extends between a first and a second frontal cover surface of the gas generator, and means for electrically insulating the gas generator with respect to adjacent parts. For electrical insulation of the gas generator a flexible material layer is provided that completely covers the lateral surface of the gas generator. A systematic, defined grounding of the gas generator via a grounding conductor is carried out which is connected to an electrical connection of the gas generator that is integrated into a connector area of the gas generator.
US08047560B2
A retention cover manufacture in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The cover manufacture can include a substrate textile such as a non-woven substrate textile. Fastening elements can be attached to the first face of the substrate textile at or near the longitudinal edges. Moreover, a fastening element can be attached to the second face of the substrate textile substantially along the central longitudinal axis. Also, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a retention cover for enclosing, at least in part, an inflatable object is disclosed. The retention cover can include a textile where, at or near the first longitudinal edge, a loop element can be attached to the textile. In addition, at or near the second longitudinal edge, a hook element can be attached to the textile. Alternatively, at or near a longitudinal edge, an adhesive strip element can be attached to the textile.
US08047547B2
The African history card game includes a deck of educational cards. Each card has a front face with a fact, picture, question, and series of multiple choice answers each relating to a common theme, and a rear face having an alphabetic matrix of columns and rows concealing the correct answer. Point values based on the difficulty of the question on the particular card are provided on each card. Each card has a particular theme related to African history, e.g., geography, prominent individuals, history, inventions, science, engineering, sports, religion, culture, civil rights, agriculture, language, and music. The game may be adapted to other themes and subject areas, as desired. The object of the game is to determine the correct response of the choices on the front of the card, then find and point out this response in the rows, columns, and/or diagonals of the matrix on the back of the card.
US08047534B2
A sheet accommodating device including: a tray configured to accommodate a sheet; and a pressing member configured to press the sheet accommodated in the tray, wherein the pressing member includes a guide portion configured to guide, where the sheet accommodated in the tray is transferred, the transferred sheet toward a downstream side in a sheet transferring direction in which the sheet is transferred.
US08047529B2
A recording apparatus including feeding unit that feeds a medium, conveying unit that conveys the fed medium, recording unit that performs recording on the medium, and controlling unit that controls the feeding unit and the conveying unit, a measuring unit that measures a distance between the previous medium and the next medium after completing the preparatory feeding; and determining unit that determines whether or not the measured distance is a predetermined distance or greater, wherein, if the distance is the predetermined distance or greater, the controlling unit completely feeds the next medium.
US08047524B2
Provided herein is a sheet processing apparatus including a processing apparatus and a saddle unit. The saddle unit moves from a position inside the processing apparatus, along a direction orthogonal to a sheet transport direction, to a position outside the sheet processing apparatus. When the saddle unit is in the position outside the processing apparatus, a first transport guide is open to expose the outside of a first sheet transport path, and a second transport guide is open to expose the inside of the first sheet transport path. The saddle unit also includes a stapler, a folding blade and a pair of folding rollers, the first sheet transport path, and a second sheet transport path.
US08047521B1
A method of making magazine formats in the form of signatures that include a flat 3-D piece that is die-cut from a web on a web press, which produces a plurality of such identical signatures as part of a high speed operation. The flat 3-D piece is located at the upper edge of one sheet and is freed from the remainder of the page on which it is die-cut when the lateral edges of the folded signature are trimmed.
US08047518B2
The positioning device can position a spherical object. This object is placed and held by gravity on three points of support (P, P′, P″) of the positioning device. The center of gravity of the object in any position is within the triangle formed by the three points of support. The positioning device includes means for driving the object in rotation. The drive means includes a drive member including wheel whose contact with the external surface of the object forms one of the support points (P) of the positioning device. This drive member can impose a rotation on the object, via the wheel, in all directions. The other two points of support (P′, P″) are made using two ball and socket joints, wherein the ball is held on an air cushion in a housing of the ball and socket joint.
US08047515B2
A jig for used in performing a finish processing of a cylinder bore 3 comprises a jig body 10 that comes close to and disengages from a cylinder head mounting surface 2, bolt member 16 that forms a tapered bore portion 20 by a internal surface 21 of a plurality of blot pieces 18 having a threaded portion 19 engageable to a female threaded portion 8 of a head bolt hole 7 and that expands the diameter thereof by a wedge action receiving through the tapered bore portion 20, a tapered shaft member 17 having a tapered surface portion 22 inserted into the tapered bore portion 20 so as to add the wedge action to it, and a piston member 24 having a pressing surface 23 contacting a given surface portion on the cylinder head mounting surface 2.
US08047514B2
A spring arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a first spring device and a second spring device, wherein the first spring device and the second spring device are mechanically arranged in series, and are designed to support a component of the vehicle on a further component of the vehicle in a support direction, the first spring device has a first transverse rigidity in a transverse direction running transverse to the support direction, the second spring device has a second rigidity in the transverse direction which is smaller than the first transverse rigidity. The first spring device and the second spring device are arranged nested in the support direction.
US08047508B2
A cooling tower comprises a body provided with air-intake windows located above a catch basin, and a water distributor, which has a sprinkler, and an irrigators. Ring tubular units are connected to each other to form a ring-type evaporator fed from a pipeline, which is used for water supply from a water source independent of the water distributor, and are vertically arranged in the apertures of the air-intake windows. Equally spaced atomizing sprayers are mounted on each of the tubular units along the circumference of the unit. The invention makes it possible to enhance the operational performance of the cooling tower in a hot environment by improving operating, service and maintenance conditions.
US08047506B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for distributing a cable-pulling composition onto a cable as it is being pulled through a conduit. In one embodiment, the cable pulling composition is a block of an enhanced composition, e.g., consisting essentially of boron nitride that facilitates the pulling of cables through conduits. The invention further relates to a method for pulling cables through conduits by applying an effective amount of boron nitride composition onto the cable surface through the use of the cable-pulling apparatus of the invention.
US08047499B2
A support stand assembly includes a base, a stopper, a guiding member, a connecting member, a supporting member, and a resilient member. The guiding member, the connecting member, and the supporting member are movably disposed on the base. The resilient member is disposed between the guiding member and the base. The stopper is rotatable disposed in the base. The guiding member is engaged with the stopper. The connecting member abuts the guiding member. The supporting member is pivotally connected with the connecting member.
US08047496B2
Various systems including brackets and associated wires are disclosed for suspending fixtures from ceilings and the like. The systems improve over the prior art in several ways. Attachment of the wire to the bracket is faster and easier. The attachment can be made more rigid. Several different components can be combined to adapt to different suspension requirements. Brackets can be provided with structure to make more stable connections to cement and masonry.
US08047495B2
A height adjustable container system which includes a container through which at least one elongated, inner supporting member extends. The supporting member is secured at one end to a mounting system consisting of a ceiling mount and corresponding U-bracket/bolt combination. In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated inner supporting member is telescopically located within an elongated outer supporting member. A spring biased press button or mechanical stop component extending from the inner supporting member allows the outer supporting member on which the container is mounted to be vertically lowered, so that when the container is used as a planter, the plants in the container can be watered and when the container is a bird feeder, bird food can be added to the feeder. By simply pushing the container upward along the supporting member, the container is again elevated and locked in its elevated, suspended position. In a second embodiment of the invention, the container is supported by a single supporting member which guides its movement vertically up and down from a suspended elevated position to a lowered position.
US08047493B1
A major component includes a horizontally extending first section, a horizontally extending second section, and a central section. The central section has a centerline. A plurality of vertically spaced primary holes is provided in the second section on each side of the centerline. A plurality of vertically spaced secondary holes is provided in the first section on each side of the centerline. A first cord is positioned through the primary and secondary holes on one side of the centerline. A second cord is positioned through the primary and secondary holes on the other side of the centerline. In this manner the major component forms a support. Further in this manner a container is removably held.
US08047472B1
The present invention is a space launch system and method to propel a payload bearing craft into earth orbit. The invention has two, or preferably, three stages. The upper stage has rocket engines capable of carrying a payload to orbit and provides the capability of releasably attaching to the lower, or preferably, middle stage. Similar to the lower stage, the middle stage is a reusable booster stage that employs all air breathing engines, is recoverable, and can be turned-around in a short time between missions.
US08047467B2
A closet comprises a support rail, a light, a raceway, a rub strip, and a hinge unit. The support rail is capable of providing structural support for the closet and having a plurality of connecting elements. The light has a first set of connecting elements capable of being engaged to the plurality of connecting elements. The raceway has a second set of connecting elements capable of being engaged to the plurality of connecting elements. The rub strip has a third set of connecting elements capable of being engaged to the plurality of connecting elements. The hinge unit has a shape capable of being connected to the support rail.
US08047465B2
A structure for an aircraft comprises a first wall and a second wall. The first wall comprises two jackets of composite material disposed on either side of an intermediate arrangement and further includes at least one soleplate enabling it to be secured to the second wall. The structure further includes at least one elongate member extending facing the jacket and spaced apart therefrom, the elongate member being secured to the soleplate or to the second wall and being arranged to act as a bearing surface for a portion of the first wall that becomes separated from the soleplate after rupture.
US08047464B2
In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
US08047459B2
For use in a basket mill having a process vessel in which particles are ground so as to reduce their size, a basket for retaining a grinding medium, having an opening in its top and a screen at its bottom. A first shaft extends into the basket and has a grinding assembly extending from the shaft. A first drive apparatus rotates the first shaft at a first rotational rate. A second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft and has an impeller for causing material to be ground to move into the basket through the opening and out of said basket through the screen. A second drive apparatus rotates the second shaft at a second rotational rate independent of the first rotational rate. The first shaft may be a tube. A tube may be disposed within the first shaft, and have at its end a bushing for receiving for rotation the second shaft. The bushing may be located outside of a region of the basket where grinding media is disposed. Methods for operating the apparatus.
US08047452B2
Methods and apparatus for injecting reagent, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce emissions from an engine exhaust. The present teachings can use a whirl plate having a plurality of whirl slots surrounding an exit orifice of an injector, which produce a high velocity rotating flow in the whirl chamber. When the rotating flow of reagent is passed through the exit orifice into an exhaust stream, atomization occurs from a combination of centrifugal force and shearing of the reagent by air as it jets into the exhaust stream.
US08047451B2
A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.
US08047450B2
A temperature responsive control valve is disclosed. The valve may have a housing having a hot inlet, a cold inlet and an outlet. A first valve member, and a second valve member, may be configured to move within the housing to selectively prevent and permit flow from the hot inlet and the cold inlet to the outlet when a sensed temperature is within predetermined ranges. A temperature responsive actuator may be disposed to move the first and second valve members within the housing in accordance with the sensed temperature. A first bias may be configured to bias the first valve member toward preventing flow from the hot inlet to the outlet, and a second bias may be configured to bias the second valve member toward preventing flow from the cold inlet to the outlet.
US08047437B2
A card access apparatus is provided that is adapted to be connected to plural types of cards, the apparatus including plural connection points adapted for the respective types of cards, and plural signal buses that connect the connection points to a card control unit. When one type of card is connected to its corresponding connection point, at least one signal bus connected to a connection point adapted for at least one other type of card is electrically isolated from its corresponding connection point.
US08047436B2
A voting device and system for voting is described having a touch sensitive membrane input surface including at least one of an arc input and a slider input, at least one sensor for detecting movement and orientation of the voting device, and at least one transmitter. The voting device receives a voting response inputted by a user from at least one of the arc input, the slider input and the sensor, and then sends the user inputted response upon at least one of a pressure and a release of pressure on the touch sensitive membrane input surface.
US08047435B2
A secured electronic system and method for taking and counting votes. A database of unique ballot security codes, each ballot security code consisting of a ballot code representing the ballot selections of a voter and a security code derived from sensing with a biometric sensor a biometric presentation of a biometric feature of the voter. Each ballot security code is checked before entry into the database to verify that the security code component is not within a voter template of the security code component for any prior ballot security code, to prevent multiple votes being cast by any voter. Recounts are validated by verifying the uniqueness of the security code component of each ballot security code and verifying that each security code is not within a voter template of any other security code. Each ballot security code may also be checked against a registration data base thereby verifying that the voter is registered.
US08047433B2
A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.
US08047430B2
A computer system for facilitating payments from an account according to particular embodiments of the invention is adapted for: (1) facilitating the transmission, to a plan service provider, of a first set of documentation of a first payment that would potentially qualify for reimbursement from the account; (2) receiving, from the plan service provider, verification that the first payment has been verified as qualifying for reimbursement from the account according to a set of reimbursement rules associated with the account; (3) storing, in memory, an electronic version of the first set of documentation; and (4) storing, in memory, an indication that the first payment has been verified as being properly reimbursable from the account.
US08047421B2
An arrangement for the equipping of electronic packages with elliptical C4 connects possessing optimal orientation for enhanced reliability. Furthermore, disclosed is a method providing elliptical C4 connects which possesses optimal orientation for enhanced reliability, as implemented in connection with their installation in electronic packages. Employed are essentially elliptical solder pads or elliptical C4 pad configurations at various preferably corner locations on a semiconductor chip.
US08047420B2
A method for production of a welded connection between at least one first electrical conductor and at least one second electrical conductor, in which the conductors are brought into a compression chamber enclosed by delimitation elements and welded therein by an ultrasound welding device, one of the delimitation elements forming a sonotrode which may be subjected to ultrasound vibration. According to the invention, in order to connect a first conductor in the desired circumference with second conductors, where the total cross-section of the second conductors for connection to the first conductor can optionally be greater than the usual cross-section with the ultrasound device used, the first conductor is welded sequentially with two or more second conductors in the compression chamber.
US08047415B2
A fastener driving tool arranged to drive fasteners into a workpiece includes a support, at least one wheel movably mounted on the support, a driver arranged to contact and he guided by the wheel when the wheel is in an operative position in use, a nose part retractable relative to the support, and a connection mechanism to operatively interconnect the nose part with the wheel. The tool is arranged such that, in use, the retraction of the nose part causes the connection mechanism to move the wheel from an inoperative position to the operative position. Subsequent forward movement of the driver guided by the wheel toward the nose part causes the operative interconnection between the nose part and the wheel to be broken. Forward movement of the nose part relative to the support, subsequent to the operative interconnection between the nose part and the wheel being broken, causes the operative interconnection between the nose part and the wheel to be re-formed.
US08047409B2
An apparatus for the metered removal of bulk material from a bin, the apparatus having a top bulk-material-filling opening, bottom bulk-material-removal opening, and a rotor that is connected in a driven manner to at least one sweeping arm disposed inside the bin near the bin's rotationally symmetrical floor and directed towards the removal opening. In order to create an apparatus for the removal of bulk material from a bin in which the mass of the removed bulk material not only can be metered very precisely, but which is also of simple design and easy to maintain, provision is made whereby the sweeping arm is attached on the bottom side of a separating element connected in a driven manner to the rotor, and whereby a settling zone is provided below the separating element in front of the sweeping arm, this zone only being open on one side to the bulk material through a feed opening, and on the other side to the removal opening.
US08047391B2
A foldable and portable frame is disclosed. The foldable and portable frame comprises twelve posts and eight flexible joints or linkages. The foldable and portable frame can be easily erected to be a stable substantially rectangular structure, and folded to a collapsed state to be portable. A foldable and portable frame with coverings is also disclosed. The foldable and portable frame with coverings can be erected and folded in a same fashion as the erecting and folding of the foldable and portable frame.
US08047389B2
A semi-rigid collapsible container (10) has a side-wall with an upper portion (5), a central portion (6), a lower portion (7) and a base (8). The central portion (6) includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion (2) and an initiator portion 1. The control portion (2) is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container (10), than the initiator portion 1. On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container 10 the initiator portion (1) will flex inwardly to cause the control portion (2) to invert and flex further inwardly into the container (10) and the central portion (6) to collapse. In the collapsed state upper and lower portions of the central portion (6) may be in substantial contact so as to contain the top-loading capacity of the container (10). Raised ribs (3) made an additional support for the container in its collapsed state. In another embodiment the telescoping of the container back to its original position occurs when the vacuum force is released following removal of the container cap.
US08047381B2
A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).
US08047373B2
A suspended utensil storage system includes a utensil tray including a plurality of utensil compartments having a mesh material therein; and a debris collector tray underlying the utensil tray and receiving the utensil tray. The mesh material of the utensil compartments of the utensil tray supports utensils and includes holes sized to allow debris to fall there through into the debris collector tray for collecting the debris.
