US08179864B2
The present invention is directed to a method of controlling a communications link and apparatus configured to perform this method. This invention is particularly related to but in no way limited to MIMO (multiple inputs multiple outputs) wireless communications systems. The method comprises the steps of determining at the receiver the quality of the communications link and based on this, selecting a group of transmission parameters and an element from this group. These selections are then communicated to the transmitter. The transmission parameter may be the transmission configuration such as the modulation and coding scheme. The invention minimizes the required feedback signalling from the receiver to the transmitter by exploiting temporal correlation of the parameter being controlled, while allowing rapid selection of the parameter.
US08179862B2
A method for preventing co-channel operation with a radar system includes the steps of setting a state of a first communication channel to active, connecting to a first wireless access point on the first communication channel, passively scanning at least a second communication channel for communication from a second wireless access point, setting a state of the second channel to active if frames are received on the second channel, determining whether an elapsed time since frames were received on at least one of the first channel and the second channel has exceed a predefined value, and in response to the predefined value being exceeded for at least one of the first channel and the second channel, setting the state of a corresponding one of the first channel and the second channel to passive.
US08179859B2
A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system having a host computer, a plurality of peer EIR terminals, and a plurality of interconnected networks including one or more wireless networks, can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an encoded information reading (EIR) device configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message or decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message, and at least one wireless communication interface. The EIR terminal can provide IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services, including association, disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association, to the peer EIR terminals. The EIR terminal can be associated with a home network and have a home address belonging to the address range associated with the home network. The EIR terminal can participate in one or more communication sessions and exchange messages, at least one of which can include decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message, with the host computer. The EIR terminal can maintain active communication sessions using its home address when roaming between the interconnected networks.
US08179857B2
A method of transmitting a scheduling request which is used to request a radio resource for uplink transmission includes configuring an uplink control channel for transmission of a scheduling request in a subframe, the subframe comprising two consecutive slots, a slot comprising a plurality of single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols, the scheduling request being carried by presence or absence of transmission of the uplink control channel, and transmitting the scheduling request on the uplink control channel.
US08179854B2
A method is provided of allocating a location area identifier to a cellular base station for wireless communications. The method comprises the following steps. Information is received of geographic location of a base station. For each of a plurality of location areas, each having a location area center, a function is calculated that is dependent upon distance of the base station from location area centers. The location area giving the lowest function value is selected as the location area for the base station.
US08179837B2
Aspects of the disclosure can provide an ad-hoc network having a clusterhead node and a plurality of nodes associated with the clusterhead, at least one of the plurality of nodes is a remote node and at least one is an intermediate node, the remote node can indirectly communicate with the clusterhead through the intermediate node. The remote node can also transmit network state information at a higher rate, but in lesser amounts, than the intermediate node.
US08179836B2
A method and apparatus for controlling transmissions of data via an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) are disclosed. A list of available transport format combinations (TFCs) is generated based on a plurality of dedicated channel medium access control (MAC-d) flows. An enhanced uplink medium access control (MAC-e) protocol data unit (PDU) is generated using a TFC which is selected from the list of available TFCs. The MAC-e PDU is forwarded to a hybrid-automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) process unit for transmission. The list of available TFCs is continuously updated by eliminating and recovering TFCs based on remaining E-DCH power, an E-DCH transport format combination set (TFCS), a power offset of a highest priority MAC-d flow that has E-DCH data to transmit, and a gain factor for each TFC.
US08179833B2
A communication system includes a plurality of access terminals, and an access network. The access network schedules a transmission of data in a time interval from one of the access terminals. The access network selects a multiple access transmission mode from a plurality of multiple access transmission modes, and broadcasts the selected multiple access transmission mode to the access terminals. The selected mode may include a mode in which data is code-division-multiplexed during the time interval, and modes in which data is code-division-multiplexed during a first portion of the time interval, and data is either time-division-multiplexed or orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexed during a second portion of the time interval.
US08179826B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a base unit operable in part as a femtocell having a controller to detect a cellular phone, wirelessly establish communications with the cellular phone, establish communications with a cellular communication system by way of a broadband interface, and enable one or more landline phones communicatively couplable to the base unit to communicate with the cellular communication system responsive to establishing communications with the cellular phone. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08179808B2
Systems and methods for gathering troubleshooting information through one or more networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises a switch port configured to receive a frame that has information added by another switch. As the frame traverses the network, control logic in the switch adds additional information into the frame from the current switch.
US08179793B2
The invention relates to a new type of quality of service architecture for a network assembly and a corresponding computer network system. The Internet technology as approved by the IETF organization has defined different services. One is the integrated services (IntServ) and the other the differentiated services (DiffServ) architecture. Another is the RSVP Protocol according to which Quality of Service can be implemented with accuracy and richer functionality.The invention shows a way how less sophisticated QoS managers inside the network with only DiffServ or Intserv capability, can be used for enhancing the QoS functionality based on so-called RSVP shadowing messages, and easy to implement RSVP shadowing stacks.
US08179784B2
A method and apparatus for recovering a communications connection by storing a state variable that pertains to the status of a connection. When there is a need to restore the connection, the state variable is retrieved and used to restore the state of a protocol stack.
US08179777B2
An arithmetic process of a quadratic formula that is contained in an exponent of a CAZAC sequence-defining expression is converted to an arithmetic process of a recursion formula to find the above-described exponent, the above-described exponent that was found is used to generate a CAZAC sequence, and the above-described CAZAC sequence that was generated is taken as the reference signal for transmitting and receiving or as a random access preamble signal.
US08179776B2
Modulation section 201 performs modulation processing on transmission data. Mapping control section 202 controls mapping of the baseband signal onto the subcarriers so that the important information conventionally transmitted by one subcarrier is transmitted by two subcarriers and one of the two subcarriers should be the subcarrier with a carrier frequency signal of frequency 0 which was conventionally not used. IFFT section 203 performs IFFT processing on the modulated transmission data. Transmission section 204 performs transmission processing on the IFFT-processed transmission data and transmits the processed transmission data from antenna 205.
US08179774B2
Embodiments related to far-end cross-talk coefficient updating in vector transmission systems are depicted and described herein.
US08179768B2
An optical system for optical pickup, which optical system is used for performing recording, reproducing, and/or erasing of information on an optical recording medium and has a simple configuration, is provided. An optical pickup device 1 includes a collimator lens system 23, a beam expander 33, and an objective lens system 34 that includes an S-SIL element 27b. The beam expander 33 includes three lens elements 33a to 33c. By moving in an optical axis direction, the two lens elements 33a and 33b included in the beam expander 33 adjust a focal point of a spot formed within an optical recording medium 28, and compensate a spherical aberration caused by the difference in depth between recording layers.
US08179766B2
A recording device comprises a recording means (213, 214) for recording content data on a recordable recording medium (100) having a first recording layer (110) including a first data area (112) and a second recording layer (120) including a second data area (122), a first reading means (213, 214) for reading the address of the position corresponding to the maximum capacity of the first data area, a second reading means (221) for reading the address of the layer jump position of the content data, a calculating means for calculating the position at which the recording of the contents data is started such that the layer jump position of the content data is recorded at the position corresponding to the maximum capacity of the first data area, and a first controlling means (221); for controlling the recording means such that first padding data is recorded in an area from the start position of the first data area to the position at which the recording of the contents data is started.
US08179759B2
An information storage medium and a recording/reproducing apparatus and method, the information storage medium includes: an area for recording information regarding a predetermined function applied thereto, wherein the information regarding the predetermined function includes specific information in which set information regarding the predetermined function is set by a recording/reproducing apparatus that can recognize the predetermined function, and common information set by the recording/reproducing apparatus that can recognize the predetermined function based on corresponding information dependent upon the set information so that a recording/reproducing apparatus that cannot recognize the predetermined function can use the predetermined function. Accordingly, a recording/reproducing apparatus that cannot recognize a predetermined function can properly use a medium having the predetermined function.
US08179758B2
An optical disc includes tracking polarity information. The optical disc includes a clamping area, a lead-in area, a data area, and burst cutting area (BCA). The BCA is present between the clamping area and the lead-in area and in which information regarding the optical disc is recorded, and the information is read before performing tracking in the data area. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the tracking polarity information and/or reflectivity information without trial and error and directly record or reproduce user data in a data area of the optical disc
US08179756B2
An optical disc drive apparatus includes: a plurality of optical heads reading out data recorded on an optical disc; and a control section respectively controlling a readout operation and a seek operation for the data of the optical heads. The control section includes a first mode in which when reading out a data group for reproduction of images or audio which are recorded on the optical disc, a readout amount of the data group is allocated to each optical heads and the readout operations of the optical heads are respectively controlled, and a second mode in which when reading out the data group for reproduction of the images or audio which are recorded on the optical disc, the readout operations of the optical heads are respectively controlled so that each optical head reads out the data group. The control section can dynamically switch the first and second modes.
US08179755B2
Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.
US08179753B2
A position-error-signal calculation circuit (105) calculates a relative position error between a laser-focused-beam spot (103) and an information recording layer (102), and generates a focus error signal (106). A filter (108) amplifies and passes therethrough a signal component in the vicinity of the natural resonance frequency of at least one mode among the natural vibration modes of the optical disc medium (101). A drive amplifier receives through a stabilizing compensator (109) and a D/A converter (110) the focus error signal (106) passed by the filter (108), to drive an objective lens (113), thereby allowing the laser-focused-beam spot (103) to track the information recording layer (102).
US08179743B2
This invention concerns the field of passive sonar systems simultaneously processing several linear antennas. This invention includes a method to eliminate ghost sources for a passive sonar having at least two linear antennas A and B, the method including: An initial acquisition step during which the signal received is measured at different moments ti, and for each antenna, the Doppler frequency f of the signal received is determined, as well as the potential values of the azimuth θ of the source; A second step of determining the potential values of the source performed by use of the measured azimuth θ frequency f values; A third step of eliminating ambiguity and rejecting ghost sources during which it is determined, for which of the potential sources, the speed and frequency values will satisfy, for each moment ti, the measurement equations linking the frequency of the signal received to the frequency f0 emitted by the source, at the source speed and position. Embodiments of the invention concern harbor surveillance systems having several passive linear antennas laid on the seabed and located around the roadstead.
US08179737B2
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes an internal circuit configured to be driven by current flowing between first and second voltage nodes, and a current control unit configured to control an amount of the current in response to an operational-speed information signal.
US08179736B2
Antifuses and program circuits having the same. The antifuses are embodied as a transistor. When a first power supply voltage is applied to a source, a first program voltage for causing impact ionization is applied to a gate and drain, and a second program voltage for causing channel initiated secondary electron/channel initiated secondary hole (CHISEL/CHISHL) is applied to a well, a dielectric material may be ruptured between the gate adjacent to the drain and the well so that an antifuse may be programmed.
US08179729B2
Provided are a memory circuit having a small circuit scale and a voltage detection circuit including the memory circuit. An NMOS transistor (21) is in an off state during loading and writing and is in an on state during reading. An NMOS transistor (22) is turned on when a high level input is received and turned off when a low level input is received. An NMOS transistor (23) is in the off state during loading and writing and is in the on state during reading. A PMOS transistor (26) is in the on state during loading and is in the off state during writing and reading. A PMOS transistor (27) is turned off when the high level input is received during loading, is turned on when the low level input is received during loading, and is in the on state during writing and reading.
US08179727B2
Multiple bits are programmed in a NAND flash memory device by programming a memory cell with an LSB; storing the LSB into a cache register from the memory cell; programming the memory cell with an MSB that is stored in a main register; storing a data bit into the main register from the memory cell during a first verifying operation; storing a data bit into the cache register from the memory cell during a second verifying operation; and transferring the data bit to the main register from the cache register.
US08179719B1
A memory system includes a state set module that provides a first state set having a plurality of states, each being assigned to represent a particular data sequence, and a second state set having a same number of states as the first state set, wherein an assignment of one or more particular data sequences among the states of the second state set is different relative to that set forth in the first state set. The memory system further includes a write module that writes first data to a first multi-level memory cell of the memory system based on the first state set, the first multi-level cell being located on a wordline of the memory system, and that writes second data to a second multi-level memory cell of the memory system based on the second state set, the second multi-level cell being located on the wordline of the memory system.
US08179713B2
A nonvolatile memory element comprises a first electrode (103), a second electrode (105), and a resistance variable layer (104) which is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and is configured to reversibly switch an interelectrode resistance value which is a resistance value between the first electrode and the second electrode, in response to an interelectrode voltage which is an electric potential of the second electrode on the basis of the first electrode, the resistance variable layer includes an oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide, the first electrode side and the second electrode side have an asymmetric structure, a portion of the resistance variable layer which is located at the first electrode side and a portion of the resistance variable layer which is located at the second electrode side are each configured to be selectively placed into one of a low-resistance state and a high-resistance state, so as to attain a stable state in three or more different interelectrode resistance values, the stable state being a state in which the interelectrode resistance value is invariable regardless of a change in the interelectrode voltage within a specified range.
US08179710B2
A memory includes memory cells on a semiconductor layer, in which each of the memory cells includes a source layer and a drain layer in the semiconductor layer; an electrically floating body region provided in the semiconductor layer between the source layer and the drain layer and configured to accumulate or discharge electric charges in order to store logical data; a gate dielectric film provided on the body region and comprising a ferroelectric film with polarization characteristics; and a gate electrode provided on the gate dielectric film above the body region, wherein each memory cell stores a plurality of logical data depending on an amount of electric charges accumulated in the body region and on a polarization state of the ferroelectric film.
US08179692B2
A board includes a board body; a first conductor provided at a first surface of the board body; and an electrically conductive connection terminal having a spring property. The connection terminal includes a first end part fixed to the first conductor; a second end part to be connected to a first object of connection to be placed opposite the first surface of the board body; and a projection part provided on the first end part so as to project toward the first conductor.
US08179691B2
A wired circuit board includes a first insulating layer; a first wire formed on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer so as to cover the first wire; and a second wire formed on the second insulating layer so as to be arranged in opposed relation to the first wire in a thickness direction. The thickness of the first wire is 1 μm or less and is ⅓ or less of the thickness of the second insulating layer.
US08179690B2
A cut-edge positioning type soldering structure and a method for preventing a pin deviation can prevent a plurality of pins of an electronic component from being deviated when the pins are soldered onto a printed circuit board by a solder, and each of at least two solder pads includes at least two cut edges, and the solder pads are installed in an alignment direction on the printed circuit board, such that the cut-edge positioning type soldering structure and the method for preventing a pin deviation can improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes and reduce the manufacturing cost.
US08179682B2
A multilayer circuit board having a security cell having security-related electronic components disposed thereon. The security cell is covered by a circuit path arrangement having circuit path segments disposed close to one another, and by an insulation layer. Penetration and thus manipulation of the security-related components is thus largely prevented.
US08179681B2
An apparatus includes a case including a surface, a bottom face and a first hole arranged on the bottom face; a first connector on the bottom face of the case; and a guide pin arranged in the first hole and being capable of moving in the first hole.
US08179677B2
Cooling apparatus and method are provided for immersion-cooling of an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a housing at least partially surrounding and forming a sealed compartment about the electronic subsystem and a dielectric fluid disposed within the sealed compartment, with the electronic subsystem being immersed within the dielectric fluid. A liquid-cooled vapor condenser is provided which includes a plurality of thermally conductive condenser fins extending within the sealed compartment in an upper portion of the compartment. The condenser fins facilitate cooling of dielectric fluid vapor rising to the upper portion of the compartment. A filler material is disposed within the sealed compartment to reduce the amount of dielectric fluid required within the compartment to achieve immersion-cooling of the electronic subsystem, and the filler material includes a shaped surface to direct dielectric fluid vapor within the compartment towards the condenser fins.
US08179675B2
A computer case with adjustable hard disk drive and interface card accommodation space is provided. The computer case includes a frame, an optic disk drive rack, two fixed hard disk drive racks, and interface card slots into which interface cards may be plugged. A removable hard disk drive holder that carries hard disk drives is additionally arranged inside the computer case in a removable manner. By removing the removable hard disk drive holder, an open and unoccupied space is left inside the computer case to partly receive the interface cards that are plugged to the interface card slots. Thus, in an attempt to adopt high performance interface cards that are of a great size, the removable hard disk drive holder is removed and the unoccupied space so formed is turned into a space for partly accommodating the interface cards. In this way, flexible modification of the internal space of the computer case can be realized, to enable the computer case to selectively accommodate a computer that adopts high performance interface cards or a computer that requires a large storage space of multiple hard disk drives.
US08179671B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a hard disk drive unit including a hard disk drive configured to read various data from and write various data in a magnetic disk incorporated therein; a housing of an apparatus main body configured to hold the hard disk drive on a substrate to be freely attached and detached; a hard-disk-drive holding member provided in the hard disk drive unit, configured to include a first anti-vibration member having vibration damping properties disposed on a predetermined surface parallel to a disk width direction of the magnetic disk and fix and hold the hard disk drive in a state in which the first anti-vibration member is sandwiched between the hard disk drive and the predetermined member, and formed of a metal member; a member to be guided provided in the hard disk drive unit and provided on a surface parallel to the disk width direction of the magnetic disk different from the predetermined surface of the hard-disk-drive holding member; and a base member provided in the housing of the apparatus main body, configured to have a guide section for guiding the member to be guided in attaching and detaching directions of the hard disk drive unit and come into contact with the hard-disk-drive holding member of the hard disk drive unit attached to the substrate according to the guide by the guide section, and formed of a metal member.
US08179663B2
A capacitor is presented that includes a housing, an electrode assembly, a liner, and a fill port. The liner is located between the housing and the electrode assembly. The liner includes a recessed portion. A fill port extends through the housing across from the recessed portion in the liner. A gap is formed between the recessed portion and the fill port.
US08179649B2
A protection circuit for a control board is provided. The protection circuit is suitable for being disposed on a light on tester that may output a test voltage to a display module. The protection circuit includes a control device and a voltage stabilizer. The control device includes a first switching element and a control element. The control element enables the first switching element to output an operating voltage. The voltage stabilizer includes a second switching element and an operation module. The operation module may control the second switching element according to the operating voltage, so as to switch on or switch off an input of the test voltage to the display module.
US08179644B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit electrically connected to a first conductive line and a second conductive line is provided. The ESD protection circuit has a first ESD protection circuit unit, wherein the first ESD circuit unit includes a first coupled capacitor and a first active device. The first coupled capacitor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the first conductive line. The first active device includes a first gate, a first source and a first drain, wherein the first gate is electrically connected to the second electrode. In addition, the first source and the first electrode are electrically connected to the first conductive line, and the first drain is electrically connected to the second conductive line. Therefore, the conduction efficiency of the ESD protection circuit is improved.
US08179635B2
A thin film, perpendicular write head for use with recording media with or without a soft under layer is disclosed. The present invention comprises an tapered auxiliary pole, situated below the main write pole and separated from the write pole by a lower non-magnetic gap. The auxiliary pole alleviates problems such as erasure after write, and cross track stray erasure fields, associated with operating conventionally designed perpendicular writes heads with media having no soft under layer.
US08179624B2
A method of evaluating a magnetic recording medium using a magnetic head having a reproduction element is disclosed The method includes the steps of (a) recording a signal in a predetermined area of the magnetic recording medium; (b) determining a first value of a reproduction output by reproducing the predetermined area of the magnetic recording medium; (c) determining a second value of the reproduction output by emitting an energy line having a power of a predetermined value onto the predetermined area and reproducing the predetermined area with the reproduction element during or after the emission of the energy line; and (d) calculating a change in the reproduction output due to the emission of the energy line based on the first value and the second value of the reproduction output.
US08179620B2
An optical module according to the present invention comprises an optical element; and a multilayer insulating substrate which is a lamination of a plurality of single-layer insulating substrates and has a light transmission hole for passing light emitted from the optical element. The optical element is flip-chip mounted on the first outermost one of the single-layer insulating substrates. Each single-layer insulating substrate has a through-hole that constitutes a different part of the light transmission hole, the diameters of the through-holes of the single-layer insulating substrates increasing with drawing away the single-layer insulating substrates from the optical element.
US08179617B2
A photographic lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, a stop, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. In the photographic lens, the third lens unit moves towards the object side while the second lens unit moves towards the image side during focusing from an infinitely distant object to a closest distance object. In addition, in the photographic lens, an image forming magnification of the second lens unit during focusing on a closest distance object is appropriately set.
US08179595B2
The invention is directed to a glass composition and articles made from the composition that are both polarizing and photorefractive. The glass has, for example, a composition consisting essentially of, in weight percent (“wt. %”) of 70-73 SiO2, 13-17% B2O3, 8-10% Na2O, 2-4% Al2O3, 0.005-0.1% CuO, <0.4% Cl, 0.1-0.5% Ag, 0.1-0.3% Br. In another embodiment the composition consists essentially of 70-77% SiO2, 13-18% B2O3, 8-10% Na2O, 2-4% Al2O3, 0.005-0.1% CuO, <0.4% Cl, 0.1-0.5% Ag, 0.1-0.3% Br. The glass can be used make articles or elements that can exhibits both the photorefractive effect and the polarizing effect within a single element or article, and can be used to make a variety of optical elements including Bragg gratings, filtering elements, and beam shaping elements and light collection elements for use in display, security, defense, metrology, imaging and communications applications.
US08179592B2
A semiconductor optical amplifier is provided having polarization independent optical amplification characteristics and a flat gain spectrum over a wide wavelength region. In the semiconductor optical amplifier including a multi-quantum well active layer formed of well layers and barrier layers alternately laminated to each other on an InP substrate, the well layers and the barrier layers each have a tensile strain, and the tensile strain of each of the barrier layers is larger than the tensile strain of each of the well layers.
US08179590B1
An electro-optical display includes colorant particles that are suspended in a carrier fluid. The colorant particles are controlled by three different types of electrodes. An exposed electrode acts on the colorant particles in an electrokinetic manner by compacting the colorant particles. A passivated electrode acts on the colorant particles in an electrostatic manner by holding the colorant particles once compacted. A reference electrode attracts the colorant particles to compaction areas.
US08179586B2
A rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a front substrate and a rear substrate and an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween. The reflective element includes a resin material disposed at least at a portion of a fourth surface of the rear substrate. While the resin material is in its uncured state at the rear substrate, an electrical connector is engaged with the uncured resin material. The electrical connector is electrically conductively connected with the resin material and is substantially affixed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate via curing of the resin material while the electrical connector is engaged with the resin material. The electrical connector may establish electrical conductivity between the cured resin material and one of (i) a transparent electrically conductive coating at the second surface of the front substrate and (ii) a mirror reflector at the third surface of the rear substrate.
US08179578B2
An apparatus and method to produce a hologram of an object includes an electromagnetic radiation assembly configured to receive a received electromagnetic radiation, such as light, from the object. The electromagnetic radiation assembly is further configured to diffract the received electromagnetic radiation and transmit a diffracted electromagnetic radiation. An image capture assembly is configured to capture an image of the diffracted electromagnetic radiation and produce the hologram of the object from the captured image.
US08179569B2
An image forming apparatus includes image forming sections that forms images of different colors, respectively, a correction image formation controlling section that forms correction images of the respective colors, a density sensor that detects a density of each of the correction images in synchronization with passage of each correction image on an image carrying body, a detecting section that detects a position and the density of each of the correction images, based on a binary signal of a density detection output of each of the correction images, a density correction controlling section that corrects and controls an image density of the color, based on the detected density of each of the correction images, and a color deviation correction controlling section that corrects and controls the color deviation, based on the detected position of each of the correction images.
US08179561B2
An optical scanning device includes an input optical system having an input optical element, for projecting a light beam from a light source device onto a deflecting surface of an optical deflector, and an imaging optical system having an imaging optical element, for imaging the light beam scanningly deflected by the deflecting surface of the optical deflector, on a surface to be scanned, wherein the light beam is obliquely incident on the deflecting surface in a sub-scan section, wherein the imaging optical element has at least one optical surface which is decentered in the sub-scan section, wherein the input optical element has at least one optical surface having an asymmetric and aspherical surface shape, wherein the input optical element has a thickness dm1 in the sub-scan section and at a position where a first marginal light ray of the light beam passing through the input optical system, which first marginal light ray is closer to an optical reference axis than the principal ray of that light beam is, passes, as well as a thickness dm2 at a position where a second marginal light ray further remote from the optical reference axis than the principal light ray of the light beam is, passes, and wherein dm1
US08179556B2
An apparatus for masking text in a rendered copy of an original document includes a text modification system which is configured to receive a print job from an application and modify the print job in accordance with a print job description, whereby when rendered on an output device, a selected text element is masked. A user interface is configured to receive instructions from a user to build the print job description including instructions for selecting text elements to be masked.
US08179554B2
In a printer, when a file is received from a personal computer connected by way of a USB port, an ordinary storage region in a FLASH ROM is recognized as a removable drive by the personal computer, which disables the writing management by a management table for managing the writing operation into the ordinary storage region in the FLASH ROM by USB standard, the received file is stored in a temporary storage region in a RAM, the attribute of the received file is determined, and when the received file is a printing file, the received file is transferred from the temporary storage region in the RAM, and written into a position in a printing memory layout region in the FLASH ROM obtained by referring to an address table.
US08179548B2
When inputting image data, a plurality of kinds of processed image data may be generated from the image data. When outputting image data, a plurality of kinds of output image data may be generated from the image data.
US08179544B2
To provide a system in which image data created in an image processor is processed in association with an application activated on a user terminal. The system includes an image processor, and a user terminal connected with the image processor over a network. The image processor includes: an activated application identifying unit for obtaining information about an application activated on the user terminal; a one-touch key generating unit for generating a one-touch key including information for processing image data by the application activated on the user terminal; and a transmission unit for transmitting the image data to the user terminal. The user terminal includes: a receiving unit for receiving the image data from the image processor; and a one-touch key processing unit for processing the image data by the application activated on the user terminal, based on the information of the one-touch key.
US08179538B2
An image processing apparatus is capable of executing a plurality of image processing functions and storing plural pieces of identifier information. Each respective piece of identifier information corresponds to each respective one of the plurality of image processing functions. The image processing apparatus sets one or more of the plural pieces of identifier information selected from the plural pieces of identifier information corresponding to the plurality of image processing functions. In response to receiving of a request to acquire the identifier information from an information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus transmits the one or more of the plural pieces of identifier information set to the information processing apparatus.
US08179536B2
A system for overlay offset measurement in semiconductor manufacturing including a radiation source, a detector, and a calculation unit. The radiation source is operable to irradiate an overlay offset measurement target. The detector is operable to detect a first reflectivity and a second reflectivity of the irradiated overlay offset measurement target. The calculation unit is operable to determine an overlay offset using the detected first and second reflectivity by determining a predetermined overlay offset amount which provides an actual offset of zero.
US08179532B1
A method and apparatus are set forth for monitoring lamp condition, comprising directing a beam of light at the lamp, detecting percent transmission of the beam through the lamp, wherein the percent transmission is indicative of lamp blackening, and repeating the directing and detecting of the beam of light periodically to provide an indication of lamp blackening over time, wherein the lamp blackening thereby provides an indication of lamp condition over time.
US08179531B2
A shuttering and sealing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an aperture through which light may pass to an optical sensor, a seal surrounding the aperture, and a shutter movable between an open position in which the shutter does not cover the aperture and a closed position in which the shutter covers the aperture and the seal seals the shutter around the aperture.
US08179518B2
A scanning exposure apparatus projects a pattern of an original onto a substrate via a projection optical system and shifts the original and the substrate in synchronization with each other with respect to an optical axis of the projection optical system so as to transfer the pattern of the original to the substrate by exposure. The scanning exposure apparatus includes a unit configured to correct a relative position between the original and the substrate by a correction amount according to a shifting rate at which the original and the substrate are shifted in synchronization with each other.
US08179507B2
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate including a transmission part and a reflection part; a common electrode disposed on the transmission part and the reflection part; a plurality of first pixel electrodes disposed on the transmission part and having a first electrode direction; a plurality of second pixel electrodes disposed on the reflection part and having a second electrode direction, the first electrode direction and the second electrode direction creating an acute angle; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates.
US08179504B2
A liquid crystal display having a wide color reproduction range is provided. A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel driven based on image signals, a light source emitting light for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, and a light selective transmission filter, which has wavelength selective transmission characteristics corresponding to spectral characteristics of the light source, selectively transmits light generated from the light source in the specific wavelength regions based on the wavelength selective transmission characteristics, and guides the transmitted light to the liquid crystal panel.
US08179500B2
A polarization film comprising at least a polarization layer subject to a laminating treatment along a predetermined laminating direction, wherein the polarization film further comprises an adhesive layer that is capable of being affixed onto a base and has a maximal shrinkage resistance in the laminating direction of the polarization layer.
US08179491B2
A thin-film transistor (TFT) is provided. The TFT includes a gate electrode; a dielectric layer and an active layer which are formed on the gate electrode; and source and drain electrodes which are formed on the active layer, each of the source and drain electrodes including a plurality of protruding portions and an empty space between each protruding portion, wherein the source and drain electrodes are spaced apart from each other and engage with each other, and further wherein the gate and source electrodes overlap each other and the gate and drain electrodes overlap each other.
US08179488B2
A liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of pixels. Each scan line has a signal-input end, and each pixel includes a gate electrode, a drain electrode, an extending electrode and a coupling capacitor. The extending electrode is an extending part of the drain electrode, and does not overlap the gate electrode. Each coupling capacitor is coupled between each extending electrode and the corresponding scan line. In each scan line, capacitances of the coupling capacitors between the extending electrodes and the corresponding scan line increase as distances between the extending electrodes and the corresponding signal-input end increase.
US08179486B2
A structure and layout of the pixel unit cell of a display panel. The pixel capacitor of the pixel unit cell includes a bottom plate and an overlying top plate. The bottom plate is adjacent to a bulk region without having substantive separating distance therebetween, thereby substantially increasing the size of the overlapped area and the associated the effective capacitance of the bottom plate and the top plate.
US08179485B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first vertical electrode, a second vertical electrode, a first pixel electrode, a first counter electrode, and a liquid crystal layer. The second substrate is disposed to be opposite to the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer includes polymer stabilized positive blue phase liquid crystal. The first vertical electrode is at an inner side of the first substrate, and faces the second substrate. The second vertical electrode is at an inner side surface of the second substrate and faces the first vertical electrode. The second vertical electrode and the first vertical electrode have different electrical potentials thus form a vertical electric field perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate. The first pixel electrode is at the inner side of the first substrate and faces the second substrate. The first counter electrode is at an inner side of the first substrate. The first pixel electrode and the first counter electrode have different electrical potentials. The first pixel electrode and the first counter electrode provide a horizontal electric field parallel to the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08179481B2
In a thin type display device when driving is started by a swivel mechanism, voltage which is supplied from a power voltage supply circuit 14 to a motor driving IC 12 is switched and raised in stepwise. By this switching, operating voltage of a motor 13 by the motor driving IC 12 is switched and raised in stepwise, as a result vibration of a display portion can be suppressed.
US08179479B2
A method for separating luminance and chrominance of a composite TV analog signal includes the steps of: measuring first differences between horizontal neighbor pixels, second differences between vertical neighbor pixels and third differences between temporal neighbor pixels encoded in the composite TV analog signal; comparing the first, second and third differences with one another to obtain a minimum difference used as a factor of a weighting function; and filtering the composite TV analog signal simultaneously by a two-dimensional (2D) comb filter and a three-dimensional (3D) comb filter according to the weighting function on the basis of the minimum difference to obtain a luminance signal and a chrominance signal, in which magnitudes of a part of the composite TV analog signal filtered by the 2D comb filter and magnitudes of the other part of the composite TV analog signal filtered by the 3D comb filter are determined by the weighting function.
US08179477B2
An AV player chip includes a TV encoder, a timing controller, a multiplexer and a plurality of digital-to-analog converters. The TV encoder is used for transforming a first image signal into a TV video signal. The timing controller is used for generating an output signal. The multiplexer includes a first set of input ends coupled to the TV encoder, a second set of input ends coupled to the timing controller, a control end and a set of output ends. The multiplexer outputs the TV video signal or the output signal to the set of output ends according to a control signal received by the control end. The plurality of digital-to-analog converters are coupled to the set of output ends of the multiplexer for transforming the TV video signal into a first playing signal and for transforming the output signal into a second playing signal.
US08179476B2
Systems and method for synchronizing audio and video signals are described. The audio and video signals are tagged in an encoder. The tagged signals are transmitted across a network. The tagged signals are analyzed to detect phase errors or lip synch errors between them. A synchronization signal is generated in response to such lip synch errors.
US08179473B2
Disclosed are pivoting structures and methods of pivoting structure. The pivoting structures can include a movable shutter plate including an aperture, pivotally fastened to a supporting plate by the pivot pin, and having a slot that receives a slot pin of a rotator, the movable shutter configured to move across the rotator as the first housing and second housing change their orientations with respect to one another. In a particular position, an aperture of the moveable shutter plate is aligned with an aperture of the first housing.
US08179459B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus of a dynamic range enlarged by reading out a carrier accumulated in a carrier accumulation unit at a plurality of times during a single carrier accumulation time period.
US08179446B2
A method of processing a digital video sequence is provided that includes estimating compensated motion parameters and compensated distortion parameters (compensated M/D parameters) of a compensated motion/distortion (M/D) affine transformation for a block of pixels in the digital video sequence, and applying the compensated M/D affine transformation to the block of pixels using the estimated compensated M/D parameters to generate an output block of pixels, wherein translational and rotational jitter in the block of pixels is stabilized in the output block of pixels and distortion due to skew, horizontal scaling, vertical scaling, and wobble in the block of pixels is reduced in the output block of pixels.
US08179443B2
A waveform display apparatus that can display a waveform in a desired position even when an internal reference mode is switched to an external reference mode. The internal and external reference modes are switched with a reference select button 60. A user operates a phase adjustment knob 64 while watching a display 54 to adjust a phase relationship between an external reference video signal and a video signal under test. When the phase relationship becomes proper an offset save button 66 is pressed to store the phase offset at the situation in a memory 56. A CPU 30 reads out the phase offset according to needs such as the waveform display apparatus is turned on, etc. to control a phase adjustment circuit 44 for adjusting the phase relationship between the external reference video signal and the video signal under test.
US08179442B2
It is possible to definitely identify a relative position of a moving subject in an infrared image captured by an infrared camera in a relation with the background of the moving subject. The present invention provides an imaging device including an infrared camera for imaging an area under surveillance by infrared radiation measurement, a moving-subject detector for detecting a moving subject in the surveillance area on the basis of an infrared image signal acquired by the infrared camera, an image signal processor for coloring a moving part of the infrared image signal, detected by the moving-subject detector, with a predetermined color, and an image display for displaying an image resulted from the coloring of the moving part of the infrared image signal by the image signal processor.
US08179436B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for the scanning of a document by means of a line camera which has several scan lines and therefore generates several images independent of one another. Due to the spacing of the separate scan lines, these images are offset relative to one another. This offset also depends on the speed at which the line camera is moved relative to the document. According to the invention the separate images are brought into congruence by being shifted towards one another according to the whole-number content of Z, with at least one of the images being interpolated into the other image in accordance with the decimal place content of Z. The method according to the invention may be used to scan a document at a freely selectable scanning speed. The device according to the invention may be inserted as a module in an existing scanner.
US08179433B2
The microscopic imaging apparatus includes a system controlling unit for obtaining a VD time setting value, and for obtaining the number of electric charge subtracting pulses, a synchronization signal generating unit for generating a vertical synchronization signal on the basis of the VD time setting value output from the system controlling unit and the horizontal synchronization signal, and a timing generating unit for extracting the electric charge of the imaging device by supplying the horizontal synchronization signal by the number of electric charge subtracting pulses to the imaging device as the electric charge subtracting pulses, and for generating a read pulse synchronous with the vertical synchronization signal in order to stop the accumulation of the electric charge of the imaging device after exposure is started.
US08179429B2
To achieve a body-insertable apparatus such as a capsule endoscope that moves in a subject at a low speed at which acquisition of in-vivo information is sufficiently possible, the body-insertable apparatus is inserted into the subject and moves in the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes an in-vivo information acquiring unit that acquires the in-vivo information, an external case member accommodating the in-vivo information acquiring unit, and a moving-speed suppressing unit positioned inside or outside of the external case member to generate a predetermined suppressing force for suppressing the moving speed between an inner wall of a passage route in the subject and the external case member.
US08179425B2
To align a display substrate comprising an array of pixels with a component substrate comprising an array of optical components, the display substrate is divided from a display motherglass formed with an array of panels each comprising an array of pixels sufficient for a single display substrate and with, in respect of each panel, a first alignment feature having a surface relief aligned with the array of pixels. The component substrate is formed with an array of optical components and a second alignment feature aligned with the array of optical components, the second alignment feature having a surface relief shaped to register with the first alignment feature. The display substrates is attached to the component substrate with the first and second alignment features in registration with each other. The alignment of the first alignment feature with the array of pixels may be carried out at the motherglass stage in respect of the entire motherglass. The registration of the alignment features during attachment is a straightforward mating process which does not require precision alignment apparatus. Thus the yield can be increased.
US08179419B2
A video conferencing system having video and/or audio capture device for video and audio communications is disclosed. The video and audio capture device may include one or more switches for securely activating and deactivating the device. Furthermore, an indicator may be hard-wired to the video and/or audio components so to provide a true indication of when these components are on and off. The video and audio capture device may also be integrated into a single unit.
US08179415B2
An exposure head includes: a group of light emitting elements in which light emitting elements are arranged in a first direction; a light emitting element substrate in which the group of light emitting elements is arranged in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction; and a driving substrate which drives the light emitting elements arranged on the light emitting element substrate, wherein the driving substrate controls a light emission intensity of a light emitting element that is near to an end side in the first direction of the group of the light emitting elements, among the light emitting elements constituting the group of the light emitting elements, so that the intensity is smaller than the light emission intensity of a light emitting element constituting the group of the light emitting elements different from the above light emitting element, and the light emission intensity becomes smaller towards the end side.
US08179411B2
A printer module for a clam-shell type printing apparatus having a lid that opens and closes with respect to a housing, includes a head assembly including a head and mounted on the housing, a platen roller mounted on the lid, and a main assembly including a frame and a motor mounted on the frame to rotate the platen roller. The main assembly is arranged to cover the head assembly and is mounted on the housing.
US08179407B2
A method of driving a display apparatus for an embodiment comprises a light source module divided into a plurality of light-emitting blocks to provide light to a display panel, a local dimming driving part driving the light-emitting blocks, and a timing controller controlling the driving timing of the display panel and the local dimming driving part. The timing controller transmits a luminance pulse having representative grayscale values of an image corresponding to the light-emitting blocks and a synchronization signal including information of a start position of the representative grayscale values to the local dimming driving part. The local dimming driving part drives the light-emitting blocks using the representative grayscale values obtained from the luminance pulse.
US08179402B2
A profile generation module which generates colorimetric color profiles based on spectral data and user input on viewing conditions, light source, and medium. In situations where the available color profiles are colorimetric, the colorimetric color profiles are passed to the color management system. In situations where spectral color profiles are available, the profile generation module accesses the spectral profile and the user input. If the user input specifies a medium, the profile generation module also accesses the media module to predict spectral reflectance data for the specified medium. The profile generation module generates the calorimetric color appearance profile based on the user input, and generates the calorimetric color device profile based on the user input and the spectral data. In this way, calorimetric color profiles are generated as needed, and spectral data can be used with calorimetrically based color management systems.
US08179401B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for reducing artifacts in a color sequential display system. A frame of a digital image is displayed by receiving frame data, determining dither patterns, applying the dither patterns to the data, and displaying the dithered data. Each pixel of a frame of a digital image is displayed by receiving pixel data, grouping the pixel data for the color channels of the image into a plurality of sub-groups of pixel data; and displaying the pixel according to a sequence that separates each pair of sub-groups for a color channel by a sub-group for another color channel. Modified pixel data can be generated by replacing parent bits in the pixel data with corresponding pluralities of divided child bits, where all the child bits for a given parent bit have a divided weight that adds up to the parent bit's weight.
US08179399B2
A rasterizing method calculates an attribute (C) of a pixel having coordinates (X, Y) based on the coordinates (X0, Y0), (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2) of vertices of a primitive in a screen space, Z coordinates Z0, Z1 and Z2 of said vertices into the three-dimensional space, and attributes C0, C1, C2 of said vertices. The method defines a vertex (X0, Y0) as reference, the attribute (C) with the formula: C = ( Δ X 20 Δ Y 10 - Δ Y 20 Δ X 10 ) Z 1 Z 2 C 0 + ( Δ y Δ X 20 - Δ x Δ Y 20 ) ( Z 0 Z 2 C 1 - Z 1 Z 2 C 0 ) + ( Δ x Δ Y 10 - Δ y Δ X 10 ) ( Z 0 Z 1 C 2 - Z 1 Z 2 C 0 ) ( Δ X 20 Δ Y 10 - Δ Y 20 Δ X 10 ) Z 1 Z 2 + ( Δ y Δ X 20 - Δ x Δ Y 20 ) ( Z 0 Z 2 - Z 1 Z 2 ) + ( Δ x Δ Y 10 - Δ y Δ X 10 ) ( Z 0 Z 1 - Z 1 Z 2 ) .
US08179397B2
A screen display control device includes: a compression unit which compresses input image data in a line unit; a rewritable image memory to which the compressed data compressed in the line unit by the compression unit is written in non-synchronization with a reading process; a decompression unit which decompresses the compressed data periodically read from the image memory in synchronization with screen display to restore original image data; a display unit which displays an image of the image data decompressed and restored by the decompression unit; a buffer memory which temporarily maintains one-line data of the image data; and a writing/reading control unit which controls the process of writing the compressed data to the image memory and the processes of writing and reading the image data to and from the buffer memory.
US08179396B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for clinical presentation of a radiological study including: associating a customizable set of rules with image data corresponding to at least a portion of the radiological study; and rendering automatically the image data to form volumetric data; and navigating automatically the volumetric data with the customizable set of rules to present a navigated the at least a portion of the radiological study to a user. In an embodiment, the system further includes halting the navigating automatically the volumetric data from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the rendering automatically the image data is initiated from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the navigating automatically the volumetric data is initiated from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, both the rendering automatically the image data and the navigating automatically the volumetric data are initiated an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the customizable set of rules includes at least one of: a rendering rule and a navigation rule.
US08179395B2
An image special effect apparatus capable of realizing the illumination effects corresponding to various image special effects if an illumination effect pattern is not previously determined and the shape of the effect face changes rapidly is provided.An image special effect apparatus 100 for adding an illumination effect using light from a light source when viewed from an arbitrary eye point in a face having a curved face to image information concerning an input image and outputting a video signal provided by mapping the image information to the face generates a normal vector at a position of the face based on rectangular coordinate data and the shape of the face, a normal vector generation section 110, generates reflectivity of the light in an eye point direction by calculation of A (2(L·N)N−2L)·V of an expression using the normal vector, a light source direction unit vector, an eye point vector V, and an arbitrary value A, and creates the image information based on the image and the reflectivity.
US08179393B2
Method and system for combining a 2D image with a 3D point cloud for improved visualization of a common scene as well as interpretation of the success of the registration process. The resulting fused data contains the combined information from the original 3D point cloud and the information from the 2D image. The original 3D point cloud data is color coded in accordance with a color map tagging process. By fusing data from different sensors, the resulting scene has several useful attributes relating to battle space awareness, target identification, change detection within a rendered scene, and determination of registration success.
US08179392B2
A driving circuit and a method of driving a liquid crystal display having an array of liquid crystal cells connected to a common line, a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of signal lines, each gate line being arranged to selectively enable a respective set of the liquid crystal cells such that signal lines connected to respective liquid crystal cells of a set can be used to charge respective liquid crystal cells of that set when that set is enabled by the respective gate line. At least some of the signal lines are selectively driven with the maximum level and the voltage on the at least some of the signal lines is monitored such that driving of the at least some of the signal lines with the maximum level ceases when the monitored voltage reaches a predetermined target value intermediate the minimum level and the maximum level.
US08179387B2
A method of driving at least one cell of an electrophoretic display panel through a pixel electrode and a common electrode includes storing at least first data representative of an image currently displayed and second data representative of an image to be displayed; and applying a first AC data waveform and a first AC common waveform for initializing the at least one cell during a first number of frames, applying a second AC data waveform and a second AC common waveform for displaying the second data during a second number of frames, wherein the first number of frames depends on the first data and the second number of frames depends on the second data.
US08179377B2
The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities.
US08179374B2
A touch sensing device for increasing the sensitivity of a touch sensor is disclosed. The touch sensing device comprises: a touch sensor array including a plurality of touch sensors; and a swing level correction unit for correcting each of touch data from the touch sensor array by a difference value with neighboring another touch data to generate correction values and correcting the swing levels of the touch data by adding an offset value to the correction values.
US08179369B2
Provided are an optical navigation device and a method for compensating for an offset in the optical navigation device. The optical navigation device includes: an image input unit for emitting light, receiving light reflected from a working surface to generate an analog image signal, converting the analog image signal into a digital image signal, and outputting the digital image signal; a delta image generator for generating a cumulative average of digital image signals of respective pixels and subtracting the cumulative average from the digital image signals in the respective pixels to generate a delta image signal; and a motion value calculator for calculating a motion value using the delta image signal.
US08179363B2
Elements of the present invention relate to systems and methods for generating, converting and using histograms in an image processing system. Aspects of some embodiments also relate to generation of a one-dimensional histogram based on luminance and compound color channel data. Some embodiments also relate to histogram dynamic range conversion.
US08179354B2
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, scan lines, data lines, pixel unit sets, and a liquid crystal layer is provided. The scan lines, data lines, and pixel unit sets are disposed on the first substrate. A first gap is formed between two adjacent pixel unit sets. Each of the pixel unit sets includes pixel units, and a second main space is formed between two adjacent pixel units. Each of the pixel units includes an active device electrically connected to a scan line and a data line, and a transparent pixel electrode has slits and electrically connected to the active device. The width of the first gap is greater than that of the second gap.
US08179339B2
Disclosed herein is a display device including: a plurality of sub-pixels configured to be arranged in a matrix and each include an electro-optical element having a structure in which a display functional layer is sandwiched between an upper electrode and a lower electrode; and an auxiliary interconnect contact configured to be formed in a pixel area in which the plurality of sub-pixels are arranged in a matrix and electrically connect the upper electrode to an auxiliary interconnect, wherein m (m is an integer equal to or larger than two) sub-pixels adjacent to each other along an arrangement direction of the sub-pixels are regarded as one group, and n (n is a natural number smaller than m) auxiliary interconnect contacts are formed for each group.
US08179337B2
One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a mobile set configured to include one or more projection devices to display a media presentation to a viewer. The mobile set may be configured to follow a fixed path or may move through autonomous navigation. In one embodiment, the mobile set may be included as part of an amusement park ride to interact with the ride patrons and provide them with a greater entertainment experience. For example, the mobile projected set may be synchronized to move with a carrier vehicle carrying the ride patrons and project a presentation or display to the ride patrons during the ride. Placing the projected scene on a mobile set allows the patrons to interact with the projected scene for a longer period of time then if the projected scene was stationary. Further, the mobile sets may be used to configure and control sightlines through the ride to provide a more dynamic environment for the amusement park ride.
US08179330B2
An antenna may comprise a first loop, a second loop, and a third loop, which are arranged to have a common intersection point on an axis that is common to the first, second, and the third loop. The first, second, and the third loop are mutually separated by an angle of separation to form a triple crossed loop antenna. The triple crossed loop antenna may provide omni-directional radiation pattern over wide band of frequency.
US08179323B2
A conductive layer is applied to a thermoformed plastic component to form an integrated antenna assembly. The conductive layer is on a flexible layer and adhered or attached to the rigid thermoformed plastic carrier. Features are designed into the thermoformed plastic carrier to provide electrical contacts from the conductive layer to the circuit board of the communication device and to mechanically attach the carrier to the circuit board. Multiple conductive layers can be applied to a multi-layered thermoformed structure to form a multi-antenna assembly.
US08179322B2
A dielectric dual antenna apparatus intended for applications such as small-sized radio frequency devices. The dual antenna comprises a first partial antenna which implements the lower operating band of the antenna and another partial antenna implementing the upper operating band. The partial antennas have a shared substrate, which together with the radiators constitutes an integrated antenna component. The matching of the dual antenna can be improved in either operating band without degrading it in the other operating band at the same time. Methods of operating the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
US08179320B2
The present invention relates to a method and devices for determining the position of a user equipment in a mobile radio communications system. According to the invention, the position is determined via a distortion in a radio signal transmitted to or from the user equipment, wherein the distortion is caused by a scatterer being positioned at a particular location and having time-dependent scattering properties such that the scattering of a radio signal gives rise to a distortion by which said scattering properties may be identified.
US08179304B2
The invention relates to a direct-current blocking circuit, and a hybrid circuit device, a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver and a radar device that have the direct-current blocking circuit. A dielectric substrate (2) is provided with a conductor layer (3) disposed parallel with the dielectric substrate (2), first and second planar lines (4, 5) each containing a part of the conductor layer (3), and a waveguide (6) containing a part of the conductor layer (3). The first and second planar lines (4, 5) are located on one surface (2a) side of the dielectric substrate (2) with respect to the conductor layer (3), and the waveguide (6) is located on another surface (2b) side of the dielectric substrate (2). In a transmission direction (X) of electric signals, as to the waveguide (6), its one end overlaps with one end of the first planar line (4), and its another end overlaps with one end of the second planar line (5). In the overlapped regions, first and second through-holes (24, 25) are so formed as to penetrate the conductor layer (3) in its thickness direction.
US08179302B2
An apparatus for transmitting and receiving radio-frequency signals. including a cylindrical antenna array which has an omnidirectional channel; an IFF interrogator and an IFF transponder connected to the cylindrical antenna array; and a means for sharing the omnidirectional channel between the IFF interrogator and the IFF transponder.
US08179288B2
An automatic system is provided for alerting ground personnel as to the existence of a threat to commercial aircraft in which the threat is determined by a classified system, but in which the local area network employed by the military missile warning is isolated from an unclassified local network coupled to the aircraft's transponder which transmits the threat existence and status to ground personnel. The barrier to transmitting classified information involves both filtering between the classified LAN and unclassified LAN, the use of only discrete signaling lines in the classified LAN isolated by opto-electronics to provide physical separation between the two local area networks, and communications formatting which precludes the transmission of classified information across the barrier between the classified local area network and the unclassified local area network.
US08179281B2
Method for detecting concealed objects in road traffic in which the surroundings of a vehicle and movement variables of the driver's vehicle are sensed by sensors, said variables are transmitted as information to vehicles which are located in the surroundings by an interface for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and are received from the vehicles which are located in the surroundings, wherein the following steps are executed: the data from the sensors expand a surroundings model, the expanded surroundings model is represented in updated form by a display in the driver's vehicle, a situation analysis of the surroundings and an evaluation of the situation are carried out in the driver's vehicle, objects which represent an accident hazard on the display are displayed with a high priority, predefined steps for reducing accident hazard are activated in the driver's vehicle, information relating to the pre-defined steps are transmitted to the surroundings by the communication system.
US08179279B2
A subsea production system adapted for wireless communication so that production tree operation can be controlled locally wirelessly from a workover umbilical or remotely controlled vehicle. The production system includes a wellhead assembly and an umbilical termination connected to an umbilical that extends to above the sea surface. Dedicated wireless communication devices can be attached to one or both of the wellhead assembly and the umbilical termination. The wireless communication devices can include a radio frequency modem, a sonar device, an infrared communication device, a light emitting diode, an optical modem, and combinations thereof; the wireless communication can include radio frequency waves, acoustic waves, and electromagnetic waves. A subsea control module can be included for controlling/actuating devices in or associated with the production system. The subsea control module can be adapted for wireless communication.
US08179273B2
A display for a faulted circuit indicator is disclosed. A plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged so that at least one diode is visible to a person approaching the faulted circuit indicator from a determined angle of approach. When a fault is detected, the faulted circuit indicator flashes the plurality of light-emitting diodes in a predetermined pattern depending on whether a permanent or temporary fault is detected.
US08179265B2
A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it comprises part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device.
US08179261B2
There are provided an identification and surveillance device, a system and a method using active RFID technology to accurately and automatically track inventory at the item-level across the supply chain in real-time and at a distance. The device is provided with an attaching device for attaching to the item and a radio-frequency device securely mounted with the attaching device. The radio-frequency device comprises storage for storing data therein, the data comprising individual tag-related information, a transmitter, an antenna and a power source for powering the device. The radio-frequency device, with the help of the transmitter, is able to communicate with a corresponding radio-frequency receiver for tracking the item.
US08179253B2
A system, method, and devices for locating an object, in which the system includes objects having location tags for projecting data about the object, a processing unit for receiving data about the object, and an algorithm for processing the data. Typically, the location tag includes at least one mobility sensor that projects sensory data about the object, a wireless transceiver that projects received signal strength indication data about the object and a microprocessor. The processing unit receiving the sensory data and the received signal strength indication data about the object. The algorithm processes the data, provides a location estimate about the object and thereby locates the object.
US08179250B2
A power management interface is provided and includes a switch, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The switch is coupled to an AC power line for controlling a power line signal to a load. The transmitting circuit generates a switching signal to control the switch and achieve a phase modulation to the power line signal in response to a transmitting-data. The receiving circuit is coupled to receive the power line signal for detecting a phase of the power line signal and generating a receiving-data to control power of the load. The receiving-data is generated in accordance with the phase detection of the power line signal and correlated to the transmitting-data.
US08179248B2
An acoustic door latch detector is provided in which a sound recognition sensor is integrated into a door or door lock mechanism. The programmable sound recognition sensor can be trained to recognize the acoustic signature of the door and door lock mechanism being properly engaged and secured. The acoustic sensor will signal a first indicator indicating that proper closure was detected or sound an alarm condition if the proper acoustic signature is not detected within a predetermined time interval.
US08179243B2
A lane departure warning method and system thereof are provided. First a driver model is established, wherein the driver model is established according to a lateral position error of a vehicle being driven and a steering angle generated by a driver for controlling the vehicle. Next, a system identification process is performed on the lateral position error and the steering angle, so as to obtain specific information of the driver model. An estimation process is performed on the specific information and a plurality of raw statistical data, so as to obtain a time to lane crossing (TLC). A decision process is performed on the TLC and a driver drowsiness index, so as to obtain a lane departure warning strategy.
US08179232B2
A radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator housed in a portable platform that includes at least one antenna, a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal through the antenna, and a controller in communication with the transceiver for adjusting power and direction of the transmitted RF signal. The controller can be configured to adjust the antenna orientation, and can also selectively activate and deactivate one or more antennas.
US08179224B2
The overcurrent protection structure according to the present invention mainly comprises a fusible fuse structure unit disposed in a coating, and the both ends of the fusible fuse structure unit extend outwardly beyond the coating and form a first electrode and a second electrode. In the manufacturing process, the gas-assisted injection molding process enables at least one space for accommodating gas disposed between the fusible fuse structure unit and the coating such that the heat generated by the electrically energized the fusible fuse structure unit will not dissipate through the heat conduction of the coating in order to ensure that it will blow at high temperature when reaching a specific current or a specific temperature and the circuit protection effect.
US08179223B2
A sheet type transformer includes a primary winding 1 formed in the shape of a flat plate; and a secondary winding 6 wound around an axis perpendicular to the face of the primary winding 1, wherein the end 6a of the secondary winding 6 on the radially central side thereof is drawn out in the direction perpendicular to the face of the primary winding 1.
US08179218B2
A magnet magnetizing system and a superconducting magnet to be magnetized, for magnetizing a superconducting magnet to be magnetized, comprises: a magnetizing magnetic field generating means for generating and distinguishing a static magnetic field; a cooling means having an electromotive motor within the static magnetic field, which is generated from the magnetizing magnet generating means; and a bulk superconductor to be magnetized, which is thermally connected with a low-temperature portion of the cooling means, wherein the magnetizing magnetic field generating means is made up with a magnetizing superconducting bulk magnet, building other magnetizing bulk superconductor therein, the bulk superconductor to be magnetized before magnetization thereof is inserted within a space of the static magnetic field, which is generated by the magnetizing superconducting bulk magnet magnetized, and the magnetic field of the magnetizing superconducting bulk magnet is distinguished by the means for cooling the bulk superconductor inserted, down to be equal or lower than superconducting temperature, thereby magnetizing the bulk superconductor to be magnetized.
US08179211B2
The invention relates to a filter with a first partial filter (TF1), comprising a series resonator (S1) and at least two parallel resonators (P1, P2) that are arranged in respective parallel branches, and with a second partial filter (TF2) configured as a DMS filter. The filter also comprises a housing with a plurality of internal housing contacts (GKi) on a base plate that are connected to terminal areas on the substrate (SU) and external housing contacts (GKa), fewer than the internal contacts, that are connected to the internal housing contacts (GKi) via lines (DL1, DL2) guided within the base plate. At least two lines for connections to ground of the first parallel resonator (P1) and the second partial filter (TF2) are guided separately in or on the base plate and are connected to at least two different external housing contacts (E4, E2).
US08179208B2
An interconnect for surfing circuits is presented. The interconnect includes at least one control signal line, at least one data signal line, and at least one variable capacitor coupled to the at least one control signal line and the at least one data signal line, wherein the capacitance of the variable capacitor is configured to be controlled by a control signal on the control signal line so that a velocity of a data signal transmitted on the at least one data signal line is determined by the value of the capacitance of the variable capacitor.
US08179196B2
Methods and apparatus for amplifying signals over a wide frequency range to generate high voltage outputs feature a pair of switching modules which are connected in series. Switching modules, e.g., field-effect transistors (FETs), operate based on the voltage difference between an amplified signal and a fixed DC signal at two of their terminals, thereby generating an output waveform that has peak-to-peak voltage higher than, e.g. twice, the breakdown voltage of the transistors within the amplifier. The DC signals applied at the switching modules may be varied using an AC signal to improve the risetime of the output waveform and achieve a faster operational speed of the amplifier.
US08179190B2
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed.
US08179188B2
A method for operating a semiconductor device including a lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) with a first source, a common drain and a first gate, a junction field effect transistor (JFET) with a second source, the common drain and a second gate wherein the second source is electrically connected to the first gate and an inner circuit electrically connected to the first source is provided. The first source provides the inner circuit with an inner current to generate an inner voltage by means of the lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor, and the lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor turns off when the inner voltage is elevated substantially as high as the first gate voltage.
US08179185B2
A sampling mixer includes TAs (transconductance amplifiers), an in-phase mixer section connected to the TA and the TA, an opposite-phase mixer section connected in parallel with the in-phase mixer section, and a signal generator for generating a control signal for the in-phase mixer section and the opposite-phase mixer section respectively. The IIR filter using signals that underwent a current conversion by using the different transconductances is constructed, so that the filter characteristic can be designed by a weighting of the transconductance in addition to a capacitance ratio. As a result, the wide-band filter characteristic and the band-pass filter characteristic can be obtained, and deterioration of the receiving sensitivity can be suppressed by designing the filter characteristic suitable for the radio communication system.
US08179180B2
A device for detecting an approach or a touch related to at least one sensor element, in particular in an electrical appliance, the device comprising an input side and an output side, between which a first signal path with a first input and a first output and a second signal path with a second input and a second output are arranged, wherein the first signal path comprises a delay device with a delay, the delay device configured to delay a digital first input signal at the first input into a digital first output signal at the first output, wherein the delay is dependent on a capacitance value resulting from the approach or the touch related to the sensor element, and wherein the second signal path comprises an XOR-element, which is configured to generate an edge in a digital second output signal at the second output, when the digital first output signal outputted by the delay device exhibits an edge.
US08179177B2
A wideband delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit includes an internal clock signal generating unit providing an internal control signal by selecting and interpolating between two clock delay signals during a primary phase locking operation. The internal clock signal may be modified by a secondary phase locking operation if more delay is required to phase lock the internal clock signal to an external clock signal. A phase detection/control circuit generates various control signals based on a phase comparison of the internal clock signal and the external clock signal.
US08179166B2
A sample and hold circuit with leakage compensation is disclosed. An example sample and hold circuit includes a first switch coupled to sample and hold an input signal value in a first capacitor coupled to the first switch in response to a sample signal. A second switch through which a second leakage current flows to a second capacitor coupled to the second switch is also included. The second leakage current through the second switch to the second capacitor is substantially equal to a first leakage current through the first switch to the first capacitor. An offset circuit that is coupled to the first and second capacitors is also included to produce a compensated sampled value in response to a difference between a quantity representing the held input signal value and charge accumulated in the first capacitor in response to the first leakage current from a quantity representing charge accumulated in the second capacitor in response to the second leakage current.
US08179162B2
Some embodiments regard a circuit comprising: a first circuit configured to lock a frequency of an output clock to a frequency of a reference clock; a second circuit configured to align an input signal to a phase clock of the output clock; a third circuit configured to use a first set of phase clocks of the output clock and a second set of phase clocks of the output clock to improve alignment of the input signal to the phase clock of the output clock; and a lock detection circuit configured to turn on the first circuit when the frequency of the output clock is not locked to the frequency of the reference clock; and to turn off the first circuit and to turn on the second circuit and the third circuit when the frequency of the output clock is locked to the frequency of the reference clock.
US08179160B1
An integrated circuit (IC) includes an input/output (I/O) circuit supporting high-speed operation and multiple I/O logic-level swings. The I/O circuit includes a first output signal chain to generate outputs with a first logic level swing, and a second output signal chain to generate outputs with a second logic level swing. The outputs of the first output signal chain and the second output signal chain are connected to a same output pad of the IC. Transistors in the first output signal chain and the second output signal chain are fabricated using corresponding gate oxide characteristics. The second output signal chain includes protection circuitry to prevent transistors in the second output signal chain from being subjected to voltage stresses beyond a safe limit. An input circuit in the I/O circuit similarly includes multiple input signal chains to enable reception of input signals of different logic-level swings from a same input pad.
US08179151B2
The present invention employs identically sized mirror transistors arrange in groups that may be preferentially addressed and activated to determine the value of a resistor. Known current are directed through the resistor, and the voltage developed is measured by comparing against a reference voltage. The current is increased or decreased by the least significant value until the voltage across the resistor matches the reference voltage. A successive approximation or other known technique may be used instead. A reference current is developed that temperature stable and that is trimmed when manufactured to reduce process effects. The reference voltage may be constructed to be independent form a local power source so that the system is relatively independent of process, voltage and temperature, PVT.
US08179150B2
Monitoring system in real time of the state of capacitance graded bushings of power transformers, powers reactors, current transformers, circuit breakers and similar, it is applied preferentially by power transformers; power reactors; chain transformers, circuit breakers and similar, being the system passible of accomplish the monitoring in real time of capacitance graded bushings (1), each one resulted from a capacitive “tap” to which connects a “tap” adapter (3) that, then, connects to a measuring module (4) which receives signals coming from capacitive “tap” (2) of three graded bushings (1) which form a triphase group. One or more measuring modules (4) can, if connect to an only interface man-machine module (5), by means of a serial communication (6), forming a modular system.
US08179147B2
A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing a signature of a signal of a power converter and determining, based on analysis of the signature, whether an arc fault exists.
US08179146B2
A partial discharge detection sensor is used for detecting a partial discharge signal in a gas-insulated equipment using a PCB substrate, and a partial discharge detection device employs the partial discharge detection sensor. The partial discharge detection sensor includes a PCB substrate, a partial discharge signal detection pattern formed on the PCB substrate to detect a partial discharge signal in the gas-insulated equipment, and a connection terminal for receiving the partial discharge signal detected by the partial discharge signal detection pattern and transmitting the partial discharge signal to a connector that emits the partial discharge signal to the outside. The partial discharge detection sensor is attached to an inner wall of an enclosure of the gas-insulated equipment.
US08179145B2
Testing an AFCI device includes providing an AFCI device to be tested and a load, wherein the AFCI device and the load form an electrical circuit, applying AC power to the AFCI device, generating a high frequency broadband noise signal, amplifying the high frequency broadband noise signal, modulating the amplified high frequency noise signal with a signal synchronized to the load current or load voltage to provide synchronized high frequency broadband noise bursts, coupling the noise bursts into the electrical circuit to simulate series arcing signals, determining if the AFCI device opens the electrical circuit within a predetermined amount of time, indicating the AFCI device has passed the test if the AFCI opens the electrical circuit within the predetermined amount of time, and indicating the AFCI device has failed the test if not.
US08179141B2
The invention relates to a method of measuring the conductivity of a pure or ultrapure liquid, notably water, using electrodes, characterized in that it consists in determining the conductivity by modeling the liquid in the form of an equivalent electrical circuit diagram comprising a resistor R, a capacitor Cp in parallel with the resistor R, and a series capacitor Cs. It also relates to a device for implementing this method and a purification system incorporating such a device.
US08179136B2
A radio frequency (RF) coil array includes a plurality of RF coil sections arranged in a superior-inferior direction. Each RF coil section includes a plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs configured in an overlapping arrangement in a left-right direction. The plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs may include three asymmetric saddle coil pairs arranged in a left-right direction. The position of the asymmetric saddle coil pairs on the left and right may be shifted in the superior-inferior direction with respect to the middle asymmetric saddle coil pair. In an alternative configuration, each RF coil section includes a first loop coil, an asymmetric saddle coil pair and a second loop coil arranged in a left-right direction.
US08179133B1
A superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) comprises a superconducting inductive loop with at least two Josephson junction, whereby a magnetic flux coupled into the inductive loop produces a modulated response up through radio frequencies. Series and parallel arrays of SQUIDs can increase the dynamic range, output, and linearity, while maintaining bandwidth. Several approaches to achieving a linear triangle-wave transfer function are presented, including harmonic superposition of SQUID cells, differential serial arrays with magnetic frustration, and a novel bi-SQUID cell comprised of a nonlinear Josephson inductance shunting the linear coupling inductance. Total harmonic distortion of less than −120 dB can be achieved in optimum cases.
US08179130B2
A magnetic revolution counter for the unambiguous determination of a definable number of revolutions of a rotating element to be determined. The aim of creating such a revolution counter allowing a determination of any arbitrarily definable number of revolutions, for example up to values of N>4000 or more as defined, and enabling a cost-effective and small design, is achieved in that a plurality of sensor elements (30a to 30e) are provided, which are formed by closed loops having magnetic domains attached and guiding the same, containing at least one ferromagnetic, respectively soft magnetic, layer. The loops have tapered protuberances directed toward the loop interior, wherein the number of protuberances provided per loop is determined in a defined manner deviating from loop to loop, and electric contact arrangements are provided, which allow the detection of any changes in the electric resistance of predetermined loop sections after a completed change of location of magnetic domains due to the effect of the outer rotating magnetic field in predetermined loop sections, and wherein the said resistance values can be supplied to an analysis unit for the purpose of allocating the number of revolutions of the rotating element.
US08179126B2
A hall rotary transformer comprises a rotary transformer stator (1), linear Hall components (3), a PCB (4) and a permanent magnet magnetic ring (5). A ring shape soft iron core (2) is installed on the PCB (4). Plural grooves (8) are uniformly distributed inside the peripheral surface of the ring shape soft iron core (2) and have the same number as the linear Hall components (3). Every linear Hall component (3) is installed in its corresponding groove (8) and soldered on the PCB (4). The magnetic sensitive surface of each linear Hall component (3) is aligned with the magnetic pole surface of the permanent magnet magnetic ring (5) each other. A Hall rotation angle encoder is made of the Hall rotary transformer.
US08179124B2
The invention relates to an inductive proximity sensor for embedding in a mild steel mounting plate, comprising an enclosure with a front wall of synthetic material forming a sensing face at a front end of the enclosure, an oscillator comprising a sensor coil with a core made of a material with a relative magnetic permeability larger than 1, typically a ferrite, which is arranged within the enclosure behind the front wall so that an open side of the core is directed towards the sensing face in order to direct the magnetic field of the coil towards a target in front of the sensing face, a hollow cylindrical metal member arranged perpendicular to the sensing face and surrounding the core, and a measuring circuit for measuring an attenuation of the oscillator due to eddy currents. The core is radially surrounded by a metal layer with a low electrical resistivity of less than 15 μΩ·cm and with a thickness of less than 40 μm, in order to improve the embeddability of the sensor. Alternatively, this thin metal layer may be omitted, if the electrical resistivity of the metal member is adjusted to a value in the range of 15 μΩ·cm-50 μΩ·cm.
US08179120B2
A test structure for an integrated circuit device includes one or more experiments selectively configured to receive one or more high-speed input signals as inputs thereto and to output at least one high-speed output signal therefrom, the one or more experiments each including two or more logic gates configured to determine differential delay characteristics of individual circuit devices, at a precision level on the order of picoseconds to less than 1 picosecond; and wherein the one or more sets of experiments are disposed, and are fully testable, at a first level of metal wiring (M1) in the integrated circuit device.
US08179117B2
A pulse detection device detects a pulse signal having an intermediate potential in a predefined period. Furthermore, the pulse detection device includes a signal fixing section that fixes the intermediate potential of the pulse signal at a low level or a high level. Furthermore, the signal fixing section is preferably a pull-down resistor or a pull-up resistor connected to an input signal line to which the pulse signal is input. Note that a pulse detection method may fix the intermediate potential of the pulse signal at a low level or a high level.
US08179112B2
The present invention provides a direct current generator and a pulse generator thereof. The pulse generator includes a comparator to replace a central processing unit and a logic integrated circuit to save the costs and space required by the electronic components. The pulse generator generates pulses to control the activation of the direct current generator and then to control the output current of the direct current generator. The direct current generator generates current having pulses based on pulses signals from the pulse generator to drive a load.
US08179109B2
Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise a controller configured to generate a control signal and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a segmented switch coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the controller and connected to the switches. The segmented switches may be parallel devices with separate gates, which may be activated independently. The driver circuit controls the switches according to the control signal to sequentially activate the switches in the switch circuit. For example, the driver circuit may activate a second switch following a predetermined period after activating a first switch, and the first switch and second switch may be activated sequentially and remain activated simultaneously.
US08179106B2
A synchronous-rectifier type DC-DC converter includes a high-side main switch element, a low-side rectifying switch element, and a control drive circuit. The rectifying switch element includes a rectifying transistor element and a rectifying diode element connected in antiparallel with the rectifying transistor element. The control drive circuit detects an input voltage to the main switch element and determines the input voltage or a rate of increase in the input voltage. When the determined value exceeds a predetermined reference value, a complementary ON/OFF operation of the main switch element and the rectifying transistor element is released, and a state where both the main switch element and the rectifying transistor element are kept OFF for a time period that is longer than a dead-time during the complementary ON/OFF operation is set.
US08179100B2
A technique for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of forward converter circuits for a battery charging operation is provided. The technique allows for varying voltage at the charging battery by manipulating the duty cycles of two forward converter circuits. Method and systems allow for increasing synchronized duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits in response to a changing battery charge state that requires a higher voltage output then changing a phase shift between the duty cycles in response to further increases in output voltage demand. The methods and systems also allow for setting a phase shift between duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits based on battery rating and then altering pulse width in response to changing battery charge state.
US08179098B2
Disclosed is a charge controlling semiconductor integrated circuit including: an electric current controlling transistor connected between a voltage input terminal and an output terminal to control an electric current which flows from the voltage input terminal to the output terminal; a power source monitoring circuit to detect status of input voltage of the voltage input terminal; and a transistor element connected between the voltage input terminal and a ground potential point, wherein a bypass capacitor is connected to the voltage input terminal; and the transistor element is turned on and the bypass capacitor discharges when the power source monitoring circuit detects the input voltage of the voltage input terminal is cut off.
US08179089B2
A power transmission control apparatus is a power transmission control apparatus provided in a power transmission apparatus included in a contactless power transmission system where power is transmitted from the power transmission apparatus to a power reception apparatus by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil. The power transmission control apparatus includes: a signal detection circuit that detects a signal induced by the primary coil; and a power transmission control circuit that determines a value of transmission data transmitted from the power reception apparatus by a load modulation, on the basis of an output signal of the signal detection circuit. The power transmission control circuit obtains detection data by detecting the transmission data on the basis of the output signal of the signal detection circuit at every drive clock cycle of the primary coil. If a value of the detection value is identical n-times continuously, where n=m+α≦p, the m is an integer equal to or larger than 0, the α is an integer equal to or larger than 1, and the p is an integer equal to or larger than 1, the power transmission control circuit determines that the value of the transmission data transmitted by the power reception apparatus is the value of the detection data.
US08179072B2
A method for counting the number of revolutions of a burr of a coffee mill driven in rotation by an electric motor. According to the method: at least one electrical parameter Pi of the motor that varies in proportion to the speed of said motor is measured in a regular time interval Ti; the speed Vi in each time interval Ti is calculated from the parameter Pi based on an experimentally obtained relation; and the number of revolutions Ni made by the burr in each time interval Ti is calculated from the speed Vi determined.
US08179061B1
The present invention features a battery system for saving power. In some embodiments, the battery system comprises a main control unit for processing commands. The main control unit may comprise a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless commands, and a timer for waking a microcontroller from a low power state to check a status of the received signal. In some embodiments, the microcontroller configured to receive a signal from the wireless transceiver; and to generate a signal to the wireless transceiver. In some embodiments, the battery system further comprises a remote module for sending commands to the main control unit. The remote module may comprises a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless commands, and a microcontroller for processing user inputs and sending the commands. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to receive a signal from the wireless transceiver; and to generate a signal to the wireless transceiver.
US08179060B2
A motor controller for controlling at least one electric motor has an operating signal generator for generating an operating control signal for the at least one electric motor and also a sound signal generator for generating a sound control signal. A mixer superimposes the sound control signal on the operating control signal in order to obtain a control signal for the at least one electric motor. It is then possible to dispense with loudspeakers and the like in the appliance which contains an electric motor with such a motor controller in order to output, for example, signal tones which indicate an operating state of the appliance to the user.
US08179053B2
A power supply system is provided for a multiple lamp LCD panel. In one aspect, the power supply includes a plurality of transformers for driving a plurality of respective CCFLs. The primary sides of each transformer are coupled in series to thereby reduce the stress on each transformer. For LCD panels that include longer CCFLs, a power supply is provided that includes a plurality of transformers for driving a plurality of respective CCFLs. The primary sides of each transformer are coupled in series and each lamp is coupled to two secondary sides of the transformers, thereby reducing the problems associated with longer CCFL tubes. In any of the embodiments, the power supply can be adapted to convert a high voltage DC signal to high voltage AC used to power the lamps.
US08179046B2
A microwave-excited ultraviolet lamp system includes a microwave chamber cooled with air drawn through the chamber by a negative pressure source. A filter provided at an inlet of the lamp system prevents particulate material from entering the microwave chamber.
US08179044B2
A plasma display device with lowered discharge voltage by mixing activated carbon with phosphor layers and/or barrier ribs to produce carbon dioxide. The plasma display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from the first substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are sealed together. A plurality of barrier ribs are on the first substrate for defining a plurality of discharge cells between the first substrate and the second substrate. A phosphor layer is in the plurality of discharge cells, and a gas mixture including carbon dioxide is between the first and second substrates, wherein at least one of the phosphor layer or the plurality of barrier ribs includes an activated carbon.
US08179039B2
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a method of manufacturing the same, a light emitting device package, and an illumination system. The light emitting device includes a transmissive substrate, an ohmic layer on the transmissive substrate, a light emitting structure on the ohmic layer and including a first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first and second semiconductor layers, a electrode layer on a bottom surface of the transmissive substrate, and a conductive via electrically connecting the light emitting structure with the electrode layer through the transmissive substrate wherein an area of the transmissive substrate is increased toward an upper portion thereof from a lower portion.
US08179035B2
A method for selecting two different light-emitting materials for use in an OLED device, each of which produces different color light, which combine to produce white light. Each light emitting material has its own point on a chromaticity diagram, and the light-emitting materials are selected such that, when a line is drawn between the first point and the second point, it passes through a desired white area defined on a chromaticity diagram.
US08179032B2
The invention provides microcavity plasma devices and arrays that are formed in layers that also seal the plasma medium, i.e., gas(es) and/or vapors. No separate packaging layers are required and additional packaging can be omitted if it is desirable to do so. A preferred microcavity plasma device includes first and second thin layers that are joined together. A half ellipsoid microcavity or plurality of half ellipsoid microcavities is defined in one or both of the first and second thin layers, and electrodes are arranged with respect to the microcavity to excite a plasma within said microcavities upon application of a predetermined voltage to the electrodes. A method for forming a microcavity plasma device having a plurality of half or full ellipsoid microcavities in one or both of first and second thin layers is also provided by a preferred embodiment. The method includes defining a pattern of protective polymer on the first thin layer. Powder blasting forms half ellipsoid microcavities in the first thin layer. The second thin layer is joined to the first layer. The patterning can be conducted lithographically or can be conduced with a simple screen.
US08179028B1
The keybar that is attached to the frame of a dynamoelectric machine is broken into a bald keybar with mini-dovetails attached to it. The bald keybar is identical to the bolt portion of a conventional keybar. The mini-dovetail is a trapezoidal or U-shaped strip with insulated slanted arms. The core packet is inserted loosely over an array of mini-dovetails. Devices such as wedges, threaded rods flex the slanted arm and press them against the slot faces of the core packet, thereby locking the core packet to the frame. Insulation on the slanted arms prevents large eddy currents due to shorted laminations, increasing the machine efficiency. Preventing large eddy currents also eliminates hot spots which could otherwise cause a core failure. Locking the core packets also prevents rattling of laminations. The locking method also distributes the torque forces evenly around the periphery.
US08179020B2
A vibratory actuator is provided in which a movable body can be stably driven even when a groove is formed in an abutment body by the friction between the driver element and the abutment body. An ultrasonic actuator (2) includes an actuator body (4) which performs a longitudinal vibration and a bending vibration, and a driver element (8a, 8b) which is provided on one of side surfaces of the actuator body (4) which is a mounting surface (40a), and performs an orbital motion in accordance with the vibrations of the actuator body (4) to output a driving force. The driver element (8a, 8b) includes a first driver element (8a) and a second driver element (8b) which are provided on the mounting surface (40a) at different positions in a longitudinal direction of the actuator body (4). The first driver element (8a) and the second driver element (8b) are located at different positions in a thickness direction of the actuator body (4).
US08179014B2
Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder.
US08179010B2
A rotor is provided. The rotor includes a rotor iron core including slots formed around an outer circumferential portion thereof; magnet pieces which are inserted into the slots, respectively, such that a magnetic orientation of the magnet pieces are inverted every predetermined number of the slots; and two end plates, one end plate disposed on each end side in an axial direction of the rotor iron core, the two end plates covering the slots in the axial direction. The rotor iron core also includes cutout portions, which are located at an interval between adjacent ones of the slots, each of the cutout portions extending in the axial direction of the rotor iron core. One of the two end plates includes injection openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the slots, and communicating grooves each of which is formed so as to communicate with one of the cutout portions.
US08179005B2
A motor includes a base, a stator and a rotor. The base is equipped with a shaft tube having an outer circumferential wall. The stator is coupled with the shaft tube of the base and has an assembly hole. A plurality of close-fitting portions is formed between an inner circumferential wall of the assembly hole and the outer circumferential wall of the shaft tube, and an adjustment gap is formed between each two adjacent close-fitting portions. The rotor has a shaft rotatably coupled within the shaft tube of the base.
US08179002B2
A wind turbine having a generator is provided. The generator includes a rotor and a stator having a stator lamination, one or more flange rings and one or more core rings. The stator lamination includes a plurality of axial flow passages and the one or more core rings include a plurality of core ring axial flow passages that are aligned with the plurality of axial flow passages in the stator lamination. The plurality of axial flow passages in the stator lamination have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.
US08178997B2
A method includes determining a desired power draw for a plurality of loads connected to an electrical grid, each of the plurality of loads connected to the electrical grid through a load supply control and being able to obtain a desired amount of energy from the grid in a desired time period, and transmitting a plurality of instructions through a communication network to a plurality of load supply controls to cause at least some of the loads in the plurality of loads to receive power from the electrical grid at different rates than other loads of the plurality of loads such that the desired power draw is obtained and such that each load of the plurality of loads receives its corresponding desired amount of energy in the desired time period.
US08178988B2
A direct-drive wind turbine generator is provided with: a main shaft having one end connected to a rotor head of a wind turbine rotor; a generator having a stator, a stator casing for supporting the stator, and a rotor connected to the other end of the main shaft; first and second bearings positioned between the rotor head and the generator to rotatably support the main shaft; and a torque support for supporting the stator casing. The second bearing is positioned closer to the generator than the first bearing. The first bearing is a bearing with an aligning capability, and the second bearing is a bearing with no aligning capability.
US08178979B2
A low-noise flip-chip package, comprising: a carrier substrate having first and second opposing main faces; and a flip-chip substrate connected in a face-down manner onto the first main face of the carrier substrate via a connection array, wherein: the flip-chip substrate comprises at least first and second circuitry portions spaced apart from one another; the flip-chip substrate comprises a substrate-contact boundary located between the first and second circuitry portions; and each of the first circuitry portion, the second circuitry portion and the substrate-contact boundary has its own separate signal-reference connection extending via a respective connection of the connection array through the carrier substrate to a respective electrical contact at the second main face of the carrier substrate for connection to a common signal-reference element in an external circuit.
US08178967B2
The invention provides a new method and chip scale package is provided. The inventions starts with a substrate over which a contact point is provided, the contact point is exposed through an opening created in the layer of passivation and a layer of polymer or elastomer. A barrier/seed layer is deposited, a first photoresist mask is created exposing the barrier/seed layer where this layer overlies the contact pad and, contiguous therewith, over a surface area that is adjacent to the contact pad and emanating in one direction from the contact pad. The exposed surface of the barrier/seed layer is electroplated for the creation of interconnect traces. The first photoresist mask is removed from the surface of the barrier/seed layer. A second photoresist mask, defining the solder bump, is created exposing the surface area of the barrier/seed layer that is adjacent to the contact pad and emanating in one direction from the contact pad. The solder bump is created in accordance with the second photoresist mask, the second photoresist mask is removed from the surface of the barrier/seed layer, exposing the electroplating and the barrier/seed layer with the metal plating overlying the barrier/seed layer. The exposed barrier/seed layer is etched in accordance with the pattern formed by the electroplating, reflow of the solder bump is optionally performed.
US08178966B2
An integrated circuit arrangement and method of fabricating the integrated circuit arrangement is provided. At least one integrated electronic component is arranged at a main area of a substrate. The component is arranged in the substrate or is isolated from the substrate by an electrically insulating region. Main channels are formed in the substrate and arranged along the main area. Each main channel is completely surrounded by the substrate transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis. Transverse channels are arranged transversely with respect to the main channels. Each transverse channel opens into at least one main channel. More than about ten transverse channels open into a main channel.
US08178959B2
An electrical connection support for receiving a semiconductor component includes an electrical connection plate having electrical connection pads. A stand-off structure is provided over the electrical connection pads. The stand-off structure may include a supplementary layer provided on a zone of the electrical connection plate which includes the electrical connection pads of the plate and is outside of a place configured to receive a semiconductor component. The stand-off structure further includes electrical connection vias passing through the supplementary layer. These vias are electrically connected to the electrical connection pads of the plate and have outer faces for making external electrical connection (for example, to another electrical connection support in a stacked structure).
US08178958B2
The present invention provides an antenna in that the adhesive intensity of a conductive body formed on a base film is increased, and a semiconductor device including the antenna. The invention further provides a semiconductor device with high reliability that is formed by attaching an element formation layer and an antenna, wherein the element formation layer is not damaged due to a structure of the antenna. The semiconductor device includes the element formation layer provided over a substrate and the antenna provided over the element formation layer. The element formation layer and the antenna are electrically connected. The antenna has a base film and a conductive body, wherein at least a part of the conductive body is embedded in the base film. As a method for embedding the conductive body in the base film, a depression is formed in the base film and the conductive body is formed therein.
US08178956B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a substrate; coupling an integrated circuit to the substrate; mounting a shielding element around the integrated circuit; applying a conductive shielding layer on the shielding element; and coupling a system interconnect to the shielding element.
US08178949B2
Bipolar semiconductor devices have a Zener voltage controlled very precisely in a wide range of Zener voltages (for example, from 10 to 500 V). A bipolar semiconductor device has a mesa structure and includes a silicon carbide single crystal substrate of a first conductivity type, a silicon carbide conductive layer of a first conductivity type, a highly doped layer of a second conductivity type and a silicon carbide conductive layer of a second conductivity type which substrate and conductive layers are laminated in the order named.
US08178947B2
There is provided a semiconductor device in which an amount of fluctuations in output capacitance and feedback capacitance is reduced. In a trench-type insulated gate semiconductor device, a width of a portion of an electric charge storage layer in a direction along which a gate electrode and a dummy gate are aligned is set to be at most 1.4 μm.
US08178942B2
An electrically alterable circuit (EAC), suitable for use in an integrated circuit, includes a first interconnect, a link element, and a second interconnect. A first set of interconnect vias provides an electrically conductive connection between the first interconnect and a first end of the link element; A second set of interconnect vias provides an electrically conductive connection between the second interconnect and a second end of the link element. The EAC further includes a third interconnect and a one or more fuse vias that provide an electrical connection between the third interconnect and the link element. A conductance of the one or more fuse vias is less than a conductance of the first set of interconnect vias, a conductance of the second set of interconnect vias, or both.
US08178941B2
In a semiconductor device having a pn-junction diode structure that includes anode diffusion region including edge area, anode electrode on anode diffusion region, and insulator film on edge area of anode diffusion region, the area of anode electrode above anode diffusion region with insulator film interposed between anode electrode and anode diffusion region is narrower than the area of insulator film on edge area of anode diffusion region.
US08178936B2
The MEMS package has a mounting substrate on which one or more transducer chips are mounted wherein the mounting substrate has an opening. A top cover is attached to and separated from the mounting substrate by a spacer forming a housing enclosed by the top cover, the spacer, and the mounting substrate and accessed by the opening. Electrical connections are made between the one or more transducer chips and the mounting substrate and/or between the one or more transducer chips and the top cover. A bottom cover can be mounted on a bottom surface of the mounting substrate wherein a hollow chamber is formed between the mounting substrate and the bottom cover, wherein a second opening in the bottom cover is not aligned with the first opening. Pads on outside surfaces of the top and bottom covers can be used for further attachment to printed circuit boards. The top and bottom covers can be a flexible printed circuit board folded under the mounting substrate.
US08178933B2
A semiconductor device including first and second transistors, each of the first and second transistors being formed with a plurality of fin transistors, and the first and second transistors being connected in parallel to electrically share a source, wherein the plurality of fin transistors each include a fin activation layer, the fin activation layer protruding from a semiconductor substrate, a source layer serving as the source being formed on one end, and a drain layer on the other end of the fin activation layer so as to form a channel region, the fin activation layers are arranged adjacent to each other in parallel, and the drain layers are disposed so that the currents flow through the plurality of fin transistors in opposite directions between the first and second transistors.
US08178924B2
A semiconductor device having a floating body element and a bulk body element and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a bulk body element region and floating body element regions. An isolation region defining an active region of the bulk body element region of the substrate and defining first buried patterns and first active patterns, which are sequentially stacked on a first element region of the floating body element regions of the substrate is provided. A first buried dielectric layer interposed between the first buried patterns and the substrate and between the first buried patterns and the first active patterns is provided.
US08178922B2
A trench MOSFET structure with ultra high cell density is disclosed, wherein the source regions and the body regions are located in different regions to save the mesa area between every two adjacent gate trenches in the active area. Furthermore, the inventive trench MOSFET is composed of stripe cells to further increase cell packing density and decrease on resistance Rds between the drain region and the source region.
US08178912B2
An image sensor includes a first substrate, readout circuitry, an electrical junction region, a metal interconnection and an image sensing device. The readout circuitry is formed on and/or over the first substrate and the electrical junction region is formed in the first substrate and electrically connected to the readout circuitry. The metal interconnection is electrically connected to the electrical junction region. The image sensing device is formed on and/or over the metal interconnection.
US08178908B2
An electrical contact structure distributes current along a length thereof. The electrical contact structure includes a plurality of n metal rectangles on n levels of metal. The rectangle on one metal level is at least as wide in width and vertically covers in width the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. The rectangle on one metal level is shorter in length than and substantially aligned at a first end with the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. Rectangle first ends are substantially aligned. Features of an exemplary FET transistor of this invention are a source and drain terminal electrical contact structure, a multi-level metal ring connecting gate rectangles on both ends, and a wider-than-minimum gate-to-gate spacing. The invention is useful, for example, in an electromigration-compliant, high performance transistor.
US08178896B2
A light emitting device includes a pair of electrodes facing to each other and a phosphor layer which is sandwiched between the pair of electrodes and includes phosphor particles placed therein. The phosphor particles include an n-type nitride semiconductor part and a p-type nitride semiconductor part, the n-type nitride semiconductor part and the p-type nitride semiconductor part are made of respective single crystals having wurtzite-type crystal structures having c axes parallel with each other, and the phosphor particles include an insulation layer provided to overlie one end surface out of their end surfaces perpendicular to the c axes.
US08178892B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) chip having a micro-lens structure includes a light-emitting structure and a light guide lens. The light-emitting structure emits a light from a light-emitting surface upon being applied with a current, and the light guide lens is stacked on the light-emitting surface and used for emitting the light from a light guide surface of the light guide lens. The light guide surface has an annular ridge portion and a scatter region, such that the lights close to the central optical axis of the light-emitting surface (the region having the maximum light-emitting intensity) are deflected in a direction away from the central optical axis, and the lights far away from the central optical axis are deflected towards the central optical axis, so as to obtain a light with a uniform overall optical intensity.
US08178888B2
A packaged light emitting device (LED) includes a light emitting diode configured to emit primary light having a peak wavelength that is less than about 465 nm and having a shoulder emission component at a wavelength that is greater than the peak wavelength, and a wavelength conversion material configured to receive the primary light emitted by the light emitting diode and to responsively emit light having a color point with a ccx greater than about 0.4 and a ccy less than about 0.6.
US08178887B2
Provided is a semiconductor light emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises: a first conductive type semiconductor layer; an active layer on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; an undoped semiconductor layer on the active layer; a first delta-doped layer on the undoped semiconductor layer; and a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the first delta-doped layer.
US08178885B2
An object is to provide an aromatic amine compound with excellent heat resistance. Another object is to provide a light emitting element, a light emitting device, and an electronic device with excellent heat resistance. An aromatic amine compound represented by General Formula (1) is provided. The aromatic amine compound represented by General Formula (1) has a high glass transition point and excellent heat resistance. By using the aromatic amine compound represented by General Formula (1) for a light emitting element, a light emitting device, and an electronic device, a light emitting element, a light emitting device, and an electronic device with excellent heat resistance can be obtained.
US08178872B2
A molecular device includes a gold electrode, cytochrome c552 or a derivative or variant thereof immobilized on the gold electrode, and an electron transfer protein coupled to the cytochrome c552 or the derivative or variant thereof. Electrons or holes, or both, are transferred through the electron transfer protein by transition of electrons between molecular orbitals of the electron transfer protein.
US08178870B2
An organic electroluminescence element includes an anode and a transparent electrode cathode. An organic luminescent layer is located between the anode and the cathode. An electron injection layer is located between the cathode and the organic luminescent layer, and includes at least one of an alkali metal and an alkali earth metal to inject electrons into the organic luminescent layer. A cathode buffer layer is located between the electron injection layer and the cathode, and includes a hole-transporting organic material.
US08178865B2
An organic light emitting display device includes a plurality of pixels each coupled to a corresponding one of previous scan lines, a corresponding one of current scan lines, and a data line; first switching elements coupled between the previous scan lines of the pixels and a first test pad, and configured to turn on during a first period of a test period to provide a first test control signal supplied from the first test pad to the pixels; and second switching elements coupled between the current scan lines of the pixels and a second test pad, and configured to turn on during a second period of the test period to provide a second test control signal supplied from the second test pad to the pixels.
US08178864B2
A diode having a reference voltage electrode, a variable voltage electrode, and a diode material between the electrodes. The diode material is formed of at least one high-K dielectric material and has an asymmetric energy barrier between the reference voltage electrode and the variable voltage electrode, with the energy barrier having a relatively maximum energy barrier level proximate the reference voltage electrode and a minimum energy barrier level proximate the variable voltage electrode.
US08178860B2
An inspection system for creating images of a substrate. A light source directs an incident light onto the substrate, and a light source timing control controls a pulse timing of the incident light. A stage holds the substrate and moves the substrate under the incident light, so that the substrate reflects the incident light as a reflected light. A stage position sensor reports a position of the stage, and a stage position control controls the position of the stage. A time domain integration sensor receives the reflected light, and a time domain integration sensor timing control controls a line shift of the time domain integration sensor. A control system is in communication with the light source timing control, the stage position control, and the time delay integration sensor timing control, and sets the pulse timing of the incident light, the position of the stage, and the line shift of the time delay integration sensor, such that a single line of the time domain integration sensor integrates reflected light from more than one pulse of the incident light from the light source.
US08178857B2
A method for flattening a sample surface by irradiating the sample surface with a gas cluster ion beam, generates clusters of source gas in a cluster generating chamber, ionizes the generated clusters in an ionization chamber, accelerates the ionized cluster beam in an electric field of an accelerating electrode, selects a cluster size using a magnetic field of a sorting mechanism, and irradiates the surface of a sample. An irradiation angle between the sample surface and the gas cluster ion beam is less than 30° and an average cluster size of the gas cluster ion beam is 50 or above.
US08178854B1
The present invention relates to a cigar humidor, comprising: a hollow housing; a lid connected to the housing; a germicidal light assembly positioned inside the housing for disinfecting cigars; and a platform transparent to ultraviolet light produced by the assembly.
US08178853B2
Described is an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensor comprising one or more cylindrical cup-shaped filters.
US08178848B2
Systems and methods for filtering noise in pixelated photon counting image detectors are provided. One method includes obtaining image information including event count information for a pixelated solid-state photon counting radiation detector and obtaining a count-rate threshold. The method further includes filtering the event count information based on the count-rate threshold.
US08178846B2
An X-ray detector provided for a radiation image pickup apparatus of this invention includes two types of areas, i.e. an image area for X-ray detection, and an image area for time variation noise detection to detect time variation noises generating from circuits of the X-ray detector. Consequently, time variation noises can be detected properly, regardless of damage to gate circuits of an active matrix substrate, by reading charge signals from the image area for time variation noise detection before a gate drive circuit is set to ON. As a result, a radiation image pickup apparatus with improved image quality can be manufactured.
US08178844B2
An infrared detecting device is provided that is capable of improving device characteristics thereof by narrowing the width of each beam portion. The infrared detecting device has an infrared detection portion having a thermoelectric transducing part formed over a semiconductor substrate via an air gap interposed therebetween, and the beam portions which are formed over the semiconductor substrate via the air gap interposed therebetween, support the infrared detection portion and electrically connect between the infrared detection portion and the semiconductor substrate, wherein each of the beam portions has an insulating material film and a conductive material layer exposed from the insulating material film to a side surface of each beam portion.
US08178843B2
A midwave infrared lead salt photodetector manufactured by a process comprising the step of employing molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to grow a heterostructure photoconductive detector with a wide-gap surface layer that creates a surface channel for minority carriers.
US08178837B2
A navigation system for easily determining defective positions is provided. In the case of CAD navigation to defective positions, logical information for indicating defective positions is created in a CAD format, instead of CAD data of physical information indicating circuit design. Specifically, by attaching marks such as rectangles, characters, or lines, to an electron microscope image with software, quick navigation is performed with required minimum information. By using created CAD data, re-navigation with the same equipment and CAD navigation to heterogeneous equipment are performed.
US08178836B2
A method and a device are disclosed for suppressing error in electrostatic charge amount or defocus on the basis of electrostatic charge storage due to electron beam scanning when measuring the electrostatic charge amount of the sample or a focus adjustment amount by scanning the electron beam. An electrostatic charge measurement method, a focus adjustment method, or a scanning electron microscope for measuring an electrostatic charge amount or controlling an application voltage to the sample changes the application voltage to the energy filter while moving the scanning location of the electron beam on the sample.
US08178831B2
An enclosure has ducts formed therein and extending in a vertical direction along the left and right side surfaces as viewed from the rear side. The duct is formed in a region defined between a lefthand wall surface of the enclosure and a lefthand partition wall provided in the enclosure and in parallel to the lefthand wall surface. The screen side of the region defined between the lefthand wall surface and the lefthand partition wall is covered with a partition wall, and the opposite side of the region is covered with a cover not shown to serve as an air flow path. The duct is formed in a region defined between a righthand wall surface of the enclosure and a righthand partition wall provided in the enclosure and in parallel to the righthand wall surface. The screen side of the region defined between the righthand wall surface and the righthand partition wall is covered with a partition wall, and the opposite side of the region is covered with a cover not shown to serve as an air flow path.
US08178830B2
A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact An optical pressure switch (10) in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener The optical pressure switch (10) includes a membrane (16) having a portion that interrupts a light beam (LB) when the membrane (16) flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge.
US08178821B2
A substrate treating apparatus for treating substrates with a treating liquid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating liquid, and treating the substrates as immersed in the treating liquid, a chamber surrounding the treating tank, a supply device for supplying an inert gas containing an organic solvent into the chamber, a lift mechanism vertically movable, while supporting the substrates, between a process position in the treating tank and a wait position above the treating tank and inside the chamber, a tank temperature control device for controlling temperature of the treating tank, a chamber temperature control device for controlling temperature of the chamber, and a control device for causing the tank temperature control device and the chamber temperature control device to perform heating treatment at least while the inert gas containing the organic solvent is supplied from the supply device.
US08178811B2
In a method and device for sorting a quantity of flat objects, especially of mail items, each object passes at least twice through a sorting system with a number of output devices. In each pass of an object the sorting system determines a destination identification of the object and discharges the object depending on the destination identification determined into one of the respective output devices. In the second sorting pass the sorting system groups all objects which are provided with identifications of the same destination into at least one stack such that each stack contains a number of objects and the objects of each stack at least partly overlap each other. The sorting system transports each stack formed in this manner to one of the output devices and discharges it into this output device.
US08178810B2
An electric switch may include a sensing cube including circuitry for sensing a touch and activating the electric switch in response to said sensing. The circuitry may include a sensing circuit including a multi-dielectric configuration circuit configured with a plurality of impedance settings. A cover plate may be made of any of a plurality of materials and of a variable thickness. The circuitry is tuned (e.g., auto-calibrated) to one of the plurality of impedance settings based on a dielectric constant of the material and the thickness of the cover plate. The sensing circuit may be attached to a circuit board offset a distance from a capacitance target and an epoxy may encase the circuitry. The impedance settings may further be based on the distance and/or a dielectric constant of the epoxy.
US08178809B2
The present invention relates to a railroad toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions, the toggle switch comprising a housing, an operating lever supported on the housing and having a pivot axis, a switching cylinder supported on the housing and having a rotational axis, a plurality of microswitches and an engaging mechanism for engagement of the operating lever in the switching positions. The switching cylinder is here provided with a plurality of cam disks for operating the microswitches. According to the invention the pivot axis of the operating lever is located in the area of the housing top side and is different from the rotational axis of the switching cylinder, the operating lever being in engagement with the switching cylinder.
US08178808B2
A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.
US08178802B2
An electronics enclosure and associated components form a self-contained, unitized assembly including control buttons and illuminated indicator elements, that can be mated as a single piece with an outer user interface control panel fascia. A front panel of the electronics enclosure provides a mounting location for various buttons and lighted indicators that will show through mating apertures provided in the control panel fascia. This may include light pipe collars and integral spring levers. Specially configured cup structures may be integrally molded at the ends of the spring levers to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. A mount of planar spring button pieces on the front enclosure panel, over the associated spring levers, results in an assembly incorporating two springs serving to bias the associated button to its return position, and eliminating any rattle or looseness of the parts.
US08178798B2
Weighing system for weighing sequentially fed items to be weighed, in particular containers, with a weighing table, forming a preload, for receiving the weight of the item to be weighed, wherein the item to be weighed can be fed to the weighing table or removed from the weighing table along a path running across the weighing cell and wherein a clamping device, with which the item to be weighed, after it has been fed to the weighing table and impinges thereon with its weight, can be clamped detachably against a stop of the clamping device to enable being weighed in the clamped state, is provided above the weighing table as a preload.
US08178795B2
A new and improved method is provided for repairing or retrofitting cable management apparatus used in raised flooring systems constructed to deliver a source of building air, or HVAC, while managing cables passing through an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure without jeopardizing the underfloor plenum air delivery systems. A raised floor grommet assembly provides a grommet locking mechanism defining an assembly retention system that lockingly engages and removeably disengages a first section and a second section of the grommet assembly, and an access port locking mechanism that lockingly engages and removeably disengages an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure. The unique grommet assembly provides an efficient and effective method and apparatus designed for retrofitting cable management systems and accommodates system upgrades, workstation relocation, and HVAC management.
US08178791B2
A wiring substrate includes a core substrate having a first main surface and a mutually opposing second main surface, the second main surface having a conductive property. A first through hole penetrates a core substrate. A first conductive layer extends from the first main surface to the second main surface via the first through hole. An insulating layer is formed on the first conductive layer. A second through hole has the insulating layer as an interior wall. And a second conductive layer is formed inside the second through hole.
US08178790B2
An interposer and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The interposer includes a substrate and a conductor portion formed inside the substrate. At least one insulating layer is formed on the substrate and on the conductor portion. A signal wiring portion is formed inside the insulating layer or on the insulating layer. A first pad is configured to receive an electronic part, and is formed on an outermost insulating layer of the at least one insulating layer. A connection conductor is formed in the at least one insulating layer so as to electrically connect the conductor portion to the first pad.
US08178787B2
A circuit board includes a substrate, a polar molecular layer pattern and a nonpolar molecular layer pattern, which are disposed on the substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, which are disposed on the substrate, and one or more channels disposed on the polar molecular layer pattern and including linear nanostructures. The one or more channels facilitate to electrically couple the first electrode to the second electrode.
US08178778B2
A photovoltaic conversion element includes a one conductivity-type crystalline Si semiconductor; an opposite conductivity-type semiconductor which is joined to the crystalline Si semiconductor to form a pn junction therebetween; an electrode provided on the opposite conductivity-type semiconductor; and a depletion region formed from the side of the one conductivity-type crystalline Si semiconductor to the side of the opposite conductivity-type semiconductor across the pn junction formed therebetween. The depletion region has a first depletion region located inside the crystalline Si semiconductor and under the electrode, and the first depletion region has an oxygen concentration of 1E18 [atoms/cm3] or less.
US08178770B2
An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a beat analysis unit for detecting positions of beats included in an audio signal, a structure analysis unit for calculating similarity probabilities, each being a probability of similarity between contents of sound of beat sections divided by each beat position detected by the beat analysis unit, and a chord progression detection unit for determining a likely chord progression of the audio signal based on chord probabilities determined according to the similarity probabilities calculated by the structure analysis unit, each chord probability being a probability of each type of chord for each beat section.
US08178766B2
A string-replacement assembly may be installed within an inner cavity of a body of a guitar. The assembly includes a plurality of cartridges each configured to contain a supply of replacement string therein, corresponding to a particular gauge of string for the guitar. Each supply of replacement string is rotatably mounted within a cartridge. A free end of each supply of the replacement string can be threaded through an exit opening in the body of the guitar for installation on a topside of the guitar. When string breaks or needs to be replaced on the topside of the guitar, a portion of the supply of the replacement string may be readily advanced from a corresponding cartridge to a desired length, and installed in a playing position on the topside of the guitar, to replace a removed portion (associated with the breakage or replacement) of the string.
US08178765B2
A wheat cultivar, designated LA01425, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of wheat cultivar LA01425, to the plants of wheat LA01425, and to methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing wheat cultivar LA01425 with itself or another wheat variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a wheat plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic wheat plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to wheat varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from wheat cultivar LA01425, to methods for producing other wheat varieties, lines or plant parts derived from wheat cultivar LA01425, and to the wheat plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing wheat cultivar LA01425 with another wheat cultivar.
US08178762B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH640520. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH640520, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH640520 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH640520.
US08178748B2
An absorbent article for wearing in an undergarment. The absorbent article can include a nonwoven. The nonwoven can have a nonwoven body facing surface. The nonwoven can have a main body portion and pair of spaced apart flaps associated with the main body portion. Part of the main body portion can have a hydrophilic zone that is more hydrophilic than a portion of the flaps. The absorbent article can have film having a film garment facing surface wherein at least part of the film garment facing surface faces the nonwoven body facing surface.
US08178741B2
Disclosed herein is a method of recovery of the activity of a molecular sieve catalyst following use of the catalyst in an OTO conversion process. This is achieved by a regeneration apparatus and a method of regenerating a molecular sieve catalyst, comprising two stages. In a pretreatment stage, the catalyst is pretreated under pretreatment conditions by heating the catalyst to a temperature of between 320° C. to 700° C. in an oxygen depleted medium for a residence time of between 1 minute to two hours; and, in a regeneration stage, the catalyst is regenerated under regeneration conditions by heating the catalyst at a temperature of between 200° C. to 700° C. in an oxidizing medium for a residence time of between 1 to 60 minutes.
US08178740B2
A process for the use in the oligomerization of olefins is presented. The process produces a gasoline boiling range product having a high research octane number and almost no aromatics content. The process utilizes a solid catalyst comprising a zeolite that is treated with a phosphorous containing reagent to generate a catalyst having phosphorous content between 0.5 and 15 wt %.
US08178733B2
Methods and systems for the preparation of chlorohydrins are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins into the chlorinating phase. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce chlorination time.
US08178725B2
A method for efficiently separating and collecting an optically active amino acid amide and an optically active amino acid from an aqueous solution containing the optically active amino acid amide and the optically active amino acid includes separating and collecting an optically active amino acid amide from an aqueous solution containing the optically active amino acid amide and an optically active amino acid, utilizing a difference in solubility in an organic solvent between the optically active amino acid amide and the optically active amino acid, without desalting the aqueous solution or after desalting the same, under such a condition that a ratio (C/A) of the total equivalent (C) of cations to the total equivalent (A) of anions contained in the aqueous solution falls within the range from 0.95 to 1.05 when the aqueous solution is not desalted, and the range from 0.5 to 1.5 when the aqueous solution is desalted.
US08178721B2
Processes for producing a suitable purity grade of L-Citrulline are disclosed. The processes can include contacting crude L-Citrulline in an aqueous solution with an adsorptive medium at a temperature above approximately 50° C. and below the temperature of denaturement for the L-Citrulline for an interval sufficient to remove at least one contaminant from the L-Citrulline. The processes can also include concentrating the dissolved L-Citrulline relative to the aqueous solution.
US08178720B2
Disclosed is a method of a gas-phase catalytic oxidation reaction of propylene, isobutylene, or tertiary butanol with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to produce a corresponding unsaturated aldehyde and a corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acid, in which the catalyst can be used over a long period of time. Concretely, in the presence of the catalyst containing a complex oxide including molybdenum, bismuth and iron as essential components, at least one factor of a reaction pressure and a molar ratio of molecular oxygen to a raw material is controlled to change in such a way that a rate of reaction of the raw material is kept constant in the temperature range of from (TA−15)° C. to TA° C., when a boundary temperature of the activation energy of the catalyst is set to be TA° C.
US08178718B2
The invention is a supported or bound heteropoly acid catalyst composition, a method of making the catalyst composition and a process for the oxidation of saturated and/or unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated carboxylic acids using the catalyst composition. The catalyst composition has a heteropoly acid component containing molybdenum, vanadium, phosphorus and cesium and support/binder having a surface area of about 0.1 m2/g to about 1.0 m2/g. The catalyst is made by dissolving compounds of the components of each of the heteropoly acid compounds in a solution, precipitating the heteropoly acid compounds, contacting the heteropoly acid compounds to form a catalyst precursor and calcining the catalyst precursor to form a heteropoly acid compound catalyst. Unsaturated aldehydes, such as methacrolein, may be oxidized in the presence of the heteropoly acid compound catalyst to produce an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as methacrylic acid.
US08178716B2
The present invention relates to a multi-stage crystallization process which comprises the steps of feeding a solution of terephthalic acid or a slurry (raw slurry) containing terephthalic acid partially precipitated to a first crystallization vessel to precipitate the terephthalic acid therein; and feeding a slurry (crystallization slurry) containing the thus precipitated terephthalic acid sequentially to second and subsequent crystallization vessels, wherein while continuously supplying a cleaning solvent to a delivery conduit connecting the former-stage crystallization vessel and the next latter-stage crystallization vessel to each other, the crystallization slurry is fed through the delivery conduit. There is provided a multi-stage crystallization process using a solution of terephthalic acid or a slurry containing terephthalic acid partially precipitated as a raw material in which even when the process is operated for a period as long as several months, the delivery conduit is free from occurrence of clogging.
US08178711B2
One or more triorganophosphite components are separated from a crude phosphite mixture containing acidic hydrolysis products. The crude phosphite mixture is contacted with a basic additive to produce a second mixture comprising a first phase and a second phase. The first phase comprises the basic additive and one or more acidic hydrolysis products and the second phase comprises one or more triorganophosphite components.
US08178710B2
A silyl (meth)acrylate compound containing a siloxy group having a bulky substituent is provided. The compound is represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are independently a C3-10 monovalent branched hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group at α or β position or a monovalent C3-10 cyclic hydrocarbon group; R3, R4, and R5 are independently an unsubstituted or substituted C1-20 hydrocarbon group or a siloxy group represented by the following general formula (2): —OSiR7R8R9 (2) wherein R7, R8, and R9 are independently an unsubstituted or substituted C1-20 hydrocarbon group; and R6 is hydrogen atom or methyl group. This compound is hydrolyzed at a reduced speed, and use of a polymer obtained by copolymerization with an alkyl methacrylate is capable of suppressing attachment of marine organisms to the ship with no or reduced biocide, and this polymer is useful for a hydrolytic self-polishing paint.
US08178706B2
The present invention concerns a process for forming a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or a mixture thereof from a soap-comprising starting material, in which process a metal-ion forming agent is added to the starting material, whereby a mixture is formed, which contains an insoluble phase and a liquid phase, the insoluble phase is separated from the liquid phase, and an acid is added into the insoluble phase to form a fatty acid, or a monohydric alcohol and an acid catalyst are added to form a fatty acid ester, whereby two phases are formed, an aqueous phase and an organic phase, or, first, an acid is added and then a monohydric alcohol and an acid catalyst are added into at least a portion of the formed fatty acid to esterify the fatty acid.
US08178701B2
The present disclosure relates to the preparation of ketal compounds from glycerol and levulinic acid and esters, and uses thereof.
US08178697B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing atorvastatin. According to the present invention, provided are a novel intermediate of the preparation of atorvastatin and a method of preparing large amounts of atorvastatin in a safe manner using the intermediate.
US08178693B2
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein A, R1, R2, R7, R8, and R9 are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals. Also disclosed is a method of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08178691B2
Novel methods for producing 1,2,4-triazol-3-one from semicarbazide hydrochloride and formic acid are provided. In methods of this invention, water is used in removal of unreacted formic acid to increase yield and purity of produced 1,2,4-triazol-3-one.
US08178684B2
The invention relates to substituted nicotinamides, to processes for their preparation, to medicaments comprising these compounds and to the use of these compounds in the preparation of medicaments.
US08178681B2
The present invention provides compounds having an agonistic activity to the cannabinoid receptor, which is represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is optionally substituted C1-C8 alkyl and the like; R2 is C1-C6 alkyl; R3 is C1-C6 alkyl and the like; or R2 and R3 taken together with may form an optionally substituted 5 to 10 membered non-aromatic carbon ring; R4 is hydrogen and the like; G is a group selected from the groups shown by the formula an the like: wherein R5 is hydrogen and the like; X1 is a single bond and the like; X2 is optionally substituted C1-C8 alkylene that may be replaced by one or two groups of —O—, or —N(R6)—, wherein R6 is hydrogen and the like, and the like; X3 is a single bond and the like; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions, atopic dermatitis treating agents, and anti-pruritus agents, especially anti-pruritus agents for oral used and for external application, which each contains the said compound as an active ingredient.
US08178675B2
Agents useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyper-lipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are disclosed as Formula (I).
US08178671B2
The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing autoimmune diseases with 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, as well as methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating symptoms associated with such diseases. Specific examples of autoimmune diseases that can be treated or prevented with the compounds include rheumatoid arthritis and/or its associated symptoms, systemic lups erythematosis and/or its associated symptoms and multiple sclerosis and/or its associated symptoms.
US08178670B2
The present disclosure provides a method that efficiently produces (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin of Formula I in high yield and purity. The method includes the step of hydrolyzing diacetylbiopterin to biopterin under basic conditions in a biphasic mixture comprising an organic phase and an aqueous phase. After substantially complete hydrolysis of diacetylbiopterin, the aqueous phase containing biopterin can be separated from the organic phase containing most of the organic impurities, which avoids the time-consuming step of isolating biopterin as a solid. The aqueous solution containing biopterin is stereoselectively hydrogenated to (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin under basic conditions and high hydrogen pressure in the presence of a metal catalyst (e.g., a platinum catalyst). To improve the purification of an acid addition salt of (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin (e.g., (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin dihydrochloride), any residual salts (e.g., sodium salts) in the aqueous solution after the hydrogenation reaction can be removed by contacting the aqueous solution with an ion (e.g., cation) exchange resin or column. Alternatively, removal of residual salts from the aqueous solution can be omitted if an organic amine (e.g., diethylamine or triethylamine) rather than an inorganic base is used in the hydrolysis and/or hydrogenation reactions.
US08178669B2
A compound represented by the following general formula (I): {R1, R3, R6 and R8 are methyl groups and the like, R2 and R7 are cyano groups and the like, R4 and R5 are fluorine atoms and the like, and X is a group represented by the formula (A) [R11 is a monocarboxy-substituted C1-8 alkoxy group and the like, R12, R14 and R15 are hydrogen atoms and the like, and R13 is hydroxy group and the like], provided that the combination of the aforementioned substituents is such a combination that the compound represented by the formula (I) can be substantially non-fluorescent before reacting with peroxynitrite, and the compound represented by the formula (I) in which the group represented by the formula (A) is nitrated after reacting with peroxynitrite can be substantially highly fluorescent}, or a salt thereof, which is useful as a fluorescent probe for peroxynitrite measurement.
US08178667B2
The present invention is directed to benzyl-substituted quinolone compounds of general formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved.
US08178663B2
The present invention relates to hyaluronic acid ester derivatives, whose carboxylic groups are partially esterified with hydroxy groups of propiophenone derivatives, to the hydrogel materials consisting of the said hyaluronic acid ester derivatives, to their preparation process by photocuring of the hyaluronic acid ester derivatives, and their use in the biomedical, sanitary and surgical fields, and in the medical field as controlled release systems for drugs.
US08178659B2
To identify conserved and variable regions of the 16 S rRNA, an instant evolution experiment was performed on the entire 16 S rRNA. Analysis of these mutants identified regions that are required for function. These conserved sequences may be used as targets for pharmaceuticals that are taxonomically specific and which are refractory to the development of drug resistance.
US08178651B2
Disclosed is a series of somatostatin-dopamine chimeric analogs which retain both somatostatin and dopamine activity in vivo. An example is: 6-n-propyl-8β-ergolinglmethylthioacetyl-D-Phe-c(Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Abu-Cys)-Thr-NH2.
US08178648B2
A composition of matter comprising a diamine salt and sulfoisophthalic acid in a ratio other than one salt to one acid and a process for producing a diamine salt of sulfoisophthalic acid comprising generating a sulfoisophthalic acid and charging the sulfoisophthalic acid with diamine.
US08178634B2
Polyolefins prepared from a metallocene and a new single site catalyst component in a single reactor
The present invention discloses a catalyst system based on a metallocene catalyst component and a new single site catalyst component for the production in a single reactor of improved polyolefins having a bimodal molecular weight distribution.
US08178632B2
Propylene polymers having specific values of total comonomer content and melting temperature, articles obtained therefrom, in particular extrusion blow molded articles, and gas-phase process for obtaining said propylene polymers.
US08178625B2
The instant disclosure is directed to a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprising a dynamically-cured rubber; from about 20 to about 300 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin per 100 parts by weight rubber and from about 30 to about 250 parts by weight additional oil per 100 parts by weight rubber; wherein the rubber comprises a multimodal polymer composition cured with a curing agent, the multimodal polymer composition comprising 45 to 75 wt % of a first polymer fraction and 25 to 55 wt % of a second polymer fraction, each comprising ethylene, a C3-C10 alpha-olefin, and a non-conjugated diene, wherein the polymer fractions have been polymerized using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system, wherein the first polymer fraction has a Mooney viscosity of greater than or equal to about 150 ML(1+4@125° C.), and the second polymer fraction has a Mooney viscosity of about 20 ML to about 120 ML; and about 10 phr to about 50 phr of an extender oil. A method of producing the thermoplastic vulcanizate is also disclosed.
US08178622B2
The present invention provides an amphiphilic block copolymer, a method for manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell membrane using the same. According to preferred embodiments, the amphiphilic block copolymer may contain poly(arylene sulfone ether ketone) (PSEK) as a hydrophobic component and poly(sulfonated styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSSAN) as a hydrophilic component. According to other preferred embodiments, polymer electrolyte membrane manufactured using the amphiphilic block copolymer has certain advantages in that the hydrogen ion conductivity is not reduced even at a high temperature of more than 100° C. but is rather increased and the thermal and chemical dimensional stability is excellent.
US08178613B2
An acryloxy-functional silicone composition curable by high-energy radiation, which is characterized by excellent storage stability of the composition and by improved resistance to scratching, transparency, water repellency, and adhesiveness in a hard cured coating film produced from the aforementioned composition. This composition comprises (A) a polyfunctional acrylate of at least one type; an amino-modified organopolysiloxane (B) or a product (F) of a Michael addition reaction between at least one type of a polyfunctional acrylate and amino-modified organopolysiloxane; (C) an organoalkoxysilane having an aliphatic unsaturated bond, (D) a colloidal silica; and (E) an alcohol-containing organic solvent.
US08178610B2
A polyamide/poly(arylene ether) composition includes specific amounts of a block copolymer, glass fibers, and a compatibilized blend of at least two polyamides and a poly(arylene ether). The composition is particularly useful for molding automotive under-the-hood components that exhibit an improved balance of moldability, heat resistance, and resistance to brittle failure.
US08178607B2
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic composition comprising at least aluminum hypophosphite (aluminum phosphinate), corresponding to the chemical formula Al(H2PO2)3 as halogen-free flame retardant agent, and at least a polymer based on polyamide. The flame retarded halogen-free thermoplastic molding compositions according to the invention is used to produce articles based on polyamide polymers with or without glass fiber reinforcement, which are flame retarded.
US08178598B2
A curing agent for epoxy resin, and a coating composition using the curing agent curing agent that delivers excellent recoatability and overcoatability after a long time exposure. (A) An epoxy curing agent that is derived by adduction between amide-type reactants from polyamine compounds comprising from 25-75 mol % of a polyoxyalkylene-polyamine and carboxylic acids or a mixture thereof and glycidyl ether compound; (B) An epoxy curing agent of the mixture of (B1) amide-type reactants prepared through polyoxyalkylene-polyamine and carboxylic acids or a mixture thereof, and (B2) a reactant is derived by adduction between other aliphatic polyamines or a mixture thereof and glycidyl ether compound. Coating composition comprising the epoxy curing agent of the above described A or B.
US08178592B2
A foamable fluoropolymer composition containing foam cell nucleating agent is provided, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene-/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, wherein the alkyl contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer is no more than 35° C. greater than the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and/or wherein said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer each have a melt flow rate (MFR) within the range of 1 to 40 g/10 min and the MFR of one of said copolymers is at least twice that of the other of said copolymers.
US08178588B2
Method and apparatus for reducing CO2 in a stream by conversion to a syngas for production of energy
A system and method for reducing the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.
US08178578B2
A compound of formula (I) is described; wherein the substituents are as defined in the text and wherein the compound is intended for use in the production of a vascular damaging effect in a warm-blooded animal.
US08178572B2
A method for increasing the vasodilative characteristics of amino acids in a human or animal is disclosed. The method includes administering to the human or animal a pharmaceutically effective amount of an amino acid compound consisting essentially of a nitrate or nitrite of an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Arginine, Agmatine, Beta Alanine, Citrulline, Creatine, Glutamine, L-Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Norvaline, Ornithine, and Valine.
US08178568B2
Compounds which modulate the CB2 receptor are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.
US08178564B2
The invention provides a method of treatment of colorectal cancer by administration of the anti-cancer platinum drug picoplatin in conjunction with 5-FU and leucovorin in a variety of treatment regimens. Dosages, dosing schedules, and ancillary treatments are described.
US08178563B2
The invention provides a method for modulating the activity of the hedgehog signaling pathway. In particular, the invention provides a method for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from phenotypes such as Ptc loss-of-function, hedgehog gain-of-function, smoothened gain-of-function or Gli gain-of-function, comprising contacting a cell with a sufficient amount of a compound of Formula I.
US08178562B2
The invention relates to novel pyridine derivatives, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds. Said compounds particularly act as immunosuppressive agents.
US08178559B2
3,4-substituted piperidine compounds, these compounds for use in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of a warm-blooded animal, especially for the treatment of a disease (=disorder) that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class in the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; pharmaceutical formulations comprising a 3,4-substituted piperidine compound, and/or a method of treatment comprising administering a 3,4substituted piperidine compound, a method for the manufacture of a 3,4-substituted piperidine compound, and novel intermediates and partial steps for their synthesis are disclosed. The 3,4-disubstituted piperidine compounds have the formula (I), wherein the symbols have the meanings defined in the specification.
US08178557B2
Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as HGF mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
US08178556B2
Described are pyridopyrazinone derivatives of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z, W, A and R1 are as defined in claim 1, as insulin secretion stimulators. Also described is the preparation and use of these pyridopyrazinone derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes and pathologies associated.
US08178541B2
The present invention relates to substituted xanthines of general formula wherein R1 to R3 are as defined herein, the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures, the prodrugs thereof and the salts thereof which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibiting effect on the activity of the enzyme dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-IV).
US08178537B2
Salts and crystalline forms of several salts of Varenicline, i.e., Varenicline sulfate: are provided, along with methods of preparing the solid states and processes for preparing Varenicline base from those Varenicline salts.
US08178533B2
The present invention concerns 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US08178526B2
The invention provides a novel class of compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or dysregulated B cell activities, particularly diseases or disorders that involve aberrant activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase B (ITPKb).
US08178525B2
Disclosed are novel oxazolidinone derivatives with cyclic amidoxime or cyclic amidrazone group, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, methods for preparing the same and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The oxazolidinone derivatives with cyclic amidoxime or cyclic amidrazone group or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be effectively used for the treatment of thromboembolism and tumor as an anticoagulant based on the inhibition of factor Xa.
US08178523B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula (I), including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08178521B2
The present invention relates to cefazolin sodium pentahydrate crystal and a method for assembly and preparation of the crystal molecule. The cefazolin sodium pentahydrate crystal molecule contains five water molecules, orthorhombic system, space group of C222(1), in which sodium ion is bonded to the cefazolin molecule with a coordinate bond. The method for assembly and preparation of cefazolin sodium pentahydrate crystal molecule are: adding a solvent to a reactor equipped with a jacket, adding cefazolin acid and a sodium salt, heating until the reaction solution is clear, stirring continuously, adjusting pH, upon the completion of the reaction, transferring the liquid into a jacketed crystallizer, adding crystal seeds or nucleating spontaneously, controlling cooling, slowly adding a antisolvent. The particle size of cefazolin sodium pentahydrate crystal according to the present invention is adjustable, and the distribution of particle size is concentrated, the product has good flowability, smooth surface, high crystallinity, good stability, and rapid dissolving rate.
US08178519B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing a sterile suspension of a glucocorticosteroid. The glucocorticosteroids used in the invention are preferably antiinflammatory glucocorticosteroids. By making the last stage of product preparation be the sterilization process, the potential for contamination during manufacture and heat degradation of products is greatly reduced.
US08178509B2
The present invention provides a therapeutic method for treating an inflammatory response caused by a sickle cell crisis, comprising administration of an effective amount of an A2A adenosine receptor agonist. Optionally, the method includes administration of a type IV PDE inhibitor (e.g., rolipram).
US08178508B2
The invention provides a prostate specific antigen oligo-epitope peptide (PSA-OP) that is useful as an immunogen in the prevention or treatment of prostatic cancer and in the inhibition of prostatic cancer cells and in the establishment and characterization of PSA-specific cytotoxic T-cell lines. In particular, the invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against PSA comprising administering (i) a priming inoculation of a first recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP and (ii) one or more boosting inoculations of a second recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP, wherein the first and second recombinant viruses are from a different genus.
US08178502B2
The inventors have determined, contrary to the prior art and experience, how to successfully use triciribine to treat esophogeal adenocarcinoma by one or a combination of (i) administering triciribine only to patients which according to a diagnostic test described below, exhibit enhanced sensitivity to the drug; (ii) use of a described dosage level that minimizes the toxicity of the drug but yet still exhibits efficacy; or (iii) use of a described dosage regimen that minimizes the toxicity of the drug.
US08178501B2
The invention relates to a new pharmaceutical composition, a method of treatment of infection and also a process to prepare the composition. The infectious complications are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) remains the most severe nosocomial infection in intensive care units. Beta-lactams alone are always considered inadequate when P. aeruginosa and/or methicillin-resistant S. aureus are implicated as pathogens or copathognes. The present invention provides the desired empirical therapy for control of all bacterial infections. The invention provides antibiotic combination products for delivering at least two different antibiotics, through parenteral dosage form comprising protein-synthesis-inhibiting antibiotic which is amikacin or its sulphate salt and non-protein-synthesis-inhibiting antibiotic which is cefepime or its hydrochloride salt. The invention provides a total solution, against multiresistant P. aeruginosa, or Acinetobacter spp. and/or methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and are useful for intramuscular or intravenous administration as antibiotics for hospitalized patients with acute or serious infections. The pharmaceutical compositions described here normally have the least nephrotoxicity and have better efficacy and safety of cefepime plus amikacin combination.
US08178492B2
Methods and compositions for treating obesity and related disorders. The methods include the use of BMP-2, -4, -6 and -7.
US08178491B2
The invention is related to anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08178490B2
Disclosed are compounds having polybasic functionalities. The compounds inhibit bacterial efflux pump inhibitors and are used in combination with an anti-bacterial agent to treat or prevent bacterial infections. These combinations can be effective against bacterial infections that have developed resistance to anti-bacterial agents through an efflux pump mechanism.
US08178483B2
A quaternary ammonium salt encapsulated by a polymeric microcapsule and methods for manufacturing such microcapsules are described. The quaternary ammonium salt can be cetylpyridinium chloride. The polymeric microcapsule encapsulating the quaternary ammonium salt can be used as an ingredient in a dentifrice.
US08178482B2
A stripping and cleaning composition for cleaning microelectronics substrates, the composition comprising: at least one organic stripping solvent, at least one nucleophilic amine, at least one non-nitrogen containing weak acid in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 3% to about 75% by weight of the nucleophilic amine such that the stripping composition has an aqueous pH of from about 9.6 to about 10.9, said weak acid having a pK value in aqueous solution of 2.0 or greater and an equivalent weight of less than 140, at least one metal-removing compound selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol and diethylene glycolamine, and water, and method for cleaning microelectronic substrates with these compositions.
US08178479B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the melt processing of polymeric materials, and more particularly to the use of compatibilized polymer processing additives to enhance the melt processing of polymeric matrices.
US08178473B2
Disclosed are a superconductive magnet manufactured by winding a thin superconductive rod wire in a coil without joint for maintaining a persistent current mode, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes winding both ends of a superconductive rod wire (10) on a first bobbin (21) and a second bobbin (22) respectively; forming a first unit rod wire (10a) and a second unit rod wire (10b) by slitting the superconductive rod wire (10) in the lengthwise direction; producing a pancake coil by winding the first and second unit rod wires (10a, 10b) on third bobbins (25) in one direction; and arranging the first and second unit rod wires (10a, 10b) such that magnetic fields (B, B′) in the same direction are generated from the pancake coil, by reversing one of the third bobbins (25) on which the first and second unit rod wires (10a, 10b) are wound.
US08178468B2
A catalyst that includes one or more metals from Column 6 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Column 6 of the Periodic Table and a support. The support comprises from 0.01 grams to 0.2 gram of silica and from 0.80 grams to 0.99 grams of alumina per gram of support. The catalyst has a surface area of at least 315 m2/g, a pore size distribution with a median pore diameter of at most 100 Å, and at least 80% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter of at most 300 Å. The catalyst exhibits one or more peaks between 35 degrees and 70 degrees, and at least one of the peaks has a base width of at least 10 degrees, as determined by x-ray diffraction at 2-theta.Methods of preparation of such catalyst are described herein. Methods of contacting a hydrocarbon feed with hydrogen in the presence of such catalyst to produce a crude product. Uses of crude products obtained. The crude product composition is also described herein.
US08178466B2
The present disclosure provides methods for pre-treating activated carbon before it is used in a dehydrochlorination process. The methods can comprise mixing the activated carbon with an acid, an oxidizing agent in a liquid phase, or an oxidizing agent in a gas phase. Activated carbons undergoing one or more of these methods can exhibit improved stability during the dehydrochlorination process.
US08178462B2
Disclosed is a method for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which comprises a Ru-containing metal microparticle supported on an electrically conductive carbon carrier, wherein M2RuX6 [M=at least one member selected from H, Li, Na, K and NH4; X=at least one member selected from Cl, Br, I and NO3] is used as a precursor of Ru. It becomes possible to produce an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which is improved in the methanol oxidation activity per mass or surface area of the catalyst compared with a conventional Pt- and Ru-carrying carbon catalyst prepared by using a Ru raw material having an average valency of 3.
US08178458B2
A dielectric ceramic composition is disclosed. The dielectric ceramic composition of the present invention comprises BaTiO3 as the main component and one or more subcomponents. The one or more subcomponents include Sc2O3, MgCO3, BaSiO3, MnCO3, La2O3, CO3O4 and NiO. An end product of the present invention may be formed after BaTiO3 and the subcomponents undergo the following steps: (1) Wet mixing using a ball mill (2) Sintering in a reducing atmosphere (3) Annealing. The dielectric ceramic composition of the present invention can satisfy the X8R characteristic of the EIA standard and is compact or dense enough.
US08178450B2
The present invention provides a TiO2—SiO2 glass whose coefficient of linear thermal expansion in the range of the time of irradiation with EUV light is substantially zero when used as an optical member of an exposure tool for EUVL and which has extremely high surface smoothness. The present invention relates to a TiO2-containing silica glass having a TiO2 content of from 7.5 to 12% by mass, a temperature at which a coefficient of linear thermal expansion is 0 ppb/° C., falling within the range of from 40 to 110° C., and a standard deviation (σ) of a stress level of striae of 0.03 MPa or lower within an area of 30 mm×30 mm in at least one plane.
US08178448B2
Disclosed is a method for using a film formation apparatus to form a silicon nitride film by CVD on target substrates while suppressing particle generation. The apparatus includes a process container and an exciting mechanism attached on the process container. The method includes conducting a pre-coating process by performing pre-cycles and conducting a film formation process by performing main cycles. Each of the pre-cycles and main cycles alternately includes a step of supplying a silicon source gas and a step of supplying a nitriding gas with steps of exhausting gas from inside the process container interposed therebetween. The pre-coating process includes no period of exciting the nitriding gas by the exciting mechanism. The film formation process repeats a first cycle set that excites the nitriding gas by the exciting mechanism and a second cycle that does not excite the nitriding gas by the exciting mechanism.
US08178444B2
A substrate processing method that can eliminate unevenness in the distribution of plasma. The method is for a substrate processing apparatus that has a processing chamber in which a substrate is housed, a mounting stage that is disposed in the processing chamber and on which the substrate is mounted, and an electrode plate that is disposed in the processing chamber such as to face the mounting stage, the electrode plate being made of silicon and connected to a radio-frequency power source, and carries out plasma processing on the substrate. In the plasma processing, the temperature of the electrode plate is measured, and based on the measured temperature, the temperature of the electrode plate is maintained lower than a critical temperature at which the specific resistance value of the silicon starts changing.
US08178443B2
Hardmask films having high hardness and low stress are provided. In some embodiments a film has a stress of between about −600 MPa and 600 MPa and hardness of at least about 12 GPa. In some embodiments, a hardmask film is prepared by depositing multiple sub-layers of doped or undoped silicon carbide using multiple densifying plasma post-treatments in a PECVD process chamber. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a high-hardness boron-containing film selected from the group consisting of SixByCz, SixByNz, SixByCzNw, BxCy, and BxNy. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a germanium-rich GeNx material comprising at least about 60 atomic % of germanium. These hardmasks can be used in a number of back-end and front-end processing schemes in integrated circuit fabrication.
US08178441B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate insulating layer, a gate and a protective layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a spacer on lateral sides of the protective layer and the gate, forming one or more junction regions in the semiconductor substrate at sides of the gate, partially filling a gap between adjacent gates by selectively forming a conductive layer on an exposed portion of the semiconductor substrate between the adjacent gates, forming an insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate so as to fill a full height of the gap between the adjacent gates, and forming a contact hole partially exposing the conductive layer by etching the insulating layer.
US08178440B1
The present invention relates to a method for forming a recess array device structure in a semiconductor substrate. The method includes the steps of: providing a base material including a semiconductor substrate and a first material; forming a plurality of second recesses on the semiconductor substrate; forming a second material in the second recesses; forming a metal layer on the second material and the base material, wherein the metal layer includes a first portion and a second portion; removing the second portion to form a plurality of metal layer openings; to and etching the base material according to the metal layer openings so as to form a plurality of third recesses. Accordingly, the metal layer can overcome the non-selectivity issue during the etching process.
US08178439B2
A method is provided for integrating metal-containing cap layers into copper (Cu) metallization of semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a planarized patterned substrate containing metal surfaces and dielectric layer surfaces with a residue formed thereon, removing the residue from the planarized patterned substrate, and depositing metal-containing cap layers selectively on the metal surfaces by exposing the dielectric layer surfaces and the metal surfaces to a deposition gas containing metal-containing precursor vapor. The removing includes treating the planarized patterned substrate containing the residue with a reactant gas containing a hydrophobic functional group, and exposing the treated planarized patterned substrate to a reducing gas.
US08178435B2
A system and method for forming post passivation inductors, and related structures, is described. High quality electrical components, such as inductors and transformers, are formed on a layer of passivation, or on a thick layer of polymer over a passivation layer.
US08178431B2
The invention relates to a process for producing a p-n junction in a nanostructure, in which the nanostructure has one or more nanoconstituents made of a semiconductor material with a single type of doping having one conductivity type, characterized in that it includes a step consisting in forming a dielectric element (3, 32, . . . , 3n) embedding the nanostructure over a height h, the dielectric element generating a surface potential capable of inverting the conductivity type over a defined width W of the nanoconstituents(s) thus embedded over the height h.
US08178430B2
A method for generating n-type carriers in a semiconductor is disclosed. The method includes supplying a semiconductor having an atomic radius. Implanting an n-type dopant species into the semiconductor, which n-type dopant species has a dopant atomic radius. Implanting a compensating species into the semiconductor, which compensating species has a compensating atomic radius. Selecting the n-type dopant species and the compensating species in such manner that the size of the semiconductor atomic radius is inbetween the dopant atomic radius and the compensating atomic radius. A further method is disclosed for generating n-type carriers in germanium (Ge). The method includes setting a target concentration for the carriers, implanting a dose of an n-type dopant species into the Ge, and selecting the dose to correspond to a fraction of the target carrier concentration. Thermal annealing the Ge in such manner as to activate the n-type dopant species and to repair a least a portion of the implantation damage. Repeating the implantation and the thermal annealing until the target n-type carrier concentration has been reached.
US08178428B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is provided, comprising: loading a substrate into a processing chamber; forming a first film on the substrate by supplying silicon atom-containing gas, boron atom-containing gas, and germanium atom-containing gas into the processing chamber; forming a second film on the first film by supplying the silicon atom-containing gas and the boron atom-containing gas into the processing chamber; and unloading the substrate from the processing chamber.
US08178427B2
The invention provides methods and structures for reducing surface dislocations of a semiconductor layer, and can be employed during the epitaxial growth of semiconductor structures and layers comprising III-nitride materials. Embodiments involve the formation of a plurality of dislocation pit plugs to prevent propagation of dislocations from an underlying layer of material into a following semiconductor layer of material.
US08178413B2
A gate oxide and method of fabricating a gate oxide that produces a more reliable and thinner equivalent oxide thickness than conventional SiO2 gate oxides are provided. Gate oxides formed from alloys such as cobalt-titanium are thermodynamically stable such that the gate oxides formed will have minimal reactions with a silicon substrate or other structures during any later high temperature processing stages. The process shown is performed at lower temperatures than the prior art, which inhibits unwanted species migration and unwanted reactions with the silicon substrate or other structures. Using a thermal evaporation technique to deposit the layer to be oxidized, the underlying substrate surface smoothness is preserved, thus providing improved and more consistent electrical properties in the resulting gate oxide.
US08178410B1
A method for forming a power device includes the following steps. An epitaxial layer is formed on a substrate. A pad layer and hard mask are formed on the epitaxial layer. A trench is etched into the hard mask, the pad layer, and the epitaxial layer. The hard mask is removed. A buffer layer is formed on the sidewall of the trench. The trench is then filled with a dopant source layer comprising plural dopants. A drive-in process is performed to diffuse the dopants into the epitaxial layer through the buffer layer, thereby forming a diffusion region around the trench.
US08178403B2
The present invention relates to providing layers of different thickness on vertical and horizontal surfaces (15, 20) of a vertical semiconductor device (1). In particular the invention relates to gate electrodes and the formation of precision layers (28) in semiconductor structures comprising a substrate (10) and an elongated structure (5) essentially standing up from the substrate. According to the method of the invention the vertical geometry of the device (1) is utilized in combination with either anisotropic deposition or anisotropic removal of deposited material to form vertical or horizontal layers of very high precision.
US08178399B1
An SGT production method includes forming a pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and forming a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer underneath the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer. A dummy gate dielectric film and a dummy gate electrode are formed around the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and a first dielectric film is formed on an upper region of a sidewall of the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer in contact with a top of the gate electrode. A first dielectric film is formed on a sidewall of the gate electrode and a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer is formed in an upper portion of the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer. A second-conductive-type semiconductor layer is formed in an upper portion of the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and a metal-semiconductor compound is formed on each of the second-conductive-type semiconductor layers. The dummy gate dielectric film and the dummy gate electrode are removed and a high-k gate dielectric film and a metal gate electrode are formed.
US08178398B2
To improve a deposition rate of a microcrystalline semiconductor layer by using a deposition method and to improve productivity of a display device including a TFT of a microcrystalline semiconductor, a reactive gas containing helium is supplied to a treatment chamber surrounded with a plurality of juxtaposed waveguides and a wall surface; a microwave is supplied to a space which is interposed between juxtaposed waveguides to generate plasma while the pressure of the treatment chamber is held at an atmospheric pressure or a sub-atmospheric pressure typically a pressure of 1×102 Pa or more and 1×105 Pa or less; and a microcrystalline semiconductor layer is deposited over a substrate placed in the treatment chamber. High density plasma is generated by providing slits on sides of the plurality of juxtaposed waveguides which face to another waveguide and supplying a microwave into the treatment chamber through the slit.
US08178390B2
A semiconductor component is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor component includes a semiconductor chip, which is arranged on a substrate, and a housing, which at least partially surrounds the semiconductor chip. The substrate is at least partly provided with a layer of polymer foam.
US08178389B2
Provided is a monocrystalline silicon carbide ingot containing a dopant element, wherein a maximum concentration of the dopant element is less than 5×1017 atoms/cm3 and the maximum concentration is 50 times or less than that of a minimum concentration of the dopant element. Also provided is a monocrystalline silicon carbide wafer made by cutting and polishing the monocrystalline silicon carbide ingot, wherein a electric resistivity at room temperature of the wafer is 5×103 Ωcm or more. Further provided is a method for manufacturing the monocrystalline silicon carbide including growing the monocrystalline silicon carbide on a seed crystal from a sublimation material by a sublimation method. The sublimation material includes a solid material containing a dopant element, and the specific surface of the solid material containing the dopant element is 0.5 m2/g or less.
US08178385B2
A phase change memory may transition between two crystalline states. In one embodiment, the phase change material is a chalcogenide which transitions between face centered cubic and hexagonal states. Because these states are more stable, they are less prone to drift than the amorphous state conventionally utilized in phase change memories.
US08178380B2
Method for selectively establishing an electrical connection in a multi-terminal phase change device
Phase change devices, and particularly multi-terminal phase change devices, include first and second active terminals bridged together by a phase-change material whose conductivity can be modified in accordance with a control signal applied to a control electrode. This structure allows an application in which an electrical connection can be created between the two active terminals, with the control of the connection being effected using a separate terminal or terminals. Accordingly, the resistance of the heater element can be increased independently from the resistance of the path between the two active terminals. This allows the use of smaller heater elements thus requiring less current to create the same amount of Joule heating per unit area. The resistance of the heating element does not impact the total resistance of the phase change device. The programming control can be placed outside of the main signal path through the phase change device, reducing the impact of the associated capacitance and resistance of the device.
US08178379B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a memory device includes a composite structure including a resistivity changing layer and an electrode layer being arranged on or above the resistivity changing layer. The resistivity changing memory device further includes a protection layer being arranged on or above the composite structure, the protection layer protecting the electrode layer against electromagnetic waves.
US08178377B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08178376B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08178375B2
A method of manufacturing a light generating device with required wavelength is disclosed. According to the method, a) a required wavelength is determined. b) A polar angle and an azimuthal angle corresponding to the required wavelength in a nitride semiconductor are determined. Then, c) a nitride semiconductor crystal is grown according to the polar angle and the azimuthal angle. Therefore, a light generating device with required wavelength may be manufactured without adjusting amounts of elements of compound semiconductor.
US08178370B2
A method for large scale manufacture of photovoltaic devices includes loading a substrate into a load lock station and transferring the substrate in a controlled ambient to a first process station. The method includes using a first physical deposition process in the first process station to cause formation of a first conductor layer overlying the surface region of the substrate. The method includes transferring the substrate to a second process station, and using a second physical deposition process in the second process station to cause formation of a second layer overlying the surface region of the substrate. The method further includes repeating the transferring and processing until all thin film materials of the photovoltaic devices are formed. In an embodiment, the invention also provides a method for large scale manufacture of photovoltaic devices including feed forward control. That is, the method includes in-situ monitoring of the physical, electrical, and optical properties of the thin films. These properties are used to determine and adjust process conditions for subsequent processes.
US08178367B2
A process condition evaluation method for a liquid crystal display module (LCM) includes: a first step of obtaining a threshold power measuring pattern, an analysis sample for a cell bonding status in an LCD fabrication process, and obtaining a lower substrate sample by separating an upper substrate from the threshold power measuring pattern; a second step of supplying voltages on a gate pad on the lower substrate sample with sequentially increasing a voltage level by a predetermined unit by using an electrical device, and obtaining a threshold current and a threshold voltage by measuring currents at a drain pad whenever voltage increased by a predetermined unit is applied to the gate pad; and a third step of obtaining threshold power based on the threshold current and the threshold voltage, and thereby evaluating process conditions of the LCM.
US08178362B2
An electronically scannable multiplexing device is capable of addressing multiple bits within a volatile or non-volatile memory cell. The multiplexing device generates an electronically scannable conducting channel with two oppositely formed depletion regions. The depletion width of each depletion region is controlled by a voltage applied to a respective control gate at each end of the multiplexing device. The present multi-bit addressing technique allows, for example, 10 to 100 bits of data to be accessed or addressed at a single node. The present invention can also be used to build a programmable nanoscale logic array or for randomly accessing a nanoscale sensor array.
US08178350B2
A method of biochemical processing may, in certain embodiments, involve the steps of use of a consumable biochemical process element and a consumable biochemical process alterable information memory element associated therewith, such as a substance withdrawal consumable biochemical process alterable information memory element, that may be queried and at least some of whose information may be changed as a result of actions conducted during processing of a biochemical test sequence. Accordingly, advantages relative to knowing how much of a consumable biochemical process element has been used, and how much may be available during a biochemical test sequence, may be achieved.
US08178337B2
Carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter nucleic acids and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-carbohydrate utilization-related and anti-multidrug transporter antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid of the invention and cells into which the vector has been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.
US08178322B2
A method is described for producing an L-amino acid or a nucleic acid by culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid or nucleic acid in a liquid medium in a fermentation tank containing a stirring impeller, and optionally adding seed crystals to the medium as required to produce and accumulate crystals of the L-amino acid or nucleic acid in the medium, and collecting crystals of the L-amino acid or nucleic acid from the culture. The power density of the stirring impeller is controlled to be 2.4 kW/m3 or lower after either precipitation of the crystals or addition of the seed crystals.
US08178311B2
The present invention is intended to provide a method for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as test components in blood. Specifically, a method is used for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample, whereby cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample are quantified with a single measurement.
US08178306B2
Systems and methods remove and manage heavy metals. In one implementation, an exemplary method can be applied to food processing and food consumption to remove heavy metals such as mercury, lead, uranium and cadmium before absorption by a living organism. The exemplary method exposes the food to a heavy-metal binding ligand, such as a concentrated protein or phytic acid, to form a heavy-metal chelate, and then allows the chelate to separate from the food. In another implementation, an exemplary probe possesses innovative molecular layers on its surface to detect and quantify heavy metals by attracting and binding traces of the heavy metals on a ligand layer.
US08178296B2
This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides novel methods and reagents for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.
US08178291B2
This invention relates to methods for determining hypersusceptibility of HIV-1 viruses to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) based on the viral genotypes. The methods generally comprise detecting, in a gene encoding reverse transcriptase of the HIV-1, the presence of a mutation at codon 65, 69, or 74 alone or in combination with one or more mutations at certain other codons. Combinations of mutation associated with hypersusceptibility to NNRTIs are also disclosed.
US08178289B2
A method for producing a pattern on a substrate includes providing at least one exposure of the pattern onto a layer of the substrate by a higher-precision lithography mechanism and providing at least one exposure of the pattern onto a layer of the substrate by a lower-precision lithography mechanism. The exposures can be done in either order, and additional exposures can be included. The higher-precision lithography mechanism can be immersion lithography and the lower-precision lithography mechanism can be dry lithography.
US08178284B2
A method of forming a pattern including: forming an underlayer film on a support using an underlayer film-forming material, forming a hard mask on the underlayer film using a silicon-based hard mask-forming material, forming a first resist film by applying a chemically amplified positive resist composition to the hard mask, forming a first resist pattern by selectively exposing the first resist film through a first mask pattern and then performing developing, forming a first pattern by etching the hard mask using the first resist pattern as a mask, forming a second resist film by applying a chemically amplified positive silicon-based resist composition to the first pattern and the underlayer film, forming a second resist pattern by selectively exposing the second resist film through a second mask pattern and then performing developing, and forming a second pattern by etching the underlayer film using the first pattern and the second resist pattern as a mask.
US08178281B2
It is an object of the present invention to improve sensitivity of a resist made from hydrosilsesquioxane when a pattern is formed in the resist by irradiation with a charged particle beam. The method for improving sensitivity of a resist of the present invention is a method to improve sensitivity of a resist formed from hydrosilsesquioxane to a charged particle beam when a pattern is formed in the resist by irradiation with a charged particle beam, and is characterized by including prebaking a resist formed from hydrosilsesquioxane and applied onto a substrate at t° C. (20≦t≦300), applying a composition containing a water-soluble conductive polymer compound to a charged particle beam irradiation surface of the prebaked resist, baking the thus applied composition at T° C. (0≦T
US08178275B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a toner that can suppress the production of the decomposition products derived from a polymerization initiator, and can suppress the remaining presence, in the toner particles, of the unreacted polymerizable monomer and decomposition product residues. On the basis of this method, the present invention provides a toner that is excellent in triboelectric charging stability and can yield stable images over a long term. The present invention provides a method for producing a polymerized toner including a step of producing a polymerized toner particle by dispersing in an aqueous medium a polymerizable monomer composition including at least a polymerizable monomer and a colorant and by polymerizing the polymerizable monomer by using a polymerization initiator in the aqueous medium, the method being characterized in that the polymerization initiator has a structure represented by the following General Formula: (wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent an optionally branched or substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R3 represents an optionally branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms).
US08178272B2
An external additive including titanium dioxide having a water-soluble component of at least 0.2% by weight and a fluorosilane compound, wherein the titanium dioxide is surface-reformed by the fluorosilane compound.
US08178260B2
An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of catalytic metal such as Pt in a fuel cell. The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier and catalytic metal particles, wherein the CO adsorption amount of the electrode catalyst is at least 30mL/g·Pt.
US08178259B2
A gas diffusion media is described. The gas diffusion media comprises a conductive porous substrate; and a microporous layer; wherein a cathode effective transport length is in a range of about 700 to about 1900 μm; wherein an overall thermal resistance is in a range of about 1.8 to about 3.8 cm2-K/W; and wherein a ratio of the cathode effective transport length to an anode effective transport length is greater than about 2.
US08178256B2
A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a module area, a first fluid supply area, a second fluid supply area, and an electric parts area. The first fluid supply area is provided on a first side surface of the module area, and an electric parts area is provided on a second side surface of the module area. The second fluid supply area is provided under a bottom surface of the module area. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module area.
US08178253B2
The present invention provides a current collector of an end plate for a fuel cell and a method for controlling the same, in which a plurality of current collector plates having different resistance values is mounted on an end plate so that the current of a fuel cell is consumed during cold start and during low power operation to improve cold startability of the fuel cell and, further, the durability of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is improved due to an increase in voltage during low power operation.
US08178251B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an auxiliary unit, a sound volume acquisition unit, and a control unit. The fuel cell supplies an electric power to a sound generating device that generates a sound. The auxiliary unit allows the fuel cell to generate the electric power. The sound volume acquisition unit acquires information that is related to at least one of the volume of the sound that is generated by the sound generating device and the volume of an environmental sound. The control unit controls the operations of the auxiliary unit, based on the information acquired by the sound volume acquisition unit.
US08178248B2
A carbon monoxide remover includes a reactor body having an inner space, and a catalyst provided in the inner space of the reactor body to react with the reforming gas. A diffusion unit is installed at an inlet portion of the reactor body for introducing the reforming gas to diffuse the reforming gas over the entire area of the catalyst.
US08178246B2
The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolytic solution which can give excellent cycle characteristics. The nonaqueous electrolytic solution contains a linear carbonate represented by the formula (1): wherein, in the formula (1), Xa represents each independently hydrogen or any group; Ra represents optionally substituted alkyl; and n represents an integer of zero or more.
US08178243B2
A method of producing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material comprising sodium oxide, characterized in that: the sodium oxide contains lithium; and the molar amount of the lithium is less than the molar amount of the sodium.
US08178239B2
A cathode material for a secondary battery containing a cathode active material represented by the general formula LinFePO4 (wherein n represents a number from 0 to 1) as a primary component and molybdenum (Mo), wherein the cathode active material LinFePO4 is composited with the Mo. In a preferred embodiment, the cathode material has conductive carbon deposited on the surface thereof.
US08178238B2
A positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion secondary battery has an average composition expressed by the following formula (1): LixCo1-y-zMyCezOb-aXa (1) wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron B, magnesium Mg, aluminum Al, silicon Si, phosphorous P, sulfur S, titanium Ti, chromium Cr, manganese Mn, iron Fe, cobalt Co, nickel Ni, copper Cu, zinc Zn, gallium Ga, yttrium Y, zirconium Zr, molybdenum Mo, silver Ag, tungsten W, indium In, tin Sn, lead Pb, and antimony Sb, X represents a halogen element, and x, y, z, a, and b satisfy 0.2
US08178237B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the negative electrode contains a negative electrode mixture containing a binder; and the binder contains polyvinylidene fluoride and polyacrylonitrile, with a mass ratio of polyvinylidene fluoride to polyacrylonitrile ranging from 99.9/0.1 to 95.1/4.9.
US08178223B2
In a magnetic recording medium, there are realized an improvement in surface planarity and a reduction in characteristic degradation. The magnetic recording medium is fabricated so that the upper layer of a recording layer and a refill layer are formed of the same material.
US08178217B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel triazole derivative. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element having high luminous efficiency with the use of the novel triazole derivative. Moreover, it is still another object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting device and electronic devices which have low power consumption. A light-emitting element having high luminous efficiency can be manufactured with the use of a triazole derivative which is a 1,2,4-triazole derivative, in which an aryl group or a heteroaryl group is bonded to each of 3-position, 4-position, and 5-position, and in which any one of the aryl group or heteroaryl group has a 9H-carbazol-9-yl group.
US08178208B2
A composition is disclosed, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, a combination of from 44 to 80 weight percent of a thermoplastic poly(butylene terephthalate); from 20 to 50 weight percent of a thermoplastic poly(ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.5 to 0.8 deciliters per gram, measured in a 60:40 by weight phenol/1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane mixture at 23° C. using a relative viscometer operating with a closed loop system, which measures the solvent and sample viscosity simultaneously; from 5 to less than 20 weight percent of a talc filler having an average largest dimension of less than 0.9 micrometers, a median particle size of less than 0.9 micrometers, or both; and from 0.1 to 0.5 weight percent of a mold release agent. The compositions are useful in the manufacture of lighting articles, which can be directly metallized without the inclusion of a base coat.
US08178206B2
Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine compound or naphthalocyanine compound and a resin having a modulus from 20,000 psi (138 MPa) to 1000 psi (7 MPa) and solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.
US08178200B2
A sport racket string includes a string which is a solid string and multiple recesses are defined in an outer surface of the string. The recesses include different sizes, depths and shapes, and are located in pre-determined ways such as lines so as to increase the friction between the balls and the string. The strings of the present invention are light in weight and allow the users to control the balls efficiently.
US08178199B2
A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture. A process for producing a nonwoven article is also provided.
US08178194B2
The present invention provides a clay film and a member thereof, having low moisture permeability and gas permeability, having mechanical strength enabling use as a self-supporting film, having high flexibility and high heat resistance, being an electrical insulator and having low thermal conductivity; a clay film comprising clay alone, clay and a small amount of a reinforcing material, or clay, a small amount of an additive and a small amount of a reinforcing material and subjected to surface treatment; a clay film comprising clay and a small amount of a reinforcing material, or clay, a small amount of an additive and a small amount of a fibrous reinforcing material, and having gas impermeability; a multilayer film comprising a fabric and clay and having a composite multilayer structure comprising a clay layer and a fabric; and, an adhesive clay film having clay for a main component thereof and a single layer or multilayer structure in which an adhesive layer is preset on the clay film.
US08178191B2
A multilayer wiring board includes a core insulating layer with a first conductive wiring, a first insulating layer with a softening temperature lower than the core insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the core insulating layer through the first insulating layer, the second insulating layer with a second conductive wiring electrically connected to the first conductive wiring and a softening temperature higher than the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is mainly formed of a liquid crystal polymer. The core insulating layer and the second insulating layer are mainly formed of a polyimide resin or a bismaleimide triazine resin. The first conductive wiring and the second conductive wiring are electrically connected through a conductive via formed penetrating through the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer in a thickness direction.
US08178190B2
A floor marking tape has a total thickness of 5-7 mil (0.127-0.178 mm) and consists of: A. A top layer consisting of a translucent polyester backing film free of plasticizer and having (i) top and bottom facial surfaces, (ii) a thickness of 3-5 mil (0.076-0.127 mm), (iii) a Shore A Hardness of at least 90, and (iv) a modulus of elasticity of at least 200,000 psi; B. A middle layer consisting of a graphic image having top and bottom facial surfaces the top facial surface of which is in direct contact with the bottom facial surface of the polyester backing film; and C. A bottom layer consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) having top and bottom facial surfaces the top surface of which is in direct contact with at least one of the bottom facial surface of the backing film and graphic image, the PSA having a (i) thickness of 2-3 mil (0.051-0.076 mm), and (ii) shear resistance of at least 50 hours as measured by PSTC 7 with a one-half inch by one inch sample area.
US08178189B2
A laminate usable as a diaper closure has a pair of generally contiguous outer fleece layers having longitudinally extending and parallel outer edges and a core layer of foil of LP or LLP polyethylene extending between the outer layers substantially a full width of the outer layers between the edges. The foil has a thickness between 5 μm and 20 μm. Bonds are provided between the core layer and each of the outer layers. The laminate has regions activated by stretching and in which the laminate is semielastric, and unactivated regions in which the laminate is not stretchy.
US08178184B2
A method of producing an entangled sheet of microfine long fibers using long fibers for forming microfine fibers. The method includes a step of forming a long-fiber web made of long fibers for forming microfine fibers, at least one component of the long fibers being a water-soluble, thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol resin; a step of entangling the long-fiber web to form a long-fiber entangled sheet; a step of shrinking the long-fiber entangled sheet to form a long-fiber shrunk sheet; and a step of converting the long fibers for forming microfine fibers in the long-fiber shrunk sheet to microfine long fibers, thereby producing the entangled sheet of microfine long fibers. The step of entangling is conducted so as to allow the long-fiber entangled sheet to have an interlaminar peel strength of 2 kg/2.5 cm or more. The step of shrinking is conducted so as to shrink in an areal shrinkage of 35% or more.
US08178180B2
The invention relates to a heat-sealable packaging material and a sealed package formed from the same, especially for packaging foodstuffs. The packaging material comprises a base layer of paper or board and polymeric heat-sealable layers on one side of the base layer or, preferably, on both sides thereof. According to the invention, at least two layers of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) with different fractions of ethylene monomer are arranged on the packaging material to provide an oxygen barrier. The layers can locate against each other without a tie layer between them. The heat-sealable polymer can be a polyolefin, and, in addition, other polymeric barrier layers can be incorporated into the material to improve its oxygen, fat and aroma tightness.
US08178179B2
The invention concerns a conductive composition comprising (by weight): 30 to 60 parts of a fluid PVDF; 25 to 62 parts of a viscous PVDF; 8 to 13 parts of a conductive filler; 0 to 2 parts of a fire retardant agent; 0 to 0.05 parts of a nucleating agent, based on a total of 100 parts. Preferably, it comprises by weight: 35 to 50 parts of a fluid PVDF; 45 to 55 parts of a viscous PVDF; 8 to 13 parts of a conductive filler; 0 to 2 parts of a fireproof agent; 0 to 0.05 parts of a nucleating agent, based on a total of 100 parts. Preferably, the conductive composition has a viscosity in the molten state at 230° C. of less than 106 Pa·s, preferably between 102 and 106 Pa·s. The invention also concerns multilayer structures combining the conductive composition and a thermoplastic polymer or a metal.
US08178175B2
Disclosed herein are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, and an ionic liquid. The compositions can be used to prepare thermal transfer donor elements.
US08178172B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first display panel and a second display panel facing each other; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first display panel and the second display panel and including pre-tilted liquid crystal molecules and a first compound derived from a reactive mesogen; and an alignment layer positioned between the first display panel and the second display panel, wherein the alignment layer includes a polyimide derived from a composition including a dianhydride-based compound, and a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1. In the above Chemical Formula 1, R1 is a substituted or non-substituted C1-C8 alkyl group, R2 is a substituted or non-substituted C8-C30 alkyl group, and A1 is a functional group including a substituted or non-substituted aliphatic ring and a substituted or non-substituted aromatic ring.
US08178169B2
Methods of leveling ink on substrates and apparatuses useful in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the methods includes irradiating ink disposed on a first surface of a porous substrate with radiation emitted by at least one flash lamp. The radiation flash heats the ink to at least a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink to allow the ink to flow laterally on the first surface to produce leveling of the ink. The ink is heated sufficiently rapidly that heat transfer from the ink to the substrate is sufficiently small during the leveling that ink at the substrate interface is cooled to a temperature below the viscosity threshold temperature thereby preventing any significant ink permeation into the substrate from the first surface.
US08178160B2
Disclosed are powder coating compositions suitable for producing a decorative and durable coating having a homogeneous hue, articles comprising a decorative and durable coating having a homogeneous hue deposited thereon, methods for preparing a decorative and durable coating having a homogeneous hue, kits capable of producing a decorative and durable coating having a homogeneous hue, and methods for color matching using powder coating compositions.
US08178154B2
A method for disposing a component comprises: a step of preparing a substrate and a first liquid; preparing a component-containing liquid containing the components and a second liquid; a step of disposing the first liquid in a hydrophilic region; a step of bringing the component-containing liquid into contact with the first liquid disposed on the hydrophilic region; a step of removing the first liquid and the second liquid to dispose the component on the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region is composed of a component-disposing region and a liquid-capturing region formed on the periphery of the component-disposing region. The liquid-capturing region comprises a surface represented by the following chemical formula I.
US08178153B2
A heat transfer control structure and a method for fabrication thereof includes at least one heat transfer control layer interposed between and contacting a heat source material and a heat sink material. The at least one heat transfer control layer is selected predicated upon thermal phonon spectra overlap between the heat source material, the at least one heat transfer control layer and the heat sink material. The at least one heat transfer control layer may enhance or retard heat transfer between the heat source material and the heat sink material. The at least one heat transfer control layer may be selected based upon a value of a thermal phonon correlating parameter such as a Debye temperature, a density or a lattice constant.
US08178151B2
A frozen aerated confection comprising an ice structuring protein (ISP) and a hydrophobin is provided.
US08178147B2
A tea beverage product that includes at least one tea component as well as coumalic acid or its salt to inhibit non-enzymatic browning of the tea beverage product. The tea component may be a green tea component, red tea component, black tea component, white tea component or a blend of tea components. The coumalic acid may be present in an amount less than 100 ppm. Alternatively, a coumalate may be employed, which will undergo hydrolysis within the tea beverage or concentrate product to form coumalic acid. In addition, a method for inhibiting non-enzymatic browning, by adding at least one of coumalic acid, a coumalic acid salt or a coumalate to a tea beverage composition.
US08178143B2
The invention generally relates to the meat industry, specifically it relates to meat products which are firstly intended for pets, in particular for cats and dogs, or other domestic animals whose feeding diet includes natural meat and, more specifically the invention relates to a food product simulating natural meat chunks or pieces and a method for producing same. The disclosure of the invention provides for a food product having pieces simulating a piece of natural meat, wherein one of the surfaces of each piece has a distinctly defined structure similar to the striated muscle fiber structure of natural meat. The disclosure of the invention provides also a method for producing such food product.
US08178139B2
Disclosed is a capsule designed to be used in an automatic beverage preparation and dispensing machine. The capsule includes a compacted aggregate of a substance to be infused; and a packaging envelope impermeable to air and water. The packaging envelope is configured to hold the compacted aggregate of the substance in the interior of the capsule so that infusion is carried out in the interior of the capsule. Also disclosed is a method comprising piercing the packaging envelope of the capsule, using a piercing device of an automatic beverage preparation and dispensing machine.
US08178138B2
This invention provides a control release formulation or rumen-bypass dietary supplement in compacted form. The formulation or supplement has the capability to transport fatty acid calcium salt and between about 1-75 percent of one or more rumen-protected undegraded biologically active agents to the post-ruminal digestive system of a ruminant. A feedstock containing the formulation or supplement for ruminants beneficially improves feed efficiency and body growth. The feedstock also is adapted to improve the lactational performance of dairy cattle.
US08178134B2
The present invention relates to an herbal ophthalmic composition of Withania somnifera and Areca catechu, which reduces intra ocular pressure of eyes in a synergistic manner. A composition of Withania somnifera and Areca catechu acts synergistically with the other ingredients when formulated as a composition of the present invention.
US08178109B2
Disclosed is a newly identified secreted molecule, identified herein as “monocyte, granulocyte, and dendritic cell colony stimulating factor” (MGD-CSF), the polypeptide sequence, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence. Also provided is a procedure for producing the polypeptide by recombinant techniques employing, for example, vectors and host cells. Additionally, procedures are described to modify the disclosed novel molecules of the invention to prepare fusion molecules. Also disclosed are methods for using the polypeptides and active fragments thereof for treatment of a variety of diseases, including, for example, cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
US08178107B1
Isolated mpl ligand, isolated DNA encoding mpl ligand, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing mpl ligand are disclosed. These mpl ligands are shown to influence the replication, differentiation or maturation of blood cells, especially megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte progenitor cells. Accordingly, these compounds may be used for treatment of thrombocytopenia.
US08178094B2
The present invention relates to methods for identifying and using modulators of FDF03 biological activity in vitro and in vivo that are useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08178092B2
The invention provides a method of treating psoriasis in a subject by administering to a subject an antibody capable of binding to the p40 subunit of IL-12 and/or IL-23.
US08178090B2
Use of a preparation as an antimicrobial agent or as an anti-oxidant; wherein said preparation comprises a polypeptide having hexose oxidase activity, the polypeptide being in a substantially pure form, and said polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of (i)(SEQ ID NO: 1) Tyr-Glu-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Val-Pro (ii)(SEQ ID NO: 2) Ala-Ile-Ile-Asn-Val-Thr-Gly-Leu-Val-Glu-Ser-Gly- Tyr-Asp-X-X-X-Gly-Tyr-X-Val-Ser-Ser- (iii)(SEQ ID NO: 3) Asp-Leu-Pro-Met-Ser-Pro-Arg-Gly-Val-Ile-Ala-Ser- Asn-Leu-X-Phe- (iv)(SEQ ID NO: 4) Asp-Ser-Glu-Gly-Asn-Asp-Gly-Glu-Leu-Phe-X-Ala-His- Thr (v)(SEQ ID NO: 5) Tyr-Tyr-Phe-Lys (vi)(SEQ ID NO: 6) Asp-Pro-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Val-Ile-Asp-Val-Asn-Ala-Gly- Thr-X-Asp (vii)(SEQ ID NO: 7) Leu-Gln-Tyr-Gln-Thr-Tyr-Trp-Gln-Glu-Glu-Asp (viii)(SEQ ID NO: 8) X-Ile-Arg-Asp-Phe-Tyr-Glu-Glu-Met where X represents an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Asx, Cys, Gln, Glu, Glx, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr and Val.
US08178076B2
A method of determining calcium metabolism in a patient comprises the steps of administering radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca to the patient, allowing a period of time to elapse sufficient for dissemination and reaction of the radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca by the patient, obtaining a sample of the radioactive calcium isotope 41Ca from the patient, isolating the calcium content of the sample in a form suitable for precise measurement of isotopic calcium concentrations, and measuring the calcium content to determine parameters of calcium metabolism in the patient.
US08178070B2
A Claus plant with multiple parallel thermal stages that provide a combined effluent to downstream catalytic stages includes a controller that allows independent and individual control for each of the thermal stages as a function of measured chemical composition of the thermal stage effluents and catalytic stage effluent.
US08178062B2
In a reforming apparatus, for use in a fuel cell, for reforming a raw fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, a reformer generates the reformed gas from the raw fuel. A shift reactor reduces carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas through a shift reaction. A selective oxidation unit reduces the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas that has passed through the shift reactor by performing selective oxidation on the carbon monoxide. A reforming reaction tube houses linearly the reformer, the shift reactor and the selective oxidation unit in this order. A combustion means produces combustion exhaust gas by combusting the raw fuel. An outer casing is placed around the reforming reaction tube, and the outer casing has a larger diameter than that of the reforming reaction tube. A heated flow passage through which the combustion exhaust gas passes to heat the reforming reaction tube is formed between the reforming reaction tube and the outer casing.
US08178060B2
Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins is provided. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the C4+ hydrocarbon stream resulting from such oxygenate conversion processing and at least a portion of a cracked olefins effluent stream resulting from such olefin cracking processing are processed with a dividing wall fractionation column to form process streams containing: a) C3−hydrocarbons, b) C6+ hydrocarbons, and c) C4 and C5 hydrocarbons, including C4 and C5 olefins, respectively.
US08178057B2
An apparatus for filling a sample volume defining device for separating at least one small defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, whereby said first body has at least one cavity in a surface thereof, said at least one cavity having said defined volume. One of said first or said second body has at least one inlet opening adapted to be placed in a drop of the liquid sample. A defined channel is provided between said first and second body, which channel has fluid connection with said at least one opening and at least beyond said at least one cavity whereby the dimensions of said channel being such that said channel and said at least one cavity is filled with said liquid sample.
US08178056B2
There is provided a biochemical reaction cartridge comprising at least one chemical reaction chamber that accommodates a solution for biochemically treating a sample, a reaction chamber for performing detection reaction of a target substance in the biochemically treated sample, and a detection reaction information fetching section for fetching information on whether or not the detection reaction is performed, wherein the biochemical reaction cartridge is provided with a covering unit that can cover and expose at least the reaction information fetching section.
US08178050B2
A process for introducing a catalyst powder into a polymerization reactor comprising:a) metering the catalyst powder by means of a rotary valve comprising a stator, a rotor and sealing means arranged between said stator and said rotor;b) transferring a metered amount of catalyst powder from said rotary valve to a polymerization reactor;the process further comprising the steps of:c) feeding a flushing compound in one or more internal conduits arranged in the rotor of said rotary valve;d) flushing the catalyst powder away from said sealing means.
US08178048B2
A dispenser fixture for dispersing aromatic vapors into a facility includes an elongated dispenser chamber bounded by end walls, one containing a motor driven fan and the other wall containing fixtures for supplying and controlling electrical current for powering the fan motor. The chamber, containing trays supporting a replaceable supply of aromatic material, presents the aromatic material to an air flow passing into apertures positioned near or in the other wall such that a carrier arm supporting the fixture orientates the fan motor to discharge air enriched with aromatic vapors in a horizontal direction into the facility. The fixture includes upstanding side walls joining the end walls, a floor wall joining the side walls and the end walls, and a top wall overlying the side and end walls for enclosing the aromatic materials in the chamber. The dispenser fixture may be made of a hard plastic or metal.
US08178042B2
Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.
US08178037B2
A device for releasing gas into molten metal includes a base having a discharge. The discharge has a first section including a first cross-sectional area and a second section including a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first section is upstream of the second section and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area. A gas-release opening is positioned so that it can release gas into one or more of the first section or the second section. As the molten metal moves from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area gas is released into the molten metal and the molten metal flow helps to draw the gas into the flow, thereby lowering the pressure required to release gas into the molten metal. Metal-transfer conduits other than a discharge incorporated in a pump base are also disclosed, as are pumps including either a discharge or other metal-transfer conduit according to the invention.
US08178036B2
An impeller for dispersing gas into molten metal includes a rectangular prism body having upper and lower faces and four side walls. The body has an opening extending through the upper and lower faces and defines a hub around the opening on the upper face. The impeller further includes a plurality of elongate grooves extending radially outwardly from the hub.
US08178029B2
The invention relates to a nanofiber web preparing apparatus and method via electro-blown spinning. The nanofiber web preparing method includes feeding a polymer solution, which is a polymer dissolved into a given solvent, toward a spinning nozzle, discharging the polymer solution via the spinning nozzle, which is charged with a high voltage, while injecting compressed air via the lower end of the spinning nozzle, and collecting fiber spun in the form of a web on a grounded suction collector under the spinning nozzle, in which both of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins are applicable, the solution does not need to be heated and electrical insulation is readily realized.
US08178028B2
A novel nanostructure-film patterning method is discussed, wherein a laser is employed to etch a nanostructure-film. The laser may be a solid state UV laser, and the nanostructure-film may be patterned while mounted and moving on a roll-to-roll apparatus.
US08178023B2
A ventilation filter part 19 including a support body 27 and a ventilation filter 25 fixed to the support body 27 is disposed in a concave portion 44c in a stationary die 44. A movable die 40 is brought into close proximity to the stationary die 44 and these dies are clamped together. Resin is injected into a cavity CV defined therebetween as a result of the clamping to make the injected resin and the ventilation filter part 19 into one piece. A housing upper portion 13 (housing part) formed of the ventilation filter part 19 and the injected resin is thus molded.
US08178012B1
A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.
US08178008B2
A semiconductor material for radiation absorption and detection comprising a composition of stoichiometry Li(M12+, M22+, M32+, . . . )(G1V, G2V, G3V, . . . ) and exhibiting an antifluorite-type order, where Li=1, (M12++M22++M32++ . . . )=1, and (G1V+G2V+G3V+ . . . )=1. The material provides two useful characteristics: [1] a high Li-site density, which when enriched in 6Li, produces exceptional neutron-absorbing capabilities and [2] a semiconducting band-gap for the efficient conversion of absorbed photon and neutron energies into electrical currents. These characteristics can be exploited in applications for power generation or the spectroscopic detection of gamma and neutron radiation. The material can be tailored so as to detect only gamma photons, detect only neutron particles, or simultaneously detect gamma photons and neutron particles.
US08178005B2
A composition comprising at least two different alkylaryl phosphites, wherein some alkyl groups have a different number of carbon atoms than other alkyl groups and wherein the composition is a liquid at ambient conditions.
US08178004B2
A composition and method for forming a hydrophobic coating on a metallic substrate are disclosed. The composition comprises: (a) a perfluorinated acid, (b) a surfactant, (c) an organic solvent, and (d) water. The composition is applied to the metal surface, the organic solvent and water permitted to evaporate and coalesce to form a substantially continuous film that preferably is in the form of a self-assembled monolayer covalently bonded to the surface of the substrate.
US08178000B2
Disclosed is a deep red phosphor (600 nm to 670 nm) of Mn activity having a chemical formula of (k-x)MgOxAF2GeO2:yMn4+ where k is a real number between 2.8 and 5.0, x is a real number between 0.1 and 0.7, y is a real number between 0.005 and 0.015, and A is Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, or a mixture thereof, or a mixture of Mg and at least one of Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn. The deep red phosphor has a high excitation efficiency and thus can be applied to light emitting diode (LED) packages, which uses an ultraviolet (UV) light source or a blue light source as an excitation light source. The deep red phosphor is applied to a phosphor layer of a phosphor lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescence lamp (CCFL) and a flat fluorescent lamp (FFL).
US08177998B2
The invention is directed to a liquid scintillating composition containing (i) one or more non-polar organic solvents; (ii) (lithium-6)-containing nanoparticles having a size of up to 10 nm and surface-capped by hydrophobic molecules; and (iii) one or more fluorophores. The invention is also directed to a liquid scintillator containing the above composition.
US08177995B2
A process for producing a piezoelectric oxide having a composition (Ba, Bi, A)(Ti, Fe, M)O3, where each of A and M represents one or more metal elements. The composition is determined so as to satisfy the conditions (1) and (2), 0.98≦TF(P)≦1.02, (1) TF(BiFeO3)
US08177990B2
Disclosed is a method of etching a substrate having a layered structure in which a photoresist mask with a pattern, a coating film made of silicon oxide, and an organic film are laminated in that order from the top. Before etching the coating film of silicon oxide, a deposit is deposited on the photoresist mask by using plasma generated from a hydrocarbon gas such as CH4 gas so as to narrow the size of openings in the pattern of the photoresist mask. The pattern of the photoresist mask is well transferred to the organic film through the coating film, and a pattern with openings having a high aspect ratio can be formed in the organic film and toppling of the pattern in the organic film can be prevented. The organic film with the transferred pattern is used as an etch mask for etching the underlying layer.
US08177975B2
An apparatus removes air or debris from a flow of liquid. The apparatus includes a shell having an inlet, an outlet, and an elongate inner cavity in fluid communication with each of the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of elongate coalescing medium assemblies are disposed within the cavity of the shell such that the coalescing medium assemblies are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Each coalescing medium assembly includes a plurality of wire mesh tubes oriented substantially parallel to each other. A wire mesh retaining wall substantially surrounds the tubes and holds the tubes together.
US08177973B2
A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges, and an annular collar to adapt and connect the manifold to the cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.
US08177968B2
A filter cup assembly includes a first cup having a one-way valve connected to a center of the underside of the first cup 10 and a filtering part is connected to the underside of the first cup. An adaptor is connected between the filtering part and a second cup. A presser includes a pressing plate connected with a rod, the pressing plate is inserted into the first cup to force contaminated water in the first cup to pass through the one-way valve, the filtering part and is collected in the second cup. All of the parts are threadedly connected to each other so that they can be separated individually. The first cup is sized to receive the second cup, the filtering part and the adaptor when not in use.
US08177967B2
A disposable, spin-on fluid filter for mounting to a fluid-directing head includes a molded housing having a closed base and a sidewall defining a hollow cavity. Filtering media is positioned within the hollow cavity and a nutplate is joined to the housing so as to enclose the filtering media. The nutplate includes a plurality of inlet flow openings and a lobed sleeve extending into the filtering media. An endplate is joined to the filtering media including a flange portion and a sleeve portion. The fluid filter includes an elastomeric valve having a first portion positioned between the flange portion and the inlet flow openings and a second portion positioned between the sleeve portion and the lobed sleeve. The valve provides an anti-drain back capability and in cooperation with the lobed sleeve provides a filtering media by-pass capability.
US08177959B2
A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.
US08177953B2
A method of verifying performance of a coated part includes calculating a deflection value as a function of a predetermined strain threshold value and a total thickness of a test coupon that comprises a coating on a substrate. The coating of the test coupon is co-deposited in a deposition process for producing a coated part. The test coupon is bent in an amount equal to the calculated deflection value and then evaluated as an indication of whether a mechanical characteristic of the coated part meets a specified level.
US08177950B2
Disclosed are thermoresponsive microparticle composite hydrogels comprising poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) and polyacrylamide, and methods regarding their manufacture and their use. The present invention provides in one aspect a thermoresponsive microparticle hydrogel, wherein the matrix morphology is controllably and selectively altered by incorporation of thermoresponsive nano/micro-particles. The particles are preferably poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) particles. The present invention also provides methods of making and using such hydrogels.
US08177949B2
A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
US08177942B2
A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material.
US08177933B2
A first insert (15) forming a ring is placed inside and in contact with a core (10) in degradable material. On the outer face of the core a plurality of inserts (20) is arranged each comprising a platform (21) applied against the outer face of the core and at least one blade (22) extending substantially radially outwards. A fibrous structure (56) is wound around the core passing over the platforms (21) and over the inner surface of the ring-shaped insert (15). Molding of the fibrous structure, impregnated with a composition containing a resin, is performed before polymerization of the resin and removal of the core.
US08177922B2
An R—Fe—B based anisotropic sintered magnet according to the present invention has, as a main phase, an R2Fe14B type compound that includes a light rare-earth element RL (which is at least one of Nd and Pr) as a major rare-earth element R, and also has a heavy rare-earth element RH (which is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy and Tb). In the crystal lattice of the main phase, the c-axis is oriented in a predetermined direction. The magnet includes a portion in which at least two peaks of diffraction are observed within a 2θ range of 60.5 degrees to 61.5 degrees when an X-ray diffraction measurement is carried out using a CuK α ray on a plane that is located at a depth of 500 μm or less under a pole face of the magnet and that is parallel to the pole face.
US08177914B2
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a blower and a method for landscaping and lawn maintenance. The blower includes an outer housing having an inner chamber, the outer housing defining at least one discharge port and an impeller disposed within the inner chamber of the housing. The impeller has a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein a first plurality of blades are mounted to the first side surface and a second plurality of blades are mounted to the second side surface. The second plurality of blades are a mirror image of the first plurality of blades. Air or other fluid is expelled through the discharge ports and can be directed using discharge tubes in order to redistribute debris or fluid.
US08177907B2
The use of pulverized glass having a particle size of 0 nm to 100 μm as an ingredient in a composite material, said composite material is obtained by mixing a base component and a hardener, is disclosed. The pulverized glass is useful in composite materials, such as either a cement-based material which is to be mixed with water as a hardener or in epoxies, acrylics, polyurethanes, butylenes or silicones.
US08177906B2
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with a quantity of spray dryer ash (SDA) and water to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and form a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 40%, and in some cases less than 20%, of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. An optional alkaline activator may be mixed with the fly ash and SDA to facilitate the geopolymerization reaction. The alkaline activator may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof.
US08177903B2
The present invention relates to a composition including at least a Portland clinker and a Belite-Calcium-Sulphoaluminate-Ferrite clinker (BCSAF).
US08177899B2
A non-aqueous pigment ink comprising a pigment, a pigment dispersant and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous solvent comprises an alcohol solvent, a fatty acid ester solvent and a hydrocarbon solvent, the alcohol solvent comprises a saturated branched alcohol containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms and having one branch, and an amount of the saturated branched alcohol is within a range from 3 to 40% by mass relative to a total mass of the ink.
US08177895B2
An apparatus for degassing oil comprising:—a room (30) for receiving oil comprising a first chamber (30a) and a second chamber (30b) connected to the first chamber;—an inlet (31) feeding oil into the first chamber;—an outlet (32) for feeding oil out of the first chamber;—a suction arrangement (40) connected to the outlet (32) for sucking out oil from the room;—a non-return valve (33) connected to the second chamber; and—a regulating device comprising a float (51) and a valve member (52) activated by the float for regulating the feeding of oil into the room. The float has a lower section (51) located in the first chamber and an upper section (51 b) extending into the second chamber. The upper section delimits a flow passage (63) extending between the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve member is arranged to open the inlet when the float assumes a lower position in the room and close the inlet when the float assumes an upper position in the room.
US08177887B2
In one embodiment, an aerosol particle collector includes a duct defining a flow path configured to remove larger particles from aerosol flowing through the duct and to store the removed particles in the duct while maintaining a uniform rate of aerosol flow throughout a predetermined useful life of the duct even as stored aerosol particles accumulate in the duct. In another embodiment, an aerosol particle collector includes a duct and a plurality of baffles in the duct. The duct has an elongated inlet extending along a length of the duct and an outlet located at one end of the length of the duct. A first one of the baffles extends along a first side of the duct for deflecting incoming aerosol toward a second side of the duct opposite the first side. A second one of the baffles is for deflecting aerosol toward the outlet.
US08177884B2
A device for use in a fluid system includes a fuel channel for receiving fuel having dissolved gas therein. A gas permeable membrane supported by a porous support, the gas permeable membrane in communication with the fuel channel. A gas-removal channel adjacent the gas permeable membrane for receiving the dissolved gas from the fuel through the gas permeable membrane and the porous support.
US08177882B2
A method for selectively recovering a metal from mined ore and other metal-bearing raw source materials is disclosed. The method involves mixing with an aqueous medium a metal-bearing ore and/or other raw source material containing a first metal in an insoluble form, insoluble and/or soluble Cr in a Cr bearing material as a second metal, and organic and inorganic compounds to obtain a slurry containing the first metal in an insoluble form, insoluble and/or soluble Cr compound(s), and the organic and inorganic compounds; adjusting the pH of the slurry to an optimal range for Cr oxidation to convert Cr to an insoluble form; optionally adding a first oxidizer to the slurry to oxidize organic and inorganic compounds; selectively leaching the Cr by adding a leaching agent in an amount sufficient to obtain Cr in a soluble form while the first metal remains in the slurry in an insoluble form; filtering the slurry to obtain a filter cake containing the first metal in an insoluble form and a filtrate containing Cr in a soluble form; and recovering the filter cake containing the first metal in an insoluble form and/or filtrate containing Cr in a soluble form.
US08177880B2
A hearth furnace 10 for producing metallic iron material has a furnace housing 11 with a drying/preheat zone 12 capable of providing a drying/preheat atmosphere for reducible material, a conversion zone 13 capable of providing a reducing atmosphere for reducible material, a fusion zone 14 capable of providing an atmosphere to at least partially reduced metallic iron material, and optionally a cooling zone 15 capable of providing a cooling atmosphere for reduced material containing metallic iron material. A hearth 20 is movable within the furnace housing 11 in a direction through the drying/preheat zone 12, then the conversion zone 13, then the fusion zone 14, and then the cooling zone 15. A separation barrier 30 is positioned within at least a portion of the conversion zone 13, the separation barrier 30 separating the conversion zone 13 into a combustion region 32 and a reducing region 31 with the reducing region 31 adjacent the hearth 20 and the combustion region 32 adjacent the reducing region 31 and spaced from the hearth 20.
US08177876B2
A web can comprise a substantially continuous fiber mass and a separation means dispersed into the fiber. The web having a preferred thickness resulting from forming a polymer material and a particulate into a fine fiber layer can have a variety of end uses. A filtration media can include a structure comprising such a web of fine fiber and a substantial volume of particulate embodiment of the separation means. The resulting fine fiber structure provides an improved filtration medium having substantial depth, thickness, and a layered structure. The improved properties of the web results from inclusion of the separation or spacer particulate.
US08177875B2
Crankcase ventilation arrangements are shown. Preferred wet laid media materials, for use in such arrangements are described. Also described and shown are example crankcase ventilation components, parts for use with a preferred media described and characterized.
US08177874B2
A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream, comprises a housing for a filter element, having a head part and a body part for receiving a filter element, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered. The head part and the body part each have engagement formations which enable the head and body parts to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation about an axis which is coaxial with a head axis and a body axis. Head and body part keying formations can be provided in the form of at least one recess which is provided in a rib on one of the head and body parts, and at least one projection which is provided on the other of the head and body parts. The keying formations require alignment of the head and body axes for initial assembly of the head and body parts when the projection is can be received in the recess in the rib so as to restrict relative rotation of the head and body parts, and so that the head and body parts can then to be moved to an assembly position in which the projection has passed through the rib so that the head and body parts can be rotated relative to each other to allow the engagement formations to become engaged to one another.
US08177872B2
A raincap precleaner is provided according to the present invention. The raincap precleaner includes a sleeve, a cover, and a precleaner assembly. The sleeve is constructed for mounting on an air intake stack and has an air intake flow region for delivering intake air to the air intake stack. The cover includes a top portion having an annular circumference and a depending flange portion extending from the annular circumference of the top portion. The cover is arranged relative to the sleeve to provide a precleaner area and a precleaned air chamber. The precleaner assembly is provided extending around a periphery of the sleeve and in the precleaner area so that environmental air flows through the precleaner assembly and into the precleaned air chamber, and from the precleaned air chamber into the air intake flow region. The precleaner assembly comprises a plurality of inertial separators. A method for precleaning air and a motor vehicle are provided.
US08177860B2
Provided are an oxidation hair dye and a hair bleach, in particular, an oxidation hair dye and a hair bleach effective in use on dyed hair which has solved the problems in using oxidation hair dye or hair bleach, specifically problems such as hair showing a hard and unfavorable texture when treated by oxidation hair dye and hair bleach due to damage to the hair from those agents. An oxidation hair dye characterized by comprising ceramides and/or sterol esters, lecithin or a lecithin derivative and silicones.
US08177852B2
A femoral implant for fitting to a resected femur comprises a section having a frustoconical external form, a stem part extending away from the section to a distal end of the implant, and a femoral head extending directly away from the section to the proximal end of the implant. The implant could have the femoral head integral with the section, or as a separate component secured thereto, with the stem being a separate one piece component incorporating the section.
US08177849B2
Methods and apparatuses for attaching tissue structures to orthopedic implants. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and apparatuses are used to attach soft tissue and/or bone to a proximal tibial implant. In another exemplary embodiment, the methods and apparatuses are used to attach soft tissue and/or bone to a proximal femoral implant.
US08177843B2
An automated screw rod bender includes a sensing system for sensing a position of each of a plurality of screws that are inserted into a vertebrae, a computing system for converting the positions into a geometric coordinates of the screws and generating a corresponding plurality of rod bending parameters, and a rod bending system for bending a rod based on the rod bending parameters.
US08177838B2
The disclosure relates to an artificial heart implant comprising a blood pump with a pump drive, a controller for controlling and regulating the pump drive, and an electrode that is connected to the controller and is used for detecting electrical quantities on the patient's heart. The controller controls the pump drive in accordance with the signals detected by the electrode.
US08177837B2
Described are percutaneous vascular valves free of attached support structures and deployment systems and methods for providing attachment of the valves within a vascular vessel.
US08177836B2
A surgical fastening apparatus including at least one self-closing clip and a deployment device. The self-closing clip comprises a wire defining an intermediate portion interconnecting opposing, first and second side portions having a memory set loop shape. The deployment device includes a clip holding assembly and an actuator. The clip holding assembly includes first and second containment arms and a transfer rod. The containment arms have a distal segment defining a lumen extending from an open, distal end. The transfer rod is associated with at least one of the containment arms in an axially movable fashion and forms an engagement feature. The actuator is connected to the transfer rod for controlling movement of the rod. Upon final assembly in a pre-deployment state, the engagement feature of the transfer rod engages the intermediate portion of the clip, and the side portions are captured by the containment arms.
US08177828B2
An underbody convective warming blanket includes a duct that is separate from, but in fluid communication with, interior space of the underbody convective warming blanket. The duct may be deployed to provide an air circulation conduit to shunt air around the air distribution structure in the interior space. The duct may be a flexible tube having a first end coupled to a first duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a first end of the underbody convective warming blanket and a second end to be coupled to a second duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a second end of the underbody convective warming blanket. An underbody convective warming blanket may include a midsection with an elongate columnar configuration which transitions at an end, or at each end, to a plinth-like configuration.
US08177818B2
A fixation plate with a base section including apertures for fixation to one bone segment and a leg section extending from the base section and including apertures for fixation to another bone segment. The expanse of the base section tapers gradually to smoothly cojoin with the leg section and the expanse of the leg section continues to taper to a distal rounded end of the leg section.
US08177813B2
A spinal spacer or stenotic device is expandable, inflated and/or filled in situ or ex vivo through the addition of a biocompatible fill material into the spinal implant once inserted or implanted in like manner to an angioplasty bag. Once implanted, expansion or inflation of the present expandable spinal spacer distracts the spine (creates spacing). The present expandable spinal spacer can operate as an interspinous, interspinous process, or intralaminar spinal spacer. In general the present expandable spinal space creates and/or maintains spacing between vertebrae or components of vertebrae. The present expandable spinal spacer is formed of a generally pliable biocompatible material that is collapsible and expandable/fillable. Preferably, but not necessarily, the biocompatible material is a mesh or weave type material, although other materials may be used.
US08177809B2
Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.
US08177802B2
Percutaneous apparatus for forming a bicuspid venous valve from autologous tissue are disclosed. A multilumen catheter is disclosed that includes a delivery shaft positioned on either side of the balloon. When the balloon is inflated within the vein at a treatment location where a bicuspid valve is to be created, the delivery shafts are pressed into the wall of the vein by the inflated balloon so that exit ports in the delivery shafts are at diametrically opposed locations. The delivery shafts may than be used to deliver puncture elements through the exit ports and into the vessel wall to gain access to a subintimal layer of the vein wall. In this manner, the inventive multilumen catheter aids in making properly positioned flaps of venous tissue for creating a bicuspid venous valve from autologous tissue.
US08177798B2
A deployment cartridge is provided to insert a coated stent into a junction formed between two tubular tissue sections. The deployment cartridge includes a pusher and a coated stent contained within the pusher. The pusher includes support structure for engagement with the stent. The stent is coated with a tissue sealant or tissue adhesive. An insertion instrument is also disclosed for advancing the deployment cartridge into the junction formed between the two tubular tissue sections. There is also disclosed a method of facilitating the support and healing at a juncture formed between tubular tissue sections with a coated stent.
US08177792B2
An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a tapered, tissue penetrating distal tip, an inclined discharge orifice in the tapered distal tip and an inner bore extending to the orifice. A plurality of remotely detectable markers, which are formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, are slidably disposed within the inner bore. A plug having an inclined exposed surface, which is formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, is releasably secured within the inner bore of the delivery tube distal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers disposed therein to retain the plurality of remotely detectable markers within the inner bore. The plug is disposed at least in part within the inclined discharge orifice. A plunger is slidably disposed within the inner bore proximal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers.
US08177787B2
A surgical procedure is disclosed utilizing a cordless surgical handpiece powered from a sterile battery pack that contains a battery in condition for immediate use without further charging or sterilization. The battery chemistry is based upon lithium/manganese dioxide, and the battery after a single use may be disposed of into non-hazardous waste. The compact surgical handpiece has a brushless DC motor and a manually operated external trigger for activating and controlling the motor operations. Interengaging sets of contacts on the handpiece and battery are adapted to become lockingly and conductively interengaged upon rotation of the battery pack relative to the handpiece, in a manner that rapidly achieves correct alignment of the parts and also ensures stable mechanical attachment and support during the surgical procedure.
US08177778B2
Systems and methods stabilize corneal tissue after treatment of the corneal tissue. For example, thermokeratoplasty may be applied to the corneal tissue to address disorders associated with abnormal shaping of the cornea. To stabilize the desired structural changes caused by the treatment, embodiments apply ophthalmic formulations that help to inhibit wound healing. Wound healing may occur in response to the application of the treatment and may produce further structural changes that mitigate or alter the desired effects of the treatment.
US08177774B2
A disposable hydrophilic catheterization device for inserting a hydrophilic catheter into the urethra of an individual for the purpose of evacuating the bladder is disclosed. The catheter device includes a catheter introducer, a flexible hydrophilic catheter and a flexible thin-walled sheath. The sheath surrounds the urethra-insertable portion of the catheter, is adapted for containing a wetting liquid, and prevents pooling of the wetting liquid with collected urine. A leak-resistant diaphragm disposed within the catheter introducer is capable of being pierced by the catheter tip to form a leak-resistant orifice around the wetted hydrophilic catheter as it moves through the orifice.
US08177772B2
A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.
US08177771B2
A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.
US08177770B2
A catheter connector system that allows trimming of the proximal end of a catheter (single or multiple lumen) prior to the placement of a connector hub. In one variation, the catheter connector system comprises a catheter, a connector sheath including a soft collet, and a connector hub including a cannula for engaging the catheter and a connector hub interface for receiving the connector sheath.
US08177767B2
A cartridge having a distal end provided with a mechanical coding. The coding has the form of a circular protrusion where the circular outer diameter is dedicated a specific concentration of insulin contained in the cartridge. The distal end of the cartridge is fitted in to a circular contour in the housing. The outer diameter of the protrusion on the distal end of the cartridge is chosen as a larger diameter for a higher concentration of insulin. In this way only a cartridge containing the correct concentration or a lower concentration fits into a delivery system designed for a specific concentration of insulin.
US08177765B2
A collection device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing for an easier catheterization process and fluid collection with the device capable of being folded from a larger form into a smaller, more mobile form. The collection device may have attached to its top portion a connecting tube capable of being stretched and compressed, thereby allowing the user more flexibility and convenience while catheterized. Additionally, the collection device may contain antiseptic agents, fold lines, a drainage tube, fastening mechanisms, and leg strap holders in order to make the device more convenient to use.
US08177757B2
A piston adapter, which can be easily removed even when it is mounted on a piston member of a rodless syringe and pressed in a cylinder member, is provided. In piston adapter 200, when manual operation member 230 is manually rotated relative to adapter rod 210, adapter shaft 220 is also rotated to turn the trailing end of flange engagement member 240 engaging with an engagement open/close mechanism near leading end of the flange engagement member, thereby piston adapter 200 can be easily put on and removed from the piston member of the rodless syringe its leading end by manually operating the trailing end of piston adapter 200.
US08177753B2
A catheter insertion assembly for inserting a catheter into a body lumen of a patient is disclosed as well as a method of using the assembly. The assembly comprises a hub, a catheter stiffener and a valve. The valve is disposed in the lumen of the hub and prevents substantially all fluid flow through the lumen in at least one direction below a pressure threshold. The proximal end of the stiffener is attached to the hub and the stiffener extends distally of the distal end of the hub. The stiffener lumen is in fluid communication with the hub lumen. The stiffener occupies a lumen of the catheter and provides additional stiffness to the catheter such that a catheter introducer is not necessary for insertion of the catheter.
US08177747B2
Disposable injection devices are disclosed herein. In an exemplary arrangement, the disposable injection device comprises an annular sleeve, a predetermined pre-injection quantity of a substance configured for selective injection, and a temperature control element. The annular sleeve at least partially defines a dispensing chamber therein. The predetermined pre-injection quantity of the substance configured for selective injection is disposed within the dispensing chamber. The temperature control element is operably connected to the dispensing chamber, and is configured to selectively heat the substance to a predetermined temperature. The substance expands from the pre-injection quantity at the predetermined temperature to an injection quantity whereby the injection quantity is greater than a volume defined by the dispensing chamber. In this manner, a predetermined minimum quantity of the substance is self-expelled from the dispensing chamber.
US08177743B2
Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body.
US08177741B2
A retention device for use in a human or mammalian body includes superelastic wires that expand when they are released from a confined state. The retention device may have the outer form of a Foley catheter. One or more superelastic wires within the balloon of a Foley catheter help to insure retention within the body, such as within a urinary bladder.
US08177737B2
The present invention relates to a drainage device comprising: an internal chamber; at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port communicating with the internal chamber; a shutter disposed at least in part in the internal chamber; at least one first valve seat associated with the inlet port, the shutter being capable of bearing against the first seat in order to isolate the inlet port from the outlet port, in particular when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ports is less than a predetermined first opening pressure; and at least one flow constriction associated with the outlet port, the shutter being capable of shutting said constriction, while allowing a minimum, safety flow to pass at a rate that is greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/h even in a maximally-shut position, referred to as a “closed” position, which position is reached in particular for pressure differences between the inlet and outlet ports that are greater than or equal to a predetermined closure pressure.
US08177730B2
An embodiment of a device for expressing blood from a wound site formed in dermal tissue is constructed in the shape of a cap removably mounted onto a lancing instrument. The blood expression device includes an annular support member and a plurality of movable fingers integrally formed onto the support member in a spaced apart relationship, the free ends of the plurality of fingers together defining a generally circular opening. Each finger is adapted for pivotal displacement in such a manner that its free end projects into the circular opening. In use, the free ends of the plurality of fingers are disposed in contact against the dermal tissue immediately surrounding the wound site. As the device is urged downward onto the dermal tissue, the free ends of the plurality of fingers collapse inward from the force of an axially movable sleeve and pinch into the dermal tissue, resulting in the expression of blood.
US08177729B2
A method of biopsy device operation comprises rotating a first rotating member at a first rotational speed to rotate a cutter. A second rotating member is rotated at a second rotational speed to translate the cutter. The first and second members are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction. The first rotating member rotates with the cutter, while the second rotating member rotates about the first rotating member. The difference between the first and second rotational speeds, as well as threaded engagement between the first and second rotating members, provides the translation of the cutter. A method of biopsy device operation also comprises moving a shuttle valve slider to selectively vent or seal the second lumen of a needle. The shuttle valve slider is responsive to translation of the cutter, though some degree of lost motion is provided between the shuttle valve slider and the cutter.
US08177726B2
A rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing includes techniques that are particularly suited for rapid objective hearing screening and evaluation of newborns or other patients who are unable or unwilling to provide reliable subjective responses. The hearing tests may be frequency specific or may evaluate overall hearing ability without special focus on frequency-specific loss. The tests involve the use of novel stimuli, signal processing, signal analysis, and statistical techniques, including the use of ramped stimuli and evaluating the changes that these stimuli evoke in the individual's brain activity at different moments in time.
US08177716B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08177715B2
A capsule medical system is provided with a capsule medical device to be inserted into a subject, at least one electrode pad having a plurality of receiving electrodes, a receiving electrode switching unit, a control unit for controlling operations of the receiving electrode switching unit, and a position detector. The capsule medical device has a biological information acquiring unit for acquiring biological information of the subject, and a transmitting unit for outputting the biological information from a transmitting electrode through a living body. At least one electrode pad detects the biological information by a plurality of receiving electrodes. The receiving electrode switching unit switches a pair of receiving electrodes among the plurality of receiving electrodes. The position detector detects a position of the capsule medical device inside the subject based on the biological information detected by the electrode pad, and position coordinate data of the plurality of receiving electrodes.
US08177712B2
To provide a capsule endoscope in which a degree of appearance of a sting-like member in a captured image is reduced, a capsule endoscope (2) includes an optical system (18) having a predetermined principal point, an imaging unit (19) which captures light focused by the optical system (18), and an attachment member (28) which is arranged at a predetermined position on a window portion (17a) having optical transparency and forming a portion of an outer casing member (17) housing the optical system (18) and the imaging unit (19). The capsule endoscope (2) further includes a traction member (29) having one end secured to the attachment member (28) and extending by a predetermined distance in a direction from the optical system (18) toward a position of the attachment member (28). Since the traction member (29) has such a structure, an appearance of an image of the traction member (29) can be reduced at the imaging unit (19).
US08177703B2
A blood pump (26) includes a stator assembly including a fluid inlet (24) and a fluid outlet (26). A rotor assembly (120) includes an impeller (40) rotatable about an axis (44) to move fluid from the inlet (24) to the outlet (26). A motor (50) imparts rotation of the impeller (40) about the axis (44). The motor (50) includes a motor stator (52) fixed to the stator assembly (122), a motor rotor (54) fixed to the rotor assembly (120), and a radial motor gap (34) between the stator (52) and the rotor (54). The pump (20) is configured to direct a mixed blood flow from the fluid inlet (24) to the fluid outlet (26) and a wash flow through the motor gap (34).
US08177692B2
A pike pole exercise apparatus is provided for firemen to train and condition themselves for using a pike pole hook. A base has an elongated post attached thereto which extends generally vertically therefrom. An elongated hollow slide member is slidably mounted on the elongated post for sliding thereon and has a weight attached thereto so that a fireman can grip the slide member and slide it up and down on the elongated pole to exercise and train for using a pike pole hook.
US08177689B2
An oxygen trainer assembly for use in athletic activities to increase inspiratory muscular endurance, the assembly comprising: a mouthpiece having a mouthpiece opening; a circulation chamber housing having a circulation chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece opening; a first endcap having a first endcap aperture and a second endcap having a second endcap opening in fluid communication with the circulation chamber housing; a first endcap insert disposable in the first endcap operative to control the level of air resistance in the assembly during inhalation and exhalation; a one-way valve disposable in the second endcap sized and configured to allow the flow of air away from the circulation chamber during exhalation.
US08177685B2
A method for shifting gears in a dual clutch transmission within a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle implementing said method are suggested providing a smooth transition between gears particularly in the starting phase. The dual clutch transmission comprises a first clutch and a second clutch as well as a first partial transmission having a first and other gears and a second partial transmission having a second and other gears. The clutches are controlled to a) decrease a torque transmitting capacity of the first clutch; b) increase a torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; c) adapt the rotational speed of the motor in direction of a rotational speed of an input shaft of the second partial transmission via increasing the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; and d) control the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch to a final torque value.
US08177676B2
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having a transmission input member, a transmission output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08177673B2
A transmission includes a clutch unit having a subsidiary forward clutch part having friction plates coupled to an inner peripheral surface of an axle housing of the clutch unit; a subsidiary coupling coupled to a backward coupling through a one-way bearing; friction disks coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the subsidiary coupling, the friction plates and the friction disks being arranged alternately; and a piston disposed on one side of the friction plates and the friction disks. When a vehicle moves backwardly on an upward slope, an application of hydraulic pressure to the forward clutch part is interrupted and hydraulic pressure is applied to the subsidiary forward clutch part, so that the piston is moved by the hydraulic pressure to compress the friction plates and the friction disks, thereby fixing the subsidiary coupling to the axle housing.
US08177672B2
A driving-force transmitting device includes a first disengaging mechanism that disengages a driving force from an engine to a driving-force transmitting unit and a second disengaging mechanism having a synchronizing mechanism that disengages the driving force from a driving-force transmitting unit to a right-rear-wheel driving shaft. A change gear ratio between front wheels and rear wheels is constructed so that a driving-force transmitting unit side of the first disengaging mechanism rotates at a speed higher than that of an opposing side at the time of completion of synchronization of the second disengaging mechanism. In switching from a two-wheel drive mode to a four-wheel drive mode, synchronization of the second disengaging mechanism first starts to increase the rotation speed of the driving-force transmitting unit, and next connects the first disengaging mechanism when a rotation speed of the driving-force transmitting unit side of the first disengaging mechanism matches that of an opposing side.
US08177669B2
A pulley structure having a first rotating member that is rotatable around a first axis. A second rotating member is rotatable around the first axis and in at least partial axial coincidence with the first rotating member. A spring containing chamber is defined between the first and second rotating members. A spring, having axially spaced first and second ends defined by coils, extends around the first axis. At least one coil at each of the first and second axially spaced ends of the spring is radially biased relative to the first axis to thereby be frictionally held against each of the first and second rotating members to thereby allow forces generated by relative rotation between the first and second rotating members to be transmitted through the spring.
US08177664B2
A putter head has the performance and characteristics of a putter, such as appearance, center of gravity, moment of inertia, ease of finding a putting line, and ease of setting, and can be adjusted by easily changing the shape of putter head by the golfer himself or herself, and a putter head set is also provided. A putter head includes a body member having a face surface for hitting a ball, and a back member detachably installed to the body member. The back member is detachably installed to the body member with one screw only.
US08177659B1
A golf club head comprising an aerodynamic hosel is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the hosel has an upper portion and a swept transition portion which connects to the golf club head, and all points at which the swept transition portion contacts the club head are spaced rearwardly from a vertical face plane. In a further embodiment, both the upper portion and the swept transition portion comprise coaxial shaft receiving bores. In yet another embodiment, the swept transition portion of the hosel has a trailing edge that is truncated, or that has one or more surface discontinuities. In yet another embodiment, the swept transition portion has a height and a diameter, each of which is less than or equal to one inch.
US08177658B1
A weight device for golf clubs can be secured at a selected location within the shaft. A cylindrical weight element is typically disposed between two expansion elements, all three elements being traversed by a machine screw that engages a threaded lower end plate. The screw head is made to be engaged and driven by a special elongated tool to put the device in a sliding-friction mode for moving to any desired location within a golf club shaft, where the device can be secured in place by rotating the screw clockwise to expand the expansion elements against the shaft bore in a compression-secured mode. A permanent magnet affixed to the tool enables upward relocation or removal of the weight device.
US08177653B2
A swing training apparatus includes a first plate, a second, plate, a moveable joint, and an angular resistance mechanism. The movable joint connects the first plate to the second plate so that the first plate can rotate with respect to the second plate and about a shared plate axis of rotation. The angular resistance mechanism is connected between the first plate and the second plate. It increases angular resistance between the first plate and the second plate as an angle of rotation about the plate axis of rotation is increased. A shoe of an athlete contacts the first plate. The shoe is positioned on the first plate so that, as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide.
US08177643B2
While executing a game program, a game console determines that a user wishes to issue a voice command through a headset or other audio input/output device connected to the console. The game console switches the communication channel for the audio input/output device from the game program to a voice recognition engine without interrupting the execution of the game program on the console. The voice command is then forwarded from the audio input/output device to the voice recognition engine.
US08177642B2
A highly amusing game apparatus is achieved. A game apparatus controls a game where a character operated by a user and an opponent character play ball to compete against each other by hitting a ball. When the user instructs the hitting of the ball by pressing a button of a controller, a hit control unit determines the timing at which the ball is hit by the character and the type of shot according to which button has been pressed by the user. When a parameter indicating the timing of hitting the ball, height of the ball, balance of the character, position of the character and distance between the character and the ball, or athletic ability of the character lies outside a predetermined range in which normal hitting is performable, the hit control unit changes the type of shot from the determined type of shot to another type of shot favorable to the opponent character.
US08177635B2
A clearinghouse is communicatively coupled to at least a first wagering facility and a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility hosts at least a first wagering event and the second wagering facility hosts at least a second wagering event. Bets on the first wagering event are placed at the second wagering facility and bets on the second wagering event are placed at the first wagering facility. The clearinghouse performs settlement of at least these bets between the first wagering facility and the second wagering facility.
US08177631B2
A gaming machine includes a display for displaying an image relating to a unit game, in which it is determined whether or not an awarding outcome is provided to a player, a counter for accumulating a count-value with successive execution of the unit games and resetting the count-value when a predefined reset condition is met, and a controller. The controller receives a first wager on the unit game and awards a predefined payout to the player when an outcome of the unit game turns out to be a specific outcome. The controller also receives a second wager for the insurance pay. Furthermore, the controller executes transition into a free game which does not require the first wager, when the count-value reaches a predefined value in the unit game with the second wager, and provides the insurance pay according to an outcome of the free game.
US08177630B2
A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points.
US08177629B2
A game system includes a server and gaming machines each connected to the server via a network. The server stores therein game programs which are downloaded via the network to any one of the gaming machines so that a game program recorded in the gaming machine is changed. A predetermined percent of a bet value per on each of the gaming machines are accumulated, and the accumulated amount is awarded to any of the gaming machines satisfying a predetermined game condition, regardless of the kind of game programs recorded in the gaming machines.
US08177607B2
A locking device includes a rigid base (2) and a deformable pocket (3) containing a granular material (13). Discharging elements (4) are provided for gas exchange between the inside and the outside of the deformable pocket (3).
US08177599B2
A method for making a field emission double-plane light source includes following steps. A metallic based network, a pair of anodes, and a number of supporting members, are provided. Each of the anodes includes an anode conductive layer and a fluorescent layer formed on the anode conductive layer. A number of carbon nanotubes, metallic conductive particles, glass particles and getter powders are mixed to form an admixture. The admixture is coated on an upper surface and a bottom surface of the network. The admixture on the upper and bottom surfaces of the network is dried and baked. The anodes, the cathode, and the supporting members are assembled and sealed to obtain the field emission double-plane light source.
US08177594B2
A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.
US08177582B2
Managing impedance in coaxial cable termination. In one example embodiment, a method for terminating a coaxial cable is provided. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the insulating layer, and a jacket surrounding the outer conductor. The method includes various acts. First, a section of the insulating layer is cored out. Next, the diameter of the inner conductor that is positioned within the cored-out section is reduced. Then, at least a portion of an internal connector structure is inserted into the cored-out section so as to surround the section of reduced-diameter inner conductor. Finally, an external connector structure is affixed to the internal connector structure. A coaxial cable termination tool for use in the termination of a coaxial cable and a terminated coaxial cable are also disclosed.
US08177571B2
A connector has a housing, an insertion slot into which a connection target is inserted, an actuator and a contact. The actuator has a pusher. The actuator is held on the housing so as to be turnable between an open position and a close position. The actuator allows the connection target to be inserted into the insertion slot when the actuator is positioned at the open position. The pusher pushes the inserted connection target when the actuator is positioned at the close position. The contact is held by the housing. The contact includes a spring section and a supported section supported by the spring section. The supported section includes a press section and a contacting section. The press section presses the pusher against the inserted connection target and receives, from the pusher, a reaction force directed away from the connection target when the actuator is located at the close position. The contacting section is brought into contact with the connection target when the press section is moved away from the connection target by the reaction force.
US08177566B2
A connector apparatus connects the flat electrical conductors of a photovoltaic panel with a plurality of insulated electrical output conductors, respectively. The terminal portions of the flat conductors are bent into electrical engagement with corresponding blade contacts mounted on the photovoltaic panel. A plurality of resilient first electrical contacts are clamped in electrical engagement with the flat conductor bent portions, respectively, and a plurality of second electrical contacts are connected with the output conductors, respectively. An electrical circuit including a plurality of diodes is connected between the first and second electrical contacts. In order to dissipate the heat generated by the diodes, the diodes are mounted on a heat conducting plate that transmits the heat toward the photovoltaic panel. A cover member formed of heat conducting material is adhesively secured to the panel to enclose the connector arrangement, thereby to also transfer the diode-generated heat to the panel.
US08177560B2
An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.
US08177553B2
An elongated flexible dental strip includes front and rear surfaces defining a thickness therebetween. The strip also includes first and second edges defining a lateral width therebetween. A first portion of the strip further is spaced from a second portion along the length of the strip, wherein the thickness of the first portion is different from the thickness of the second portion. The strip has a constant thickness across a lateral width defined between the first and second edges.
US08177552B1
An orthodontic band is provided made from an elastomeric material wherein the band has a shape which simulates the profile of an object with an open area within the band. In its unstretched condition the outer perimeter of the band is of a shape which is not a smooth continuous endless curve to thereby simulate the profile of the object, such as a star or heart. The band is mounted to a bracket on an upper tooth and to a bracket on a lower tooth by stretching the band and looping the open area over hooks on both brackets. The stretched band thereby provides a force against the teeth.
US08177551B2
A method and workstation for evaluation of an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient. The workstation is based on a computing platform having a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient including image data (3D image data and/or 2D image data). The workstation further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools by which the user can create a proposed treatment plan (proposed position of the teeth at the end of treatment) in three dimensions. The workstation also provides tools for evaluation of the proposed treatment plan.
US08177546B2
An apparatus and method for the creation, placement and control of an area of electrical ionization within an internal combustion engine combustion chamber or a fuel burner for a furnace is disclosed. A furnace includes a fuel source, a fuel burner, a plasma nozzle and igniter assembly, and the associated housing and flue structures. The plasma nozzle and igniter assembly is arranged so that the fuel sprayed out from the nozzle into the combustion area passes through or in close proximity to the area of plasma ionization. A fuel burner equipped with this electrical ionization device has its fuel efficiency enhanced by the complete and immediate combustion of substantially all of the fuel that passes through the area of plasma ionization. Exhaust gas recirculation using this system is also disclosed.
US08177541B2
Disclosed is a gypsum board forming device which provides improved slurry spread. The device includes a forming table with an arcuate or angled profile that promotes a uniform slurry spread. An arcuate or angled hinge plate can also be included to further promote the uniform distribution of slurry prior to an extrusion plate. As a result of the improved slurry spread, gypsum board with increased strength and durability can be created.
US08177536B2
A rotary compressor having a housing and a rotor positioned within an internal cavity of the housing. The rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation eccentric to a housing longitudinal axis. A gate is also provided that is slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which a distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. The distal end of the gate being constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
US08177535B2
A method for restoring the registry of opposed shafts that carry meshing pump teeth inside a polymer pump that contains polymer without removing polymer from within the pump, the method using an asymmetric pattern of apertures in the shaft ends and a template having a pattern of holes that matches the pattern of apertures, and dowels that closely fit the holes and apertures.
US08177530B2
A miniature heat-dissipating fan includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a first leakage flux absorber, a coil layer arranged on the first leakage flux absorber, and a hole. The coil layer has a plurality of coils, and the hole passes through the first leakage flux absorber and the coil layer. The rotor has an impeller, a second leakage flux absorber and a permanent magnet. The second leakage flux absorber and the permanent magnet are attached to a bottom of the impeller, such that the rotor is rotatably coupled to the stator. Consequently, magnetic flux leakage under the stator is prevented to assure that electromagnetic interference will never be caused, and an overall axial thickness of the miniature heat-dissipating fan is reduced by the configuration of the stator.
US08177523B2
A linear compressor includes a cylinder part with a cylinder bore. A piston is disposed in the bore and slidable therein. A main spring connects the cylinder part to the piston. A connecting member connects between the main spring and the piston. The connecting member passes through the air gap of a stator of a linear electric motor. At least one armature pole of the motor is located along the connecting member. The stator comprises a plurality stator parts opposed across the air gap. The cylinder part includes a tapered clamp for each stator part. The tapered clamp widens outward from the air gap. Each stator part has a matching taper and is engaged in the tapered clamp.
US08177517B2
A blade (1) for a rotor of a wind turbine having a substantially horizontal′ rotor shaft, said rotor comprising a hub, from which the blade extends substantially radially from said rotor when mounted. The blade (1) has a chord plane (K) extending between the leading edge (5) and the trailing edge (S) of the blade (1). The blade (1) comprises a root area (2) closest to the hub, an airfoil area (4) furthest away from the hub and a transition area (3) between the root area (2) and the airfoil area (4), and comprises a single airfoil along substantially the entire airfoil area (4). The blade (1) comprises at least a first root segment (7) and a second root segment (8) along substantially the entire root area (2), said segments being arranged with a mutual distance, as seen transverse to the chord plane (K). At least one of the root segments (7, 8) has an airfoil profile.
US08177506B2
A turbine engine component having improved cooling is provided. The turbine engine component includes an airfoil portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side, a root, and a tip, and at least one cooling circuit in a wall of the airfoil portion. The at least one cooling circuit has at least one passageway extending between the root and the tip. The at least one passageway has an aspect ratio of no greater than 2:1, and preferably substantially unity.
US08177505B2
The present disclosure is related to a method and a measuring device adapted for determining a rotational position of at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine. The method includes a step of measuring a gravity induced blade moment of the at least one rotor blade. Then, an actual rotational position of the rotor blade is determined from the measured gravity induced blade moment.
US08177503B2
A gas turbine engine rotor drum includes spaced apart discs providing a cavity between the discs. The discs are configured to rotate in a rotational direction about an axis. An annular support is mounted on at least one of the discs and within the cavity. A cascade of relatively short anti-vortex members is mounted circumferentially on the annular support. The anti-vortex members include an outer end having a concave surface extending within the cavity radially outward from the annular support. The concave surface faces the rotational direction and promotes swirl as the rotor drum rotates.
US08177497B2
An assembly between a metal piece and a ceramic material piece made of SiC and/or C based ceramic material. The assembly includes a stack structure including the following elements assembled together in pairs in this order, by brazing: the metal piece; a first intermediate piece; a second intermediate piece; and the ceramic material piece. The second intermediate piece is made of another ceramic material, that is chemically less reactive relative to metals than are SiC or C, and that presents a coefficient of expansion smaller than that of the material constituting the metal piece. The first intermediate piece is made of metal and can deform to compensate for expansion difference between the metal piece and the second intermediate piece. The assembly can be used in a turbomachine.
US08177496B2
A blade for a turbomachine extends in use, in a radial direction relative to the axis of the turbomachine. The turbomachine has at least one operating condition which generates supersonic fluid flow at the blade. The blade is adapted to provide, at the supersonic operating condition, a leading edge sweep angle which varies such that successive radial positions (i) to (iii) along the leading edge are at respective sweep angle turning points. Position (i) is the radially inner and position (iii) the radially outer of the positions. Position (i) is at or radially outward of the 30% span position, where 0% span is the radially innermost point of the leading edge and 100% span is the radially outermost point of the leading edge.
US08177489B1
An axial tip turbine driven pump in which a first fluid pumped by an inducer is driven by a second fluid that reacts with a turbine blade extending from a shroud on the inducer. The inducer includes a set of screw thread blades and a second set of partial blades that are covered by a shroud in the aft section of the inducer. A row of turbine blades extends from the shroud and into a manifold that forms the outer casing for the pump. The fluid flow through the manifold reacts with the turbine blades and drives the inducer to pump the fluid from the inlet and through guide vanes downstream from the inducer. Fluid from a pre-burner or a gas generator used to drive a main turbine is bled off and used to drive the low pressure turbine blades and the inducer.
US08177487B2
In a one embodiment, a balance weight includes a base, a rotational axis extending from the base, and a circumference having opposite cam surfaces about the rotational axis. The opposite cam surfaces are at least partially angled toward one another in a direction away from the base along the rotational axis. The balance weight is designed to mount in a groove of a rotary component of a turbine engine.
US08177476B2
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a magnetic actuator configured to adjust a radial clearance between a housing and rotary blades via translational movement along a rotational axis. The system includes a controller configured to engage the magnetic actuator to adjust the radial clearance in response to feedback.
US08177475B2
A seal assembly for deflecting contaminated fluid flowing through the seal assembly from an upstream space to a downstream space includes an annular housing, at least one vent hole peripherally disposed on the annular housing, a first set of seals disposed within the annular housing adjacent to the downstream space, the first set of seals having an inclined surface to deflect the flow of contaminated fluid through the at least one vent hole, and a second set of seals mounted on the shaft, disposed within the annular housing, adjacent to the first set of seals and adjacent to the upstream space. The second set of seals may have larger inside diameter than the first set of seals. The seal assembly may prevent contaminated fluid from entering an air bearing cooling circuit, thereby preventing bearing wear, erosion and failure.
US08177468B2
A locking threaded connection (a) providing free relative rotation in a first direction, (b) preventing unintended relative rotation in a second opposite direction, and (c) enabling intended relative rotation in the second direction. The connection includes male and female threaded portions and a helical spring therebetween. The spring is sized and configured to interfit with the male and female threads. The spring enables relative rotation in the first direction, but prevents relative rotation in the second direction. If removability is desired, the spring is provided with an accessible tang, enabling the locking force of the spring to be released.
US08177464B2
The invention relates to a connector component (1) with integrated ultrasonic sensor (5). The ultrasonic sensor (5) is used to determine the prestressing force or the stressing force of the connector component (1), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (5) has a layer construction (20) having an electrode layer (21), at least one mechanical protection layer (22) and at least one layer (23) composed of a material having piezoelectric properties. The at least one electrode layer (21), the at least one mechanical protection layer (22) and the at least one layer (23) composed of a material having piezoelectric properties are arranged in a manner applied by sputtering at a freely accessible end (25, 27) of the connector component (1).
US08177461B2
A rack defining receptacles for holding railroad car wheelsets arranged in an echelon pattern with the axles of the wheelsets oriented obliquely with respect to the width of the rack. The rack is of strong yet light construction. The rack has a length and width about equal to those of a 20-foot ISO intermodal cargo container and is equipped with corner fittings compatible with conventional container-handling and container-carrying equipment.
US08177456B2
A pavement milling sled upholds a rotating pavement milling drum during travel over pavement preselected for milling. Coplanar lower faces of laterally-separated left and right runners configured for sliding travel on the surface of the pavement define a sled floor. A milling frame mounted between the runners circumscribes a milling region, wherein rotation of the milling drum dislodges pavement located in the path the sled below the sled floor, pulverizes dislodged pavement, and deposits pulverized pavement to the rear of the sled. Left and right milling region sidewalls extend upwardly from the sled floor on opposite sides of the milling region. A guard plate is secured between the milling region sidewalls forward of the milling region at a distance above the sled floor. A discharge baffle extends between the milling region sidewalls at the back of the milling region in close proximity to the sled floor. The discharge baffle includes a rear wall separated from the floor extending upwardly between the milling region sidewalls at the back of the milling region, and a vertically-adjustable pulverized pavement exit gate depending from the rear wall. Milling region sidewalls project forward of the guard plate forming opposed sidewalls of an entry scoop having a mouth located at the front of the sled, a roofing plate bridging between the sidewalls of the entry scoop at a distance above the floor of the sled, and a downwardly depending pivotable admission flap mounted across the mouth of the entry scoop.
