US08081782B2
An acoustic-electric transducer for a microphone may include a cavity delimited by a wall and having an opening; a diaphragm having an outer boundary, said diaphragm extending across said opening so that an air gap is provided transversely outwards of the diaphragm between said outer boundary of said diaphragm and said cavity wall; and an actuator configured to adjust a size of said air gap.
US08081774B2
A circuit for eliminating pop sounds at power on and off by a moderate waveform, which includes a switch, a feedback network, an operational amplifier and an output network. When power-on, a first input terminal of the switch is connected to a low voltage, and an output terminal of the output network provides an operating DC bias which is gradually increased. When power-off, the first input terminal of the switch is connected to a reference voltage, and the output terminal of the output network provides an operating DC bias which is gradually reduced.
US08081772B2
A triangular microphone assembly (101) for use in a vehicle accessory includes a mirror housing (106) adapted for attachment to the interior of the vehicle. A mirror is disposed in an opening of the mirror housing (106) and a plurality of virtual digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) are arranged in a substantially triangular configuration in the mirror housing (106). A digital signal processor (DSP) (537) is used for receiving signals from the plurality of digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) such that the digital microphones exhibit directional characteristics for reducing undesirable noise in at least one direction by normalizing the phase of the received signals as a function of signal frequency.
US08081768B2
To determine target amplification curves in hearing devices, audiometric mismeasurements are to be corrected. To this end, it is proposed first to measure a bone conduction hearing threshold of a patient. Furthermore a database having typical sound conduction components for a number of typical hearing impairments is provided. One of these sound conduction components is selected in order to smooth the measured bone conduction hearing threshold, with a smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold resulting. One or a number of target amplification curves is formed from the smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold, if necessary with further hearing thresholds. Error corrections can be reliably carried out with the aid of the database.
US08081759B2
An apparatus, system, computer-readable medium, and method to facilitate quick transition of communications of a mobile station between network stations of a radio communication system, such as a WLAN operable to a variant of an IEEE 802 operating specification, is provided. Implementations of embodiments described herein reduce the transition duration by a pre-keying mechanism that performs authentication procedures prior to commencement of reassociation procedures. In other embodiments, a mobile station is allowed to select whether to perform pre-keying processes over an air interface with a target transition access point or whether to perform the pre-keying processes over a distribution system.
US08081757B2
Watermarking of audio signals intends to manipulate the audio signal in a way that the changes in the audio content cannot be recognised by the human auditory system. In order to reduce the audibility of the watermark and to improve the robustness of the watermarking the invention uses phase modification of the audio signal. In the frequency domain, the phase of the audio signal is manipulated by the phase of a reference phase sequence, followed by transform into time domain. Because a change of the audio signal phase over the whole frequency range can be audible, the phase manipulation is carried out with a maximum amount only within one or more small frequency ranges which are located in the higher frequencies and/or in noisy audio signal sections, according to psycho-acoustic principles. Preferably, the allowable amplitude of the phase changes in the remaining frequency ranges is controlled according to psycho-acoustic principles. The watermark is decoded from the watermarked audio signal by correlating it with corresponding inversely transformed candidate reference phase sequences.
US08081741B2
Methods and computer-readable media provide presenting a customized message to an incoming calling party and for allowing the calling party to save or forward the customized message. A called party desiring to leave a customized message for certain incoming calling parties submits a customized message to an intelligent network component of her telecommunications service provider along with identifiers for specified incoming callers who are to receive the customized message upon calling the called party. After the customized message is prepared, incoming callers who have been associated with the customized message are presented with the customized message before being connected to the called party. After an incoming caller receives the customized message, the calling party may store or send the customized message for later retrieval. If the incoming call is not from a telephone directory number associated with the customized message, the incoming call is processed according to normal call processing methods.
US08081737B2
Systems and methods provide a call monitoring service for multiple telecommunications units. When an incoming communication directed to a subscriber's simultaneous ring number is received, outgoing communications are placed to each of the telecommunications units associated with the subscriber's simultaneous ring number. A determination is made as to whether the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system. If the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system and the call monitoring service is activated, a communication between the calling party and the voice mail system is established. A determination is made as to whether a user of one of the telecommunications units takes an action to connect to the communication between the calling party and the voice mail system. If an action is detected, then a communication between the calling party, the voice mail system, and the telecommunications unit is established.
US08081734B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a novel, low-power X-ray tube and X-ray generating system. Embodiments of the invention use a multichannel electron generator as the electron source, thereby increasing reliability and decreasing power consumption of the X-ray tube. Unlike tubes using a conventional filament that must be heated by a current power source, embodiments of the invention require only a voltage power source, use very little current, and have no cooling requirements. The microchannel electron generator comprises one or more microchannel plates (MCPs), Each MCP comprises a honeycomb assembly of a plurality of annular components, which may be stacked to increase electron intensity. The multichannel electron generator used enables directional control of electron flow. In addition, the multichannel electron generator used is more robust than conventional filaments, making the resulting X-ray tube very shock and vibration resistant.
US08081724B2
A wireless network comprising a plurality of base station capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile station in a coverage area of the wireless network. A first base station transmits an enhanced synchronization identifier parameter to a mobile station. The enhanced synchronization identifier parameter may apply to less than all of the plurality of base stations defined by the System Identifier/Network Identifier (SID/NIC) value associated with the wireless network.
US08081723B1
Methods and apparatus for determining at least part of the width of the eye of a high-speed serial data signal use clock and data recovery circuitry operating on that signal to produce a first clock signal having a first phase relationship to the data signal. The first clock signal is used to produce a second clock signal whose phase can be controllably shifted relative to the first phase. The second clock signal is used to sample the data signal with different amounts of phase shift, e.g., until error checking circuitry detects that data errors in the resulting sample exceed an acceptable threshold for such errors. The amount(s) of phase shift that caused exceeding the threshold can be used as a basis for a measurement of eye width.
US08081720B1
A communication system includes a variable gain amplifier (VGA) that receives an input signal. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) receives an output of the VGA. A first filter responsive to an output of the ADC, the first filter includes N tap weight coefficients. A first least mean square (LMS) engine updates the N tap weight coefficients of the first filter. A second filter responsive to an output of the first filter, the second filter including M tap weight coefficients, wherein N is greater than M. An adaptation engine updates a first tap weight coefficient of the second filter based on a value of the first tap weight coefficient for a next sampling time of the input signal, a value of the first tap weight coefficient for a current sampling time of the input signal, a first gain constant, and a change in timing phase error of the first filter.
US08081716B2
A digital broadcasting receiving system and method is disclosed. In the data processing method, a known data sequence is tuned so as to be received, when the known data sequence is periodically inserted in valid data and transmitted. Then, the timing error is detected by using a correlation characteristic of the received known data sequence. Thereafter, a timing clock that is in proportion to the detected timing error is created, thereby interpolating the received data.
US08081708B2
A reradiation apparatus for terrestrial digital broadcasting includes plural antennas provided on a train and mutually spaced along the running direction of the train, plural receiving processing parts provided corresponding to the antennas, a master selecting part which sets the receiving processing part corresponding to the antenna provided at the rear of the train as a master receiving processing part, a monitoring part which monitors a received state of the terrestrial digital broadcasting signal received by the master receiving processing part and outputs a supervisory signal, a switching part, and a reradiation unit. The switching part chooses the terrestrial digital broadcasting signal received by the master receiving processing part or the terrestrial digital broadcasting signal received by another receiving processing part based on the supervisory signal output by the monitoring part. The reradiation unit reradiates the chosen terrestrial digital broadcasting signal in the train.
US08081706B2
Controllable delay circuitry is included in each channel of multi-channel, high-speed, serial transmitter and/or receiver circuitry to compensate for or to at least help compensate for possible skew (different signal propagation time) between the various channels. In systems employing CDR circuitry, the delay circuitry may be at least partly controlled by a signal derived from the CDR circuitry to make the amount of delay effected by the delay circuitry at least partly responsive to changes in data rate detected by the CDR circuitry.
US08081701B2
In a method for sending communication signals, space-time block coding is performed by dividing a data stream of complex-value data symbols into a number KT>2 of partial data streams of respectively n>2 data symbols. The data symbols in the partial data streams are used to form n×KT matrix CKT. Transmitter-end predistortion is performed by using the matrix CKT to form a matrix D, and the data symbols are sent by KT transmission antennas according to their arrangement in the matrix D.
US08081699B2
In one embodiment, a UWB transmission system includes a pair of crossed linearly polarized antennas, one of which is fed with a UWB signal current, while the second is fed with a temporally orthogonal UWB signal such as the time-derivative of the UWB signal current. The resultant field is elliptically polarized. In another transmission system, a loop and a co-located dipole are fed with the same current to generate signal exhibiting elliptical polarization. When the energies of the transmissions from each antenna are equal, the polarization is circular. In yet another embodiment, a polarization modulated transmitting and receiving system is disclosed in which the binary states are encoded in orthogonal polarizations, wherein left-handed polarization encodes one digital state while right-handed polarization encodes another digital data state, and data encoding is additionally provided. Since either one circular polarization state can be generated with both UWB pulses flipped in polarity, a Polarization Orthogonal Keying (POK) modulation, of 4-state per symbol in the two orthogonal polarizations is disclosed as one example. Thus a UWB transmitting and receiving system is shown that utilizes signals that are simultaneously spatially orthogonal and temporally orthogonal, and the several combinations of those signal and polarization states encode data for transmission.
US08081672B2
The method and system for channel estimation in a single channel (SC) single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system described herein may provide a fast and cost effective approach to concurrently determine propagation channel estimates in a single-transmit (1-Tx) and multiple-receive (M-Rx) antennas wireless communication system. A single weight baseband generator may comprise a set generator, a channel estimator, and an algorithm generator. The set generator may generate orthogonal function sequences that may be applied to the M receive antennas and may be utilized by the channel estimator to generate channels estimates. The orthogonal function sequences may be transferred to the channel estimator after a delay. The algorithm generator may generate phase values based on the channels estimates that may be applied to the M receive antennas to improve the system's signal-to-noise performance.
US08081661B2
A dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) device and a method thereof are provided. In the DBA method, the band allocation periods according to class queues and allocable bands with respect to each class queue are calculated on the basis of the service level agreement information and stored according to the service types in separate tables. The bandwidth allocation amount is calculated with respect to class queues which have the allocation periods by concurrently checking all the tables at each frame. The upward bandwidth usage efficiency is improved by calculating the final bandwidth allocation information from the service with a high priority order on the basis of the total allocable bandwidth of the corresponding frame. The upward bandwidth allocation amount can be calculated at each frame by reducing the processing speed in calculating the bandwidth allocation amount of each class queue. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively use the network.
US08081660B2
A method for requesting radio resource using a control signal in an evolved universal telecommunications system (E-UMTS) is disclosed. A terminal requests a radio resource for data transmission from a base station by selectively using the control signal or a random access channel (RACH) if data transmission to the base station is required when the terminal has no uplink radio resource. Fast data transmission is ensured since the terminal can quickly transmit the radio resource request message to the base station using the RACH or the control signal and can quickly acquire the radio resource from the base station.
US08081653B2
In a communication apparatus which can directly wirelessly communicate with another communicate apparatus, whether or not a terminal connected to the communication apparatus supports a real-time transmission protocol is checked. As a result of checking, if it is determined that the terminal does not support the real-time transmission protocol, communication data to be exchanged with that terminal is converted.
US08081648B2
A method for handing reset in a first communications device of a wireless communications system is disclosed. The first communications device includes a first transmitter and a receiver. The method includes receiving a packet from a second communications device by the receiver, triggering a reset procedure by the receiver when a protocol error is detected by the receiver according to the packet, and resetting the receiver and not resetting the first transmitter after the reset procedure is triggered.
US08081647B2
A system that allows for buffering of requests to web services. In an embodiment, a web service can include at least one annotation indicating that requests to that web service are to be buffered by a queue. A queue name and parameters can be optionally specified in the annotation; otherwise a default queue can be used. A message driven bean or other component can be created and can thereafter supply requests from the queue to the web service.
US08081643B2
Provided is an on-vehicle relay connection unit which forms a network by arranging electronic control units between buses to which the electronic control units are respectively connected and relays a message transmitted and received between the electronic control units belonging to the different buses. The relay connection unit includes a network management processing circuit of the relay connection unit and a storage device which stores as parameters, specification conditions of the network management functions held in the network management processing circuit and a condition which may be modified among the state transition conditions between the functions. Upon start of the relay connection unit, the network management processing circuit reads out the parameters from the storage device and executes the network management functions by using the parameters.
US08081638B2
A CPU of an image forming apparatus controls, according to establishment of a sleep change condition, a MAC/PHY in a network unit to change the image forming apparatus from a link-up state to a link-down state. The CPU controls the image forming apparatus to change from a normal mode to a deep sleep mode. A CPU of the network unit controls, according to the change of the image forming apparatus from the normal mode to the deep sleep mode, the MAC/PHY to change the link-down state of the image forming apparatus to the link-up state. The CPU controls the MAC/PHY to transmit a MAC address necessary for causing the image forming apparatus to participate in VLAN to a switching hub.
US08081630B2
A cascade system of network units includes forwarding units which have external ports, a communication fabric connecting the units and at least one processing unit which needs no forwarding database. The processing unit may perform a security operation such as intrusion prevention or encryption. Each forwarding unit on receipt of a packet performs a look-up to determine an egress port, to determine whether the packet must be diverted to a processing unit, to provide the packet with a first forwarding instruction identifying the egress port uniquely within the system and a second forwarding instruction identifying a diversion port by which the packet can reach the processing unit and to set an order field which determines which of the forwarding instructions shall be performed first. The processing unit is operative on receipt of the packet by way of the diversion port to change the order field to specify that the packet should now be sent to the egress port.
US08081629B2
The benefits of a multicast-enabled network are realized by a flexible, easy to deploy, software-based solution that does not require reconfiguring of network routers. Systems and methods that implement this solution can perform as follows. A packet is received that was sent by a sender to at least one receiver, and the packet includes a parameter relating to a multicast announce address. A forwarding rules set is associated with the packet if the parameter has a defined value. This forwarding rules set is used to determine whether any of the at least one destination addresses included in the packet corresponds to one of the receivers that has a receiver format that must be converted. In addition, the forwarding rules set defines when a packet should be converted from a sender format to a receiver format before forwarding the packet. The packet is converted from the sender format to the receiver format for each destination address identified as requiring conversion, and forwarded in accordance with the forwarding rules set.
US08081625B2
Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a 10/100/1G/10GBase-T PHY device for single channel and shared channel networks are provided. In this regard, at least one switching element may be utilized to configure an Ethernet over twisted pair PHY device for communication over a single and/or shared channel. The switching element may enable switching between a transmitter being coupled to a shared channel and a receiver being coupled to a shared channel. Additionally, the switching elements may be based on whether the transmitter is connected to a standard 10/100/1G/10GBase-T network, or to a single and/or shared channel network, for example. In this manner, the configured PHY device may remain compatible with existing Ethernet networks. The PHY device may be configured externally and/or internally. The polarity of transmitted and/or received data may be configured based on a polarity of data received from a shared channel.
US08081623B2
In an emergency backup telephone system, members of an enterprise use their personal computers to log into an emergency communications web page. Upon logging in, software that enables the personal computer to act as a webphone is automatically downloaded. This software allows a person to initiate a call from personal computer to a conventional PSTN number destination using a PSTN gateway, or to another party's computer at a specified URL using VoIP telephony. Upon logging in, an authoritative index of employees reachable via the backup system updated to include information such as a phone number and/or IP address where the member can be reached in order to allow calls originating from the PSTN to be routed to the member's computer. The index is made available to other members of the enterprise via the enterprise's intranet, and, in some embodiments, to the public via a web page on the internet and/or email.
US08081617B2
A radio transmitting apparatus and a radio transmitting method wherein the interference between codes can be reduced and the degradation of preamble detection capability can be prevented. According to these apparatus and method, a signature table storing part (103) that stores a table including a plurality of signatures obtained by classifying the magnitudes of propagation loss levels into levels in accordance with the distances from a base station, associating preamble detection window widths with those levels as classified, and by circularly shifting the pattern of a detection window signature #n corresponding to a signature #n to generate a signature #n+1. A signature selecting part (104) selects, based on the magnitude of a propagation loss level outputted by a propagation loss level determining part (102), one of the corresponding signatures from the signature table storing part (103) at random. A RACH signal generating part (105) uses the selected signature to generate a RACH signal.
US08081608B2
In a method for controlling the data flow on a radio link between a WLAN base station and a WLAN mobile station, the data rate on the radio link is reduced for in each case one time period (36, 37) at time intervals (35). One preferred field of application for the method is to restrict general or unauthorized transmission of a telephone call via the Internet.
US08081605B2
A method of assigning scrambling codes to cells of a CDMA cellular mobile communications network includes assigning to each cell of a set of cells of a network area a cell attribute adapted to identify a cell typology, and, for each cell, assigning a respective primary scrambling code according to the cell typology, exploiting said cell attribute. The cell attribute includes a first attribute value adapted to identify a cell in which a complexity of computation to be performed by the user equipment for determining the cell primary scrambling code is to be minimized, and a second attribute value adapted to identify a cell in which a synchronization time of mobile communications user equipment is to be minimized. If the cell has an attribute value equal to said first attribute, the cell is assigned a primary scrambling code different from the primary scrambling codes assigned to neighboring cells. If the cell has an attribute value equal to said second attribute, the cell is assigned a primary scrambling code not belonging to a code group to which a primary scrambling code assigned to a neighboring cell belongs.
US08081604B2
The techniques introduced herein provide a system and method for determining whether an inter-RAT handover is an SRVCC handover, and for performing the subsequent SRVCC handover. The techniques include receiving a handover command message that does not include SRVCC related information elements, for example “RAB info to replace,” but continuing with an SRVCC handover using a circuit-switched RAB provided in the information for setup. The techniques also include receiving a handover command message that does include SRVCC related information elements and performing the SRVCC handover by an alternative method.
US08081600B2
Systems and methods for communicating between a wireless station and a base station are provided. A base station can allocate both a TDD channel and an FDD channel pair for communicating with a wireless station. The base station can transmit and receive unicast messages using the time slots of the TDD channel or can transmit multicast messages over all time slots of the TDD channel.
US08081597B2
Aspects of the invention include a root node of a wireless communication infrastructure that buffers data packets for transmission by base stations over an air interface. The root node determines a time delay for transmission of a data packet from the root node to each base station, a maximum time delay of those time delays, and a timing latency based upon the maximum time delay. The root node transmits the timing latency to the base stations. In response, each base station initiates transmission of data packets received by the root node after expiration of the timing latency. Alternatively, the root node, instead of the base stations, may buffer the data packets, and transmit them so that they arrive at the base stations at substantially the same time.
US08081593B2
A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example is configured to provide a closed user group (CUG) supplementary service to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is a member of a default CUG and is not provisioned for outgoing access. The mobile switching center is configured to provide a plurality of CUG interlock codes that correspond to a plurality of closed user groups (CUGs). The plurality of CUG interlock codes comprise at least one outgoing access (OA) CUG interlock code. The mobile switching center is configured to provide a default behavior according to the default CUG for an outgoing call from the mobile communication device. The mobile switching center is configured to provide outgoing access to the mobile communication device for the outgoing call if a setup message from the mobile communication device for the outgoing call comprises a request for the OA CUG interlock code.
US08081588B2
A mobile communication device has a wireless transceiver and one or more processors for communicating data in a wireless communication system. The one or more processors are operative to receive a plurality of data packets of varying payload size in a queue; associate one or more of the data packets from the queue into a group, such that a total size of the group is at or near a maximum transmissible unit (MTU) size of a data frame; cause the one or more data packets associated into the group to be formatted into the data frame for data transmission via the wireless transceiver; and repeat, for a plurality of data frames, the associating and formatting, for communicating the data via the wireless transceiver in the wireless communication system. By associating the data packets into groups having the MTU size, data throughput of the data transmission is increased. Preferably, the one or more processors are further operative to rearrange an ordered sequence of the data packets from the queue to better achieve the MTU size for each data frame.
US08081583B2
Provided is a method of supporting node portability in a sensor network, wherein data transmission to a portable node can be guaranteed since even when the portable node is assigned with a different address by being associated with another network, the newly assigned address is transmitted to a parent node or a sink node that was previously associated with the portable node.
US08081567B2
A system and method for network based detection of wireless data subscribers using network address translation devices is provided. The method includes identifying a minimum number of devices showing the same internet protocol address. Packet identification sequences may include port numbers or internet protocol identification numbers. The method continues with grouping these applications by their packet identification sequences and applying detection logic where detection logic yields a conclusion that there are multiple host computers when a set of applications appears in a plurality of packet identification sequences. This method is particularly useful when internet protocol addresses are dynamic, as opposed to static. This method overcomes previous embodiments known in the art by being able to account for and work with live traffic, which enables real time detection.
US08081565B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for improving an admission control system using feedback control techniques based on a system performance measure. Generally, one or more performance metrics, such as system output error measurements, are fed back into the admission control system to adjust one or more system parameters and thereby improve the overall performance (e.g., reduce the error measurement). For admission control, one or more performance predictors are used to evaluate an expected quality of the call. The performance of the predictor is evaluated; and at least one of the one or more parameters is adapted based on the evaluation.
US08081562B2
The present invention relates to a method for configuring an acknowledgement mode of an HARQ re-transmission protocol used for acknowledging the delivery of data packets of a service provided from a transmitting entity to a receiving entity in a wireless communication system comprising a controlling entity in a radio access network. To improve the overall transmission efficiency while providing transmission robustness, the controlling entity configures, based on at least one of a QoS attribute or physical layer parameter, one of a first and second acknowledgement mode. An acknowledgement message is transmitted according to the configured acknowledgement mode, wherein, in case the data packet has not been decoded successfully by the receiving entity, the acknowledgement message in the first acknowledgement mode indicates one of a plurality of decoding quality levels of the data packet obtained when decoding the data packet at the receiving entity, and the acknowledgement message in the second acknowledgement mode indicates a decoding failure of the data packet.
US08081558B2
An optical system of an optical pick-up including a resin coupling lens and a resin objective lens with NA larger than 0.8, wherein, magnification β satisfies a condition: −0.13<β<−0.08, a focal length f of the objective lens satisfies a condition: 1.15
US08081549B2
An information recording and reproducing apparatus records data on and reproduces data from each of a plurality of recording layers of a recording medium. A controller (7) controls a formatting process to format the recording medium (1) by performing a first formatting process on the data area of a recording layer. The first formatting process comprises formatting the data area in a series of recording increments that progress from the inner side of the data area to the outer side of the data area. Within each recording increment the formatting is performed along a path extending from the outer side of the data area to the inner side of the data area. A second formatting process on the data area of another recording layer once the first formatting process has been completed, the second formatting process being performed along a path extending from the inner side of the data area of the other recording layer to the outer side of the data area of the other recording layer.
US08081548B2
A multilayer optical recording medium having three or more information recording layers is irradiated with a laser beam, and a first signal obtained from the reflected laser beam is subjected to a frequency filter. A second signal obtained by filtration through a high-pass filter is used to evaluate the characteristics of the multilayer optical recording medium. In this manner, even in a multilayer optical recording medium having three or more information recording layers, the influence of the variation of the thickness and material of the information recording layers and the influence of the variation of the thickness of a spacer layer can be clearly determined and evaluated.
US08081536B1
A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module configured to be operationally coupled to a computer system. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory circuits activated by a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive a set of signals comprising address signals and a second number of chip-select signals smaller than the first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is further configurable to generate phase-locked clock signals, to selectively isolate a load of at least one rank of the first number of ranks from the computer system in response at least in part to the set of signals, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
US08081533B2
A semiconductor memory device is provided between a refresh request circuit and a command decoder, and includes a refresh synchronous circuit for deactivating a refresh request if an external access request is output from the command decoder. The semiconductor memory device further includes a clock phase adjusting unit that generates a delay to a clock, where the delay is same or longer than the time taken from when the external access request is issued until when a critical path is passed, and the delay is also shorter than one cycle. Then a flip-flop retrieves the request from the command decoder at the clock timing from the clock phase adjusting unit to supply it to the memory cell array.
US08081522B2
Within a page buffer 14 which is coupled to a non-volatile memory cell array 10 and temporally stores data as the data with a predetermined page unit is written in and read out to/from the memory cell array 10, at least one latch circuit 14v-1 including a bit line selector 14s, a page buffer unit circuit 14u including two latch L1, L2, and a latch L3 is set up for a plurality of bit lines. The bit line selector 14s selects one bit line and couples it to the page buffer unit circuit 14u. The latch L1 temporally stores the data which are read out from the memory cell of the selected bit line, and then outputs the data through the latch L2 or L3. On the other hand, the latch L1 temporally stores the programming data inputted through the latch L2 or L3, and after that outputs it to the memory cell of the selected bit line for programming.
US08081521B2
A memory circuit for holding a single binary value. A first bit cell holds one of a logical high value and a logical low value, and a second bit cell also holds one of a logical high value and a logical low value. Circuitry is provided for placing a logical high value in the first bit cell when the binary value in the memory circuit is to be a logical high value, and circuitry is provided for placing a logical high value in the second bit cell when the binary value in the memory circuit is to be a logical low value. In this manner, a logical high value exists within the memory circuit, whether the single binary value within the memory circuit is a logical high value or a logical low value. The difference between the two values of the binary value is which of the two bit cells holds the logical high value. Thus, this memory circuit can be sensed without the use of a sense amplifier.
US08081520B2
An over erase correction method of a flash memory apparatus is provided. The flash memory apparatus includes at least a microprocessor, a memory array, a bit line exchange unit and a column decoder. By controlling the column decoder of the flash memory during a period of the over-erase correction, the column decoder outputs control signals to the bit line exchange unit for selecting at least one of the bit lines according to a magnitude of the bit line leakage current. The drop in the charge pump voltage due to the bit line leakage current is reduced, and thus, the over-erase correction is executed effectively during the period of the over-erase correction.
US08081519B2
An erase sequence of a non-volatile storage device includes an erase operation followed by a soft programming operation. The erase operation applies one or more erase pulses to the storage elements, e.g., via a substrate, until an erase verify level is satisfied. The number of erase pulses is tracked and recorded as an indicia of the number of programming-erase cycles which the storage device has experienced. The soft programming operation applies soft programming pulses to the storage elements until a soft programming verify level is satisfied. Based on the number of erase pulses, the soft programming operation time is shortened by skipping verify operations for a specific number of initial soft programming pulses which is a function of the number of erase pulses. Also, a characteristic of the soft programming operation can be optimized, such as starting amplitude, step size or pulse duration.
US08081515B2
The MONOS vertical memory cell of the present invention allow miniaturization of the memory cell area. The two embodiments of split gate and single gate provide for efficient program and erase modes as well as preventing read disturb in the read mode.
US08081508B2
Provided is a flash memory device. The flash memory device includes a memory cell array, and a voltage generator. The memory cell array is connected to a plurality of word lines. The voltage generator generates a program voltage which is supplied to a selected word line of the word lines and a pass voltage which is supplied to a non-selected word line of the word lines, in a program operation. The voltage generator varies a level of the pass voltage with a temperature.
US08081500B2
An array of ferroelectric memory cells that allows imprint mitigation includes ferroelectric memory cells respectively coupled to word lines, plate lines, and bit lines; a word line driver for driving the word lines; a plate line driver for driving the plate lines; a bit line driver for driving the bit lines; and an isolation device driver for driving isolation devices coupled between the bit lines and a plurality of bit lines. The method for mitigating imprint includes coupling the bit lines to a respective plurality of sense amplifiers, turning on a word line and pulsing a plate line associated with a row of ferroelectric memory cells, disconnecting the bit lines from the respective sense amplifiers, driving the plate line low and the bit lines high, driving the plate line high and the bit lines low, driving the plate line low and floating the bit lines, driving the bit lines with the sense amplifier, and turning off the word line and precharging the bit lines. The method can be performed after each memory access, or can be performed whenever convenient with a counter and a rejuvenate command.
US08081499B2
A field-effect transistor for nonvolatile memory holding use and a field-effect transistor for logical operation use are manufactured in the same structure on the same semiconductor substrate without separately providing manufacturing processes for the field-effect transistors for the two uses. Both a memory circuit and a logic circuit of a semiconductor integrated circuit are composed of n-channel and p-channel field-effect transistors including a memory holding material in a gate insulating structure. A logical operation state, a memory writing state and a nonvolatile memory holding state are electrically switched by controlling the level and application timing of a voltage to be applied between a gate conductor and a substrate region of the n-channel and p-channel field-effect transistors including the memory holding material in the gate insulating structure.
US08081498B2
An internal combustion engine controller comprises a booster coil connected to a battery and a booster capacitor. A switch element is connected to the booster coil to control the passage of current through the booster coil and an interruption of the current. The booster capacitor accumulates electrical energy generated with an inductance of the booster coil at the time of the interruption of the passage of the current. A booster control circuit carries out control in a constant boost switching cycle so as to pass the current through the booster coil and the switch element until the current reaches a preset switching stop threshold value and then interrupt the current to charge the energy generated with the inductance of the booster coil into the booster capacitor. The booster control circuit is configured to ensure a minimum time period for the booster capacitor-charging of the energy within the boost switching cycle.
US08081494B2
In a grid-tie inverter, the DC input is phase and pulse-width modulated to define multiple phase shifted voltage pulses with the width of each pulse being modulated according to the grid AC amplitude for the corresponding portion of the AC phase.
US08081485B2
A component assembly includes an electric component with a body and a carrier substrate on which the component is fixed by means of a conductive adhesive layer. External electrical contacts that have a planar surface are arranged on the lower side of the body. The conductive adhesive acts upon the body in at least one contact region that is devoid of the external electrical contacts.
US08081477B2
A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink adapted for thermally contacting an electronic component of a printed circuit board, and a clip pressing the heat sink and engaging with the printed circuit board. The clip includes a pressing portion pressing the heat sink, two arms extending slantwise and upwardly from opposite ends of the pressing portion, two connecting portions extending outwardly from the two arms, two securing portions engaging with the printed circuit board, and two operating portions. When the two operating portion are operated, the connecting portions are rotated and the securing portions rotate with the connecting portions to engage with the printed circuit board.
US08081475B1
To prevent water intrusion, trolling motor heads cannot utilize ventilation methods of removing heat from power electronics. The assembly and method of the present application utilizes the existing metal column of a trolling motor to remove heat from the power electronics by utilizing a metal adapter that has flat outside surfaces for the power electronics and a round inside surface for the metal column.
US08081474B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a heat spreader module for dissipating thermal heat generated by electronic components. The assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), electronic components disposed on the PCB, a thermal interface material (TIM) thermally coupled to the electronic components, and a heat spreader plate thermally coupled to the TIM. The heat spreader plate includes an embossed pattern. Consequently, surface area available for heat conduction between the heat spreader plate and surrounding medium may be increased relative to the prior art designs.
US08081471B2
A module for an automation device with a plurality of adjacent modules is provided. The module includes a housing capsule that has at least one rear wall and two side walls and which is provided for housing electric components. Further, an automation device including the module is provided. One of the side walls of the modules is embodied as being thermally conductive and that the other side wall is embodied as being thermally insulated.
US08081470B2
A mechanism for the heat sink to adhere to the transceiver inserted in the cage is disclosed. The heat sink provides a guide in the side thereof, while, the cage provides a slit in the side. A pair of elastic tabs is diagonally formed in the slit. The transceiver slides the heat sink rearward as the insertion thereof into the cage, then, the guide of the heat sink slips down the rear tab in the slit, which presses the heat sink downward to adhere to the transceiver. The heat conducting path from the transceiver to the heat sink is formed.
US08081466B2
An enclosure for electronics includes a body with a metal component and a polymeric component overmolded onto the metal component so as to be connected to the metal component without fasteners. The body defines a recess. A heat sink is defined in the metal component. A printed circuit board is located in the recess and includes a plurality of electronic components mounted thereon. The polymeric component includes at least one attachment feature that captures the printed circuit board at a select location in the recess such that: (i) at least a first one of the electronic components is electrically connected to a contact region of the metal component that is exposed through a portion of said polymeric component; (ii) at least a second one of the electronic components is electrically isolated from the metal component by an electrical isolation zone of the polymeric component; and (ii) at least a third one of the electronic components is located adjacent a thermal transfer region of the metal component that underlies the heat sink. The thermal transfer region is uncovered by the polymeric component so as to be exposed in the recess.
US08081457B2
A cooling system includes a system air intake, a system air outlet, a fan, and a noise-reducing outlet. The fan includes a fan intake, and a fan outlet. The fan drives airflow, from the system air intake through the fan intake, the fan outlet, and the system air outlet. The noise-reducing outlet is located adjacent to the fan outlet. When the airflow exits through the fan outlet, a portion of the airflow exits through the noise-reducing outlet.
US08081450B2
An electronic device includes a main body and a lid body. The main body includes a fixing portion and a rotating component received in the fixing portion. The lid body has a guide arm accommodating the fixing portion and engaging with the fixing portion via the rotating component.
US08081425B2
A portable electronic device and a transferring method of a circuit element thereof are provided. The portable electronic device comprises a main body and a circuit element. The main body has a shell and a control element by a print way. The circuit element is integrated with the shell by transferring and is electrically connected with the control element.
US08081422B2
A back-wiring board that connects to a main circuit board of a power distribution system. The back-wiring board includes a plurality of connectors configured to mechanically secure to a plurality of bus bars. The connectors of the back-wiring board are further configured to receive a voltage signal from the plurality of bus bars and to transmit the voltage signal to the back-wiring board. The back-wiring board also includes a plurality of wire-wrap pins integrated into a surface of the back-wiring board, wherein the wire-wrap pins are configured to receive data input signals. The back-wiring board includes a right-angle connector configured to couple the back-wiring board to the main circuit board.
US08081421B2
A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor element, an anode lead frame, a cathode lead frame, and a mold resin portion. The anode lead frame includes an anode terminal portion and a rising portion, and the anode terminal portion is exposed at the bottom surface of the mold resin portion. The rising portion is formed integral with the anode terminal portion, and rises to the anode portion. In the rising portion, a through hole is formed. The cathode lead frame includes a cathode terminal portion, a pair of side surface portions and a step portion. Thus, a solid electrolytic capacitor allowing highly accurate and reliable attachment of the capacitor element to the lead frame without using any additional member is provided.
US08081416B2
A multilayer chip capacitor includes a capacitor body provided by a stack of a plurality of dielectric layers, a plurality of internal electrodes disposed in the capacitor body such that the internal electrodes of opposite polarities are alternately disposed to face each other with the dielectric layer interposed between each facing set of the internal electrodes, and a plurality of external electrodes disposed on an outer face of the capacitor body and electrically connected with the internal electrode. Each of the plurality of internal electrodes includes a main electrode part, and at least one lead extending from the main electrode part to a side face of the capacitor body and connected to a corresponding one of the external electrodes. The lead extends to the corresponding external electrode to be inclined with respect to the main electrode part thereof.
US08081415B2
A grounding assembly for electronic equipment provides a discharge path for the energy arising from lightning strikes. A conductive strap connects the ground lug of the equipment to a ground plate buried in the earth. The conductive strap has a length, width and thickness, with the width being greater than the thickness. This reduces the inductance of the conductor from the controller to the ground plate, thereby enhancing the ability of the grounding assembly to dissipate energy from lightning strikes.
US08081414B2
The invention relates to a lightning transmission element (1) which is fixed to a hub (21) of a wind generator and which is formed by a first conductor bar (2) which is fixed to a second insulating bar (5). According to the invention, a first end (4) of the lightning transmission element (1) is positioned opposite a metal strip (18) that is disposed at the root of each blade (10) of the wind generator at a first distance which enables a flashover of incident lightning at a point on a blade (10) of the wind generator, while a second end (3) thereof is positioned opposite a gutter (12) of a nacelle (13) of the wind generator at a second distance which enables a lightning flashover. The lightning is conveyed from the point on the blade (10) at which it is incident thereon to the earth through a series of conduction means including the lightning transmission element (1), said means preventing the lightning from striking the sensitive parts of the wind generator.
US08081406B2
A thyristor controlled series capacitor module including a capacitor connectable in series with a power line, a thyristor valve connected in parallel with the capacitor, a breaker connected in parallel with the thyristor valve, and an inductor. By providing a simplified breaker arrangement, the number of components is reduced.
US08081403B1
A magnetic element includes a pinned layer, a nonferromagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The nonferromagnetic spacer layer resides between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer has a track width of not more than 0.08 micron.
US08081402B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic head incorporating a CPP-GMR device having a high output at a suitable resistance. According to one embodiment, in a Current Perpendicular to Plane-Giant Magneto Resistive (CPP-GMR) head comprising a pinned layer, a free layer, and a current screen layer for confining current therein, a planarization treatment is applied to the surface of the current screen layer, thereby allowing the current screen layer to have a fluctuation in film thickness thereof. As a result of the fluctuation being provided in the film thickness of the current screen layer, parts of the current screen layer, smaller in the film thickness, will be selectively turned into metal areas low in resistance, and as the metal areas low in resistance serve as current paths, effects of confining current can be adjusted by controlling the fluctuation in the film thickness.
US08081399B2
Write enhancement circuitry on the head carrier of a magnetic recording disk drive provides additional write current overshoot beyond that provided by the write driver circuitry. An enhancement capacitor is formed with a dielectric layer between two layers of electrically-conductive magnetically-permeable shield material that serve as the capacitor plates. The write enhancement circuitry may also include an enhancement resistor. The enhancement capacitor and resistor are connected between the two terminals on the head carrier that connect to the write head coil. The capacitor and resistor are fabricated on the head carrier at the same time and in the same process as the read head. The first and second capacitor plates are generally coplanar with and formed of the same electrically-conductive magnetically-permeable material that forms the first and second magnetic shields for the read head. The enhancement resistor is a stack of layers that is coplanar with and formed of the same materials as the stack of layers that form the sensor portion of the read head between the two magnetic shields.
US08081397B2
A magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic recording head, a main magnetic pole, a head slider, a suspension and an actuator arm. The magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole having an air bearing surface facing a magnetic recording medium; and a stacked structure having, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A stacked plane of the stacked structure is inclined with respect to the air bearing surface. The magnetic recording head is mounted on the head slider. The head slider is mounted on one end of the suspension. The actuator arm is connected to the other end of the suspension.
US08081391B1
A zoom lens for projection includes a negative first group composed of two lenses, a second group composed of a positive lens, an aperture stop, a third group composed of a positive lens, a fourth group composed of a negative fourth-group-first lens, a fourth-group-second lens arranged in such a manner that a negative air lens is formed between the fourth-group-first lens and the fourth-group-second lens, and a positive fourth-group-third lens, and a fifth group composed of a positive lens having a convex surface facing the magnification side of the zoom lens, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Further, the following formula (1) is satisfied: −0.6<(R72+R71)/(R72−R71)<0.6 (1), where R71 is a radius of curvature of a magnification-side surface of the fourth-group-third lens, and R72 is a radius of curvature of a reduction-side surface of the fourth-group-third lens.
US08081387B2
The invention relates to a display device, particularly for an automotive vehicle, that comprises an unfolding member (1), the display device including a mounting member (10) for attaching the unfolding member in at least a first inactive position and in at least a second unfolded position, the display device being adapted so that the unfolding member follows an unfolding movement between the first and second positions thereof, the movement of the unfolding member including at least partially a translation portion and a rotation portion.
US08081379B2
A screen includes: a base material; and a pigmented layer provided on one surface of the base material, the pigmented layer including a first pigment that absorbs a visible light component contained in room light, and a second pigment that absorbs ultraviolet light, wherein the second pigment absorbs the ultraviolet light contained in sunlight, and varies the color imparted by a remaining visible light component unabsorbed by the first pigment absorbing the visible light component of the sunlight, the color being varied in such a manner as to reduce the absolute value of a color difference on a chromaticity diagram between a white point and a point indicative of the color imparted by the remaining component.
US08081375B2
An electrophoretic sheet includes a substrate having one surface and the other surface, a microcapsule-containing layer comprised of a plurality of microcapsules, the microcapsule-containing layer provided on the other surface of the substrate, each of the plurality of microcapsules having a capsule body and an electrophoretic dispersion liquid contained in the capsule body, the electrophoretic dispersion liquid containing a plurality of electrophoretic particles of at least one color, and the capsule body having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and at least one colored part provided on the external side of the inner circumferential surface of the capsule body of each of the plurality of microcapsules, and wherein each colored part has a color complementary to the color of the plurality of electrophoretic particles. By using the electrophoretic sheet mentioned above, it is possible to provide the increased whiteness in display of the electrophoretic particles. An electrophoresis apparatus provided with such an electrophoretic sheet is also provided. By using the electrophoresis apparatus, it is possible to provide a superior contrast ratio. It is also possible to obtain high reliability. A Method for manufacturing such an electrophoresis apparatus is also provided. An electronic device provided with such an electrophoresis apparatus is also provided.
US08081373B2
The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle.
US08081371B2
The present invention provides an image projection system comprising a spatial light modulator (SLM) comprises a plurality of pixel elements, wherein each of the pixel elements further comprises a deflectable mirror, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode for controlling the deflectable mirror to deflect to different tilt angles to reflect and modulate an illumination light for displaying an image; and a controller for applying a voltage to the second electrode wherein the voltage applied in an initial operation period is different from the voltage applied in an image display period.
US08081368B2
An interference coating between a display and an intended viewing area that selectively absorbs incident optical energy in at least one first wavelength region and selectively transmits incident optical energy in at least one second wavelength region.
US08081359B2
The security object comprises a substrate, a surface structure and a hologram layer. A volume hologram is arranged in the hologram layer. The hologram layer is deformed in homogeneously by the surface structure, which gives rise to readily detectable changes in the reflections from the volume hologram. These changes can be used to verify the authenticity of the object. The surface structure can e.g. be applied using intaglio printing techniques or embossing. Alternatively or in addition to the deformation of the hologram layer by means of the surface structure, the hologram layer may also be deformed by embossing.
US08081357B2
A color image-scanning device has a fixed scan mode and a flow scan mode. In the fixed scan mode, a document is scanned while maintaining the document at a fixed location on a platen glass. In the flow scan mode, a document is fed from an automatic document feeder and is scanned while moving the document. In each of these modes, images are scanned in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction. Color registration errors in the main and sub scanning direction caused by an optical factor are corrected in accordance with correction values stored in a memory. Respective correction values for each of the main and sub scanning directions are acquired by scanning a test chart in each of the fixed-scan mode and the flow-scan mode and stored in the memory. Proper correction values are read from the memory depending on the scanning mode selected, and color registration errors are corrected in accordance with the read correction value.
US08081355B2
An illumination unit for use in an image read apparatus is provided which illuminates a surface of an original document with illumination light, reads an image of the original document by a light receiving element, and adjusts an amount of specular light reflection from the surface of the original document on a light receiving plane of the light receiving element by adjusting at least one of an incident angle of the illumination light and a divergence thereof. It includes a plurality of light source units emitting the illumination light and arranged in a direction so that a direction in which intensity of light emitted from at least one of the light source units closest to a center of the arrangement thereof is to be highest makes a non-perpendicular angle with the direction of arrangement.
US08081352B2
An image reading/recording apparatus which can prevent a reading unit from closing abruptly and reduce the force required to open the reading unit is to be provided. The apparatus is equipped with a damper unit which links the apparatus body and the scanner unit and the working direction of whose force is reversed on the way of the turning of the scanner unit, and a metal-made supporting member which is arranged in the apparatus body and supports the damper unit in a state in which the scanner unit is closed relative to the apparatus body.
US08081345B2
The present invention provides a droplet discharging apparatus including a discharge head for deflectively discharging droplets through one discharge port at a plurality of pixel areas in adaptive fashion. The discharge head is controlled to discharge droplets at an object. A storage unit stores status information about the discharge head. A communication unit communicates with an information processing apparatus located outside so as to transmit the status information to the information processing apparatus.
US08081341B2
A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a mobile telephone device. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning the device over a substrate; (ii) reading coded data from the substrate; (iii) generating interaction data using the read coded data; (iv) retrieving display data corresponding to a part of the substrate overlain by the device; (v) displaying display information on a touch-sensitive display screen; (vi) interacting with a displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen; (vii) retrieving and displaying hyperlinked information.
US08081338B2
A form processing apparatus receives input data from an external form processing system via an operating system. When there is a request to print form data, the form processing apparatus adds an identifier to the form data, and then transfers the form data to the operating system. The form processing apparatus includes an identifier determination unit configured to receive data output from the operating system, and to determine whether the identifier has been added. When it is determined that the identifier has not been added, the data output from the operating system are saved in a saving unit, as form data from the external form processing system.
US08081330B2
A data outputting apparatus, includes a box capable of storing data in a sorted manner, an outputting portion for outputting the data stored in the box, a data number setting portion for setting the number of data to be stored in the box, and a controller for making the outputting portion output the data stored in the box when the number of data stored in the box has reached the set number of data.
US08081329B2
A merging module connects two printing systems at approximately 90 degrees to one another. The merging module includes a sheet rotator in a plane that is common to the paper paths of both print engines and a buffer. It also includes two bypass paths (one above and one below the rotator) to route the two paper paths around the rotator and enable both print engines to deliver their output to the appropriate finishing device as well as to the buffer.
US08081326B2
An image forming apparatus performs image stabilization after a printed page count exceeds a first threshold, if either an end of a job or a mode switch from monochrome mode to color mode has been detected. Even if neither the end of the job nor the mode switch from monochrome mode to color mode has been detected, the image forming apparatus performs image stabilization if the printed page count exceeds a second threshold that is larger than the first threshold.
US08081325B2
When sample printing is executed, whether the printing is executed putting higher priority on the printing speed than the image quality based on printing data of each page or the printing is executed putting higher priority on the image quality than the printing speed is automatically judged and the sample printing is executed based on the judgment result. When the sample printing is executed, for each page, an image quality priority degree judging portion 14a judges whether the printing is executed in a speed priority printing scheme that puts higher priority on the printing speed than the image quality in printing or the printing is executed in an image quality priority printing scheme that puts higher priority on the image quality than the printing speed in printing, a printing scheme switching portion 14b automatically switches the printing scheme according to the judgment result, and the sample printing is executed.
US08081321B2
A scanning unit, by which a scale, which is movable in relation to the scanning unit in a measuring direction, can be optically scanned. The scanning unit including a detector arrangement and a transparent support having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the detector arrangement is arranged on the second surface. The scanning unit further including a transparent cover plate, which is fastened on the first surface of the transparent support and includes a shielding device for shielding the detector arrangement against electromagnetic fields.
US08081319B2
An adjustable two-dimensional lamellar grating system including a lamellar grating and a movable mirror disposed substantially parallel to one another, and an interferometer using the adjustable lamellar grating system. In one example, the lamellar grating includes a dielectric wafer having a dielectric wafer having a plurality of periodically spaced recesses formed therein, wherein the dielectric wafer has higher reflectivity at its surface facing the movable mirror than at a second opposing surface. In one example, the system also includes a mechanism for moving the mirror relative to the dielectric wafer.
US08081315B2
A laser interferometric measuring instrument includes: a light source that emits a laser beam of 1064 nm and another laser beam of 532 nm; a polarizing beam splitter; a dichroic mirror that splits a long-wavelength laser beam provided in a measurement optical path; a long-wavelength corner cube that reflects the split laser beam; a measurement corner cube that is displaceable along the measurement optical path; a reference corner cube that is displaceable along a reference optical path; a optical path changing unit that changes an optical path length of the long-wavelength laser beam; a phase detector that outputs interference signals; a sum signal computer that calculates a sum signal; a displacement controller that displaces the reference corner cube so as not to change a phase of the sum signal; a reference displacement detector that detects a displacement of the reference corner cube; and a measurement displacement computer that calculates a displacement of the measurement corner cube.
US08081314B2
Desired spectral characteristics are achieved while achieving reduced size and decreased noise, and detecting the distance between optical substrates with superior precision. Provided is a variable spectroscopy element (1) including optical coating layers (3) provided on opposing surfaces, which face each other, of first and second optical substrates (4a, 4b) that face each other with a gap therebetween; an actuator (4c) that changes the gap between the first and second optical substrates (4a, 4b); a first sensor portion (6a) provided on the first optical substrate (4a), for detecting the gap between the first and second optical substrates (4a, 4b); and a second sensor portion (6b) provided on the second optical substrate (4b) so as to oppose the first sensor portion (6a), for detecting the gap between the first and second optical substrates (4a, 4b), wherein the numbers of the first and second sensor electrodes (6a, 6b) differ.
US08081310B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a fluorescent fiber image of a sample, wherein a sample is scanned with the aid of an excitation signal; the fluorescent signal emanating from the sample is detected, wherein the excitation signal and fluorescent signal use the same optical path; the optical path is used to excite at least two fluorophores contained in the sample; a final image is produced, including areas that are colored according to the at least two fluorophores. The multimarking according to the invention makes it possible to simultaneously acquire two images in two different wavelength bands. The system according to the invention can comprise a spectrometer for spectral quantification of the fluorescent signal.
US08081307B2
A system and method for inspecting stents can involve an inspection camera to take an image of the stent and a computer system for analyzing the image to determine the presence of any coating defects. The determination can be made by masking out a portion of the stent, identifying deviations from a strut edge, and/or highlighting features protruding from a stent external boundary defining an outer diameter. The image can be taken after a focus feedback camera determines the position of the stent.
US08081301B2
A compact LADAR transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a pulse laser generating pulses of light; a transmitter collimating and directing the pulses of light toward a target; a receiver collecting reflected pulses of light, the reflected pulses of light having been reflected from the target, the receiver comprising a tapered fiber bundle; a sensor operatively connected to the tapered fiber bundle, where the sensor comprises a photosensitive region and outputs a photocurrent; an amplifier amplifying the photocurrent; and a power divider splitting the amplified photocurrent between a high gain channel and a low gain channel; a RF interface accepting the high gain channel, the low gain channel, and an undelayed sample of a pulse of light generated from the pulse laser as input; a processing unit accepting output from the RF interface; and a display unit displaying output from the processing unit.
US08081300B2
The present invention relates to a method for laser ranging with high precision and high efficient, a method for identifying distance mode automatically during laser ranging process, and a laser ranger with high precision, high efficient and low power waste. The accuracy of ranging is increased through multi classes of receiving process; the accuracy of ranging is further increased through the selection of distance mode and the adjustment of receiving sensitivity before the measuring steps are executed; the accuracy of ranging is further increased through executing jitter judgment on obtained distance measured values to discard the distance measured values that do not satisfy the setting conditions and judge whether the number of remaining distance measured values satisfies the setting quantity requirement; and the present invention is also of simple structure, high measurement efficiency, and low power waste.
US08081299B2
A distance measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention may include: a light source irradiating reference light to measure a distance; a lower reflective mirror reflecting the reference light to irradiate the reference light onto a peripheral obstacle, and reflecting reflected light, rebounded from an obstacle, so that the reflected light moves in an opposite direction along the same optical path as the reference light; a sensor lens arranged above the lower reflective mirror, converting the reference light into parallel light beams and focusing the reflected light; an upper reflective mirror arranged above the sensor lens and switching an optical path of the reflected light; and an optical sensor receiving the reflected light having the optical path thereof switched by the upper reflective mirror, wherein the upper reflective mirror reflects back the reflected light, focused after passing through the sensor lens, in an opposite direction to a moving direction thereof so that a focus of the reflected light is formed between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror.
US08081297B2
A laser based coordinate measuring device measures a position of a remote target using a camera having an adjustable magnification set based on the distance from the coordinate measuring device to the remote target. The laser based coordinate measuring device includes a structure rotatable about two axes. The device includes a distance meter, a position detector for use in tracking the remote target, and two angular encoders for measuring the angles about the two axes.
US08081295B2
In the case of a projection exposure method for exposing a radiation-sensitive substrate, arranged in the region of an image surface of a projection objective, with at least one image of a pattern of a mask arranged in the region of an object surface of the projection objective, a mask is arranged in the region of the object surface of the projection objective, the mask having a first pattern area with a first subpattern, and at least one second pattern area, arranged laterally offset from the first pattern area, with a second subpattern. The mask is scanned by relative movement between the mask and the illumination field of the illumination system in such a way that initially the first subpattern and thereafter the second subpattern is irradiated with the illumination radiation of the illumination field. The first subpattern is irradiated during a first illumination time interval with a first angular distribution, adapted to the first subpattern, of the illumination radiation. Thereafter, the second subpattern is irradiated during the second illumination time interval with a second angular distribution, adapted to the second subpattern, of the illumination radiation, said second angular distribution differing from the first angular distribution.
US08081294B2
A method of evaluating an exposure optical beam source of an exposure device used in an exposure process in manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed, in which the method includes dividing an exposure optical beam source into a plurality of unit optical beam sources in a unit size determined by an exposure device, acquiring a difference between an evaluation amount of a target pattern on a semiconductor substrate when a unit optical beam source is turned on and an evaluation amount of the target pattern on the semiconductor substrate when the unit optical beam source is turned off, and evaluating the exposure optical beam source by using the acquired difference as an index.
US08081293B2
The disclosure provides an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, as well as related methods and components. In some embodiments, the illumination system includes an optical element configured so that, when a linearly polarized entry beam which has an angle spectrum is incident on the first optical element, a maximum aperture angle of the entry beam at the first optical element is not more than 35 mrad. A component, which is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis of the system, of a birefringence present in the illumination system can be at least partially compensated by the first optical element.
US08081290B2
A liquid crystal display panel 20 is manufactured by applying a seal agent 19 to at least of a pair of substrates 10, 12, enclosing the cell region 14; opposing the pair of substrates 10, 12 at a prescribed gap to define a cell space 14; depressurizing the interior of the cell space 14 through an opening 13 formed in at least one of the pair of substrates 10, 12 to thereby securely bond the pair of substrate 10, 12 to each other; and injecting a liquid crystal into the cell space 14. The atmospheric pressure is applied to the pair of substrates 10, 12, whereby a uniform external pressure is applied, and the glass substrates can be securely bonded to each other in good condition.
US08081289B2
An enhanced wavelength-converting structure is disclosed. The enhanced wavelength-converting structure includes a substrate, a wavelength-converting layer arranged next to the substrate, and a wavelength-selective reflecting layer arranged next to the wavelength-converting layer. The wavelength-converting layer converts the first light into the second light. A part of the second light radiating backward to the light source is further reflected toward the substrate by the wavelength-selective reflecting layer to form the enhanced second light by combining with another part of the second light radiating toward the substrate.
US08081287B2
A liquid crystal display with at least one heating element located on at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate comprising at least one carbon nanotube structure.
US08081279B2
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device including a first substrate where pixel areas are defined, a second substrate facing the first substrate, liquid crystals aligned between the first and second substrates, and spacers that maintain a gap between the first and second substrates. The pixel areas are divided into a plurality of domains along the alignment direction of the liquid crystals by way of domain dividers. Optical characteristics are compensated in different domains, so that the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display device is increased. The display quality of the liquid crystal display device is improved by adjusting the shape and position of the domain dividers and the spacers.
US08081276B2
A coloring composition for a color filter includes a transparent resin, an organic pigment dispersed in the transparent resin, and a retardation-regulating agent dispersed in the transparent resin and containing a compound which is capable of increasing retardation in the thickness direction to minimize the difference in retardation among colored pixels. A color filter having colored pixels formed on a transparent substrate uses this coloring composition. A liquid crystal display device using this color filter may have improved black image quality and contrast.
US08081270B2
The present invention relates generally to backlight modules for display devices and liquid crystal displays incorporating the same, and more particularly, to a backlight module for generating light with a single polarization state. The present invention provides a backlight module, comprising an optical cavity for reflecting and depolarizing light that is incident upon a front surface of said optical cavity and a multilayer polarizer comprising a plurality of layers. Said multilayer polarizer faces the front surface of the optical cavity and the layers are arranged in such a way that a light of polarization substantially parallel to the transmission axis of said multilayer polarizer is substantially transmitted and the light of substantially orthogonal polarization is substantially reflected by said multilayer polarizer in at least one predetermined wavelength subrange of the visible wavelength range. At least one of said layers comprises rod-like supramolecules forming at least partially a three-dimensional structure in the layer. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display, comprising a liquid crystal cell, a front polarizer, and a backlight module according to the first aspect of the present invention. The multilayer polarizer of the backlight module faces the back panel and serves as a back polarizer of the liquid crystal display.
US08081267B2
A low profile display enclosure system for enclosing a display device for viewing that protects the display device from environmental effects and is configured to dissipate heat generated within the display enclosure. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that includes a heat sink portion. The thickness of the bezel is minimized to provide the enclosure with a low profile about the periphery of the display device enclosed therein. Thermal control devices may be mounted within the enclosure to modulate a temperature within the enclosure.
US08081266B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a data line, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode disposed on a lower substrate, an island-shaped semiconductor layer overlapping the source and drain electrodes, a gate insulating layer along an entire surface of the lower substrate including the semiconductor layer, a gate line and a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, a passivation layer along an entire surface of the lower substrate including the gate line, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the lower and upper substrates.
US08081261B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a display support apparatus that has a simple structure and can be stored in a small storage space. The display support apparatus includes a main leg 11 that extends downward from a rear face portion of a display, and has a lower end portion provided with an auxiliary leg portion 12 extending forward in a horizontal direction, and a base member 6 that is pivotably coupled to the auxiliary leg portion 12 about a shaft 21. The base member 6 includes a coupling portion 32 that abuts against a bottom face of the auxiliary leg portion 12 in front of the shaft 21, an interlock portion 42 that forms interlocking so that the base member 6 is not pivoted in a state where the coupling portion 32 abuts against the bottom face of the auxiliary leg portion 12.
US08081259B2
A modulating operation interface and a method are applied for a display apparatus. The modulating operation interface comprises a display unit, a selection unit, a clock unit and a processor. A circle broadcast action of a plurality of operation diagrams is displayed by the display unit. One operation diagram from the plurality of operation diagrams broadcasted by the display unit is then selected by the selection unit. An internal menu of lower level is expanded from the selected operation diagram. The circle broadcast action executed by the display unit is controlled by the processor based on a predetermined time and a time data provided by the clock unit. Accordingly, the modulation can be finished completely and speedily while modulating the modulating operation interface.
US08081253B2
A zoom lens has a negative object side lens unit (or first lens unit G1), a positive image side lens unit (or third lens unit G3), a positive intermediate lens unit (or second lens unit G2), and an aperture stop. The distance between the object side lens unit and the intermediate lens unit is smaller at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the distance between the intermediate lens unit and the image side lens unit is larger at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the intermediate lens unit moves in such a way that it is located closer to the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the image side lens unit moves in such a way that it is located closer to the image side at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the aperture stop moves integrally with the intermediate lens unit. The image side lens unit is composed of two lens component including a front lens component and a positive rear lens component arranged in the mentioned order from the object side. The absolute value of the paraxial radius of curvature of the image side lens surface of the front lens component is smaller than the absolute value of the paraxial radius of curvature of the object side surface of the rear lens component.
US08081251B2
A plurality of exchange lenses designed for object exposure regions of different sizes can be selectively mounted on the present imaging device. The imaging device determines whether a mismatch state is present, in which the size of the object exposure region of an exchange lens mounted is smaller than the size of the imaging region of an imaging element. If it is determined that a mismatch state is present, an image of a partial region of the imaging region is generated and the image of the partial region is displayed as a live view image in a relatively large area (an area larger than an area for displaying the partial region in a live view display when no mismatch state is present). Accordingly, techniques for performing a live view display with favorable visibility are provided.
US08081245B2
An image sensing apparatus comprises a pixel array; a readout unit; a first terminal; and a second terminal, wherein the readout unit including a column amplification unit, a holding unit, a first power supply line, and a second power supply line, and wherein the column amplification unit including a transistor having a gate electrode and back-gate electrode, the gate electrode receiving a signal read out from a pixel on each column of the pixel array, and the holding unit including a capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode receiving a signal amplified by the column amplification unit, and wherein the first power supply line transfers the first power supply voltage to the back-gate electrode of the transistor, and the second power supply line transfers the second power supply voltage to the second electrode of the capacitor.
US08081234B2
An apparatus comprising an image sensor and a control logic circuit. The image sensor includes at least a first pixel array and a second pixel array, wherein at least some of the pixels of the first pixel array are interspersed over an image sensing area with pixels of the second pixel array. The control logic circuit is operable to control durations of exposure of the first pixel array and the second pixel array independently.
US08081224B2
A method and apparatus for image stabilization while mitigating the amplification of image noise by using a motion adaptive system employing spatial and temporal filtering of pixel signals from multiple captured frames of a scene.
US08081216B2
A lighting control system for controlling the lighting of a predetermined area is provided. According to one embodiment, the lighting control system comprises one or more light sources positioned in the predetermined area, the light source configured to include adjustable light intensity; a camera positioned and configured to capture an image of the predetermined area; and a controller in operable communication with the one or more light sources and the camera, the controller configured to control the one or more light sources and adjust the light intensity of the light source. The controller is configured to operate in a closed control loop to automatically adjust the lighting conditions of a predetermined area or environment. A false alarm checking process checks for temporary or localized events to prevent unnecessary lighting adjustments.
US08081214B2
A data-encoding system includes a source of unencoded data, and a first encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the first encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a first data rate. The data encoding system further includes a second encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the second encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a second data rate in which the second data rate exceeds the first data rate. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US08081210B2
A system and method for mitigating the effects of Doppler shift, multipath and/or noise for a mobile receiver, such as on a vehicle, that is receiving broadcast television signals. The vehicle may include a map database and a GPS receiver that combine to identify the location of the vehicle on the roadway. The receiver on the vehicle includes a rotatable antenna that can be either mechanically or electronically directed towards a broadcast tower that is broadcasting the signal that the vehicle wishes to receive. Therefore, multipath effects and other noise conditions can be mitigated or eliminated by more precisely directing the antenna towards the source of a signal. Further, the receiver on the vehicle can use the forward velocity of the vehicle and the direction of the broadcasting tower to determine the movement of the vehicle relative to the tower to correct for the Doppler shift.
US08081207B2
A camera system has a chassis carrying one or more cameras. Each camera has support member mounted to the chassis and an imaging chip mounted to the support member. An optical system for imaging onto the imaging chip may also be mounted to the chassis. The chassis and support members may have coefficients of thermal expansion that are substantially matched. In some embodiments the support members are located between the imaging chips and one or more circuit boards to which the imaging chips are electrically connected. In some embodiments the imaging chips are located over apertures or other channels through the chassis and light is incident on the imaging chips by way of the channels. The relative locations of the imaging chips can be maintained constant to preserve calibration for stereo imaging.
US08081203B2
A light-amount detecting device includes: a light source which emits a light beam; a branching optical element which divides the light beam emitted from the light source into a first light beam traveling in a predetermined direction and a second light beam traveling in a direction different to the predetermined direction; a light-condensing element which condenses the second light beam; a light-receiving element having a light-receiving surface which receives the second light beam condensed by the light-condensing element; and a detector which detects a light-amount of the second light beam received by the light-receiving element, and at least one of a direction of reflected light of the second light beam reflected from the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element and spread of the reflected light of the second light beam reflected from the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element is adjusted to control a light-amount of the reflected light of the second light beam returning to the light source.
US08081191B2
In a media server for processing data packets, media server functions are implemented by a plurality of modules categorized by real-time response requirements.
US08081184B1
Systems and methods for assembling pixel shader program threads for execution based on resource limitations of a multithreaded processor may improve processing throughput. Pixels to be processed by the pixel shader program are assembled into a launch group for processing by the multithreaded processor as multiple shader program threads. The pixels are assembled based on parameter storage resource limitations of the multithreaded processor so that common parameters shared by multiple pixels are not stored separately for each pixel. Therefore, the limited parameter storage resources are efficiently used, allowing more shader program threads to execute simultaneously.
US08081181B2
The architecture implements A-buffer in hardware by extending hardware to efficiently store a variable amount of data for each pixel. In operation, a prepass is performed to generate the counts of the fragments per pixel in a count buffer, followed by a prefix sum pass on the generated count buffer to calculate locations in a fragment buffer in which to store all the fragments linearly. An index is generated for a given pixel in the prefix sum pass and stored in a location buffer. Access to the pixel fragments is then accomplished using the index. Linear storage of the data allows for a fast rendering pass that stores all the fragments to a memory buffer without needing to look at the contents of the fragments. This is then followed by a resolve pass on the fragment buffer to generate the final image.
US08081179B2
A method to display gray shades in RMS responding display matrix, includes: selecting each row of the display matrix with a set of “s” discrete select voltages in a sequence or random and applying a set of discrete data voltages to a column of the display matrix wherein the data voltages are of both polarities and energy of the select and data waveforms that are applied to rows and columns are constants during the “s” time intervals for all the rows and columns to display gray shades in RMS responding display matrix.
US08081170B2
An object-selecting method includes detecting presence of a touch spot on a touchpad of an electronic apparatus, determining a set of objects adjacent to a position associated with the touch spot detected in step A), and selecting one of the objects when it is determined that the position of the touch spot moves toward the selected object.
US08081164B2
A wireless handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages. A microprocessor for receiving, processing and outputting data is located within the handheld device. A display screen in data-communication with the microprocessor presents information for user observation based upon data output from the microprocessor. A sensor is provided within the handheld device that detects the attitude of the device as held by the user. The sensor communicates data that is indicative of the detected attitude of the device to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further enable to disable a user input device when the detected attitude of the device matches a predetermined attitude criteria.
US08081160B2
A separable and shape-changeable mouse includes a first housing, a second housing, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first housing includes a cursor signal generation unit, a first slant and a first connecting member. The second housing includes a receptacle for accommodating a battery therein, a second slant and a second connecting member. The first housing is combined with the second housing when the first connecting member is coupled with the second connecting member. By rotating the second housing with respect to the first housing, the shape of the mouse is changeable.
US08081155B2
A method for driving an electrophoretic display device includes: during a first partial rewriting period, partially rewriting the displayed image by supplying a common voltage to a common electrode, supplying a second voltage corresponding to a second gradation to each first pixel displaying a first gradation before rewriting and displaying the second gradation after rewriting, and supplying a voltage equal to the common voltage to each other pixel or putting each other pixel into a high impedance state; and during a second partial rewriting period, partially rewriting the image by supplying the common voltage to the common electrode, supplying a first voltage corresponding to the first gradation to each second pixel displaying the second gradation before the rewriting and displaying the first gradation after rewriting, and supplying a voltage equal to the common voltage to each other pixel or by putting each other pixel into a high impedance state.
US08081148B2
The present invention prevents electrostatic breakdown attributed to static electricity even in and after a cell cutting step. In a display device which includes a substrate, a plurality of pixels which is formed in a pixel part, a plurality of video lines which applies video voltages to the plurality of pixels, and a video voltage selection circuit which selects the video voltages to be inputted to the pixels and applies the selected video voltages to the predetermined video lines among the plurality of video lines, an electrostatic protective circuit for protecting a pixel part is connected to the plurality of video voltage inputting lines which inputs the video voltages to the video voltage selection circuit, and an electrostatic protective circuit for protecting a peripheral circuit is connected to the lines other than the video voltage inputting lines which is connected to the video voltage selection circuit. The electrostatic protective circuit for protecting the pixel part is connected between the plurality of video voltage inputting lines, and the electrostatic protective circuit for protecting the peripheral circuit is connected between the at least one video voltage inputting line and the line other than the at least one video voltage inputting line, between the plurality of lines other than the video voltage inputting lines, and between the line other than the at least one video voltage inputting line and a reference voltage line to which a reference voltage is applied.
US08081147B2
A liquid crystal display device having optical sensors, for sensing a touch, embedded in a liquid crystal panel to improve touch sensitivity is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes pixel regions spaced from each other on a first substrate, gate lines formed to separate the pixel regions in a first direction, driving voltage lines parallel to the gate lines, data lines formed between the pixel regions in a second direction intersecting the first direction, storage lines parallel to the driving voltage lines, read-out lines separated from neighboring data lines by one pixel region in the second direction, display transistors formed at intersections of the gate and data lines, pixel electrodes formed in the pixel regions, output switching transistors formed between the gate and read-out lines, capacitors formed between the output switching transistors and storage lines, and photo sensing transistors formed on the output switching transistors and storage lines.
US08081136B2
The dual-band antenna is provided. The dual-band antenna includes an impedance matching control element, a first connection part, a first radiation element, a second radiation element, and a ground element. The first radiation element operates in a first frequency band, is connected to the impedance matching control element, and extends along a first direction having an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first connection part. The second radiation element operates in a second frequency band. The ground element is electrically connected to the impedance matching control element and the second radiation element.
US08081128B2
A multi-resonant antenna device having good VSWR characteristics even in the UWB band, and a wireless communication apparatus including the antenna device are provided. The antenna device includes a substrate, an antenna main body surface-mounted at a corner of the substrate, and slits. The antenna device resonates at two different resonance frequencies. The slits are arranged to bring a VSWR value at a frequency between the two resonance frequencies closer to VSWR values at the two resonance frequencies. The slits include capacitive adjustment slit portions and inductive adjustment slit portions. The slits are provided in an area where the density of a current flowing on ground conductor surfaces is highest. The slits are arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to a direction of this current. Specifically, the slits are provided near and parallel or substantially parallel to an open end of the radiating electrode portion. The lengths of the slits are set to one-eighth of a wavelength at a frequency corresponding to the highest VSWR value in the range between the two resonance frequencies.
US08081120B2
In a broadband antenna unit including a ground plate, an antenna element disposed in the vicinity of an end of the ground plate, and a dielectric substrate for mounting the antenna element therein, the antenna element includes a folded plate-shaped monopole antenna portion having a U-shape in cross section, a first conductive element extending from a first location of the folded plate-shaped monopole antenna portion, and a second conductive element extending from a second location of the folded plate-shaped monopole antenna portion. The antenna element is disposed on the side of one side edge of the ground plate. The broadband antenna unit has a feeding point between the ground plate and the antenna element that is disposed at a feeding position apart from the one side by a predetermined distance.
US08081118B2
A phased array antenna radiator assembly that in one embodiment has a thermally conductive foam substrate, a plurality of metal radiating elements bonded to the foam substrate, and a radome supported adjacent the metal radiating elements. In another embodiment a phased array antenna radiator assembly is disclosed that has a thermally conductive substrate, a plurality of metal radiating elements bonded to the thermally conductive substrate, a radome supported adjacent the metal radiating elements, and an electrostatically dissipative adhesive in contact with the radiating elements for bonding the radome to the thermally conductive substrate.
US08081113B2
A microstrip antenna is provided. The microstrip antenna includes a first substrate with a first surface and a second surface paralleled to each other, a metal ground plane with an aperture disposed on the first surface and exposing parts of the first substrate via the aperture and a metal feed line disposed on the second surface, the metal feed line has at least two intersections with the aperture on a horizontal projection plane, in order to feed a signal received or transmitted by the microstrip antenna.
US08081111B2
A method of locating the source of an unknown signal is provided that includes calculating a differential offset for a signal for each of a plurality of positions within a region in which the transmitter must lie, for each of a series of times m with respect to first and second signal relays and respective first and second receivers, the positions of the signal relays and receivers being known, generating a cross-ambiguity function (CAF) using data corresponding to samples of the unknown signal received at the first and second receivers via the first and second signal relays respectively, estimating the level of noise in the CAF, and using this data to obtain a measure of the likelihood that the source is located within defined areas within the region, where the differential offsets are differential time offsets, or differential frequency offsets, or both. The method provides location which is unconditionally convergent.
US08081102B1
A database of codesets for a remote control device includes codeset information blocks for derivative codesets and codeset information blocks for nonderivative codesets. A codeset information block for a derivative codeset includes: a bit indicating that the block is for a derivative codeset, a plurality of bits each of which corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of fields in a referenced codeset information block, and a pointer that points to the referenced codeset information block. The digital value of a bit determines whether information from the corresponding field in the referenced block will be used as part of the derivative codeset or whether such information is contained in the derivative codeset information block itself. The sizes of the fields in the referenced block are predetermined or are determinable, so a field in the referenced block can be located if its bit is set in the referencing block.
US08081101B2
An apparatus is provided which has a first analog input and a second analog input. In a particular implementation, the first analog input is coupled to a first controllable oscillator and the second analog input is coupled to a second controllable oscillator. First and second digital output signals generated based on output oscillations from the first controllable oscillator and the second controllable oscillator are combined.
US08081098B2
In one embodiment, the modulator in an analog-to-digital converter includes a first reset switch and second reset switch, each controlled by a reset signal. The first reset switch is connected in a first reset feedback path between an input and an output of an integrator stage, and the second reset switch connected in a second reset feedback path between the input and the output of the integrator stage.
US08081096B2
Provided is a signal generating apparatus comprising a DA converter that outputs an output signal corresponding to input data supplied thereto; a sample/hold unit that is provided between the DA converter and an output end of the signal generating apparatus, and that samples an output voltage of the DA converter and holds the sampled output voltage; a comparing section that compares (i) a level of a signal output from an analog circuit that propagates the output signal to output a signal corresponding to the input data to (ii) a level of the signal output by the DA converter; and a control section that, during a holding period, (iii) provides the DA converter with comparison data instead of the input data to cause the DA converter to output a comparison voltage corresponding to the comparison data, (iv) causes the comparing section to compare a voltage of the signal output by the analog circuit to the comparison voltage, and (v) adjusts the output voltage of the DA converter according to the input data based on a comparison result of the comparing section.
US08081092B2
In one aspect, a method for entering characters on a keyboard comprising a first character key, e.g. the space bar, to which a first character, e.g. a blank space is assigned and a second key, to which a second character, e.g. q and a third character, e.g. @ are assigned is provided. Accordingly, when the first character key is depressed, a timer is started. Before the time has run out and whilst the first character key is depressed, the second key can be pressed to obtain the third character. Before the time has run out, and before the second key is depressed, if the first character key is released, the first character is obtained. Once the timer has run out and the first character key has been released, if the second key is depressed, the second character is obtained.
US08081089B2
Disclosed is a method and system for recommending locations keyed to a map database system and providing navigation instructions to the recommended locations to a driver of a vehicle by gathering actual statistics about the preferences of the user and/or by comparing the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population.
US08081077B2
A system for managing materials of a warehouse includes a computer and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to allocate a warehouse location for a material to be imported. The RFID reader reads a serial number corresponding to the RFID tag of the imported material. The computer acquires information of the material according to the serial number and updates inventory of the warehouse.
US08081075B2
Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying a plurality of merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. Each merchandise item is connected to the consumer display with a corresponding tether. A first alarm is generated when one of the consumer items is removed from one of the corresponding tethers. A second alarm is generated that is different than the first alarm when one of the tethers is severed.
US08081074B2
An apparatus for deterring removal of electrical wiring that is installed in a building includes a controller, and a wiring module responsive to the controller and forming a monitored circuit with installed electrical wiring by coupling to an end of the wiring located at a load distribution junction. The other end of the wiring is electrically coupled, and can be coupled with a controlled impedance, or with a protected asset. The apparatus is configured with control logic to issue an alert if the integrity of the monitored circuit has been compromised.
US08081072B2
A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.
US08081071B1
External portable medical devices, such as portable external defibrillators (PEDs), have long standby times and may be required to indicate their operational status to a user while conserving battery power. Frequently, numerous PEDs are scattered throughout one or more large facility, which may make identifying a PED that is indicating an operational status that requires attention more difficult. To conserve power and provide more effective notice, a PED may use a broadcast transmitter, which minimizes power usage, to communicate the PED's status to a remote monitor that is connected to a relatively unlimited power supply. The remote monitor may then provide a wide variety of sensory alerts to indicate the status of the PED without concern for the power consumption associated with the sensory alert.
US08081070B2
A mobile security monitoring method and system are provided. An alarm security node communicates with an intelligent security that is activated by a breach in a security zone. This breach starts a video monitoring/recording sequence that is sent out via broadband link to an alarm center. The alarm center forwards this alarm information to a user as SMS/MMS information through a mobile network. The user can view and evaluate what is going on at the security zone and can decide what action to initiate. This minimizes false alarm generation and thus cuts down the costs of following upon false alarm(s) by an alarm security provider. For security and cost reasons, the intelligent security system may be the only client of the server-side alarm center. Existing IT infrastructure at the security zone can be used such as W-LAN, broadband, GPRS, and mobile devices. A mobile phone can be used for activation and deactivation of intelligent security system based on a manual push of a button on the user device. The activation/deactivation may depend on mobile's location as determined by GPS or other mobile positioning system based on mobile network infrastructures that use a spatial-based alarm trigger.
US08081057B2
A current protection device comprises a substrate having an upper portion and a lower portion; a fusing layer installed between the upper portion and the lower portion; ends of the fusing layer exposed from the substrate; a cavity formed near surfaces of the fusing layer for providing a space to receive the fusing layer as the fusing layer fuses; and an end electrode having three layers including a silver thin layer, a nickel thin layer and a tin thin layer; the end electrode being formed as a conductive electrode. The method for forming the same is provided.
US08081056B2
A spiral inductor is provided. The spiral inductor includes a first spiral conductive trace with at least one turn, a second spiral conductive trace, and a connector. The first spiral conductive trace comprises an outer end and an inner end. The second spiral conductive trace surrounds a portion of the outermost turn of the first spiral conductive trace, and comprises a first end and a second end. The connector electrically connects to the inner end and the first end.
US08081049B2
A band-pass filter device includes: a plurality of band-pass filter elements on a principal plane of a substrate; wherein the band-pass filter elements correspond to a plurality of respective channels divided by frequency regions, and each have a plurality of piezoelectric resonators. Each of the piezoelectric resonators includes a piezoelectric film whose periphery is supported by the substrate, a first electrode formed on a lower surface of the piezoelectric film, a second electrode formed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric film and formed in a state of overlapping at least a part of the first electrode with the piezoelectric film interposed between the second electrode and the first electrode, a lower space formed between the substrate and the piezoelectric film, and an upper space formed over the piezoelectric film.
US08081037B2
An apparatus including a ring oscillator and related methods are disclosed. The ring oscillator includes at least two ring loops. A first ring loop includes a plurality of series coupled delay cells. At least one additional ring loop includes a plurality of series coupled delay cells. The at least one additional ring loop is coupled to the first ring loop by one or more common delay cells shared between the first ring loop and the at least one additional ring loops.
US08081029B2
There is provided a distortion compensation apparatus for compensating distortion of an output of a power amplifier included in a radio transmitter. The distortion compensation apparatus includes a difference value calculator to calculate a difference value between a reference signal and a feedback signal, where the reference signal is branched from an input signal to the power amplifier and the feedback signal is branched from an output from the power amplifier; an integrator to accumulate the difference value; and a failure determiner to determine based on the accumulated difference value whether or not a failure has occurred or not.
US08081020B2
A delay-lock loop receives an input clock signal from the output of a programmable divider that receives a reference clock signal. The delay-lock loop includes a voltage-controlled delay line generating a plurality of delayed clock signals having different phases. A plurality of the delayed clock signals are combined to generate a plurality of output signals. During an initialization period, an initialization circuit sets the delay of the delay line to a minimum delay value and then compares this delay value to the period of the input clock signal. Based on this comparison, the initialization circuit programs the programmable divider and adjusts the number of delayed clock signals combined to generate the output signals. More specifically, as the frequency of the reference clock signal increases, the divider is programmed to divide by a greater number, and a larger number of delay clock signals are combined to generate the output signals.
US08081018B2
In accordance with the present disclosure, a multi-modulus divider (MMD) circuit configured for operation at high frequencies may include a cascade of multiple divide-by-2-or-3 cells that divides an input clock signal to produce a pulse signal. The MMD circuit may also include a pulse stretching circuit that extends the duration of the pulse signal, thereby outputting an output clock signal. The cascade of divide-by-2-or-3 cells and the pulse stretching circuit may be implemented using full-swing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. Each divide-by-2-or-3 cell may be organized so that a critical path of the divide-by-2-or-3 cell comprises a first dynamic flip flop, a second dynamic flip flop, and no more than two logic stages between the first dynamic flip flop and the second dynamic flip flop.
US08081010B1
Self Restoring Logic (SRL) provides for SEU tolerance in high speed circuits. An SRL cell is designed to be stable in one of two internal states. Upon an SEU event, the SRL cell will not transition between the internal stable states and recover from an SEU. SRL circuits are realized with SRL storage cells driving succeeding SRL storage cells directly or through combinational logic such that the corruption of any one internal state variable in the driving SRL cell and it's the associated combinational output logic can affect at most one internal state variable of the succeeding SRL cell. An SRL circuit does not allow propagation of single SEU faults.
US08081009B2
A printed circuit board (PCB) testing fixture secures at least one PCB, each having a port. The PCB testing fixture includes a fixing frame and a testing plate. The fixing frame defines at least one first sliding groove to receive an edge of the at least one PCB. The testing plate is adjustably fixed on the fixing frame, and includes at least one backplane each including a connector corresponding to the at least one first sliding groove individually. The connector connects to the port of the at least one PCB. A location on which the testing plate is fixed to the fixing frame can be altered to test PCBs of different sizes.
US08081007B2
An inspection apparatus for inspecting electric characteristics of a plurality of devices formed on a target object includes a vertical drive mechanism for lifting and lowering a movable mounting table and a control unit for controlling the vertical drive mechanism. The vertical drive mechanism includes an elevation shaft connected to the mounting table and a servo motor for driving the elevation shaft to lift and lower the mounting table. Further, the control unit has a servo driver which includes a position control part for controlling a position of the servo motor, a torque control part for controlling a torque of the servo motor as a probe card is expanded or contracted by a change in temperature and a switching part for switching the position control part and the torque control part.
US08081003B2
Implementations are presented herein that include a test circuit and a reference circuit.
US08080995B2
A device housing comprises a main body and a three-dimensional antenna. The main body comprises a first molded body and a second molded body formed on the first molding body. The first molded body is made of plastic, the second molded body is made of plastic mixed with laser activatable additives. The second molded body has a predefined activating region formed by laser activation. The three-dimensional antenna is an electroplated coating and is formed on the predefined activating region of the second molding body.
US08080985B2
Circuit configurations for a high power switch-mode voltage regulator circuit is disclosed that include an array of Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) switching transistors electrically coupled to one another at their drains and sources and a plurality of gate driver circuits. Each gate driver circuit is coupled to a gate and dedicated to driving only one MOS switching transistor.
US08080982B2
A low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulator with efficient frequency compensation is disclosed. The LDO voltage regulator includes an error amplifier, a transmission element, a voltage divider and a pole control unit. The error amplifier generates a control signal according to a reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The transmission element is coupled to the error amplifier, and adjusts an input voltage to generate an output voltage according to the control signal. The voltage divider is coupled to the transmission element, and performs a voltage division operation on the output voltage to generate the feedback voltage. The pole control unit is coupled to the transmission element, and provides and adjusts an output capacitor of the LDO voltage regulator to fix a frequency of a pole according to variation of an output impedance of the transmission element, so as to maintain loop stability.
US08080981B2
An interleaved-PWM power module system and method for operating the same are disclosed. The power system includes at least two power modules, each of which has a specific ID number. The power module with an extreme value of the specific ID number is set as a master power module and the remaining power modules are set as slave power modules. The master power module sends the sync signal to all of the slave power modules. Each of the slave power modules performs a phase-locking operation with reference to a specific phase offset to generate a frequency switching signal, where the frequency switching signal is synchronized with the sum of the sync signal and the phase offset for each slave power module. The power module outputs the frequency switching signal for PWM signal generation.
US08080978B2
Methods, devices, and systems for charging a battery in a mobile device are provided. For example, in one embodiment, among others, a battery charging system includes a monitoring circuit configured to monitor a battery and generate a sense current. The battery charging system further includes a comparing circuit configured to compare a reference current and the generated sense current. The comparing circuit is further configured to generate a comparison signal. Also, the battery charging system further includes a control circuit configured to control a level of a charging current applied to the battery based on the comparison signal.
US08080972B2
A power system includes a housing having a base and a handle, a battery; a charge controller, and an inverter. The power system further includes a chimney-like venting system for cooling the power system. The chimney venting system may have at least one opening near said base and at least one opening near said handle.
US08080971B2
A power flow control system including an integrated circuit having a mechanism for determining an amount of energy storage required for power source devices and a mechanism for controlling power flow delivery between the power source devices. A power flow control system also including more than one power source device in electrical connection with the power flow control system. An efficient hybrid vehicle, including the power flow control system integrated in the hybrid vehicle, and more than one power source device in electrical connection with the power flow control system and operatively connected to the hybrid vehicle. A method of controlling power flow in a vehicle, including the steps of determining the amount of energy storage required for power source devices, and controlling power flow delivery between the power source devices. Power flow control systems and methods of using for fuel cell and battery combinations and battery and super-capacitor combinations.
US08080970B2
A system and apparatus that allows the use of a 3-phase AC motor in a vehicle by associating a series capacitor with each phase winding. The capacitor can be charged through the motor winding and then switched to discharge through the winding in a resonant oscillatory mode. The capacitor values can be chosen so that the winding and capacitor in series resonates at approximately 60 Hz. Oscillations in each phase can be staggered by around 120 degrees. The charging and discharging is controlled by electronic SPDT switches that switch around 300 VAC/500 VDC at around 15 amps for each phase. With an average DC current of 20 amps from a 48 volt battery pack (four 12 volt batteries connected in series) and 75% discharge of the capacitors, the present invention can run a 7.5 HP, 3-phase, 240 VAC motor for approximately 3.5 hours or longer. A simple oscillator circuit can drive the switches at the resonant frequency.
US08080964B2
A method for collecting operational parameters of a motor may include controlling the energization of a phase winding of the motor to establish an operating point, monitoring operational parameters of the motor that characterize a relationship between the energization control applied to the motor's phase winding and the motor's response to this control, and collecting information of the operational parameters for the operating point that characterizes the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response. The collected information characterizing the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response may be employed by a neural network to estimate the regions of operation of the motor. And a system for controlling the operation of motor may employ this information, the neural network, or both to regulate the energization of a motor's phase winding during a phase cycle.
US08080957B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a motor control device capable of suppressing voltage composite vector fluctuation to increase the output of a brushless motor, and a motor-driven power steering system using this device. The present control device calculates motor phase current command values based on a target current and a rotor rotational position detection value, calculates voltage command values based on the motor phase current command values and phase current detection values, and supplies phase currents to a three-phase brushless motor based on the voltage command values. The present control device outputs the phase current command values so that the absolute value of a composite vector of respective phase drive voltages is substantially a value √3/2 times the power supply voltage.
US08080947B2
A current-sharing transformer includes a magnetic core assembly, a primary winding coil and multiple secondary winding coils. The magnetic core assembly includes a main magnetic post and multiple minor magnetic posts. The primary winding coil is wound around the main magnetic post. The secondary winding coils wound around respective minor magnetic posts. The secondary winding coils are connected to respective DC loads through respective rectifier circuits. The magnetic paths between respective minor magnetic posts and the main magnetic post are equal, so that the magnitudes of currents passing through the DC loads are balanced by the current-sharing transformer.
US08080946B2
The present invention provides a flat discharge lamp and the production method thereof. The flat discharge lamp comprises an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a discharge chamber disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, wherein the discharge chamber is filled with an inert gas, and a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes are arranged with one another disposed on the discharge chamber. Besides, each of the first electrodes and second electrodes is connected with one end and another end of an alternating power supply, respectively. The invention is characterized in that the discharge chamber is provided with fluorescent film coated on its interior surface and a plurality of third electrodes each disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Besides, all the third electrodes are connected to a common plane, or each of which is connected to the common plane, respectively. The third electrode is controllable to change the discharge energy and path when dielectrically impeded discharge is carried out between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08080942B2
A system and method relates to electronic adaptive front-lighting of a vehicle, including at least one fixed solid state light source. The fixed solid state light source is configured to illuminate a front peripheral region of a vehicle. In addition, the fixed solid state light source is integrated with a daytime running light module of the vehicle.
US08080939B2
A reflection plate allowing the prevention of the generation of stray light, a method of manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting device using such a reflection plate are provided. The reflection plate includes: a base having light transparency, and having a plurality of projections formed on a surface thereof; a reflecting mirror film arranged so as to be laid over a side surface of each of the projections in the base; and a light absorption layer arranged in a part or the whole of each of depressions on the surface of the base, the depressions being formed in spaces between the plurality of projections.
US08080931B2
A conductive film of thickness of from 3 nm to 50 nm made from a metal or ally formed on a substrate, wherein the ratio of density thereof to bulk density of the metal or alloy is from 0.2 to 0.5, and the ratio of resistivity thereof to bulk resistivity of the metal or alloy is from 100 to 100000.
US08080929B2
A method of fabricating a composite field emission source is provided. A first stage of film-forming process is performed by using RF magnetron sputtering, so as to form a nano structure film on a substrate, in which the nano structure film is a petal-like structure composed of a plurality of nano graphite walls. Afterward, a second stage of film-forming process is performed for increasing carbon accumulation amount on the nano structure film. Therefore, the composite field emission source with high strength and nano coral-like structures can be obtained, whereby improving the effect and life of electric field emission.
US08080919B2
A piezoelectric multilayer component includes a stack of piezoceramic layers and electrode layers arranged one above another. At least one piezoceramic layer is printed with a layer structured according to a predefined pattern in a piezoelectrically inactive zone of the stack. The structured layer has at least one connecting element by which piezoceramic layers that are adjacent in the stacking direction are mechanically connected to one another with a first strength. The structured layer has interspaces filled at least in part with piezoceramic material of the adjacent piezoceramic layers. The adjacent piezoceramic layers in the interspaces are mechanically connected to one another with a second strength, which is less than the first strength.
US08080912B2
An electric motor is described that includes a mid-shield, a chassis, and a motor control unit configured to be mounted to the chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of clinches formed proximate a first end of the chassis and configured to provide axial positioning of the mid-shield with respect to the chassis.
US08080910B2
A motor for a compressor includes a rotor and a stator disposed radial outside of the rotor. The stator includes a stator core having oppositely facing axial end faces, insulators disposed so as to face the end faces, and coils wound on the stator core and the insulators. Each of the insulators has an annular part, a plurality of teeth protruding radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the annular part at specified circumferential intervals, an outer circumferential wall having one end fixed to an end face of the annular part, and protrusions disposed on an outer circumferential surface of an outer circumferential wall of an insulator. At least one lead wire of the coils is drawn out to an outer circumferential side of the outer circumferential wall, guided along the outer circumferential wall, and passed on a side of the protrusions facing the stator core.
US08080906B2
An electromechanical generator for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical generator comprising a substantially annular high-permeability core, the core including at least one magnet therein to define a magnetic circuit, at least one rotatable bearing mounting the core to at least one bearing support, the at least one bearing permitting the core to pivot about a pivot axis, a gap provided in the core, a body of high-permeability material located in the gap, the body being spaced from respective end faces of the core by a respective spacing whereby pivoting movement of the core about the pivot axis causes relative movement between the end faces of the core and the body, and a rotationally fixed coil surrounding a length of the core coaxially with the pivot axis.
US08080901B2
An electricity generation system that uses smart pavement is presented, which pavement is comprised of materials that use solar radiation, piezo electricity, and temperature differentials within the road surface itself to create electric power. The pavement is multi-level, modular in construction, and comprised of photo-piezo-thermo-voltaic (PPTV) materials and physical means to capture the motion of passing vehicles as energy.
US08080894B2
A wave powered electrical generator includes: a floating unit that floats in water and accommodates a power generator therein. The floating unit has a wave power system that includes, a chamber containing fluid, a free-floating mass provided in the chamber that separates the chamber into first and second chambers defined at each side of the mass, a first valve that allows the fluid in the first chamber to be discharged from the first chamber as the free-floating mass moves toward the first chamber, and a second valve that allows the fluid in the second chamber to be discharged from the second chamber as the free-floating mass moves toward the second chamber. The fluid discharged through the first and second valves flows into a pipe that discharges the received fluid from an end thereof against a turbine attached to a power generator.
US08080893B2
A tidal power generation device includes at least a chassis, a rail frame, and a chain support rack. A driver is provided at an end of the rail frame. The driver includes a connection bar. The chain support rack is set on the chassis and includes toothed wheels that support and operatively couple a chain that is coupled to the connection bar. One of the toothed wheels has a shaft that is supported by a one-way bearing and is operatively coupled to a first transmission axle by mated gears. The first transmission axle drives a second transmission axle, which is coupled to a dynamo. The driver is caused to move frontward by sea waves for driving the first transmission axle through the chain and the toothed wheels, so as to cause the rotation of the second transmission axle for transmitting torque to the dynamo to generate electricity.
US08080886B2
An integrated circuit semiconductor device including a cell region formed in a first portion of a silicon substrate, the cell region including a first trench formed in the silicon substrate, a first buried insulating layer filled in the first trench, a first insulating pattern formed over the silicon substrate, and a first conductive pattern formed over the first insulating pattern. An overlay key region is formed in a second portion of the silicon substrate and includes a second trench formed in the silicon substrate, a second insulating pattern formed over the silicon substrate and used as an overlay key, and a second conductive pattern formed over the second insulating pattern and formed by correcting overlay and alignment errors using the second insulating pattern. An alignment key region is formed in a third portion of the silicon substrate and includes a third trench formed in the silicon substrate and used as an alignment key, a second buried insulating layer formed in the third trench, and a third conductive pattern formed over the second buried insulating layer and the third trench.
US08080878B2
Provided is a semiconductor device, which includes an interlayer insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a wiring layer filled in a recess formed in the interlayer insulating film, and a cap insulating film. The interlayer insulating film includes a first SiOCH film and a surface modification layer including an SiOCH film formed by modifying a surface layer of the first SiOCH film, the SiOCH film having a lower carbon concentration and a higher oxygen concentration than the first SiOCH film has. The cap insulating film contacts with surfaces of the metal wiring and the surface modification layer.
US08080877B2
A dual damascene process is disclosed. A substrate having a base dielectric layer, a lower wiring layer inlaid in the base dielectric layer, and a cap layer capping the lower wiring layer is provided. A dielectric layer is deposited on the cap layer. A silicon oxide layer is deposited on the dielectric layer. A metal hard mask is formed on the silicon oxide layer. A trench opening is etched into the metal hard mask. A partial via feature is etched into the dielectric layer within the trench opening. The trench opening and the partial via feature are etch transferred into the dielectric layer, thereby forming a dual damascene opening, which exposes a portion of the cap layer. A liner removal step is performed to selectively remove the exposed cap layer from the dual damascene opening by employing CF4/NF3 plasma.
US08080876B2
A process and structure for enabling the creation of reliable electrical through-via connections in a semiconductor substrate and a process for filling vias. Problems associated with under etch, over etch and flaring of deep Si RIE etched through-vias are mitigated, thereby vastly improving the integrity of the insulation and metallization layers used to convert the through-vias into highly conductive pathways across the Si wafer thickness. By using an insulating collar structure in the substrate in one case and by filling the via in accordance with the invention in another case, whole wafer yield of electrically conductive through vias is greatly enhanced.
US08080871B2
One aspect of the invention includes a copper substrate; a catalyst on top of the copper substrate surface; and a thermal interface material that comprises a layer containing carbon nanotubes that contacts the catalyst. The carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the copper substrate. A Raman spectrum of the layer containing carbon nanotubes has a D peak at ˜1350 cm−1 with an intensity ID, a G peak at ˜1585 cm−1 with an intensity IG, and an intensity ratio ID/IG of less than 0.7 at a laser excitation wavelength of 514 nm. The thermal interface material has: a bulk thermal resistance, a contact resistance at an interface between the thermal interface material and the copper substrate, and a contact resistance at an interface between the thermal interface material and a solid-state device. A summation of these resistances has a value of 0.06 cm2K/W or less.
US08080868B2
A semiconductor memory card includes a wiring board which has a first pad region along a first long side and a second pad region along a second long side. First memory chips which configure a first chip group are stacked in a step-like shape on the wiring board. Second memory chips which configure a second chip group are stacked in a step-like shape on the first chip group with the direction reversed. The electrode pads of the first memory chips are electrically connected to the connection pads arranged on the first pad region, and the electrode pads of the second memory chips are electrically connected to the connection pads arranged on the second pad region.
US08080863B2
A conventional semiconductor device, for example, a lateral PNP transistor has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a desired current-amplification factor while maintaining a breakdown voltage characteristic without increasing the device size. In a semiconductor device, that is a lateral PNP transistor, according to the present invention, an N type epitaxial layer is formed on a P type single crystal silicon substrate. The epitaxial layer is used as a base region. Moreover, molybdenum (Mo) is diffused in the substrate and the epitaxial layer. With this structure, the base current is adjusted, and thereby a desired current-amplification factor (hFE) of the lateral PNP transistor is achieved.
US08080859B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor component that has a substrate and a projecting electrode. The projecting electrode has a substrate face, which faces the substrate and which comprises a first substrate-face section separated from the substrate by a gap. The gap allows a stress-compensating deformation of the projecting electrode relative to the substrate. The substrate face of the projecting electrode further comprises a second substrate-face section, which is in fixed mechanical and electrical connection with the substrate. Due to a smaller footprint of mechanical connection between the projecting electrode and the substrate, the projecting electrode can comply in three dimensions to mechanical stress exerted, without passing the same amount of stress on to the substrate, or to an external substrate in an assembly. This results in an improved lifetime of an assembly, in which the semiconductor component is connected to an external substrate by the projecting electrode.
US08080854B2
An electronic device. The electronic device includes a first electrode and a coating layer. The electronic device is fabricated on a substrate; the substrate has a cavity created in a top surface of the substrate; and the first electrode is electrically coupled to the substrate. The coating layer coats at least part of a substrate surface in the cavity, and the presence of the coating layer results in a mitigation of at least one parasitic leakage path between the first electrode and an additional electrode fabricated on the substrate.
US08080852B2
The semiconductor device includes a first MIS transistor including a gate insulating film 92, a gate electrode 108 formed on the gate insulating film 92 and source/drain regions 154, a second MIS transistor including a gate insulating film 96 thicker than the gate insulating film 92, a gate electrode 108 formed on the gate insulating film 96, source/drain regions 154 and a ballast resistor 120 connected to one of the source/drain regions 154, a salicide block insulating film 146 formed on the ballast resistor 120 with an insulating film 92 thinner than the gate insulating film 96 interposed therebetween, and a silicide film 156 formed on the source/drain regions 154.
US08080850B2
A semiconductor device in which a semiconductor layer is formed on an insulating substrate with a front-end insulating layer interposed between the semiconductor layer and the insulating substrate is provided which is capable of preventing action of an impurity contained in the insulating substrate on the semiconductor layer and of improving reliability of the semiconductor device. In a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), boron is made to be contained in a region located about 100 nm or less apart from a surface of the insulating substrate so that boron concentration decreases at an average rate being about 1/1000-fold per 1 nm from the surface of the insulating substrate toward the semiconductor layer.
US08080849B2
A system and method of characterizing a parameter of an ultra thin film, such as a gate oxide layer. A system is disclosed that includes a structure having a pseudo substrate positioned below an ultra thin film, wherein the pseudo substrate includes an optical mirror for enhancing an optical response; and a system for characterizing the ultra thin film by applying a light source to the ultra thin film and analyzing the optical response.
US08080843B2
Provided are nonvolatile memory devices and methods of forming nonvolatile memory devices. Nonvolatile memory devices include a device isolation layer that defines an active region in a substrate. Nonvolatile memory devices further include a first insulating layer, a nonconductive charge storage pattern, a second insulating layer and a control gate line that are sequentially disposed on the active region. The charge storage pattern includes a horizontal portion and a protrusion disposed on an upper portion of an edge of the horizontal portion.
US08080841B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of transistors connected in series and including a transistor having first and second diffusion regions arranged in the semiconductor substrate. The device also includes an insulating film columnar body arranged above the semiconductor substrate, and having a side which is inclined to a top surface of the substrate by an inclination angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The device includes a memory cell including a first electrode arranged on the side of the insulating film columnar body and connected to the first diffusion region via a first contact plug, a ferroelectric film arranged on the first electrode, and a second electrode arranged on the ferroelectric film, and connected to the second diffusion region via a second contact plug.
US08080840B2
Disclosed are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor can include a readout circuitry on a first substrate; an interlayer dielectric layer including at least one metal and contact plug electrically connected to the readout circuitry; and an image sensing device formed on a second substrate, bonded to the interlayer dielectric layer, and provided with a first conductive type conduction layer and a second conductive type conduction layer. An uppermost contact plug in the interlayer dielectric layer has a wall structure extending from an uppermost metal in the interlayer dielectric layer. The top surface of the uppermost contact plug makes contact with the image sensing device and is connected to an image sensing device and an uppermost metal of an adjacent pixel.
US08080838B2
A FINFET-containing structure having multiple FINs that are merged together without source/drain contact pads or a local interconnect is provided. The structure includes a plurality of semiconducting bodies (i.e., FINs) which extend above a surface of a substrate. A common patterned gate stack surrounds the plurality of semiconducting bodies and a nitride-containing spacer is located on sidewalls of the common patterned gate stack. An epitaxial semiconductor layer is used to merge each of the semiconducting bodies together.
US08080833B2
In various embodiments, a semiconductor device includes an aluminum nitride single-crystal substrate, a pseudomorphic strained layer disposed thereover that comprises at least one of AlN, GaN, InN, or an alloy thereof, and, disposed over the strained layer, a semiconductor layer that is lattice-mismatched to the substrate and substantially relaxed.
US08080828B2
Low profile, side-emitting LEDs are described that generate white light, where all light is emitted within a relatively narrow angle generally parallel to the surface of the light-generating active layer. The LEDs enable the creation of very thin backlights for backlighting an LCD. In one embodiment, the LED emits blue light and is a flip chip with the n and p electrodes on the same side of the LED. Separately from the LED, a transparent wafer has deposited on it a red and green phosphor layer. The phosphor color temperature emission is tested, and the color temperatures vs. positions along the wafer are mapped. A reflector is formed over the transparent wafer. The transparent wafer is singulated, and the phosphor/window dice are matched with the blue LEDs to achieve a target white light color temperature. The phosphor/window is then affixed to the LED.
US08080821B2
An array of thyristor detector devices is provided having an epitaxial growth structure with complementary types of modulation doped quantum well interfaces located between a P+ layer and an N+ layer. The thyristor detector devices operate over successive cycles that each include a sequence of two distinct modes: a setup mode and a signal acquisition mode. During the setup mode, the n-type quantum well interface and/or the p-type quantum well interface is(are) substantially emptied of charge. During the signal acquisition mode, photocurrent is generated by the thyristor detector device in response to the absorption of incident electromagnetic radiation therein, which can induce the thyristor detector device to switch from an OFF state to an ON state. The OFF/ON state of the thyristor detector device produces an output digital electrical data that corresponds to the amount of incident radiation absorbed by the thyristor detector device during the signal acquisition mode of the current cycle. In the preferred embodiment, the array of thyristor detector devices is part of a monolithic integrated circuit that includes additional electronic circuitry and/or optical components. Moreover, the array of thyristor detector devices is preferably part of a monolithic integrated circuit for high angular resolution laser irradiation detection.
US08080820B2
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods of providing a quantum well device for improved parallel conduction are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08080819B2
Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.
US08080817B2
In some embodiments, a memory cell includes a transistor gate spaced from a channel region by gate dielectric; a source region on one side of the channel region; and a drain region on an opposing side of the channel region from the source region. The channel region has phase change material adjacent the drain region. In some embodiments, the phase change material may be adjacent both the source region and the drain region. Some embodiments include methods of programming a memory cell that has phase change material adjacent a drain region. An inversion layer is formed within the channel region adjacent the gate dielectric, with the inversion layer having a pinch-off region within the phase change material adjacent the drain region. Hot carriers (for instance, electrons) within the pinch-off region are utilized to change a phase within the phase change material.
US08080814B2
A method and apparatus is provided for improving implant uniformity of an ion beam experiencing pressure increase along the beam line. The method comprises generating a main scan waveform that moves an ion beam at a substantially constant velocity across a workpiece. A compensation waveform (e.g., quadratic waveform), having a fixed height and waveform, is also generated and mixed with the main scan waveform (e.g., through a variable mixer) to form a beam scanning waveform. The mixture ratio may be adjusted by an instantaneous vacuum pressure signal, which can be performed at much higher speed and ease than continuously modifying scan waveform. The mixture provides a beam scanning waveform comprising a non-constant slope that changes an ion beam's velocity as it moves across a workpiece. Therefore, the resultant beam scanning waveform, with a non-constant slope, is able to account for pressure non-uniformities in dose along the fast scan direction.
US08080811B2
An evaporation donor substrate which enables only a desired evaporation material to be evaporated at the time of deposition by an evaporation method, and capable of reduction in manufacturing cost by increase in use efficiency of the evaporation material and deposition with high uniformity. An evaporation donor substrate capable of controlling laser light so that a desired position of an evaporation donor substrate is irradiated with the laser light in accordance with the wavelength of the emitted laser light at the time of evaporation. Specifically, an evaporation donor substrate in which a region which reflects laser light and a region which absorbs laser light at the time of irradiation with laser light having a wavelength of greater than or equal to 400 nm and less than or equal to 600 nm at the time of evaporation are formed.
US08080802B2
In a radiographic image capturing system, when a radiation detector is activated by a battery which is capable of being charged by a charging apparatus, charging of the battery by the charging apparatus is controlled based on whether image-capturing with respect to a subject is performed or not and/or whether delivery of the radiographic image information from the radiation detector is performed or not.
US08080800B2
An imaging system includes a platform having mounted thereon an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first detector and a second detector. The imaging system includes a mask having a first pattern of apertures therein, the mask positioned on a first side of the first detector, an anti-mask having a second pattern of apertures therein, wherein the second pattern is derived from the first pattern, the anti-mask positioned on a first side of the second detector, and a computer configured to acquire a plurality of mask datasets and anti-mask datasets of a gamma source, add one of the mask datasets and subtract its respective anti-mask dataset to create a far-field dataset, adjust the far-field image dataset, reconstruct a near-field image of the source using the far-field dataset, and apply an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to one of the far-field image dataset and the near-field image to enhance contrast.
US08080799B2
Disclosed is a method for positron emission tomography and to a PET scanner. The positron emission tomography method employs the following steps: a) two photons are emitted in opposite directions by an annihilation event in the sample, b) at least two of a plurality of detectors arranged around the sample are prompted to output a signal by the two photons, c) a signal line on which the event may have taken place is determined from the location of the detectors which have output a signal, d) this signal line is evaluated in the tomographic reconstruction of the sample, wherein for each event a plurality of signal lines are determined and evaluated in the tomographic reconstruction of the sample. As described at the outset, the reconstructed image thus becomes more accurate and noise is reduced. The method and the apparatus can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of images.
US08080798B2
A gas measurement system includes a housing adapted to be mounted on an airway adapter, and a luminescence quenching gas measurement assembly disposed in the housing. The luminescence quenching gas measurement assembly includes a source disposed in a first plane, and at least one detector also disposed in the first plane.
US08080794B1
A microbolometer circuit includes, in accordance with an embodiment, a first microbolometer and a bias circuit, coupled to the first microbolometer, configured to provide a bias current to the first microbolometer to provide a first output signal based on a resistance of the first microbolometer. An output circuit, coupled to the bias circuit and the first microbolometer, is configured to provide an output signal based on the first output signal, wherein the bias circuit or the output circuit or both are configured to provide a varying signal level to compensate the first output signal for a change in the resistance of the first microbolometer due to the bias current increasing a temperature of the first microbolometer.
US08080779B2
A device for detecting infrared radiation including a resistive imaging bolometer, a mechanism for measuring drift in the electrical resistance of the bolometer relative to a reference value of the electrical resistance of the bolometer which corresponds to predetermined operating conditions of the bolometer, and a mechanism for correcting the effects of the drift in resistance or for correcting the drift itself.
US08080775B2
A readout circuit for reading from addressable nodes comprises first and second half-circuits of a differential amplifier. The first half-circuit comprises at least one source follower transistor adapted to receive an input signal from one of the addressable nodes, such as pixel readouts of an imaging system. The first half-circuit further comprises a row selector switch coupled to the source follower transistor to selectively activate the source follower transistor to receive the input signal. The second half-circuit comprises an output node for providing an output signal of a readout of a selected addressable node. The second half-circuit further comprises a source leader transistor coupled to the output node to provide a feedback signal based on the readout. A feedback loop is connected to the source leader transistor to provide feedback from the output node for utilization in a differential amplification of the input signal.
US08080774B1
A millimeter wave module for providing one pixel having a pixel resolution in a millimeter wave focal plane array includes a horn antenna having a first cross section area less than or equal to the pixel resolution, a detector for detecting the millimeter wave signals received by the horn antenna, the detector mounted in a recess in the horn antenna and having a second cross section area less than or equal to the first cross section area, and a video output adapter connected to the horn antenna and electrically connected to the detector for providing a connection from the detector, the video output adapter having a third cross section area less than or equal to the first cross section area.
US08080771B2
A steering system for use in a traveling guided flying apparatus (10) and method for driving the steering system are provided. The system includes an outer housing (111), an inner housing (113) and a support fins (112) extending inwardly from the outer housing (111) and holding the inner housing (113) thereon. The outer housing (111) and the inner housing (113) define a ram air inlet (114) at a nose of the forward portion (11), an annular inlet air passage (115), an annular pressure chamber (116), and an outlet air passage (125). The steering system further includes exhaust outlets (120) arranged in the outer housing and separately controlled valves (124) mounted at the exhaust outlets (120) configured to vary the flow of escaping air through the exhaust outlets (120). The steering system also includes a target seeker (121), one or more pressure sensors (119) mounted in the pressure chamber (116) and a control unit (122) for controlling flight of the guided projectile (10).
US08080769B2
Methods, devices, and systems implementing AC mains circuit parameter characterization are provided. One example embodiment of an image forming device includes a variable electrical load, and a controller adapted to vary the electrical load based on a characterization of AC mains circuit parameters including source voltage and line impedance wherein line impedance is determined for a change in source voltage.
US08080764B2
A hair iron apparatus preferably includes an upper housing pivotally associated with a lower housing. A first heat transfer plate is associated with the upper housing and a second heat transfer plate is associated with the lower housing. A first heater is affixed to the first heat transfer plate by a first adhesive, and a second heater is affixed to the second heat transfer plate by a second adhesive.
US08080760B2
A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
US08080759B2
A plasma apparatus is provided including a cathode module, an anode module, and at least one inter-electrode insert located between the cathode module and the anode module. The cathode module includes at least one cathode, and a pilot module may be provided adjacent to the cathode module. The pilot module may assist ignition of the plasma apparatus. The inter-electrode insert may have an upstream and a downstream transverse surface. Both the upstream transverse surface and the downstream transverse surface are angled in a downstream direction.
US08080752B2
A control assembly for interlocked sockets includes a rotary breaker which is actuated by a knob and is mounted on a supporting structure. The control assembly includes a visual indication means which has the purpose of highlighting the open/closed state of the rotary breaker as a consequence of rotations of the knob.
US08080751B2
A push button switch is provided, which has a long life, high stability in operation, an operation force and an operation feeling which do not change from the initial state, and a display device which has a wide viewing angle and is capable of realizing low power consumption.
US08080748B2
An adjustable carrier assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a circuit breaker. The adjustable carrier assembly includes a carrier body having a first carrier member and a second carrier member pivotably coupled to the first carrier member. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carrier body, and a plurality of springs is disposed between the adjustment mechanism and the second carrier member. The springs apply a bias force on the second carrier member, and the adjustment mechanism is adjustable with respect to the carrier body in order to adjust the bias force.
US08080745B2
Disclosed is a portable control unit for activating a panel assembly of a vehicle that includes a housing, a first switch disposed on the housing, at least one connector, and a battery, wherein the at least one connector is configured to engage a receptor of a panel assembly of a vehicle, the panel assembly lacking a power source, such that the battery provides power to the panel assembly and the first switch controls movement of a panel within the panel assembly.
US08080740B2
A first insulating layer is formed on a suspension body, and a write wiring trace is formed on the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer so as to cover the wiring trace. A ground layer is formed on the second insulating layer so as to be positioned above the wiring trace. Moreover, a third insulating layer is formed on the second insulating layer so as to cover the ground layer. A read wiring trace is formed on the third insulating layer. A fourth insulating layer is formed on the third insulating layer so as to cover the wiring trace.
US08080733B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a casing, an attachment portion, a first projecting portion, a second projecting portion and a conductive member. The casing has an outer wall, an inner surface of which is provided with a first conductive layer. The attachment portion is provided on the inner surface of the outer wall, provided with an opening which is open to an outside of the outer wall and includes a bridging portion bridging the opening. The first projecting portion projects from the attachment portion in a position apart from the opening. The second projecting portion, projecting from the attachment portion, is located between the opening and the first projecting portion and provided with a second conductive layer electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The conductive member is attached to the attachment portion, and has a first portion elastically brought into contact with the second conductive layer.
US08080731B2
In one embodiment, a solar collector comprises a solar cell attached with a heat exchanger, and a restraining member attached to the heat exchanger. The restraining member at least partly restrains the heat exchanger when heated. In further embodiments, restraining members and methods are disclosed for at least partly restraining the thermal expansion of a solar collector.
US08080720B1
A novel maize variety designated PHPKD and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHPKD with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHPKD through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHPKD or a trait conversion of PHPKD with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPKD, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPKD and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US08080712B2
A soybean cultivar designated 86351435 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 86351435, to the plants of soybean 86351435, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 86351435, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 86351435 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 86351435, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 86351435, 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 86351435 with another soybean cultivar.
US08080711B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090000 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090000, to the plants of soybean S090000, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090000, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090000 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 S090000, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090000, 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 S090000 with another soybean cultivar.
US08080710B2
A soybean cultivar designated 88441198 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 88441198, to the plants of soybean 88441198, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 88441198 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 88441198 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 88441198, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 88441198 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 88441198 with another soybean cultivar.
US08080703B2
A dressing able to adhere to the skin and/or a wound for covering a portion of the anatomical surface of a living being and demonstrating considerably increased wearing time. The dressing has a backing layer and a layer of skin-friendly adhesive for adhering to the skin, and includes a pattern of connected indentations formed in a pattern that is not linear and which progresses in at least three main directions.
US08080699B2
A final polymer product is formed using a two-stage process and system. In the first stage, a catalyst system is used to polymerize an alpha-olefin monomer to form an effluent. In the second stage, additional alpha-olefin monomer is supplied and is polymerized in the presence of the effluent from the first stage. The second stage produces the final polymer product, which may have a lower molecular weight and viscosity than the polymer formed in the first stage. The final polymer product may be used as a base stock for lubricant compositions.
US08080697B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of ethylene, comprising the following steps of: (a) thermally converting a feed charge containing methane into acetylene as an intermediate, (b) in-situ hydrogenation of the acetylene produced in step (a) into ethylene by a non-catalytic hydrogen transfer mechanism, characterized by (c) recovering heat from hot effluents obtained in step (b) which may be utilized for different purposes.
US08080693B2
A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.
US08080690B2
The invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I) X—CR1R2R3 wherein —R1 is an organic moiety having 6 to 24 carbon atoms; —R2 is H or an organic moiety having 6 to 24 carbon atoms; —R3 is X or OH; —X is a moiety of the following formula (II): or an ammonium or C1-C4 alkyl ammonium salt of the moiety of formula (II); wherein -x is 0 or 1; -y is 0 or 1; -z is 0 or 1; -m is a number from 2 to 10; -n is a number from 0 to 10; -o is a number from 0 to 10; —R4 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl group; —R5 is a C6-C22 alkyl or alkenyl group or, if n or o is at least 1, a C7-C23 acyl group; —R6 is H or R5; —R7 is a C1-C4 alkylene group. which is capable of delivering aldehyde-type or ketone-type fragrance compounds, providing a long-lasting release of said fragrance compounds. This compound can be incorporated into fiber conditioning compositions, such as hair conditioners and fabric softeners, to enhance the fragrance performance. The compound provides controlled release from the substrate where it has been deposited over an extended period of time.
US08080689B2
Disclosed are compounds represented by structural formula (I): methods of producing compounds represented by structural formula (I), and their use in inhibiting oxidation in an oxidizable material.
US08080688B2
The present invention relates to 3,4-disubstituted phenoxyphenylamidines of the general formula (I), to a process for their preparation, to the use of the amidines according to the invention for controlling unwanted microorganisms and also to a composition for this purpose, comprising the phenoxyphenylamidines according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling unwanted microorganisms by applying the compounds according to the invention to the microorganisms and/or their habitat.
US08080681B2
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel dinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08080677B2
A process for the selective oxidation of olefins to epoxides comprising the step of contacting the olefin (propylene or ethylene) with an oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) in the presence of a Lewis acid oxidation catalyst (MTO), organic base (pyridine or its N-oxide), in a solvent system comprising an organic water-miscible solvent (methanol). The system is pressurized using either the olefin itself or by adding an inert pressurizing gas (nitrogen) to increase the pressure between 230 and 700 psi at a temperature between 0.7 and 1.3 times the critical temperature of the olefin. The resulting increased solubility of the olefin in the organic solvent system increases the selectivity and yield of the desired epoxide (propylene oxide or ethylene oxide).
US08080672B2
Provided is a crystal form of atorvastatin hemi-calcium and processes for its preparation.
US08080668B2
The present application provides novel thiazole derivatives that are useful as activators of Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08080656B2
The present invention relates to a highly pure (2R,3S)-4-benzyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)morpholin-2-yl 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoate of Formula II, and a process for its preparation. The present invention further provides a process for preparation of Aprepitant of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, using the highly pure compound of Formula II. The present invention also provides a process for preparation of Aprepitant of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which comprises of cyclising the compound of Formula VII at elevated temperature, in the absence of solvent.
US08080655B2
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of Efavirenz. A compound of Formula 1: may be prepared by a process comprising cyclizing, in the presence of a first base, a compound of Formula 5 with a haloformate of Formula 6. Other processes are also provided as well as novel compounds prepared by and used in such processes.
US08080653B2
A method of making a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane comprises reacting an aldehyde or acetal having at least one phosphono group substituted thereon with pyrrole to produce a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane; and wherein the phosphono is selected from the group consisting of dialkyl phosphono, diaryl phosphono, and dialkylaryl phosphono. Additional methods, intermediates and products are also described.
US08080647B2
Compositions and methods relating to the use of tetracycline repressor in plants are provided. Compositions include a polynucleotide modified for expression in a plant, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a tetracycline repressor protein, as well as constructs, vectors, cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotide, an/or produced by the methods. Also provided are methods to provide tetracycline repressor to a cell, and to regulate expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a cell, including a plant cell.
US08080646B2
The present invention relates to antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to the extracellular domain (ECD) of activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK-1) and that function to abrogate the ALK-1/TGF-beta-1/Smad1 signaling pathway. The invention also relates to heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-ALK-1 antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-ALK-1 antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions. The invention also relates to transgenic animals or plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
US08080645B2
Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample.
US08080643B2
The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) primers, which may be used, for example, in nucleic acid detection assays for use in basic research, clinical research, and for the development of clinical detection assays.
US08080631B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a siloxane-modified hyperbranched polyimide which has more excellent electric properties (low dielectric property), gas permeability, mechanical properties (low modulus), surface properties (adhesiveness) and the like while maintaining thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance and processability and the like intrinsic to polyimide and which may be variously functionalized and can be utilized advantageously in industrial applications. A siloxane structure represented by the following structural formula (1) is introduced into a three-dimensional structured hyperbranched polyimide molecule. (wherein R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and n indicates an integer of from 1 to 50).
US08080620B2
A process for continuously producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising polymerization, drying, grinding, classification and at least partial recycling of the undersize obtained in the classification, wherein the polymer gel obtained by the polymerization is withdrawn from the polymerization reactor and mixed with the recycled undersize.
US08080619B2
A styrenic thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention comprises about 100 parts by weight of base resin comprising (A) about 10 to about 99 parts by weight of styrenic resin containing an epoxy group and (B) about 1 to about 90 parts by weight of polyester resin; and (C) about 0.1 to about 97 parts by weight of amorphous modified polyester resin, based on the total weight of the base resin. A molded article produced from the styrenic thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention can have excellent impact resistance and paintability.
US08080615B2
Methods for fabricating a random graft PS-r-PEO copolymer and its use as a neutral wetting layer in the fabrication of sublithographic, nanoscale arrays of elements including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.
US08080612B2
The present invention provides polymeric compositions having a high polymer size and a low Tg. These novel compositions are useful as plastic additives. Also provided is a method of improving the processing of a matrix resin by adding one or more of the novel polymeric compositions.
US08080608B2
Presently described are (e.g. microstructured) optical films and polymerizable resin compositions comprising at least one (meth)acrylate monomer comprising an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl ethylene group referred to as phenyl ethylene (meth)acrylate monomers.
US08080605B2
Polymer-filler coupling compounds with the formula B-A-Sx—N are claimed. In these compounds, B is an azaheterocyclic oxygen or sulfur containing moiety, or an allyltin moiety; Sx is a polysulfide, where x is between 2 and about 10; A is a linking atom or group that forms a bridge between B and Sx; and N is a blocking group. Sx can be a disulfide. N can be a conventional blocking group or other group such as -A-B. Methods for using the polymer-filler coupling compounds to modify polymers containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds and promote filler dispersion are also claimed. Additionally, vulcanizable rubber compositions containing the polymer-filler coupling compounds and methods for making vulcanized rubber compositions using the polymer-filler coupling compounds are also claimed.
US08080604B2
An adhesive containing a ladder-type polysilsesquioxane which firmly bonds metals and synthetic resins and an adhesive sheet having an adhesive layer formed by using the adhesive on at least one side of a substrate are provided. An adhesive comprises a ladder-type polysilsesquioxane having a recurring unit of the following formula (I) in the molecule, wherein R1 represents a polymerizable functional group, and R2 represents the same group as R1, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a phenyl group which may have a substituent, and the adhesive sheet has an adhesive layer formed by using the adhesive on at least one side of the substrate.
US08080600B2
Mixed metal phosphonates are generally provided. The mixed metal phosphonate can generally have the composition: AB(RPO3)3, where A is Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, La3+, Co2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, or combinations thereof; B is Ti4+, Zr4+, Al3+, or combinations thereof; and R is an organic group (e.g., aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, etc.). The mixed metal phosphonate can be combined with a polymeric material to form a polymeric film. Methods of making the mixed metal phosphonate by combining and reacting a metal oxide and an organophosphonic acid are also provided.
US08080592B2
Extruded polymer foams are prepared using brominated fatty acids, an ester, amide or ester-amide of a brominated fatty acid, a glyceride of one or more brominated fatty acids, or a polymerized brominated fatty acid as an FR additive. The brominated FR additives unexpectedly are stable at the extrusion temperatures, and provide excellent flame retardancy to the foams.
US08080579B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating inflammatory bowel disease. In particular, the present invention provides methods of therapeutically treating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease using compositions comprising an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and polyethylene glycol.
US08080576B2
One aspect of the invention relates to inhibitors that preferentially inhibit immunoproteasome activity over constitutive proteasome activity. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of immune related diseases, comprising administering a compound of the invention. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of cancer, comprising administering a compound of the invention.
US08080562B2
Novel crystalline polymorphic forms, Forms A, B, C, D, and E of a compound of Formula I, which has been found to be a potent inhibitor of LFA-1, are disclosed. Methods of preparation and uses thereof in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases are also disclosed in this invention.
US08080558B2
The invention relates to substituted 4-(tetrazol-5-yl)-quinazoline derivatives of the formula-I, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which possess anti-proliferative activity such as anti-cancer activity and are accordingly useful in methods of treatment of the human or animal body. The invention also relates to processes for the manufacture of substituted 4-(tetrazol-5-yl)-quinazoline derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound and to its use in the manufacture of medicaments for the production of an anti-proliferative effect in a warm-blooded animal such as man.
US08080550B2
The invention generally relates to anesthetic compositions comprising low doses of a selective a-2 adrenergic receptor agonists in combination with anesthetic agents. The invention also relates to methods of using these compositions; in particular, the use of these compositions in humans to enhance the efficacy of a local peripheral anesthetic injection. The compositions and the methods are particularly useful in regional block anesthetic injections, and more particularly, in dental anesthetic injections.
US08080549B2
This invention relates to novel endothelin receptor antagonists, derivatives, acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by compounds that block the endothelin signaling pathway that leads to vasoconstriction and in particular those diseases or conditions beneficially treated by endothelin receptor antagonists.
US08080543B2
The present invention relates to pyridine substituted ethanol compounds and derivatives thereof having the structure (I) useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like.
US08080539B2
A method of treating preeclampsia including administering a therapeutically effective dose of resibufagenin to a patient having preeclampsia. Effecting the determination of the presence of preeclampsia may be by determining whether there has been a substantial elevation in marinobufagenin which may be blood-derived or urine-derived and if such elevation does exist, concluding that preeclampsia does exist. The method may advantageously be practiced by employing urine, blood serum or blood plasma as the body specimen containing the protein in determining whether a patient has preeclampsia. In another embodiment, bufodienolide derivatives other than resibufagenin may be employed in lieu of thereof or in combination therewith. In another embodiment, resibufagenin analogues may be employed in the treatment of preeclampsia.
US08080534B2
The present application provides methods of prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. In the certain embodiments, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 is to administrate the subject a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 or by increasing expression of DEFB1 is also provided.
US08080521B2
A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.
US08080517B2
The present invention refers to protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically to inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase. Additionally, the present invention provides JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions for treating pathophysiologies associated with JNK signaling.
US08080512B2
Disclosed is a process for preparing a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 500 g/l. The process disclosed herein comprises the steps of (i) providing an aqueous solution of a surfactant (ii) adding one or more water-soluble salts to the aqueous surfactant solution to precipitate the surfactant, (iii) separating the resulting precipitate, and (iv) drying the product.
US08080510B2
A detergent composition comprising i) 1-70% of an anionic or nonionic surfactant, ii) 1-75% of a builder, iii) 0.001-5% of at least one compound of Formula (1) wherein R represents a C1-C4alkyl residue and M represents hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, optionally with further FWA's, iv) 0-30% of a peroxide, v) 0-10% of a peroxide activator, vi) 0-5% of a bleaching catalyst and vii) 0-5% of an enzyme, each component by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent composition, use thereof for domestic washing of textile fibre materials and a process for the fluorescent whitening of textile materials.
US08080507B2
A composition comprising a liquid portion comprising at least one surfactant, at least one suspending agent, and at least one viscosity control agent, wherein the composition has an apparent viscosity under a shear stress of 0.5 Pa of at least about 1,000 Pa·s; and the composition has an apparent viscosity under a shear stress of 100 Pa of less than about 10 Pa·s. The composition is capable of suspending materials, but it still has desired rheological properties.
US08080505B2
The present invention is related to a slurry composition for polishing copper integrated with tungsten containing barrier layers and its use in a CMP method. The present invention is also related to a method for polishing copper integrated with tungsten containing barrier layers by means of an aqueous solution containing abrasive particles, an inorganic acid such as HNO3 as etchant for copper that prevents galvanic corrosion of the tungsten containing metal barrier and at least one organic compound to provide sufficient copper corrosion inhibition.
US08080502B2
The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, and specifically antimicrobial compositions that are useful at sanitizing food products. The compositions of the present invention include octanoic acid, an acidulant, a coupling agent, an optional buffer, and water. The compositions of the present invention are composed of GRAS or food additive raw materials.
US08080497B2
A method of controlling the aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata which comprises allowing a herbicidally effective amount of (RS)-2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-5-methoxymethylnicotinic acid (imazamox) or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to act on the aquatic weed and/or its aqueous habitat containing seeds or other propagating organs of said aquatic weed.
US08080485B2
A method of forming a semiconductor structure comprises providing a substrate and forming an insulator layer on the substrate. A first film is formed on the insulator layer. Thus, the first film can correspond to a device region of the semiconductor structure. A second film, comprising a second material that is different from the first material, is also formed on the insulator layer adjacent to the first film. The second material can comprise an isolation material (e.g., an oxide and/or nitride material) and can, for example comprise the same dielectric material as the insulator layer (e.g., silicon dioxide). The second film can correspond to an isolation region (e.g., a shallow trench isolation region) of the semiconductor structure. The second film is specifically formed with a first section having a first thickness and a second section having a second thickness that is different from the first thickness.
US08080483B2
A method of forming a nanoporous film is disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating solution including clusters, surfactant molecules, a solvent, and one of an acid catalyst and a base catalyst. The clusters comprise inorganic groups. The method further comprises aging the coating solution for a time period to select a predetermined phase that will self-assemble and applying the coating solution on a substrate. The method further comprises evaporating the solvent from the coating solution and removing the surfactant molecules to yield the nanoporous film.
US08080476B2
To provide a polishing composition particularly useful for an application to polish a conductor layer made of copper in a semiconductor wiring process, and a polishing process employing it.A polishing composition comprising an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, characterized in that the composition is prepared so that the water contact angle of the surface of an object to be polished, after being polished by the composition, would be at most 60°. Particularly, a polishing composition having a pH of from 2 to 9 and comprising at least one anionic surfactant represented by the chemical formula R1-Y1′ or R1-X1-Y1′, wherein R1 is an alkyl group, an alkylphenyl group or an alkenyl group, X1 is a polyoxyethylene group, a polyoxypropylene group or a poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene) group, and Y1′ is a SO3M1 group or a SO4M1, wherein M1 is a counter ion, a protection film forming agent different from the anionic surfactant, and at least one nonionic surfactant represented by the chemical formula R2-X2, wherein R2 is an alkyl group, and X2 is a polyoxyethylene group, a polyoxypropylene group or a poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene) group, and having a HLB value of from 10 to 16.
US08080466B2
Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatus and methods for forming Group III-V materials by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) processes and hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) processes. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a nitrogen-face (N-face) polarity compound nitride semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises depositing a nitrogen containing buffer layer having N-face polarity over one or more substrates using a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process to form one or more substrates having N-face polarity and depositing a gallium nitride (GaN) layer over the nitrogen containing buffer layer using a hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition process, wherein the nitrogen containing buffer layer and the GaN layer are formed without breaking vacuum and exposing the one or more substrates to atmosphere.
US08080461B2
A method of making a thin film resistor includes: forming a doped region in a semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a thin film resistor over the dielectric layer; forming a contact hole in the dielectric layer before annealing the thin film resistor, wherein the contact hole exposes a portion of the doped region; and performing rapid thermal annealing on the thin film resistor after forming the contact hole.
US08080459B2
A method of fabricating a self-aligned contact in a semiconductor device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes etching a trench in a core area and partially extending into a termination area of a substrate. A first oxide is grown on the substrate proximate the trench. A polysilicon layer is deposited in the core area and the termination area. The polysilicon layer is selectively etched to form a gate region in the core area portion of the trench. The etching of the polysilicon layer also forms a first portion of a gate interconnect region in the termination area portion of the trench and a second portion in the termination area outside of the trench.
US08080458B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a first columnar semiconductor layer on a substrate forming a first flat semiconductor layer forming a first semiconductor layer of a second conductive type, and forming a first insulating film. The method further includes the steps of forming a gate insulating film and a gate electrode, forming a second semiconductor layer of the second conductive type, forming a semiconductor layer of a first conductive type and forming a metal-semiconductor compound. The first insulating film has a thickness larger than that of the gate insulating film formed around the first columnar silicon layer.
US08080457B1
A fabrication method of a trenched power semiconductor structure with low gate charge is provided. Firstly, a substrate is provided. Then, a gate trench is formed in the substrate. Afterward, a dielectric layer is formed on the inner surfaces of the gate trench. Then, a spacer is formed on the dielectric layer covering the sidewall of the gate trench. Thereafter, a plug structure is formed in the space at the bottom of the gate trench, which is defined by the spacer. Then, a portion of the spacer is removed with the dielectric structure and the plug structure as an etching mask. Thereafter, a portion of the dielectric layer is removed with the remained spacer as an etching mask to expose the inner surface of the upper portion of the gate trench. Afterward, with the remained spacer being kept, a gate dielectric layer is formed on the inner surface of the upper portion of the gate trench, and then a polysilicon gate is filled into the upper portion of the gate trench.
US08080441B2
A method of growing polygonal carbon from photoresist and resulting structures are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide a way to produce polygonal carbon, such as graphene, by energizing semiconductor photoresist. The polygonal carbon can then be used for conductive paths in a finished semiconductor device, to replace the channel layers in MOSFET devices on a silicon carbide base, or any other purpose for which graphene or graphene-like carbon material formed on a substrate is suited. In some embodiments, the photoresist layer forms both the polygonal carbon layer and an amorphous carbon layer over the polygonal carbon layer, and the amorphous carbon layer is removed to leave the polygonal carbon on the substrate.
US08080440B2
A phase change random access memory PCRAM device is described suitable for use in large-scale integrated circuits. An exemplary memory device has a pipe-shaped first electrode formed from a first electrode layer on a sidewall of a sidewall support structure. A sidewall spacer insulating member is formed from a first oxide layer and a second, “L-shaped,” electrode is formed on the insulating member. An electrical contact is connected to the horizontal portion of the second electrode. A bridge of memory material extends from a top surface of the first electrode to a top surface of the second electrode across a top surface of the sidewall spacer insulating member.
US08080434B2
A nondestructive testing method for an oxide semiconductor layer includes the steps of applying excitation light to an amorphous or polycrystalline target oxide semiconductor layer to be tested and measuring an intensity of photoluminescence in a wavelength region longer than a wavelength corresponding to a bandgap energy among light emitted from the target oxide semiconductor layer; and estimating a film property of the target oxide semiconductor layer on the basis of measurement results.
US08080425B2
Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.
US08080422B2
A method of continuously regulating external gas pressure on a variable volume container for the delivery of fluids to a microfluidic device and analysis of particles based upon relative presence or absence of at least one particle characteristic.
US08080408B2
A bioassay substrate and method thereof is provide. In the bioassay substrate, a sample solution is dripped onto a spot area to which a plurality of detection substances is fixed and an interaction between the detection substance and a target substance in the sample solution is detected by fluorescent intensity. The substrate includes: a predetermined number of the spot areas placed in a well arranged on the surface of the substrate; and a fine uneven structure continuously formed on a bottom surface configuring the spot areas.
US08080406B2
The present invention provides a method of automating the production of ethanol in an economical method yet maximizing the conversion of grains into ethanol in an even greater conversion efficiency with a greatly improved feed value byproduct.
US08080405B2
A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
US08080403B2
The present invention relates to a bacterium strain of accession no. MTCC 5099, a process for the preparation of inoculum of the said strain, and a process for the reduction of color from pulp mill effluent using the above said inoculum, which comprises steps of inoculating appropriate aliquots of the pulp and paper mill effluent with the cell slurry obtained, incubating the mixture at about 37 degree C. at about 100 rpm for time duration ranging between 24-48 hours, assessing color and total lignin levels to determine the color removal efficiency of the above said bacterium.
US08080397B2
A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.
US08080394B2
Provided herein are methods and materials for diagnosing a subject's predisposition for pulmonary infection in a CF subject by detecting a pulmonary infection genetic marker. Pulmonary infection markers have been identified in the IL-1 gene cluster and may be useful in predicting CF disease progression and assessing a CF subject's response to therapy.
US08080384B2
Method for determination of prognosis of prostate cancer, and diagnostic agent for use in the method
A method for determining probability that prostate cancer will metastasize, as well as a diagnostic reagent used therefor is disclosed. It was discovered that the percentage that NF-κB-p65/RelA has the 254th amino acid threonine which is phosphorylated is significantly higher in the prostate cancer cells in the cases where the bone metastasis was observed than in the cases where bone metastasis was not observed. Thus, the method for determining probability that prostate cancer will metastasize comprises measuring human NF-κB-p65/RelA in which 254th amino acid threonine is phosphorylated, which human NF-κB-p65/RelA is contained in a prostate tissue separated from human.
US08080381B2
An infectious etiologic agent detection probe set which detects an infectious etiologic agent gene, includes a plurality of kinds of probes including oligonucleotide having base sequences selected from each of a plurality of groups selected from a first group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 14 and complementary sequences thereof, a second group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 15 to 24 and complementary sequences thereof, a third group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 25 to 36 and complementary sequences thereof, a fourth group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 37 to 47 and complementary sequences thereof, a fifth group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 48 to 57 and complementary sequences thereof, a sixth group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 58 to 68 and complementary sequences thereof, a seventh group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 69 to 77 and complementary sequences thereof, an eighth group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 78 to 85 and complementary sequences thereof, a ninth group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 86 to 97 and complementary sequences thereof, and a 10th group including base sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 98 to 106 and complementary sequences thereof.
US08080374B2
Described herein are methods for diagnosing increased risk of cardiovascular disease in a subject, based on the presence or absence of polymorphisms in the D36 gene.
US08080372B2
Accurate detection of a target microorganism from a sample, which may contain a plurality of microorganisms, is intended. This can be realized by eliminating a possibility of cross-hybridization of a microorganism with other probes, which can accelerate the designing speed, detecting microorganisms one-by-one in the designed order, and absorbing all the existing microorganisms.
US08080370B2
An easy and efficient screening method for an agent useful for prevention and/or treatment of hepatitis C virus-related disease, and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for hepatitis C virus-related disease obtained by the method. The screening method comprises a step of examining the inhibitory activity of an test substance on the protein-protein interaction between hepatitis C virus core protein and PA28.gamma,. The method can be carried out by using transcriptional activity of a lipid metabolism-control factor as indicator. The test substance used in the method may have an activity to inhibit expression or function of the PA28.gamma. gene. The hepatitis C virus-related diseases include fatty liver, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and insulin-resistant diseases. The method is extremely useful as a method of obtaining an agent superior in preventive and therapeutic activity particularly to diseases such as fatty liver and liver cancer.
US08080369B2
The present invention relates to methods to activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The present invention further provides methods for the identification of blocking agents of Tat protein activation of PBMCs and for identifying an active portion of a Tat polypeptide for incorporation as an immunogen in a vaccine. The present invention also provides an immunogen comprising an isolated variant of wild-type HIV Tat protein that exhibits reduced HIV priming of competent cells in comparison to the wild-type HIV Tat protein. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit for identifying blocking agents for HIV Tat protein.
US08080363B2
A resin to be added to a resist composition and locally distributed on a resist film surface to hydrophobitize the resist film surface includes a residual monomer in an amount of 1 mass % or less to the resin as a whole in terms of solid content.
US08080362B2
A positive resist composition comprising (a) a resin that is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkali developing solution, contains a structural unit having a group represented by formula (X) defined in the specification, has a weight average molecular weight of not more than 5,000, and contains an acid decomposable group in an amount of not more than 40% based on the sum total of a number of the acid decomposable group and a number of an alkali-soluble group not protected with the acid decomposable group, and (b) a compound that generates an acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation.
US08080359B2
An objective is to provide an image forming method by which sufficient fixing strength can be obtained at a low temperature of 120° C., excellent print images with no belt-like or streak image defect can be obtained, and no document offsetting is generated even though the superimposed print images are stored. Disclosed is an image forming method comprising the step of fixing a toner image formed with a toner comprising a releasing agent on a transfer material employing a contact-heating fixing device comprising a heating roller and a belt-shaped pressure body, wherein the heating roller is placed on the upper side of the transfer material, the releasing agent comprises the 1st releasing agent component and the 2nd releasing agent component, and the 1st releasing agent component has a content of 40-98% by weight, based on the total weight of the 1st and 2nd releasing agent components.
US08080358B2
Disclosed is an electrophotographic recording medium that contains a support and an olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer, wherein the olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer exists at least near the surface of the electrophotographic recording medium on which an image is recorded, and the electrophotographic recording medium is reusable; and a method for producing an electrophotographic recording medium, an image forming method, a method for repeatedly using an electrophotographic recording medium, and a method for repeatedly using an electrophotographic recording medium.
US08080351B2
Triarylmethane compounds used as antioxidants in overcoat layers to alleviate printing defects and an improved chemical process for the synthesis of these triarylmethane compounds using an acetal derivative of an aldehyde which significantly reduces reaction time and results with the formation of substantially no byproducts.
US08080347B2
There is provided a catalyst for a fuel cell, which simultaneously realizes excellent catalytic activity and catalytic stability. The catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a fine particle of a metal represented by formula: PtxRuySizT1u wherein T1 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), and molybdenum (Mo); x=30 to 90 atomic %; y=0 to 50 atomic %; z=0.5 to 20 atomic %; and u=0.5 to 40 atomic %, or comprises a fine particle of a metal represented by formula: PtxRuySizT2u wherein T2 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of hafnium (Hf), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and aluminum (Al); x=30 to 90 atomic %; y=0 to 50 atomic %; z=0.5 to 20 atomic %; and u=0.5 to 40 atomic %.
US08080344B2
A fuel cell hybrid power generation system for use in a gas distribution system in which a higher pressure gas is transported/distributed and reduced to a lower pressure gas for a gas distribution or transmission line and a pre-heater is used to heat the higher pressure gas before it is reduced in pressure. The power generation system includes: (i) a fuel cell power plant that generates electricity while producing heat that is used to preheat high pressure gas; (ii) an energy recovery generator that uses the pre-heated higher pressure gas to generate electricity while reducing the gas pressure to a lower gas pressure; and (iii) an electrical assembly combining the electrical outputs of the energy recovery generator and the fuel cell power plant. The fuel cell power plant makes the waste heat available to the gas pre-heater without using a combustion unit thereby increasing the system's electrical efficiency.
US08080341B2
A device having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an ion-conducting electrolyte in contact with both electrodes. Each electrode has a metal, a metal oxide, a hydrous metal oxide, alloy thereof, or mixture thereof, however, the electrodes are different such materials. The positive electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and reducing oxygen. The negative electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and oxidizing hydrogen. The electrolyte permits transport of oxygen and hydrogen. The device can charge using ambient hydrogen and oxygen. It can be discharged as an electrochemical capacitor or be operated in a fuel cell mode.
US08080338B2
A high capacity, high charge rate lithium secondary cell includes a high capacity lithium-containing positive electrode in electronic contact with a positive electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a high capacity negative electrode in electronic contact with a negative electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a separator positioned between and in ionic contact with the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte in ionic contact with the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the total area specific impedance for the cell and the relative area specific impedances for the positive and negative electrodes are such that, during charging at greater than or equal to 4 C, the negative electrode potential is above the potential of metallic lithium.
US08080335B2
A powder material which can electrochemically store and release lithium ions rapidly in a large amount is provided. In addition, an electrode structure for an energy storage device which can provide a high energy density and a high power density and has a long life, and an energy storage device using the electrode structure are provided. In a powder material which can electrochemically store and release lithium ions, the surface of particles of one of silicon metal and tin metal and an alloy of any thereof is coated by an oxide including a transition metal element selected from the group consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, and V as a main component. The electrode structure includes the powder material. The battery device includes a negative electrode having the electrode structure, a lithium ion conductor, and a positive electrode, and utilizes an oxidation reaction of lithium and a reduction reaction of lithium ion.
US08080332B2
A battery pack includes a roughly rectangular casing, a main circuit board disposed at a bottom surface of the casing, and cylindrical battery cells arranged in two rows and two layers over the main circuit board and connected in series.
US08080328B2
Secondary battery module having connection breal off mechanism in case of abnormal battery operation
The present invention provides a secondary battery module capable of securing safety at a time of abnormal battery operations by using a film-type secondary battery. A module 30 is provided with 8 pieces of single batteries 20 each using a laminate film as its battery container. The 8 pieces of single batteries are disposed in a layer-stacked state. A conducting plate 17 is placed in a manner to face one single battery 20a disposed at one end of the 8 pieces of the single batteries 20. A pushing member 14 is formed between the single battery 20a and conducting plate 17. A conducting plate 18 is disposed on a side of the conducting plate 17 opposite to the pushing member 14. The pushing member 14 has projected portions 14b. The conducting member 17 has through-holes 17a formed so that the projected portions are able to pass through. The conducting plates 17 and 18 are coupled by a coupling portion 21. When any one of the single batteries 20 and single battery 20a expands at a time of abnormal battery operations, the projected portions pass through the through-holes to break off the coupling at the coupling portion 21.
US08080326B2
A method is generally described which includes operating an electrical energy storage device or an electrochemical energy generation device includes placing an electrical load to draw current from the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical energy generation device. The electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical energy generation device includes a housing having an external surface and an internal surface. The method also includes generating electricity by at least one component within the housing. At least one component is configured to generate electrical energy in combination with other components, chemicals, or materials residing within the housing. Further, the method includes thermal control the electrical energy storage device by transferring heat to a plurality of microchannels coupled to at least one of the internal surface of the housing or at least one components. Further still, the method includes rejecting the collected heat through a thermal sink coupled to the microchannels. The thermal sink is configured to transfer heat energy from the microchannels and to receive a fluid flowing through the microchannels.
US08080322B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device having high luminous efficiency and high stability. The light emitting device includes two electrodes and a light emitting layer interposed between the two electrodes, in which the light emitting layer contains luminous nanoparticles, and the luminous nanoparticles each have a particle diameter smaller than a thickness of the light emitting layer, and each include a metal coordination compound having a ligand formed of an organic compound.
US08080317B2
A coated granule obtained by coating a bioactive substance-containing granule with a urethane resin obtained by reaction of an aromatic polyisocyanate with a polyol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 5000, wherein the polyol contains a polycaprolactonepolyol and a hydroxy fatty acid ester of the formula (I): (wherein, X represents —CH2-CH2- or —CH═CH—, n represents 1, 2 or 3, m represents 0, 1 or 2, and n+m is 2 or 3. In the case of n+m=2, A represents a C2 to C8 alkanediyl group, and in the case of n+m=3, A represents a C3 to C8 alkanetriyl group.) as the coat film, is capable of controlling elution of the bioactive substance appropriately, and, the urethane resin forming the coat film shows degradability in soil.
US08080311B2
Disclosed is a polyester film having at least one surface coated with a poly(vinylidene chloride) layer and upon which an abrasion resistant hardcoat. Further disclosed is a laminated article comprising the hardcoated polyester film.
US08080310B2
A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
US08080300B2
A method of making a roll of adhesive tape that comprises providing a length of tape having a leading end, a trailing end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and providing a tab having first and second opposite ends having a length between them, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the tab is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of tape along a tape path, positioning the leading tape end about a central tape roll axis, and circumferentially winding the length of tape about the axis until a penultimate tape layer having a circumference is wound. The adhesive-covered portion of the second side of the tab is applied to the first side of the tape so that the first end of the tab is spaced from the trailing end of the tape length by a predetermined distance that is at least as long as the circumference of the penultimate layer of the tape roll and no longer than a total distance of the circumference of the penultimate layer and the length of the tab. The final layer of the tape length is circumferentially wound around the penultimate tape layer so that the trailing end of the tape overlays the tab between the first and second ends of the tab.
US08080298B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a hose which has a gas barrier layer and a rubber layer adhered without using an adhesive, and which has a dramatically improved durability compared to the conventional hose. The hose of the present invention is a refrigerant hose having an inner layer comprising a gas barrier layer and a rubber layer adhered to the outer surface of the gas barrier layer. The gas barrier layer comprises a modified polyamide prepared by blending a polyamide and a carboxyl group-containing modified polyolefin, and the rubber layer comprises a rubber composition prepared by blending a particular amount of an alkylphenol formaldehyde resin and a particular amount of carbon black with a raw rubber. The raw rubber comprises a BIMS, a copolymer rubber which is a butyl rubber and/or a halogenated butyl rubber, and an EPDM, the carbon black is specified, and no adhesive layer is formed between the gas barrier layer and the rubber layer.
US08080288B2
Methods for preparing thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer or elastomer composites that are reinforced with natural fibers are disclosed. A thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer or elastomer composite that is reinforced with natural fibers obtainable by the disclosed method is also disclosed. Construction material that is obtainable by hardening a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer or elastomer composite that is reinforced with natural fibers is described.
US08080281B2
Ultralong carbon nanotubes can be formed by placing a secondary chamber within a reactor chamber to restrict a flow to provide a laminar flow. Inner shells can be successively extracted from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) such as by applying a lateral force to an elongated tubular sidewall at a location between its two ends. The extracted shells can have varying electrical and mechanical properties that can be used to create useful materials, electrical devices, and mechanical devices.
US08080255B2
The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.
US08080253B2
Compositions for and methods of treating patients with malignancies associated with overexpression of VEGF, particularly ovarian cancer are provided herein. The compositions include but are not limited to certain VEGF epitopes, multivalent peptides comprising the epitopes, and chimeric peptides comprising one or more of the epitopes and a T cell epitope.
US08080252B2
A method of modulating angiogenesis in a tissue comprises administering to the tissue a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that modulates complex formation of αvβ3 integrin and VEGFR2.
US08080251B2
The present invention relates to peptide antigens of SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 10; repeat motif Gly-X-Gly-Asn-X-Gly of SEQ ID No. 11; and a method of developing drug against tuberculosis, said method comprising steps of targeting the proposed drug towards peptide antigens of SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 11, and thereby developing the drug against tuberculosis.
US08080245B2
Chimeric molecules that include a pathogen recognition module derived from a pathogen binding domain of a pathogen recognition protein, e.g., a toll-like receptor (TLR), CD14, BPI, MD-2, scavenger receptors (SRs), surfactant proteins (SP), C-reactive protein (CRP), Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), or complement Clq globular binding domain, an optional linker, and an Fc portion of an antibody are described and are useful for, e.g., drug discovery and treatment of conditions related to TLR signaling.
US08080233B2
A fuel for splitting water into hydrogen and an oxide component comprises a substantially solid pellet formed from a solid-like mixture of a solid-state source material capable of oxidizing in water to form hydrogen and a passivation surface layer of the oxide component, and a passivation preventing agent that is substantially inert to water in an effective amount to prevent passivation of the solid-state material during oxidation. The pellets are brought into contact with an alloy of the passivation preventing agent having a melting point temperature below that of the solid-like mixture to initiate the hydrogen-producing reaction at a lower temperature.
US08080232B2
In a process for obtaining CO2, desulfurized natural gas or gas which accompanies mineral oil is reformed autothermally with addition of oxygenous gas at a temperature of from 900 to 1200° C. and a pressure of from 40 to 100 bar (a) by partial catalytic oxidation to give a crude synthesis gas, and then converted catalytically to H2 and CO2 at a temperature of from 75 to 110 DEG C. and a pressure of from 50 to 75 bar (a) of CO, CO2 is scrubbed out of the synthesis gas obtained with methanol at a pressure of from 15 to 100 bar (a) and a temperature of from +10 to −80° C., and the absorbed CO2 is recovered by decompression. A further possible use of the process consists in converting the recovered CO2 to the supercritical state.
US08080229B2
An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.
US08080228B2
A graphite material is provided wherein D50% is 2 to 9 μm in particle diameter distribution based on volume as measured by laser diffraction, a specific surface area is 2 to 6 m2/g and no coating layer is substantially included in a surface of the particle. Also provided is a graphite material comprising substantially single-composition particles having an isotropic crystal structure, wherein D50% is 2 to 9 μm in particle diameter distribution based on volume as measured by laser diffraction, and a specific surface area is 2 to 6 m2/g.
US08080225B2
A functional fluid for the removal of contaminates such as but not limited to, acid causing components in gas, sulfur components and carbon oxides from fluid streams, and removal and treatment of NOX & SOX from post combustion emissions. Also described is the manufacturing process to produce the functional fluid both in a batch atmospheric process system as well as a closed system capable of operating at above or below atmospheric conditions.
US08080215B2
Flow reactor having a plurality of walled conduits each having an outer surface disposed for contact with a heat-transfer medium, an inlet distribution manifold in flow communication with a downstream manifold through channels formed by heterogeneous catalytic material disposed within each conduit during operation, and a sequence of zones comprising at least two zones, the zones including the walled conduits. The walled conduits within each zone have the same or different length measured along a longitudinal coordinate of the zone, the walled conduits within each zone have essentially uniform cross-section measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal coordinate thereby defining volume of the zone, and in the sequence of zones, the total cross-sectional area of the conduits in each downstream zone varies from the prior upstream zone. At least one crossover chamber is provided in flow communication with the plurality of walled conduits of a downstream zone and the plurality of walled conduits of the prior upstream zone. A shell is present for maintaining during operation the outer surface the plurality of walled conduits of each zone predominantly in contact with a heat transfer medium, the shell having an inlet in flow communication with an outlet for flow of the heat-transfer medium.
US08080213B2
One embodiment of an improved ozone generator is comprehensively disclosed by descriptions of computer generated drawings depicting the first commercial version of the invention, which combines the following features: an extruded base with longitudinal channels for receiving connections at distributed points; an extruded cover for detachably engaging the base at each opposing sides and covering a substantial portion of said base; a central baffle that is integral with the cover fro dividing the enclosed volume into a reaction chamber and a circuitry chamber; one or more ultraviolet light sources mounted to connection points on a channel within the reaction chamber; electronic circuitry mounted to connection points on a channel within the circuitry chamber for controlling and transforming an input voltage to drive the light sources; sliding end caps secured to channels in the base for separately covering apertures formed by the ends of the cover and base and for detachably connecting the cover to the base; and a selectively restricted outlet conduit for providing fluid communication between the reaction chamber and an external point of ozone injection.
US08080209B2
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus includes a device (A) which is provided in an exhaust system and which selectively reduces NOx in an exhaust gas and a device (B) which is disposed upstream of the device (A) and which decomposes urea and supplies ammonia as a NOx reducing gas, the device (B) including a urea decomposition catalyst. The catalyst is [1] a zeolite catalyst which is composed of granular molded bodies including zeolite particles or which includes a catalyst layer composed of zeolite particles disposed on a support, or [2] a honeycomb catalyst or a membranous catalyst in which metal oxide particulates adhere to a conductive honeycomb substrate or netlike support, and the metal oxide particulates are composed of at least one oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of Na, Mg, Ca, Ba, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Zn, Al, Si, P, Sb, Cu, Fe, Ru, Co, and Re.
US08080202B2
A vibrator has a large strength of a standing wave even with a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation. A device according to the present invention includes a substrate having a channel groove provided in an upper surface of the substrate, a seal provided above the substrate so as to cover an upper opening of the channel groove, a projection provided on an outer side wall opposite to the channel groove, and a vibrator causing the projection to warp and vibrate in a depth direction of the channel groove. The warping vibration of the projection is amplified due to effect of leverage, and generates a large stress on the outer wall of the channel groove having the projection provided thereon. Consequently, the strength of a standing wave in the channel groove increases even for a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation.
US08080194B2
Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to multi-chambered pressure vessels for gas impregnation of thermoplastic rolls, sheets, and films.
US08080180B2
A method is described for producing highly stable silver colloidal solutions by reducing silver nitrate with lithium citrate. In the method, the main steps consist of: (a) heating a first quantity of water to a first predetermined temperature; (b) adding a second quantity of silver nitrate to the water; (c) heating the mixture to a second predetermined temperature; (d) adding a third quantity of an aqueous lithium citrate solution to the mixture; (e) maintaining the mixture at the second predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; and (f) cooling the mixture. The mixing process is accompanied by constant stirring. The colloid exhibits high light-scattering properties and intense SERS or SERRS spectra with low background fluorescence levels and a long shelf life, making it particularly suitable for Raman spectroscopy.
US08080177B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to electrically conductive adhesives. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to electrically conductive adhesives comprising an organic polymer resin and an electrically conductive polymer. Advantageously, the electrically conductive adhesives have low RF loss, and are thus suitable for use in a space radar antenna and in other antenna applications where antenna components are in the RF field of view.
US08080175B2
A scintillator having a host lattice of MgAl2O4 was prepared by hot pressing under a vacuum environment a powder mixture of MgAl2O4, CeO2, and LiF.
US08080174B2
A fluorescent material comprising: a β-Sialon expressed by the general formula Si6-ZAlZOZN8-Z as a host material; and Eu dissolved in solid solution as a luminescence center, is a powder which, when measured by the laser diffraction scattering method, gives particle diameter distribution in which cumulative 10% diameter (D10) falls within the 7 μm to 20 μm range and 90% diameter (D90) within the 50 μm to 90 μm range, and can be used as a fluorescent material low in luminescence intensity degradation ideal for illuminators. This fluorescent material can be produced by subjecting a raw powder, which is obtained by mixing a silicon nitride powder, aluminum nitride powder, and aluminum-containing or Eu-containing compound as required, to heating at 1850° C. to 2050° C. for 9 hours or longer in a nitrogen or nonoxidizing atmosphere.
US08080169B2
A process is provided for producing an extinguishing agent. Sodium chloride and ammonium dihydrogenphosphate are dissolved in hot water at a temperature of 30 to 40° C. to form a solution. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate is dissolved into the solution, and allowed to undergo a reaction with the ammonium dihydrogenphosphate, as dissolved. The sodium chloride is present in the extinguishing agent in a ratio of 5 to 15 g per 500 ml of water, the ammonium dihydrogenphosphate is present in the extinguishing agent in a ratio of 50 to 70 g per 500 ml of water, and ammonium hydrogen carbonate is present in the extinguishing agent in a ratio of 50 to 70 g per 500 ml of water. Also provided is a process of producing a throw-type fire extinguisher.
US08080166B2
A multiphase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.
US08080160B2
In a combination including a pitcher-type water purifier and its purification cartridge, which can adsorb and eliminate chemical substances such as chlorine from raw water, eliminate bacteria, and prevent propagation of bacteria and provide safe purified water in a short period of time, even when the purified water has been stored for a long-period time, the pitcher type water purifier contains a casing divided into upper and lower parts as a raw water reservoir portion and a purified water reservoir portion, and has a purified water pouring opening in the purified water reservoir portion; and the purification cartridge has a raw water inlet in an upper face thereof and a purified water outlet in a bottom face, and adsorbent is filled in an upper layer of an interior thereof and hollow fiber membranes are filled in a lower layer thereof at an opening rate σ of 25-58%.
US08080156B2
Methods and apparatus relate to removal of mercury from crude oil. Such removal relies on transferring mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon stream to a natural gas stream upon contacting the liquid hydrocarbon stream with the natural gas stream. Processing of the natural gas stream after used to strip the mercury from the liquid hydrocarbon stream removes the mercury from the natural gas stream.
US08080154B2
A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via membrane filtration. In one embodiment, filtration sedimentation is used for the separation of the heavy oil from the catalyst particles. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst.
US08080153B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for analyte detection.
US08080149B2
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
US08080148B2
The present invention relates to a method of electrochemical polishing of surfaces of cobalt or cobalt alloys. It employs an electrolyte comprising glycolic acid and at least one alkane-sulfonic acid with an alkyl residue that has 1 to 3 carbon atoms. This electrolyte is also one aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, at least one alkane-sulfonic acid comprises methane-sulfonic acid. The electrolyte and the method using this electrolyte are suitable in particular for surfaces of cobalt or cobalt alloys, including cobalt-chromium alloys such as stellite.
US08080141B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for making a coated article including a transparent conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film supported by a heat treated glass substrate. A substantially sub-oxidized ITO or metallic indium-tin (InSn) film is sputter-deposited onto a glass substrate at room temperature. The glass substrate with the as-deposited film thereon is subjected to elevated temperatures. Thermal tempering or heat strengthening causes the as-deposited film to be transformed into a crystalline transparent conductive ITO film. Advantageously, this may reduce the cost of touch panel assemblies, e.g., because of the higher rates of the ITO deposition in the metallic mode. The cost of touch-panel assemblies may be further reduced through the use of float glass.
US08080134B2
An apparatus for making blind slats includes: a feeding unit adapted to feed a pulp fiber web; an impregnation tank containing an impregnating liquid for impregnating the pulp fiber web; a conveying roller assembly disposed within said impregnation tank for immersing and conveying the pulp fiber web through the impregnating liquid; and a thermal forming unit for thermal forming the pulp fiber web that has been impregnated.
US08080133B2
A panel includes about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of a renewable component. The panel has at least one of a CAC value of at least about 25, an NRC value of at least about 0.25 and an STC of at least about 25. A method for manufacturing such panels is also provided.
US08080128B2
Disclosed is a method for increasing the concentration of xylose in lignocellulosic hydrolysate. The method includes the step of extruding lignocellulosic material and mixing the lignocellulosic material with diluted acid and the step of conducting hot-water extraction on the mixture. Hence, the concentration of the xylose in the lignocellulosic hydrolysate can achieve a high concentration of 60 g/L, and the yield of the xylose can reach to 90%.
US08080117B1
Asphalt cylinders or thermoplastic polymer modified asphalt cylinders or particulate forms are induction melted by magnetic field susceptor for a controlled distribution with felt paper to accomplish the construction of an industry standard BUR roofing system. These forms are similarly melted for highway crack sealing in an additional embodiment of the invention.
US08080114B2
Provided is a cleaning process which is simplified and in which a time required for the cleaning process is reduced and which has an excellent cleaning effect. The cleaning process comprises loading a wafer in a high pressure cleaner, injecting high-purity gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) having low pressure into the high pressure cleaner, injecting CO2 having lower pressure than supercritical cleaning pressure into the high pressure cleaner, cleaning the wafer by injecting a supercritical homogeneous transparent phase mixture in which a cleaning additive and supercritical CO2 are mixed, into the high pressure cleaner under a supercritical cleaning pressure, rinsing the wafer by injecting a supercritical rinsing mixture in which a rinsing additive and supercritical CO2 are mixed, into the high pressure cleaner, and separating CO2 from a mixture discharged from the high pressure cleaner.
US08080109B2
A method for using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes setting an idling state where a reaction chamber of the film formation apparatus accommodates no product target substrate therein, and then, performing a purging process of removing a contaminant present in an inner surface of the reaction chamber by causing radicals to act on the inner surface of the reaction chamber. The radicals are generated by activating a purging process gas containing oxygen and hydrogen as elements.
US08080102B2
A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead comprises a surface-modified pigment. The ink composition comprises: (a) 10-80 wt. % of a compound of formula (A); wherein: R1 is C1-6 alkyl; and each of R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, C1-6 alkyl, halogen, OH, and C1-6 alkoxy; (b) 10-80 wt. % of a C1-6 alcohol; and (c) 0.01-25 wt. % of the surface-modified pigment.
US08080099B2
This invention provides an ink composition comprising at least a dye represented by the following Formula (1), monohydric alcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and urea: wherein G represents a heterocyclic group; n represents an integer from 1 to 3; when n is 1, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represent a monovalent group; when n is 2, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represent a monovalent or divalent substituent, in which at least one of R, X, Y, Z, Q, or G represents a divalent substituent; and when n is 3, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represent a monovalent, divalent, or trivalent substituent, in which at least two of R, X, Y, Z, Q, or G represent a divalent substituent or represent a trivalent substituent.
US08080094B2
An electrically stimulated air filter apparatus for removing particles from an air stream includes a housing maintaining an ionizer electrode and electrically induced electrodes for producing electrical fields that interact with particles in an air stream passing through the housing to create clusters of the particles, and an electrically induced filter for collecting and separating the clusters of the particles from the air stream passing through the housing.
US08080090B2
An improved process for the separation of carbon dioxide from the flue gas of an oxy-combustion power plant is provided. An inlet stream containing carbon dioxide and oxygen is at least partially condensed in the reboiler of a stripping column. The condensed inlet stream is then separated in a separator, thereby producing a first liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first liquid stream is then separated into a top gas stream and a bottom liquid stream in the stripping column. The top gas stream is then warmed by indirect heat exchange in the heat exchanger. The warmed top gas stream is then recycled and combined with the inlet stream.
US08080089B1
A method of treating gas, such as flue gas, is provided. Flue gas is received into a vessel. The flue gas in the vessel is cooled by at least 17 degrees F. to a temperature of 120 F or lower. Also in the vessel, SOx compounds are removed such that the concentration of SOx remaining in the flue gas is between 0 ppmv and 10 ppmv. After the flue gas is cooler and SOx compounds are removed in the vessel, the flue gas is transmitted to a flue gas carbon dioxide scrubbing unit.
US08080083B2
An oxidized mercury converter utilizes a combination of heat, reduced pressure, and dilution when converting oxidized mercury in a gas sample into elemental mercury. The converter applies heat to a gas sample to thermally convert oxidized mercury within a gas sample into elemental mercury and an oxidizing component, and thereafter reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize combination of the elemental mercury with other oxidizing compounds present in the gas sample and/or with byproducts of the thermal conversion (e.g., the oxidizing components). The converter thus allows an accurate analysis of the total amount of mercury, both oxidized and elemental forms, present within a gas sample without the need to use consumable reagents in the mercury conversion process.
US08080076B2
The invention is directed to a nonwoven layer for a filter, in particular, for a vacuum cleaner bag, wherein at least one region of the nonwoven layer, the region having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined area, has an average pore size smaller than 50 μm and comprises fibers being bonded together such that a movement of the fibers relative to each other in a direction parallel to the surface of the layer is inhibited. The invention is further directed to a filter medium, in particular, for a vacuum cleaner bag, comprising a filter structure wherein a surface or an interface of the filter structure is provided with a filter paper layer having a smaller surface area than the filter structure.
US08080067B2
To provide an azo pigment composition exhibiting very good hue and light fastness and having excellent tinctorial strength (color density) and preferably further provide an azo pigment composition containing an azo pigment having characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks at different positions or a tautomer thereof. An azo pigment composition comprising at least one kind of an azo pigment represented by formula (1) having characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks at Bragg angles(20±0.2°) of 7.6°, 25.6° and 27.7° in the CuKα characteristic X-ray diffraction or a tautomer thereof:
US08080065B2
A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including dual flaps or skirts concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between one of the skirts and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket, and a powered vacuum pump maintains the vacuum thereafter, if needed. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
US08080055B2
A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.
US08080053B2
A removable stent for placement within a lumen is provided. The stent includes a scaffolding of struts formed from a tube of memory material and having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior region. The stent includes at least two flexible elements independently secured to the scaffolding and spaced circumferentially from one another. Each element defines an engageable member such that an inwardly directed force applied to the engageable members reduces a diameter of the scaffolding.
US08080052B2
The present invention envisions an improved flexible connecting link used in conjunction with in-phase and half-phase circumferential sets of strut members. By increasing the total length and diagonality of the undulating connecting links, the present invention is a stent that provides increased flexibility during delivery and enhanced conformability to the shape of a curved artery when the stent is deployed into a curved vessel such as a tortuous coronary artery.
US08080049B2
An interventional delivery system with a first catheter having at its distal end a side branch vessel segment; a second catheter attached around the first catheter and having at its distal end a main vessel segment; a side branch vessel device attached to side branch vessel segment of the first catheter; and main vessel device attached to the main vessel segment of the second catheter. The main vessel device and the side branch vessel device are able to be simultaneously delivered to a treatment site.
US08080044B2
A bone anchoring device includes a shaft for anchoring in a bone and a head, the shaft including a first section having a plurality of barb elements, the barb elements being elastically deformable relative to the body of the shaft, and a second section including a bone thread for engagement with the bone. The first section is located near the tip of the shaft and allows insertion by pushing whereas the second section provides enhanced resistance against pull-out.
US08080037B2
A spinal cross connector is configured for connection between spinal rods and provides allowance or space for spinal extensor muscles once the spinal process has been removed. The cross connector has curved first and second connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation relative to one another. A first clamping member is provided on the first connection member and defines first and second arcuate jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a first spinal rod. A second clamping member is provided on the second connection member and defines first and second arcuate jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a second spinal rod. Both the first and second clamping members are rotatable and thus provide the rotational adjustment. The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing and adjustability.
US08080027B2
A surgical knife blade for forming an incision in bodily tissue including a body having a cutting edge terminating at a distal tip, the cutting edge including opposing cutting edge segments extending distally to meet at the tip, the cutting edge being configured by blending a first and second radii. The first radius is concave and the second radius is convex, the first and second radii meet at a juncture which forms a smooth tangential connection, whereby the blended radii form a hollow design and wherein when the body is moved in a cutting direction transverse to the tissue to cause the tip to enter the tissue, less force is required to penetrate the bodily tissue and greater control is provided.
US08080023B2
Methods and devices for creating a seal in a vessel for performing multiple anastomoses. The device includes an expandable region at the shaft assembly distal end with a sealing membrane that spans the expandable region, and a corresponding clamping member moveable toward the expandable region. Once inserted into the vessel lumen the expandable region is deployed from a first low-profile position into a second expanded position, and positioned at the target site of the anastomoses. Movement of the distal end of the clamping member, which remains located outside the vessel, against the expanded region creates a seal at the target site allowing a blood-free, graft site area that is large enough to accommodate multiples anastomoses.
US08080022B2
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08080018B2
A circumcision system for removing excess foreskin from a penis is disclosed and includes includes a housing, an actuation mechanism, and an anvil. The housing has a threaded hole that defines a longitudinal axis and a locking ring. The locking ring has an internal thread. The actuation mechanism extends through the threaded hole and has a series of needles. A suture is removably attached to a distal end of each of the series of needles. Each of the series of needles has a tapered end and a groove through the tapered end configured to accept and detachably retain the suture. A knife is connected to the actuation mechanism. The knife has a circular blade. The anvil has a passage that is co-axially located with the longitudinal axis and an external thread that is configured to be complimentary to the internal thread. The anvil is in the shape of a collar.
US08080016B2
A wire retainer (10) for securing wire under tension comprising a body (11) having an exterior surface and a far end (11a) and a near end (11b) and a bore (12) extending therebetween in the general direction of a first axis (X) in a first plane (XY), the bore receiving an end of the wire (3) in use, a first slot (13) substantially in said first plane and having a far end which coincides with the far end of the body and a near end intermediate the far and near ends of the body, the first slot extending between said bore and said exterior surface and a second slot (14) intersecting said first slot at the near end thereof and at said bore.
US08080014B2
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the hyoid bone, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A conformable implant is positioned adjacent a hyoid bone. The spatial orientation of the hyoid bone is manipulated, to affect the configuration of the airway. The implant restrains the hyoid bone in the manipulated configuration. The implant is positioned adjacent to pharyngeal structures to dilate the pharyngeal airway and/or to support the pharyngeal wall against collapse. The implant may be attached to the hyoid bone using a clamp delivery tool that is adapted to releasably engage the implant.
US08080012B2
An ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set consisting of a cutting tool and a spray nozzle for use with a hand piece of an ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The cutting tool has a connection base, a pole and a cutter tip. The spray nozzle has a connection base, a pole and an operating tip. The pole extends from the connection base, having a longitudinal fluid passage for the passing of a fluid and a fluid injection hole for injecting a fluid into a hole made on the alveolar ridge of the gingiva of the patient to be treated. The cutter tip and the operating tip each have jet holes for ejecting a fluid radial in jets, facilitating sinus augmentation (sinus lift or sinus graft). The ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set can also be used in an upper/lower jaw deformity implant surgery.
US08080010B2
In the field of canine humeral osteotomy, an osteotomy plate including a proximal plate portion lying substantially in a first plane for application to the humerus. The proximal plate portion has a bottom surface adapted for application to the surface of the humerus, and the proximal plate portion has at least one overlapping hole formed therein. The osteotomy plate also includes a distal plate portion lying substantially in a second plane for application to the humerus. The distal plate portion has a bottom surface adapted for application to the surface of the humerus, and the distal plate portion has at least one overlapping hole formed therein. The osteotomy plate also includes a transition region connecting the proximal plate portion to the distal plate portion.
US08080008B2
An electrosurgical generator system includes an electrical generator having an RF stage for outputting electrical energy having at least one waveform for performing an electrosurgical procedure. The system further includes at least one control module executable on at least one processor which controls at least one parameter of the outputted electrical energy and a configuration controller operably associated with the electrical generator which generates configuration data to configure the at least one control module to provide at least one modality of control of the outputted electrical energy based on the configuration data.
US08080005B1
A system for selectively cooling and warming a cryosurgical instrument using a dual phase cryogen, including: two sources of the cryogen, a first source storing liquid phase cryogen and having a first source heater therein that selectively converts at least some of the liquid phase cryogen into gaseous phase cryogen and a second source storing the gaseous phase cryogen; a cryogen delivery control section selectively delivering cryogen to the tip; a cryogen return path from the tip to the first and second sources; a cryogen return control section that includes a pump that pumps the returning cryogen to the second source; and a pressure control section including a first pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the first source, a second pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the second source, and a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of the first source based on information from the pressure sensors.
US08080004B2
A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, the laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising: (a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a handle grip; (b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by a finger and supported by the handle, the actuating mechanism comprising an actuator shaft and a gearing assembly operable to displace the actuator shaft with a mechanical advantage upon actuation of a trigger by the surgeon; (c) a locking mechanism configured to lock the actuating mechanism in one of a plurality of positions, the locking mechanism comprising a release located in an anthropometrically correct position; and (d) a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with the actuator shaft, the working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by the surgeon via the handle and the actuating mechanism to perform a surgical function.
US08080002B2
The implantable drug delivery device comprises at least an implantable pump, a reservoir and a delivery chamber.
US08080001B2
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for implementation and use of a fluid connection assembly, having a locking mechanism, which may be connected to a medical fluid injection device. An example fluid connection assembly includes at least one fluid connector, a mating mechanism coupled to the at least one fluid connector and configured to connect the at least one fluid connector to a medical fluid injection device, and a locking mechanism coupled to the mating mechanism and movable into a locked position or an unlocked position. In this example, the fluid connection assembly becomes affirmatively coupled with the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the fluid connection assembly becomes removably decoupled from the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
US08079987B2
A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.
US08079986B2
A surgical access device including a valve housing and an instrument receiving element mounted in the valve housing having an aperture for flexibly receiving and directing instruments having a wide range of diameters. The instrument receiving element includes a braid or mesh tube generally shaped like an hourglass. The surgical access device may include an access septum seal molded from a gel material. The surgical access device can flexibly engage instruments having diameters ranging from about 3.5 mm to about 12.9 mm.
US08079983B2
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US08079982B1
An injection catheter for infusing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart is provided. The injection catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. A tip section comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle and has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle and a distal end within the tip section. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable within the tip section so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle. The catheter further comprises an electrode lead wire having a first end electrically connected to the injection needle and a second end electrically connected to a suitable monitoring apparatus or to a source of ablation energy. The injection needle can thus be used for mapping or ablation in addition to introducing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart.
US08079971B2
A spinal treatment system for treating a spinal region of a patient's back includes a harness configured to be coupled to a preselected location on the patient. A force transfer member is coupled to the harness and is configured to transfer force to the harness. A vibrational movement head is controlled by a computer and is configured to apply a preselected laterally vibrating force to the force application member extending therefrom. A vertical displacement member is coupled to the computer and is configured to move the vibrational movement head to a preselected vertical displacement relative to the patient.
US08079968B2
A vibrator for use in enhancement of pre-hospital coronary thrombolysis comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz with at least a pair of oscillatory contacts spaced to enable simultaneous seating to the anatomic left and right of the sternum (such as to match the geometry of the right and left coronary arteries) of a patient in need of coronary thrombolysis. The preferred vibrator is operable to emit vibration in the low frequency sonic range (at least 20 Hz) with an amplitude of about 1 mm-15 mm (and more preferably greater than 2 mm), such as to provide an effective transthoracic tool for acute coronary thrombolysis applications. In a variation, greater than a pair of contacts are utilized to provide oscillatory contact at differing intercostal space levels (in order to maximize vibratory penetration to the heart which is variably situated depending on the patient's anatomy).
US08079967B2
A walking assistance device (1) has a receiving portion (2) which receives a part of the weight of a user (A) applied from above and a pair of left and right leg links (3R, 3L) connected to the receiving portion (2) through first joints (10R, 10L), with foot attachment portions (15R, 15L) at lower ends of the leg links (3R, 3L) attached to the feet of the legs of the user (A), respectively. The leg links (3R, 3L) are connected to the receiving portion (2) in such a way that, when each leg of the user (A) is a standing leg, a line of action of a supporting force transmitted from a third joint (14R, 14L) of the leg link (3R, 3L) to a crus frame (13R, 13L) out of the supporting force acting on the leg link (3R, 3L) from the floor side passes through a specific point (P) located upper than the receiving portion (2) within an anteroposterior width of a contact surface between the receiving portion (2) and the user (A) from the third joint (14R, 14L), viewed in the sagittal plane. Thereby, it is possible to stably apply a desired lifting force for reducing the weight to be borne by the user with his/her legs to the user.
US08079963B2
Devices and methods that may be employed to detect and/or prevent intraoperative full thickness penetration of anatomic walls, and to provide delineation of anatomic structures during surgery.
US08079958B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by which IMT examination can be efficiently performed by simple processing in a health check. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing at least envelope detection processing on reception signals outputted from an ultrasonic probe to generate envelope data; an image data generating unit for generating image data representing an ultrasonic image on an object to be inspected based on the envelope data; a pre-measurement processing part for performing structural image generating processing on the envelope data; and a measurement part for performing measurement based on the envelope data processed by the pre-measurement processing part.
US08079957B2
Ultrasound imaging is synchronized with measurements. Generating three-dimensional representations is synchronized with measuring one or more parameters. For example, measurements are preformed based on navigating through a volume. The measurements are linked to the corresponding three-dimensional representations. As another example, the user selects a measurement from a graph. A three-dimensional representation of the volume associated with the selected measurement is presented.
US08079951B2
An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body having a proximal end portion; an intubation assistance instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a target site or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient, the inserting section being formed with a tube guide for leading the intubation tube toward the observation site; and an imaging device for taking an image of an observation site at a distal end portion of the insertion section as an electronic image. The main body includes a display having a screen for displaying the electronic image taken by the imaging device, and the screen of the display is adapted to indicate a target mark for adjusting or setting an advancing direction of the intubation tube to the observation site displayed on the screen in the electronic image displayed on the screen.
US08079943B2
A development roller for electrophotographic device and a method of making the development roller are disclosed. The development roller according to the present invention includes a central shaft and a roller body. The roller body is composed of an elastic polymer material as a primary material and carbon nanotubes in an amount to provide the conductivity of the roller body. According to the present invention, the development roller can exhibit a low hardness and a low resistance at the same time, produce images having high sharpness, and does not contaminate images.
US08079928B2
A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.
US08079927B2
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for continuous speed variation of an output member with respect to a primary input member. In particular, the present invention provides a device having an output that rotates at reduced speed and increased torque relative to its prime input through the low friction, rolling engagement of its members, or alternatively, at increased speed and reduced torque for overdrive applications. Furthermore, the speed of the output member may be varied continuously and infinitely between the apparatus's lowest and highest ratio via a secondary input member and its low friction, rolling engagement with the device's members.
US08079926B2
A rear mountable cutter device for a hunting arrow is mountable to an arrow shaft. The device includes a plurality of elongated cutting members that are positioned along the rear end of the arrow shaft following mounting of the cutter device to the shaft. The cutting members are configured such that when the forward end of the cutting members engage a target animal, the cutting members deflect outward of the shaft to produce an enlarged wound in the target animal.
US08079921B2
The invention provides a golf ball having numerous dimples on a surface thereof, wherein at least one dimple cross-sectional shape is a cycloid curve or a trochoid curve. By thus optimizing the cross-sectional shape of the dimples, the aerodynamic performance due to the dimple effect is enhanced, enabling the distance traveled by the ball to be increased.
US08079916B2
A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting at least two of the water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between at least two of the water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
US08079904B2
Systems and methods for conducting cashless gaming or player tracking within a gaming environment are disclosed. Players with associated player accounts are provided player tracking instruments having rewriteable displays. Also provided are gaming devices or machines having display panels adapted to display content and communicate with the player tracking cards or instruments. Data on player tracking instruments is updated and displayed thereupon. The player tracking instruments may contain an RFID tag to receive communications from a transceiver associated with the gaming device or machine. A feedback loop from a master gaming controller to a transceiver to a player tracking instrument to an input display panel and back to the master gaming controller can be created. Player tracking instruments may also have lights, speakers, vibration components, and other advanced features thereupon.
US08079903B2
The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections.
US08079902B2
A central determination gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. In one embodiment, upon initiation of a game at one of the gaming terminals, the gaming terminal randomly generates a proposed game outcome. The proposed game outcome is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines if a pool of predetermined game outcomes includes the proposed game outcome. If the pool includes the proposed game outcome, the central controller authorizes the proposed game outcome to be provided to the player, flags the authorized game outcome from further authorizations and communicates the authorized game outcome to the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal then provides the authorized game outcome to the player. If the pool does not include the proposed game outcome, the central controller discards the proposed game outcome and instructs the gaming terminal to generate another proposed game outcome for authorization.
US08079900B2
A combine (10) comprises a crop processing device (26) having a straw outlet (62), a beater (64) assigned to the straw outlet (62) of the crop processing device (26) and a straw chopper (60). An overshot drum conveyor (68) follows the beater (64). A single, pivotable flap (80) is located downstream the drum conveyor (68) and movable between a chopping position in which it deflects the straw downward into the straw chopper (60) and a swath laying position in which it lets the straw pass to a slope (88) behind the straw chopper (60). The flap (80) is pivoted at its forward end adjacent and above the drum conveyor (68) and has a shape matching to the circumference of the drum conveyor (68).
US08079883B2
A controller for a motor vehicle has a housing, which has an upper housing part made of non-conductive material and a lower housing part, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, the board bearing an electric circuit, which can be connected by contact elements of a plug connector disposed in the region of a housing passage, with each contact element being configured as one piece from a first contact section, which is disposed on the inside of the housing and connected at the end to the printed circuit board, and a second contact section, which extends substantially parallel to the printed circuit board and is guided through the housing passage, wherein in the housing passage a contact support device is provided, by which each of the second contact sections is supported on the upper housing part or on the lower housing part.
US08079877B1
A power adapter capable of connecting a plug with an electronic board of the power adapter includes an insulated body, a plug and two conductive terminals. The insulated body includes a switching section with a switching space. The plug includes a turntable and two conductive inserts penetrating the turntable. The turntable is positioned on the switching section. Two conductive inserts respectively include a plug pin. The two conductive terminals extend to respectively connect to the electronic board. Each conductive terminal is connected with the switching section and the surface of the conductive terminal is attached to the surface of the plug pin of the conductive insert. As a result, when changing the direction of the plug, the plug can have good electric connection with the conductive terminals.
US08079874B2
An electrical connector includes a positioning member; an insulated main body enclosing the positioning member from above and a plurality of terminals. Each terminal has a contact section embedded within a tongue plate of the insulated main body and an inclined section embedded partially within the positioning member via an insert-molding process. When the inclined section is further bent relative to the contact section, the uniform spacing and alignment among the terminals is maintained precisely due to the insert-molding process of the terminals in the insulated main body and the positioning member.
US08079873B2
A low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a conductive housing. The insulating body has a first opening, a second opening, and a central receiving area between the first and second openings. The central receiving area is provided with receiving grooves which are arranged along a first direction and configured for receiving the conductive terminals. The LVDS connector is characterized by a pair of conductive connecting devices, each having a first contact portion. Moreover, the conductive housing covers an exterior portion of the insulating body and is provided with a pair of second contact portions. The second contact portions are electrically connected to the first contact portions of the conductive connecting devices.
US08079865B1
Systems and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of electrical conductors, such as wires. A connector is provided including a plurality of bores or channels formed into a preferably unitary connector body, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the bores or channels intersects at least a portion of another of the bores or channels. The bores or channels are preferably formed along bore axes, which may be coplanar. A method according to the present invention includes inserting an insulated electrical conductor into a connector body and rotating a conductive rotational member threaded into a bore or channel formed in a connector body so as to electrically contact the conductive portion of the insulated conductor and at least one other electrically conductive surface.
US08079858B2
A connector is configured to hold a lamp extending in a first direction. The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The terminal includes a first connection portion configured to establish connection with a lamp contact portion formed on the lamp, a second connection portion including a first contact and a second contact located at different positions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a fixed portion pressed in the housing along the second direction and located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the second direction.
US08079855B2
A connection system, in particular an electrical connection system, having a male connector and having a female connector has a bayonet-type connection for connecting the male connector and the female connector. The bayonet-type connection has at least one axially extending insertion channel and at least one adjoining latching position, which is offset in the circumferential direction with respect thereto, in the female connector, the end side of the female connector, which end side is provided for connection to the male connector, being covered by a cover, which is arranged adjustably in the female connector such that, when the male connector is positioned on it, the opening is released by this male connector in order to produce the connection.
US08079851B1
A socket, for connecting an IC (integrated circuit) package to a printed circuit board, has an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a plurality of holes and a plurality of retaining slots. The contact is assembled to the insulative housing from the bottom to the top, and each contact has a horizontal main body, an oblique arm extending upwardly and forwardly from a front edge of the horizontal main body and received in the hole and a pair of retaining tabs extending upwardly from two opposite lateral edges of the horizontal main body, respectively, and interfering with the retaining slot of the insulative housing to retain the contact on the insulative housing.
US08079850B2
An electric connection box including a box main body, an integration mounted at the box main body, a pair of connection devices, and a plurality of ribs. The pair of connection devices are structured with one of connection devices provided at the integration and the other of connection devices provided at the box main body. The plurality of ribs are arranged at the box main body, and abuts on the integration and is deformed when the integration is mounted at the box main body so as to prevent rattling of the integration. Second ribs among the plurality of ribs, which are arranged close to the other of connection devices, are formed stiffer than first ribs arranged away from the other of connection devices farther than the first ribs.
US08079842B1
A plaster removing device includes a main device frame having first and second ends, a device trough carried by the main device frame and a plumb device carried by the main device frame.
US08079841B2
The invention provides a golf ball manufactured using a mold having a top half and a bottom half, which ball has formed on a surface thereof, near a seam line corresponding to a parting line between the top and bottom halves of the mold, a recessed and/or raised mark serving as an indicator for detecting the direction or position of the seam line. The invention also provides a golf ball mold composed of a top half and a bottom half that detachably join together so as to form therein a spherical cavity into which a material is injected to mold a golf ball, which mold bears, near a parting line between the top and bottom halves on a wall of the cavity, a raised or recessed feature for forming a mark as an indicator for detecting the direction or position of the parting line. The invention enables the direction and position of the seam line on the surface of the ball to be easily identified and enables the subsequent steps of visually inspecting the ball and applying indicia to the surface of the ball to be carried out more smoothly and advantageously, making it possible in particular to greatly shorten the time devoted to these operations.
US08079838B2
A particle generator is able to generate pure particles for solid or liquid materials with melting points over several hundred degrees Celsius. The material is heated to generate the vapor in a small chamber. Heated nitrogen or some inert gas is used as the carry gas to bring the mixture into a dilution system. As the super saturation ratio of the material is large enough and over a critical value, particles are formed in the dilution system by homogenous nucleation, and grown in the same dilution system as well. The different size distributions and concentrations of the particles can be obtained by varying dilution parameters, such as residence time and dilution ratio.
US08079830B2
The invention concerns a refrigerant compressor (1), particularly a semi-hermetic refrigerant compressor, with a housing (2), having in its bottom part (3) an oil sump (4), a compressor block (5) having at least one cylinder (6), in which a piston (7) is arranged, a crankshaft (11), which is supported in the compressor block (5) and in driving connection with the piston (7), and an oil pump arrangement (27), which is at least partly submerged in the oil sump. Also with varying speeds, good oil lubrication must be ensured. For this purpose, the crankshaft (11) has at its lower end a diameter extension (19), through which an oil channel (35) extends eccentrically to the crankshaft axis (36), said channel (35) connecting the oil pump arrangement (27) to a closed oil pressure chamber (21) between the crankshaft (11) and the compressor block (5), said chamber (21) being connected to the inside (37) of the housing (2) via a vent path (40, 41).
US08079824B2
An air compressing assembly includes an air tank disposed in a receptacle, an air blowing device disposed in the receptacle and coupled to the air tank for generating and supplying a pressurized air of a relatively lower air pressure and greater flowing quantity to the air tank, an air compressing device disposed in the receptacle for generating and supplying another pressurized air of a relatively greater air pressure and a relatively decreased flowing quantity to the air tank, and a control device coupled to the air compressing devices for controlling the air compressing devices to generate and supply different pressurized airs of different pressures and different flowing quantities to inflate different air facilities.
US08079823B2
A fan blade comprises an airfoil having an upper surface with region that has a generally elliptical curvature. In some examples, the lower surface has a convex region and a concave region. The curvature of the concave region corresponds with the generally elliptical curvature of the upper surface; while the curvature of the convex region is defined by a substantially constant radius. Some examples also include a trailing edge flap region, which may itself include a first flap portion and a second flap portion. When mounted to a rotating hub member fan, blades with elliptical curvatures may provide air movement at significant efficiencies.
US08079821B2
Turbine airfoil with dual wall formed from inner and outer layers separated by a compliant structure
A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine with a cooling system and a compliant dual wall configuration configured to enable thermal expansion between inner and outer layers while eliminating stress formation is disclosed. The compliant dual wall configuration may be formed a dual wall formed from inner and outer layers separated by a compliant structure. The compliant structure may be configured such that the outer layer may thermally expand without limitation by the inner layer. The compliant structure may be formed from a plurality of pedestals positioned generally parallel with each other. The pedestals may include a first foot attached to a first end of the pedestal and extending in a first direction aligned with the outer layer, and may include a second foot attached to a second end of the pedestal and extending in a second direction aligned with the inner layer.
US08079814B1
A turbine rotor blade with an airfoil cooling circuit and a platform cooling circuit formed integral with each other such that only one cooling flow is used. The airfoil cooling circuit includes a 5-pass aft flowing serpentine circuit with a first leg located adjacent to the leading edge region. The platform includes a mid section platform cooling circuit and an aft section platform cooling circuit. Cooling air from the second leg flows into the mid section platform cooling circuit and then into the third leg, turns at the blade tip and flows from the fourth leg into the aft section platform cooling circuit, and then into the fifth leg and up toward the blade tip. Cooling air from the fifth leg is bled off through rows of multiple impingement holes in the trailing edge and then discharged through exit holes or slots formed along the trailing edge.
US08079810B2
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having at least one divergent film cooling hole positioned in an outer wall defining the turbine airfoil is disclosed. The divergent film cooling hole includes a first section extending from an inner surface of the outer wall into the outer wall and a second section extending the first section and terminating at an outer surface of the outer wall. The divergent film cooling hole may provide a metering capability together with a divergent section that provides a larger film cooling hole breakout and footprint, which creates better film coverage and yields better cooling of the turbine airfoil. The divergent film cooling hole may provide a smooth transition, which allows the film cooling flow to diffuse better in the second section of the divergent film cooling hole.
US08079807B2
A turbine shroud apparatus is provided for a gas turbine engine having a central axis. The apparatus includes: (a) an annular support member; (b) a turbine shroud disposed in the support member, the shroud being a continuous ring comprising a low-ductility material and having opposed flowpath and back surfaces, and opposed forward and aft ends; and (c) a spring mounted between the support member and the shroud and arranged to resiliently urge the shroud to a concentric position within the structural member.
US08079804B2
A gas turbine case is provided including an outer case surface, and a channel portion formed as a recessed area extending radially inwardly into the outer case surface. The channel portion extends about a circumference of the case. An outer flow jacket is attached to the outer case surface and extends over the channel portion to define an enclosed cooling passage along the outer case surface. At least one inlet passage and at least one outlet passage are provided in fluid communication with the enclosed cooling passage to convey air to and from the cooling passage.
US08079803B2
The present invention includes an introducing passage that is provided within a turbine stationary blade fixed within a turbine casing and that communicates an interior of the turbine casing with an exterior thereof; a nozzle that is provided in an inner circumference of the turbine stationary blade in a manner that the nozzle communicates with the introducing passage and that includes an outlet facing the opening of the rotor cavity and a swirler at the outlet; and a pressurizing passage that communicates a cooling passage with a rotor cavity. In this arrangement, the outlet of the nozzle and the connecting opening of the pressurizing passage are arranged so that distances of the outlet and of the connecting opening from the central axis line in the radial direction of the rotor are the same distance r.
US08079797B2
A substrate processing system includes a control section configured to control a series of transfer operations and preset to control operation of a container transfer apparatus, operation at a substrate access area, and operation of a substrate handling apparatus independently of each other. The control section includes a schedule creating portion configured to create a transfer schedule by individually adjusting operation timing of the container transfer apparatus, operation timing at the substrate access area, and operation timing of the substrate handling apparatus such that, in a state while a first lot of substrates are treated in the processing system, but the container transfer apparatus and the substrate access area are unoccupied, a container with a second lot of unprocessed substrates stored therein is transferred onto the substrate access area, thereby minimizing total transfer time.
US08079795B2
A washer for tightening and loosening threaded connectors includes an outer body having a radially inner opening larger than a diameter of a bolt and a radially outer surface adapted to absorb a reaction force of the bolt; and optionally a radially inner segment, and a spacer locatable between the radially inner segment and the nut, so that when only the radially outer body is interposed between the nut and the object for regular applications the washer functions as a reaction washer, when the radially outer body and the radially inner segment are interposed together between the nut and the object for applications when even and accurate bolt elongation is necessary the washer functions as a tension washer, and when the radially outer body, the radially inner segment, and the spacer are interposed between the nut and the object for applications when a precise bolt elongation is needed and a bolt elongation must be controlled the washer functions as a high precision washer.
US08079791B2
A bulk bag transport apparatus employs a receptacle that is divided into a plurality of bulk bag holding sectors. The receptacle provides a base that is constructed of a plurality of beams such as eye beams including peripheral beams and transverse beams. Each side wall is reinforced with a plurality of inclined beams that preferably join to the transverse bottom beams, one inclined beam attaching to a transverse bottom beam. A plurality of other beams are attached to the upper edge of the receptacle and each inclined beam is structurally joined to a peripheral beam. Lifting eyes are provided along each side of the receptacle, each lifting eye performs an acute angle with an inclined beam and is preferably mounted to an inclined beam. A lifting harness includes slings that can be connected to the lifting eyes. Each side wall has an horizontal flange or a member that enables one of the receptacles to be stacked upon the other of the receptacles wherein the upper peripheral beam of one receptacle engages and supports the horizontal flange or member of another receptacle.
US08079777B2
A reflector apparatus including a mobile trailer and a heat reflector attached thereto such that terminal edges of wings of the reflector are disposed proximate to the surface of the heated asphalt and define a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane formed by the surface of the heated asphalt. A kit includes a heat reflector and a mechanism or device for removably attaching the heat reflector to a mobile trailer.
US08079774B2
A coupling system for a traffic barricade has at least first and second traffic barrier segments adapted to be coupled in abutting alignment. First and second connectors are movable from a retracted position in upper and lower bolt retraction cavities in the first barrier segment to a second coupled position wherein ends of each of the connectors pass through connecting rod shafts in the second barrier segment and secure abutment of the first and second traffic barrier segments. Hand holes are provided in each segment to enable assemblers to move the connectors from the first to the second position.
US08079772B1
An adjustable height seat post for bicycles that comprises an inner tube slidably contained within an outer tube which supports a bicycle seat. The outer tube clamps into a bicycle frame and contains a spring which acts to force the inner tube upward. The inner tube is allowed longitudinal movement within the fixed outer tube via a locking mechanism that forces ball bearings into pockets or channels on the inner tube. The locking mechanism can be remotely activated with a handlebar mounted lever or manually with a seat post mounted lever.
US08079770B2
A fluid delivery system for a cleaning tool. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system includes a reservoir, a first conduit and a second conduit coupled to the reservoir and adapted to selectively dispense fluid from the reservoir, wherein an end of the second conduit is moveable relative to the first conduit to dispense fluid in a plurality of directions. In another embodiment, the fluid delivery system includes a reservoir adapted to contain at least one fluid, a first conduit coupled to the reservoir adapted to selectively dispense fluid from the reservoir, and a second conduit coupled to the reservoir adapted to selectively dispense fluid from the reservoir independent of the first conduit. In another embodiment, the fluid delivery system has a reservoir with a first and second outlet wherein the second outlet selectively dispenses fluid from the reservoir independent of the first outlet.
US08079768B1
An apparatus for delivering paint to a paint roller directly from a paint can with a compartment for holding a paint brush which comprises a housing. A mechanism is for securing the housing to an exterior surface of a cylindrical side wall of the paint can. A roller wiper component is also provided. Another mechanism is for mounting the roller wiper component on the housing to extend over the paint can. After a roller cover of the paint roller is charged with paint contained in the paint can, excessive paint on the roller cover of the paint roller will be removed therefrom by the roller wiper component to safely drip back into the paint can.
US08079763B2
Optical assembly of a hollow core fibre gas cell spliced to fibre ends and methods of its production
An optical assembly includes a gas cell and an optical fiber portion in which the gas cell is contiguously attached to the optical fiber portion. The gas cell can be made, for example from hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF).
US08079762B2
Crankshaft bearing cap presenting on one of its faces a semi-cylindrical notch, formed by powder metallurgy with an iron powder blend molded by compaction and sintering, and partially infiltrated with Cu, being the area adjacent to the area around the notch, the one with highest Cu content. A method for manufacturing main bearing caps by infiltration of Cu including the steps of placing the molded cap so that the axis of the semi-cylindrical notch extends in a horizontal direction and the notch cavity is in the upwards position. Placing high Cu content tablets on the upper face of the cap and on the cylindrical arch and sintering of the cap and Cu tablets system.
US08079748B2
A liquid agitating device includes a sound wave generator that generates a sound wave; and a transmitting portion that transmits the sound wave generated by the sound wave generator, at least a portion of the transmitting portion being in contact with a liquid, and the transmitting portion emitting the sound wave towards the liquid at the portion in contact with the liquid. The sound wave emitted toward the liquid generates a local flow within the liquid and agitates the liquid.
US08079746B2
A method, a system and an apparatus for removing cement residue located within a concrete discharge chute and controlling the collection of debris and wash water, in a concrete mixing truck. The concrete discharge chute comprises a main chute and an end chute connected to the main chute via a hinged connection. In addition, a barrier plate having a rubber seal is connected to the end chute. When concrete discharge is completed, the barrier plate automatically prevents the discharge of debris by closing off the discharge chute when the end chute is raised into an upright and secured position. The barrier plate also has an optimally placed opening to control material flow along the main chute. The opening is fitted with a valve which may be connected to a drain hose to collect wash water into a collection tank securely positioned on the concrete truck.
US08079735B1
A light emitting diode (LED) illumination device provides an arrangement of LEDs spaced from the base of the device. The LEDs are spaced in a staggered vertical arrangement. The configuration of LEDs manages heat such that brightness and lifespan are maximized. In addition, the arrangement of LEDs broadens the project area of the device.
US08079730B2
An array of light-emitting diodes in LED chips, which can be turned on and off individually or in groups by means of a circuit, is provided with a device for homogenizing a light beam emitted by the turned-on LED chips. This device can be a conversion plate, a potting compound comprising a converter material or scattering particles, or a device for beam shaping comprising a plurality of micro-optics. The light source is particularly suited for headlights, for example in AFS applications.
US08079729B2
A lighting device comprising one or more solid state light emitters which emit near ultraviolet light or ultraviolet light, one or more other emitters which emit light in the range of 480 nm to about 490 nm and one or more other emitters which emit light in the range of 580 nm to about 590 nm, to make a mixture which in the absence of any other light would have a combined illumination which is within twenty MacAdam ellipses of at least one point on the blackbody locus on a 1931 CIE Chromaticity Diagram. One or more of the other emitters is a lumiphor. One or more of the other emitters can be a solid state light emitter. Also, packaged solid state light emitters and methods of lighting.
US08079718B1
A projector has a transmissive spatial light modulator backlit by a collimated illuminator that includes a light source that outputs red, green, blue (RGB) light, and a combiner disposed in light-receiving relation to the light source for mixing or combining the RGB light. The combiner has cavity features associated therewith for outputting collimated light, where such light preferably has a divergent cone angle less than plus or minus fifteen degrees (+/−15°).
US08079715B2
An apparatus and method to display an image are provided. The apparatus includes a reflective surface including an image disposed upon at least a portion of the reflective surface, an agitable and semi-transparent medium positioned over at least a portion of the reflective surface, a light source positioned to project light on the reflective surface through the medium, and a second surface positioned to capture light reflected from the reflective surface through the medium for displaying the image. The method of displaying the image includes disposing at least a portion of a reflective surface including an image beneath an agitable and semi-transparent medium, wherein the image is disposed upon at least a portion of the reflective surface, and providing light to the reflective surface such that a second surface captures light reflected from the reflective surface through the medium for displaying the image.
US08079703B2
The invention provides a silicone hydrogel contact lens including a hydrolyzable units. The hydrolyzable units can be converted by hydrolysis into a hydrophilic units which is capable of imparting the silicone hydrogel contact lens a hydrophilic surface without post-curing surface treatment. The invention also provides an actinically crosslinkable prepolymer including hydrolyzable units and use of the prepolymer of the invention. In addition, the invention provides a method for making wettable silicone hydrogel contact lens without posterior surface treatments other than hydrolysis.
US08079696B2
A particulate composition of solid phase change ink includes sub-granular size pastilles composed of at least a salt, an ink vehicle compound, a viscosity modifying amide compound and a colorant, and each sub-granular size pastille of the particulate composition is at most the size of very coarse sand, and has a diameter of at most 2 mm on the Wentworth-Udden particle-sizing scale for increasing a melting rate thereof at a melting temperature of the solid phase change ink.
US08079693B2
Ink is supplied to a supply tank from a second buffer tank, and ink is pressure-fed from the supply tank to a head. Further, ink is supplied from the second buffer tank to a recovery tank, and ink is pressure-fed from the recovery tank to the head. In both pressure-feedings, ink containing air bubbles within the head is recovered at a first buffer tank. The ink, that contains the air bubbles and is recovered at the first buffer tank, is sent to the second buffer tank via an ink flow path. A degassing section is provided on the ink flow path, and a degassing process is carried out while ink is being fed.
US08079684B2
Provided is an ink storage module for a pagewidth printer cartridge. The module includes upper and lower plate members that are displaceable towards and away from each other. An ink bag is located between the plate members to define an ink volume. A bag constrictor assembly is engaged with said plate members, and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A biasing mechanism is engaged with the plate members to bias the plate members away from each other such that a negative pressure is maintained in the ink volume. A lid is engaged with the plate members and bag constrictor assembly. The lid has at least one port in fluid communication with the bag, to deliver ink to a printhead or to facilitate refilling said bag with ink.
US08079681B2
A fluid container holder has an attachment position to which a fluid container can be attached and detached with movement of the fluid container. The fluid container has a cantilevered fluid supply member bringing a holder flow hole into contact with a container flow hole to enable the fluid to flow when the fluid container is attached to the attachment position. The fluid supply member has a free end that can be elastically deformed about a fixed end where the holder flow hole is disposed. A fluid flow channel connecting the holder flow hole to a fluid source is disposed from the free end to the fixed end. The free end is elastically deformed about the fixed end when the fluid container moves to apply a pressing force to the free end in a state where the container flow hole is in contact with the holder flow hole.
US08079666B2
A printhead is provided having a support frame, a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits having printing fluid ejection nozzles, and a one-piece printing fluid distribution member commonly supporting the plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, the distribution member being removably engaged with the support frame.
US08079661B2
Provided is a print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge. The cradle assembly includes a docking bay molding and a media feed drive assembly positioned on the docking bay molding and configured to feed media through the assembly. The cradle assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer controller for controlling the media feed drive assembly and operation of the cartridge, as well as a heatshield mounted to the PCB for shielding the printer controller from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and user contact with the PCB.
US08079658B2
A print density adjusting device of print image information includes a print image information acquirer configured to acquire the print image information. A forming information acquirer is configured to acquire forming information of a medium on which an inkjet printer prints and which is to be bent. A vertex detector is configured to detect a vertex of a bent part which is to be bent based on the forming information. A bending angle detector is configured to detect a bending angle of the bent part based on the forming information. A print density adjuster is configured to adjust a print density of the print image information acquired by the print image information acquirer based on the vertex detected by the vertex detector and based on the bending angle detected by the bending angle detector.
US08079651B2
An extension and retraction arrangement with a control system for adjusting a monitor from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The control system controls an extension and retraction of a trolley structure and a retained monitor and an opening and closing of a door through which the monitor can be extended. The control system has an operation mode with an UP sequence and a DOWN sequence. Sensors can sense open and closed positions of the door and raised and extended and retracted positions of the trolley and the monitor. The control system can automatically react to monitor positioning issues, losses in power, and obstructions to the travel of the door and the trolley structure.
US08079640B2
The present invention provides a seat cover for a vehicle which is configured such that when a side airbag is initially deployed, an airbag can be smoothly guided in a lateral direction. The seat cover includes a front sheet, a rear sheet and a side sheet. A reinforcing fabric is provided on an inner surface of the front sheet. The side sheet is sewn at a first edge thereof to the front sheet and sewn at a second edge thereof to the rear sheet. A reinforcing liner is adhered or welded to an inner surface of the side sheet. The reinforcing fabric is less extensible or stretchable than the reinforcing liner.
US08079637B2
An external grid device for an automotive vehicle, including a flexible plastic sieve, and a meshing that is thinner than that of the grid, provided along an internal face of the grid.
US08079629B2
A rain guard assembly for providing shelter to an occupant entering or exiting a vehicle is described. Generally, the retractable rain guard assembly may comprise a housing integrally mounted within a roof of an automobile, a covering retractably held within the housing and having one or more engagement portions positioned along a free end of the covering, and one or more securement members positioned along a door of the automobile and aligned in a manner corresponding to positions of the one or more engagement portions. The one or more securement members are actuatable to engage to corresponding engagement portions such that opening of the door relative to the roof extends the covering therebetween. The covering may be engaged remotely, such as by a key fob, or automatically by a water detection sensor on the automobile.
US08079625B2
A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper including a body having first and second diverging guide channels for receiving respective zipper tracks for sliding movement along the diverging guide channels and for progressively interconnecting the tracks at a predetermined mutually oriented angle of closure, a connector carried by the body for connecting the body to the zipper slider, and a pull for permitting manual pulling movement of the body.
US08079621B2
A tube fitting assembly is provided for a gas burner. The assembly includes a pre-deformed tube connector having first and second ends. At least one of the ends is provided an annular sealing bead formed by compressing and cold working at least two intermediate annular beads together. A first coupling member is provided defining a cavity and having a shaped seating surface adapted to sealingly engage a cooperating surface of the annular sealing bead. A second coupling member is provided rotatably and slidably disposed on the pre-deformed tube connector and is adapted to mate with the first coupling member.
US08079614B1
The present invention provides for a secondary locking assembly for a towmotor when the towmotor is connected to a dolly. The towmotor includes a first lever pivotally connected to a rear panel of the towmotor. The lever is connected to the rear panel of the towmotor by means of a first pivot point. A sleeve having a second extended lever covers a portion of the first lever. The sleeve abuts the first pivot point of the first lever. The sleeve is pivotally connected about a second pivot point located on the first lever. By clamping the first lever and the second lever together, the sleeve moves from the locked position abutting the first pivot point to an unlocked position wherein the first lever as a whole may be pivotally raised to an unlocked position. The locking assembly further includes an elongated rod extending between the first lever and a hitch pin. The elongated rod forces the hitch pin into place and also operates to remove the hitch pin from the locked position when the first lever is moved to the unlocked position.
US08079606B2
A castor wheel assembly on the underside of a shopping trolley comprises a wheel mounted to a wheel mount and rotatable about its rotational axis. A locking device including an engagement element and an actuator element is operatively coupled to the wheel mount for releasably engaging a locking element of the wheel mount to restrict swivelling of the wheel about a swivel axis of the wheel mount. The wheel is freely rotatable about the swivel axis when reversely rotated. Reverse rotation of the wheel urges the actuator element into pressing engagement with the wheel, driving the coupling portion of the engagement element away from the periphery of the wheel for disengagement of the engagement element from the locking element. Engagement of the engagement element and the locking element is only effected when the wheel is forwardly rotated to reduce the pressing engagement.
US08079604B2
A skateboard is disclosed that includes a rear wheel system and a front wheel system. The rear wheel system includes a pair of rear wheels that are mounted on a rear axle that is coupled to a rear truck that is attached to an underside of a rear portion of a board. The rear wheel system permits each of the pair of rear wheels to alternately move toward a front portion of the board responsive to a force alternately urging each of the pair of rear wheels toward the underside of the board. The front wheel system includes a pair of front wheels that are mounted on a front axle that is rotatably attached to a mid-truck such that the front axle is movable about a first axis of rotation. The mid-truck is rotatably attached to an attachment base that is secured to an underside of the front portion of the board such that the mid-truck is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The movement of the front axle about the first axis and the rotation of the mid-truck about the second axis provides that each of the pair of front wheels maintains substantially equal force against the ground during turning even when the rear truck is stationary with respect to the ground.
US08079600B2
A sealing structure in which sealing is made by a seal ring installed in a dovetail groove where only an inner surface on one side of the groove is an inclined surface. In the sealing structure, the seal ring is less likely to come out of the dovetail groove, resistance of insertion of the seal ring into the dovetail is small, and particles are less likely to occur in the structure. The seal ring is formed of a rubber-like elastic material and is installed in the dovetail groove where the first inner surface on one side of the groove is inclined falling to the inside of the groove.
US08079588B2
A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device. The detachment mechanism is operative to release the mailpieces from the respective escort assembly and move the escort assemblies through the slot of the containment device.
US08079587B2
A sheet braking mechanism for a sheet punching and/or embossing machine for the braking a sheet in a processing station of the sheet punching and/or embossing machine, includes a movable pneumatic sheet brake and a movable carrier, on which at least one brake brush is mounted. The pneumatic sheet brake and the carrier are mechanically coupled, for example, by a driving element, so that a movement of the pneumatic sheet brake causes a movement of the carrier.
US08079584B2
An improved document feeder flag assembly is disclosed. The improved document feeder flag assembly allows single handed, on the fly loading of a document sorter. A method for loading a document sorting machine with a single hand, while the method of operating the machine is also disclosed. The document feeder flag assembly includes a baseplate and a pivot post attached to the baseplate. Further, the assembly includes a flag arm having a first side and a second side, the first side of the flag arm is attached to the pivot post. There is also a feeder flag having a first side and a second side, the first side of the feeder flag being attached to a second side of the flag arm. The document feeder flag assembly also includes a resistance device attached between the feeder flag and the flag arm.
US08079583B2
As set forth herein, a finisher module within an automated print system is described. A compiler delivery system receives and organizes one or more sheets in a predetermined configuration for delivery. A compiling belt system receives the one or more sheets from the compiler deliver system, locates the one or more sheets and transports the sheets concurrent to one or more finishing processes. A side tamper system moves alongside the compiling belt system to side tamp and register sheets in the cross process direction. A stapler/stitcher assembly moves alongside the compiling belt system to perform at least one of a stapling and a stitching operation as the one or more sheets are transported.
US08079582B2
A method for arranging pages of a print product on fold sheets that are subsequently combined into an imposition scheme on print sheets and for representing the production process and the product it produces is disclosed. The print sheets are initially imprinted with the pages and then cut into the fold sheets. The fold sheets are folded and cut and collated into the print products. To make the determination of the imposition schemes more flexible, the pages are initially assigned to partitions of the print products. Pages of a print product that are included in a partition are either not separated from each other, or are only separated from each other by a last cut of the print product. The partitions are disposed on the fold sheets wherein the partitions are hierarchically subordinated to product components and superordinated to the pages, so that pages of a print product that are included in the partitions are either not separated from one another, or are only separated from one another by a last cut of the print product during the production process.
US08079581B2
An anti-slip device provided with a supporting plate of metal or resin having an attachment portion on a reverse face for other members, and a rubber elastic body unitedly mounted on the supporting plate. Plural connection holes are formed from an obverse face to the reverse face of the supporting plate. Further, the rubber elastic body is composed of a receiving piece portion covering approximately whole of the obverse face and a falling-prevention portion from the reverse face to connect the receiving piece portion through a peripheral portion and the connection hole.
US08079580B2
A holding device for a rim of a vehicle wheel having a base plate which has a central recess for being pushed onto the shaft of a balancing machine, having a plurality of rotatably mounted holding elements and having at least one coupling element which is arranged coaxially with respect to the central recess and is mounted rotatably on the base plate, the holding elements and the coupling element having an interacting coupling for the positive coupling of the rotational movement of the holding elements. There is provision, in addition to the coupling which bring about the positive connection, for the holding elements and the coupling element to have a further coupling mechanism for the frictional coupling of the rotational movement of the holding elements, and for at least one fixing device to be provided for fixing the holding elements, if required.
US08079576B2
An insulator for a bushing may include a plurality of insulator bodies, a center hole formed to each insulator body for coupling the insulator bodies of the bushing to a bushing bracket, and operation slot being formed on each insulator body, wherein the insulator bodies are separately and relatively-rotatably coupled each other.
US08079575B2
A twist locking connector for a steam humidifier. The steam humidifier includes a tank for heating water to generate steam and a steam tube receiver structure in fluid communication with the tank. The steam tube receiver structure has an opening configured to receive a steam tube, where the opening has a plurality of ramp structures about the opening on a side facing the tank. The steam humidifier also includes a steam tube for transmitting steam from the tank to a duct, the steam tube having a plurality of locking tabs adjacent to an end and a flange adjacent to, but separated by a distance from, the locking tabs. The steam tube is assembled to the steam tube receiver by inserting the steam tube through the opening in the steam tube receiver structure and rotating the steam tube to cause the locking tabs to engage with the ramp structures.
US08079565B2
A portable device accessory is used to hold, grip or manipulate a portable device such as and not limited to mobile phones, MP3 players, portable entertainment/computing devices, and/or gaming devices. The accessory possesses two suctions cups connected by a neck and having an aperture for receiving a jack on earphone. Certain embodiments of the accessory will have tabs, ridges, groove and/or a space to receive earphones. The accessory permits a jack of earphones to be threaded through an aperture and the cord of the earphones to be wrapped around the accessory. The suction cups may be inverted to conceal the cord wrapped around a neck of the accessory and tabs may be used to hold inverted suction cups together.
US08079556B2
A mounting platform for a lighting fixture comprising a substantially flat plate and an integral cutting guide. The integral cutting guide includes an aperture formed through the substantially flat plate and a flange formed around a perimeter of the aperture. The flange and the substantially flat plate intersect in a curve. The flange can form an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom surface. The mounting platform can also include elongated slots for securing the mounting platform to a ceiling support member. The elongated slots are of a sufficient length to allow the mounting platform to be secured to the ceiling support member to allow placement of the integral cutting guide between a first ceiling support member and a second ceiling support member. The span between the first and second ceiling support members can be in the range of approximately 16 to 24 inches.
US08079546B2
A samara wing including a main wing with a leading edge and a trailing edge. An aileron has a leading edge and a trailing edge and is pivotally attached proximate the trailing edge of the main wing and separated therefrom by a gap. The aileron is rotatable between the first position where the trailing edge of the aileron is facing forward in a plummet mode of operation and a second position where the trailing edge of the aileron is facing rearward typically for an autorotation mode of operation.
US08079537B2
Active protection system for a paper shredder, which includes an upper cover and a shedder plate on the upper cover. The paper shredder plate includes a touch structure, which engagingly interacts with a preferential power supply switch. When closed, the shredder plate prevents contact with the shredding blade. When opened, the shredder plate both initiates shredder normal operation, and prevents feeding of unexpected items into the shredder making accidental contact with the shredding blade. When an unexpected item contacts the safety structure, beneath the paper shredder plate, the protection system switches off the shredder power supply.
US08079535B2
The invention relates to a method for the comminuting of natural or synthetic mineral products having a size of 10 nm to 30 mm, which are obtained from the upstream process in pre-comminuted form for example in a roller mill for inter-particle comminution, wherein these solids are further comminuted in a working process initially dry then wetted with liquid and in this liquid are comminuted so as to obtain a suspension that can be pumped, which suspension is subsequently ground to the desired final fineness by means of agitating mills.
US08079523B2
The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and image documents. The bar code reader includes a housing including a vertical and a horizontal transparent window H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have image capture sensor arrays positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of an object within a camera field of view. Two specific cameras can capture the front and back images from a document such as a check 100 placed on the horizontal transparent window.
US08079520B2
The present invention provides a method for reducing RF interference inside a dual-interface card reader and a dual-interface card reader, which relate to dual-interface card reader field. The method includes: adjusting RF power by the dual-interface card reader to reach a specified maximum value; determining the type of an IC card which is operating currently by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contactless IC card, responding to the contactless card and not responding to any contact IC card before the operation of the contactless IC card is completed by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contact IC card, adjusting the RF power so as to make the RF power to be lower and responding to the contact IC card by the dual-interface card reader, and if a contactless IC is operating before the operation of the contact IC card is completed, responding to the contactless IC card simultaneously by the dual-interface card reader. The dual-interface card reader includes: a determining module, a control module, a contact card communication module, a contactless card communication module and a data transferring module. The invention provides a solution for reducing RF interference inside a dual-interface card reader, which is implemented easily and conveniently. The identification effect of the dual-interface card reader is improved.
US08079513B2
Customized transactional cards are created in one of various ways. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card already having an encoded account number, create a customized design, and then apply the customized design to the blank transaction card such as by printing the design onto a label to be applied to the blank transactional card or directly onto the card. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card which has not yet been authorized with an account number, create a customized design, apply the customized design to the transactional card, and at some point send the transactional card to the card issuer where it can be authorized by having an account number applied to it and then returned to the card holder. The card holder may access a web site to create a customized design and then the card issuer creates the transactional card according to the customized design and sends the transactional card having an encoded account number to the card holder.
US08079503B1
A coupling member for removably attaching an accessory to a carrier, wherein the coupling member includes an elongate portion of material having a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion. At least one hook is formed from a portion of the first end portion, wherein the hook formed from the first end portion allows the first end portion of the coupling member to be removably secured to an accessory webbing or a carrier webbing when the coupling member has been interwoven between aligned carrier tunnel segments and accessory tunnel segments of an accessory and carrier. The coupling member may optionally include a hook formed from a portion of the second end portion.
US08079498B2
A sleeve (10) for a material container (14), the sleeve being adapted to receive a material container (14) therein, the sleeve also being adapted to be received in an opening of a corresponding material ejection device chassis (12) operable to control ejection of material from the material container (14), wherein the sleeve (10) includes a magnet (42) operable to activate an electromagnetic switch of the material ejection device chassis (12).
US08079495B2
A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids.
US08079491B2
A crate system for transport of items. The system includes a set of U shaped tubes that are mounted in an upright position on beams. A second set of U shaped tubes are also mounted in an upright position on beams. Each assembled set are then mounted on top of one another to form a crate system. The crate system can safely secure and even stack heavy items on top of one another. These crate systems can then be disassembled for packing and shipping back to the original shipper.
US08079480B2
The Invention relates to a drawn polymer film, comprising (A) a polymer or polymer blend and at least (B) one additional component with an average particle diameter of between 0.1 and 15 μm, which by means of (C) one or several secondary treatment steps is processed to form a membrane after being drawn. The average particle diameter of component (B) ranges between 0.1 and 15 μm, preferably 0.5-8.0 μm, with the range between 1.0 and 7.0 μm being particularly preferred. The membranes are used for alkene-alkane separation, electrodialysis, the desalinisation of seawater, in fuel cell applications and other membrane applications.
US08079477B2
An elastic wafer-retaining cushion sheet is disposed at a wafer retaining position on the top of a wafer tray. The wafer-retaining cushion sheet has a releasably suction-adhering surface that releasably adheres by suction to the wafer tray. Consequently, there is no likelihood of the semiconductor wafer being damaged during transport or the like. In addition, the wafer-retaining cushion sheet can be readily attached to and detached from the wafer tray for washing or replacement according to need.
US08079470B2
A themolaminating film for receiving a blister portion in the construction of a reusable package is described. A base blister portion configured to receive some form of media or material is molded from a formable heat sealable polymer such as PETG. A film consisting of a first layer of an amorphous polyester such as APET for heat sealing to the PETG, a second layer of a polyester such as PET, and an adhesive layer is used to laminate a graphical paper based cover thereby allowing the laminated cover to be heat sealed to the blister portion. In a preferred embodiment, the PET and APET are preferably coextruded.
US08079468B2
In order to improve a surgical screw container comprising a receiving part and a closure part mounted thereon so as to be movable, wherein the receiving part has at least two screw receptacles for accommodating at least two bone screws, wherein the closure part can be brought relative to the receiving part into at least one closure position, in which none of the screw receptacles is accessible for the introduction or removal of a bone screw, such that any loss of screws from the screw container can be practically ruled out it is suggested that the closure part can be brought from the at least one closure position into at least two removal positions, in each of which only a single screw receptacle is accessible for the introduction or removal of a single bone screw.
US08079467B2
A media storage container has a latch that is movable between latched, unlatched, and storage positions. The latch is disposed at the indented portion of the front wall of the container. A latch retaining device releasably secures the latch in the storage position. A portion of the latch retaining device is disposed inwardly of the front wall of the container.
US08079465B2
A package for the safe storage and transportation of munitions comprising at least one insert provided with a recess to receive each munition separately such that in use the munitions are separated by the insert material and one or more labyrinthine paths exist between the munitions. The moulds may be made of blast mitigating material for the effective dissipation of energy on unintentional detonation of a munition.
US08079463B2
A conveying device (100) according to the invention includes several conveying bodies (102), which roll on a guidance (101) via several rolls (3), wherein the rolls (3) are connected and mutually distanced by means of a flexible connecting body (9) The conveying bodies (102) include means (103; 104, 105) for mutual support, which prevent a movement of the conveying bodies (102) out of the guidance (101). A connecting body (9) and allocated rolls (3) form a roll body (2), wherein the roll body (2), on average, includes two or less than two rolls (3) per conveying body (102). A roll body (2) for a conveying device (100) includes a plurality of rolls (3) mutually connected in a linear manner, wherein the rolls (3) are mutually connected and distanced by means of a flexible and in particular also elastic connecting body (9). In a preferred embodiment, the connecting body (9) may be bent in at least two directions.
US08079457B2
A device for supplying boards to crosscut saws has a feeding device and a transverse transport unit arranged downstream of the feeding device. Several loading planes are arranged downstream of the transverse transport unit and positioned at different levels. The boards are supplied on the loading planes to a crosscut saw, respectively. The transverse transport unit is adjustable relative to the loading planes about an axis that is transverse to a transport direction of the boards on the transverse transport unit. A stop is adjustably arranged in the transport path of the boards on the transverse transport unit, wherein the stop, without sensing the boards, is adjustable exclusively by a control unit of the device. When the transverse transport unit is being adjusted into a new position relative to the loading planes, the stop prevents further transport of the boards to the loading planes, respectively.
US08079455B2
An escalator or moving walkway having a frame, to which rails for chain rollers and rails for idling rollers are fixedly mounted, in particular with the aid of side panels, the escalator or moving walkway further comprising a turn-around area for the chains thereof that comprises a tensioning station for the chains. The tensioning station is guided and mounted on a side part that is fixedly mounted to the frame independently of the support structure.
US08079452B2
A carrying case includes a first compartment and a second compartment coupled to each other at attached ends by a hinge and detachably coupled to each other at free ends by at least one fastener. The at least one fastener includes a clip coupled to the first compartment and a cord coupled to the second compartment. The clip is configured to receive the cord to secure the free ends of the first compartment and the second compartment together.
US08079440B2
A technique or mechanism for use with a vibrator to be employed for subterranean surveying includes receiving, from a sensor, a unipolar indication of movement of an actuator mass of the vibrator. According to the indication from the sensor, a correlation is determined between the movement of the actuator mass and a reference signal provided to cause movement of the actuator mass.
US08079439B2
The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering initiator, a steering unit with feedback properties, which can be activated by the steering initiator, the steering unit having a supply connection arrangement with a pressure connection (P) and a tank connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (L, R), an auxiliary-force operated steering valve, which is located in parallel with the steering unit between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (L, R), and a feedback suppressing device, which is active, when the steering valve is active. It is endeavored to find a simple manner of ensuring the priority of the steering initiator over the steering valve. For this purpose, the steering initiator interacts with an activation sensor, which deactivates the feedback suppressing device on an activation of the steering initiator.
