US08254160B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes: word lines; bit lines; an insulating film; an interlayer insulating film; and a resistance varying material. The word lines, the bit lines and the insulating film configure a field-effect transistor at each of the intersections of the word lines and the bit lines. The field-effect transistor has one of the word lines as a control electrode and one of the bit lines as a channel region. The field-effect transistor and the resistance varying material configure a memory cell having the field-effect transistor and the resistance varying material connected in parallel. Each of the bit lines includes a first surface opposing the word lines, and a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The resistance varying material is disposed in contact with the second surface and has a portion thereof in contact with the interlayer insulating film.
US08254155B1
A microelectronic assembly can include first and second microelectronic packages mounted to opposed surfaces of a circuit panel. Each package can include a substrate having first, second, and third apertures extending therethrough, first, second, and third microelectronic elements each having a surface facing the first surface of the substrate and a plurality of contacts aligned with at least one of the apertures, a plurality of terminals exposed at the second surface in a central region thereof, and leads connected between the contacts of each microelectronic element and the terminals. The apertures of each substrate can have first, second, and third axes extending in directions of their lengths. The first and second axes can be parallel to one another. The third axis can be transverse to the first and second axes. The terminals of each package can be configured to carry all of the address signals transferred to the respective package.
US08254150B2
An inverter provides alternating current (iout) to a load (130) containing a welding circuit. The inverter includes at least one commutation circuit (110) and a bridge circuit (120) connected to a bus forwarding power from a DC power source (100). The bus is also galvanically connected to the load (130) via the bridge circuit (120). The at least one commutation circuit (110) receives power from the DC power source (100); receives energy from inductive elements in the load (130) during a storage phase of a cyclic procedure, and controls energy feedback to the load (130) during a feedback phase of the cyclic procedure. The at least one commutation circuit (110) is a two-pole having a first pole (p1) connected to a first node (A) and a second pole (p2) connected to a second node (B). The at least one commutation circuit (110) is arranged to receive energy from the load (130) and feedback energy to the load (130) via the first and second nodes (A; B), either directly or via the bridge circuit (120). Energy-flow control means (DIN, SOUT) in each of the at least one commutation circuit (110) control energy to be stored in and taken out from a recovery capacitor (CR) in the commutation circuit (110) in question. The bridge circuit (120) delivers the alternating current (iout) to the load (130).
US08254149B2
A power supply module includes an AC/DC converter, a voltage transforming circuit, a feedback circuit, and a detecting circuit. The AC/DC converter is used for converting the input AC voltage to a primary DC voltage. The voltage transforming circuit is used for transforming the primary DC voltage to the first DC voltage. The feedback circuit is used for sampling the first DC voltage to generate a feedback signal. The detecting circuit is used for detecting if the power supply module is powered on, and generating a first voltage when detecting that the power supply module is powered on. Wherein the voltage transforming circuit maintains the first DC voltage at a first predetermined value according to the feedback signal, the feedback circuit increases a magnitude of the feedback signal according to the first voltage.
US08254147B2
A box for an electronics module for controlling a machine, in particular an engine, wherein the box comprises: a portion co-operating with at least one harness for connecting the box mechanically and electrically to the machine; and a bottom, two lateral sides, and a transverse side defining a housing for receiving the electronics module, and connector means of the electronics module.
US08254145B2
An electronic device includes a chassis having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a sidewall perpendicular to each other. A motherboard is secured on the chassis bottom wall. A first socket is disposed on the motherboard. A mounting bracket is secured in the chassis above the motherboard. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall. The first mounting wall is parallel to and spaced from the sidewall of the chassis, and the second mounting wall is parallel to and spaced from the rear wall. A first riser card is coupled to the first socket on the motherboard, and is secured to the first mounting wall of the mounting bracket. An expansion card module is accommodated in the mounting bracket and parallel to the bottom wall of the chassis.
US08254142B2
A manufacturing method for manufacturing an electronic device is disclosed. Conductive elastomers comprising of various configurations and resistivity are coupled to contact pads of an electronic device. The conductive elastomers are also coupled to substrate contacts on a substrate, allowing the conductive elastomers to function as electrical connection from device to substrate as well as to embed one or more passive components at the contact pads of the electronic device.
US08254138B2
An electronic device having an external interface is disclosed including a housing having a positioning board, a protective cover having a cover portion, and a securing assembly secured to the positioning board. The cover portion is for covering or exposing the external interface. The securing assembly and the positioning board cooperatively prevent a portion of the protective cover from separating from the housing.
US08254132B2
A flash drive and a housing assembly thereof is provided. The housing assembly comprises a housing, a base and a rotating mechanism. The housing has a first opening, a second opening, and a space, the first opening is situated at a side surface of the housing, and the second opening is situated on a top surface of the housing. The base is used for accommodating a storage device which has a connecting member, the base is movably disposed in the space and has a slot facing the second opening. The rotating mechanism is disposed at the second opening and mounted to the housing, the rotating mechanism has a protrusion portion movably engaged in the slot. When the rotating mechanism rotates relative to the housing, the protrusion portion moves along the slot and drives the base to reciprocate between a first position and a second position.
US08254123B2
A mounting apparatus for mounting an expansion card to a printed circuit board (PCB), includes a connector on the PCB, and a latch member pivotably connected to the connector. The connector defines a slot to receive the expansion card. The latch member is a rectangular wire frame comprising a lock portion, two connection arms extending down from the lock portion, and two pivot portions extending from distal ends of the connection arms toward each other. The pivot portions are pivotably attached to two sidewalls of the connector. After the expansion card is plugged into the slot of the connector, the latch member is pivoted to make the lock portion press against a portion of the expansion card, thereby locking the expansion card to the connector.
US08254122B2
A data center includes a housing, a number of heat units arranged in the housing, and a fan mounted in the housing. When the data center runs, cool air comes into the housing through the front wall, the back wall, and the bottom wall of the housing, for cooling the heat units. The heated air is vented out of the housing through the top wall by the fan.
US08254119B2
A computer includes a monitor and a host computer coupled to a monitor. The monitor includes a back cover and a plurality of sides extending forwards form the back cover. The host computer includes a computer enclosure and a plurality electronic element. The computer enclosure includes a bottom board and a plurality of sideboard extending forward from the bottom board to abut against the plurality of sides of the monitor. A receiving space is formed between the back cover of the monitor and the bottom board of the computer enclosure. The number of electronic elements are received in the receiving space and mounted on the bottom board of the computer enclosure.
US08254115B2
A slide mechanism includes a main plate, a slide plate, a locking module and a button. The slide plate is installed on the main plate and slidable relative to the main plate. The locking module is attached to the slide plate and locks with the main plate. The button operates the locking module to unlock the main plate.
US08254111B2
An air duct installed in a chassis is configured to have a heat dissipating device mounted thereon during shipping. The heat dissipating device defining a number of mounting holes corresponding to a number of fixing members extending from a surface of the air duct to accomplish the mounting. Thereby, the heat dissipating device may be conveniently and securely packaged and transported with the air duct and chassis.
US08254110B2
A fixing mechanism mounts a peripheral component to an electronic device. The fixing mechanism includes a housing, a contact member, a sliding member, a first resilient member and a link bar assembly. The housing defines a holding portion to receive the peripheral component, positioning portions and a guiding portion located on sidewalls of the holding portion. The contact member is moveably disposed in the housing adjacent to the holding portion. The sliding member resists the contact member. The first resilient member resists between the contact member and the housing. The peripheral component includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is received in the positioning portion. The latching portion slides along the guiding portion until the latching portion latches the second engaging portion.
US08254109B2
A disk drive mounting device for use in an electronic apparatus includes a mounting frame, fasteners, and a cover member. The mounting frame includes a mounting plate, a flange formed at a side of the mounting plate, and a plurality of mounting ears extending outwardly from the mounting plate. Each of the mounting ears defines at least one receiving cutout therein. In use, one end of each of the fasteners is mounted on the disk drive and the other end is received in the receiving cutout of a corresponding mounting ear. The cover member is secured on the flange of the mounting frame and abuts the at least one disk drive to prevent the fasteners from disengaging from the receiving cutouts of the mounting ears. A disk drive assembly is also provided.
US08254107B2
A disk drive mounting apparatus, for a computer case comprising a base plate and a side plate formed at one side of the base plate, includes a supporting bracket and a mounting frame. The side plate defines an L-shaped guiding slot therein. The supporting bracket defines a hooking hole therein. The mounting frame is configured for mounting a disk drive therein. The mounting frame is provided with a guiding post at one side thereof and an L-shaped hook at an opposite side thereof. The guiding post is slidable along and engagable in the guiding slot, and the hook is slidable along the hooking hole and engagable in the supporting bracket in the hooking hole.
US08254100B2
A unitary computing device includes a rotary member and a support for supporting the rotary member and allowing a rotation of the rotary member. The unitary computing device also includes an optical disk drive and at least one orientation adjusting mechanism. The orientation adjusting mechanism includes a first linkage bar rotatably connected to the support, a second linkage bar rotatably connected to the first linkage bar and the optical disk drive, and a third linkage bar rotatably connected to the rotary member and the optical disk drive, which constitutes a linkage bar mechanism to adjust an orientation of the optical disk drive.
US08254094B2
A protection mechanism used for in an electronic device includes a main body and two pivoting members. The main body is capable of receiving and protecting the electronic device, and the pivoting members are rotatably positioned on the main body. The pivoting members are capable of locking and protecting the electronic device. An electronic device employing the protection mechanism is also described. The protection mechanism can simply secure and unlock the electronic device through the pivoting members, which is easy to operate. Moreover, the electronic device can not fall from the protection mechanism because of the cooperation between the pivoting members and the holding member.
US08254080B1
An electronic weapon inhibits locomotion by a human or animal target by conducting a stimulus signal through the target. The electronic weapon includes an inductance, first and second energy stores, and a switch. The switch has a first position and a second position and is in series with first energy store and the inductance. Energy from the first energy store is transferred to a magnetic field of the inductance while the switch is operating in the first position. The stimulus signal comprises a first phase and a second phase. During the first phase, the switch is operated in the second position, and a flyback effect of the inductance provides an ionizing voltage for the stimulus signal. During the second phase, the second energy store releases energy for the stimulus signal at a voltage less than the ionizing voltage.
US08254070B2
A vehicle on-board electric power system is disclosed including at least one field-effect-controlled power transistor which applies a vehicle on-board electric power system supply voltage VBB to a load when actuated by a logic circuit. The power transistor has a drain-source breakdown voltage VDS with a positive temperature coefficient TKDS and is provided with a clamping means for protecting against overvoltages VO occurring in the vehicle on-board electric power system. The clamping means has a clamping voltage VCLAMP with a positive temperature coefficient TKCLAMP≈TKDS, the clamping voltage VCLAMP being lower than or equal to an anticipated maximum overvoltage VOmax in the vehicle on-board electric power system.
US08254068B2
A regulating system includes an input port having a first input terminal and a second input terminal, an output port having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, a regulating circuit, an over-current protection circuit, and an overvoltage protection circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a regulating diode, a first bipolar transistor and a second bipolar transistor. The first output terminal is connected to the base of the first bipolar transistor via the regulating diode and grounded via first bipolar transistor. A base of the second bipolar transistor connects to the collector of the first bipolar transistor. The second output terminal is grounded via the second transistor. When an output voltage of the first output terminal increases over a predetermined voltage, an electrical connection between the second output terminal and ground is cut off to stop providing output voltage from the output port.
US08254060B1
A magnetic recording head includes a write pole comprising a throat region. The throat region includes a lower portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, and an upper portion having a substantially rectangular cross-section. In a beveled region of the write pole, the substantially rectangular cross-section of the upper portion decreases in height towards an air bearing surface of the magnetic recording head.
US08254055B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling out-gassing and humidity in a closed space-constrained environment. In particular, an environment control device is disclosed which is made using thermoforming techniques such that the walls of the device are much thinner than other conventional devices. This allows for the device to be used in space-constrained environment while still providing a sufficient amount of absorber material such as a desiccant. The apparatus includes a base made up of a thin flexible plastic film thermoformed to create a cavity having at least one wall, the cavity having an opening on one side. An absorber material, such as a desiccant, is placed inside the cavity, and a cover made up of a permeable layer sealed to the base opening to complete an enclosure for holding the absorber material.
US08254051B2
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a disk, a head, a head-slider, a moving mechanism, and a controller. The head is configured to access the disk. The head-slider includes the head, and is configured to fly in proximity to a recording surface of the disk. The moving mechanism is configured to move the head-slider over the disk, and to support the head-slider. The controller is configured to read out at least one from a plurality of clearance-measurement data strings from the recording surface of the disk using the head, and to calculate a clearance between the head and the disk from clearance-measurement results obtained from a plurality of resolutions with different frequency components.
US08254050B2
A system for determining vibration of at least one hard disk drive includes one or more computers configured to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved directly from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to determine a vibration level experienced by the at least one hard disk drive based on the read rate information.
US08254048B2
A system according to one embodiment includes an analog input for receiving an analog signal; a variable gain amplifier coupled to the analog input; a first gain control circuit coupled to the variable gain amplifier for controlling the gain of the analog signal; an analog to digital converter for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; a first gain error generation circuit for generating a first gain error signal based on an output of the analog to digital converter, the first gain error signal or derivative thereof being received by the first gain control circuit; and a second gain error generation circuit for generating a second gain error signal based on the digital signal, the second gain error signal or derivative thereof being received by the first gain control circuit, wherein the first gain control circuit uses at least one of the gain error signals to control the gain of the analog signal.
US08254045B1
A device for moving an optical element along an axis includes a housing in which is mounted a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly has an axial bore therethrough. An electrically conductive coil assembly has an axial bore therethrough substantially concentric with the magnet assembly's bore. The coil assembly is mounted at least partially within the magnet assembly bore for limited axial movement relative thereto. The coil assembly is placeable in electrical communication with a power source, and can support an optical element within the coil assembly's bore. A sensor is affixed for movement with the coil assembly that is adapted for sensing an axial position of the coil assembly. The sensor is placeable in signal communication with a current source for adjusting current delivered to the coil assembly based upon the sensed axial position.
US08254043B2
A barrel includes a supporting part at one end of the barrel adjacent to an image side, and a plurality of protrusions formed on an inner surface of the barrel. Each protrusion includes a guiding surface and an engaging surface connected with the guiding surface. Each guiding surface is oblique relative to a central axis of the barrel. A distance between the central axis and a portion of the guiding surface adjacent to the image side is larger than that between the central axis and another portion of the guiding surface next to an object side. The engaging surface and the supporting part cooperatively clamp optical components in the barrel.
US08254040B2
A super-wide-angle lens system for imaging an object on an imaging surface, includes a first lens group with negative refraction power and a second lens group with positive refraction power. The first lens group includes a first spherical lens with negative refraction power, a second spherical lens with negative refraction power, and a third spherical lens with positive refraction power. The first lens has a first surface facing the object side of the first lens group. The second lens group includes a fourth spherical lens with positive refraction power and a fifth spherical lens with negative refraction power. The system satisfies the formulas: 0.01
US08254031B2
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing color separation in an exit pupil expander system that uses a plurality of diffractive elements for expanding the exit pupil of a display in an electronic device for viewing by introducing a selectively absorbing area or areas in the exit pupil expanders.
US08254020B2
A microscope assembly includes an illumination source coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler. The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source generates a light blade that illuminates a portion of a sample at an illumination plane. The light blade induces a fluorescent emission from the sample that is projected through the objective optics to a detector. The focal plane of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source by the coupler so that the illumination plane is coincident with the focal plane as the objective optics move along the optic axis. The objective and illumination may be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging while the objective and illumination may also be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.
US08254011B2
A driver attitude detection system for a vehicle includes a forward facing imaging sensor for capturing image data of a scene occurring forwardly of and in the direction of forward travel of an equipped vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the forward facing imaging sensor. A control, responsive at least in part to image processing by the image processor of the captured image data, is operable to determine driver performance and generate a control output indicative of driver performance. The driver attitude detection system may include at least one monitoring device for monitoring a vehicle characteristic of the equipped vehicle, and the control may, responsive at least in part to the at least one monitoring device, be operable to determine driver performance and generate the control output.
US08254010B2
In an optical filter, a pair of polarization filters allows transmission of light therethrough when i) the light has a wavelength band equal to or more than a first wavelength regardless of a light oscillation direction, the wavelength band including a wavelength of infrared light and ii) the light has a wavelength band less than the first wavelength and is linearly polarized. An optical rotation control element, disposed between the paired polarization filters, allows the light to be transmitted therethrough during which optical rotation of the light is changed selectively depending on application or non-application of voltage to the optical rotation control element. The polarization filters have polarization planes, respectively, which are in parallel with each other or the polarization plane of one of the polarization filters is rotated from that of the other by an angular amount of rotation resulting from the polarization of the optical rotation control element.
US08253994B2
An image forming optical equipment is disposed between a polygon mirror and the surface of a photoreceptor drum to form an image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum with scanning light, while at the same time, keeping its scanning speed nearly-constant, comprises a first scanning light lens, which has a positive power in the main scanning direction and a negative power in the sub-scanning direction, a second scanning light lens, which has a negative power in the main scanning direction and a positive power in the sub-scanning direction and is disposed in the side closer to the photoreceptor drum than the first scanning light lens, and a diffraction optical element, which is provided on the surface of the cylindrical lens in the beam light advancing path between a light source and a polygon mirror.
US08253987B2
In an image reader, an optical scanning unit reads an original image on an original document sheet. In the optical scanning unit, a lighting device is detachably attached to a housing to emit light toward the original document sheet. The housing houses a reading device to read the light reflected by the original document sheet. A shield member is detachably attached to the housing to shield the reading device from the lighting device to form a space for the reading device inside the housing. A slit is provided in the shield member to guide the light reflected by the original document sheet to the space for the reading device. A second positioner is provided on the shield member to engage a first positioner provided in the housing to position the reading device with respect to the lighting device.
US08253976B2
A print control device has a group of filters including at least two functional filters which execute a modifying process for modifying print job, a filter configuration storage that stores configuration information of the functional filter group, a filter execution unit which retrieves functional filters based on the filter configuration information and causes the retrieved functional filters to execute a modifying process of the print job data. The functional filter group includes a specific functional filter for modifying the print job data by adding additional information. The specific functional filter includes a conversion formula acquiring unit which acquires a conversion formula for converting the additional information corresponding to the modifying process executed by the other functional filters, and an additional information arranging unit for determining an arrangement of the additional information with respect to the print job modified by the other filters based on the conversion formula.
US08253968B2
This invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of preventing image omission caused by registration error correction, a control method therefor, and a program. Error amount information is acquired which is stored in a storage medium and represents the error amount of the scanning line of exposure light in the exposure scanning direction on an image carrier. The image data is modified on the basis of the acquired error amount information. A masked area for restricting the output position of an image visualized on the printing medium is modified on the basis of the modification amount of the modified image data.
US08253962B2
An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process based on print data including an execution command of transparency processes to be executed, comprises: a first storage unit to be used when the transparency process is executed; and a control unit for controlling the first number of transparency processes to be executed when a storage capacity of the first storage unit is insufficient to execute the transparency processes to be executed, and causing a display unit to display a preview image to which the second number of executable transparency processes different from the first number has been executed to determine an image being an object for print output based on an instruction by an operator relating to which transparency process is executed.
US08253957B2
A print control data generating apparatus generates first print control data and outputs the generated first print control data. The first print control data includes print control data capable of controlling an output of a print job, and includes a term of validity for the print control data. The print control data generating apparatus determines whether the term of validity for the first print control data is unexpired. The print control data generating apparatus generates second print control data based on the first print control data, when the term of validity for the first print control data has expired and if a reissue of the first print control data is requested, and outputs the generated second print control data.
US08253954B2
An image forming apparatus comprises at least one printer that prints inputted image data on a plurality of types of print sheets, an expiration time attribute detector that detects from the image data, data representing an expiration time attribute, and a controller that judges based on the detection result drawn by the expiration time attribute detector, on which type of print sheets the image data should be printed, among the plurality of types of print sheets, then controls the image forming apparatus itself based on the judgment.
US08253941B2
An apparatus for manufacturing a display panel includes an arriving part in which an unfinished display panel is disposed. The apparatus has at least one light transmitting part, a mold which is positioned on the arriving part and which includes at least one alignment key and a pattern forming part, a mold driver which drives the mold, and an alignment sensor which is positioned under the arriving part and which determines whether the display panel and the mold are erroneously aligned through the light transmitting part. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and accurately pattern a specific material onto the display panel through an imprint lithography process using a pressing mold.
US08253939B2
The present invention provides a particle counter capable of sensitively determining the contamination level of a light transmission window. The particle counter according to the present invention includes: a light source 281 for emitting light through a light incident window 24 to a measurement area 40 in a vacuum state or in an approximately vacuum state; a scattered light detector 32 for detecting scattered light through a detection window 30, the scattered light being generated when a light is delivered to the measurement area 40; a vacuum gauge 12 for measuring the pressure of the measurement area 40; a signal processor 13 for converting a detection signal of the scattered light into an electrical signal; and a contamination level determiner 19 for determining the contamination level of the transmission window from the time average of the electrical signal and the pressure.
US08253937B2
An optical evaluation method and an apparatus for performing said method are described. First laser pulses of a first type and second laser pulses of a second type that differs from the first type are sent onto a sample to be examined. The sample is hit with first incident light from the two laser pulses in at least one manner of simultaneously, within a very short time lag between the two laser pulses, and a time-correlated manner of the two laser pulses, thereby generating a first optical signal, and hit with second incident light from the two laser pulses, thereby generating a second optical signal. The generated first and second optical signals are detected with at least one detector; and an electronic difference between the first and second optical signals is generated.
US08253927B2
The disclosure relates to an illumination system, such as an illumination system for use in microlithography. The illumination system can include an optical element with multiple primary light sources. The illumination system can illuminate a field in a field plane having a field contour. The illumination system can be configured so that each primary light source illuminates an area in the field plane that is smaller than a size of an area encircled by the field contour.
US08253925B2
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a system that includes an illumination system of a microlithography tool, the illumination system including a first component having a plurality of elements. During operation of the system, the elements direct radiation from a source along an optical path to an arc-shaped object field at an object plane of a projection objective, and at least one of the elements has a curved shape that is different from the arc-shape of the object field.
US08253924B2
An exposure apparatus is provided with an optical system including a liquid, a sensor system for acquiring energy information of an energy beam which is incident on the liquid, and a controller which predicts variation of optical properties of the optical system including the liquid due to energy absorption of the liquid based on the energy information acquired using the sensor system and controls exposure operation with respect to an object based on the prediction results. According to the exposure apparatus, exposure operation without being influenced by the variation of the optical properties of the optical system including the liquid due to the energy absorption of the liquid becomes possible.
US08253923B1
System and method for applying mask data patterns to substrate in a lithography manufacturing process are disclosed. In one embodiment, the imaging system includes a plurality of spatial light modulator (SLM) imaging units, where each of the plurality of SLM imaging units includes one or more illumination sources, one or more alignment sources, one or more projection lenses, and a plurality of micro minors configured to project light from the one or more illumination sources to the corresponding one or more projection lens. The imaging system further includes a controller configured to control the plurality of SLM imaging units, where the controller tunes each of the SLM imaging unit individually in writing a mask data to a substrate in a lithography manufacturing process.
US08253922B2
Immersion lithography system and method using a sealed wafer bottom are described. One embodiment is an immersion lithography apparatus comprising a lens assembly comprising an imaging lens and a wafer stage for retaining a wafer beneath the lens assembly, the wafer stage comprising a seal ring disposed on a seal ring frame along a top edge of the wafer retained on the wafer stage, the seal ring for sealing a gap between an edge of the wafer and the wafer stage. The embodiment further includes a fluid tank for retaining immersion fluid, the fluid tank situated with respect to the wafer stage for enabling full immersion of the wafer retained on the wafer stage in the immersion fluid and a cover disposed over at least a portion of the fluid tank for providing a temperature-controlled, fluid-rich environment within the fluid tank.
US08253916B2
An LCD device according to the present invention includes having first and second substrates facing each other gate and data lines crossing each other to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor including a gate electrode protruding from the gate line, a source electrode protruding from the data line and a drain electrode spaced from the source electrode at a predetermined interval, a metal pattern over a predetermined portion of the gate line, a passivation layer over the data line and the metal pattern to have a contact hole exposing the drain electrode and a storage hole exposing the metal pattern, a pixel electrode on the pixel region over the contact hole and the storage hole, a column spacer contacting with the pixel electrode through the storage hole and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.
US08253915B2
A method for manufacturing a cell is disclosed wherein sealing bodies (500, 600) are formed on a color filter mother substrate (102), and the color filter mother substrate (102) and a TFT mother substrate (202) are so assembled that the sealing bodies (500, 600) are interposed between the color filter mother substrate (102) and the TFT mother substrate (202). Seal making portions (501, 511; 503, 509; 505, 507) are deformed so that gap portions (G) are closed.
US08253904B2
The invention provides an antiglare film that has a low haze value, can maintain antireflection ability, and has inhibited reflection of external light, and also provides a manufacturing method thereof, and a transmission type liquid crystal display. The antiglare film includes a transparent substrate and an antiglare layer, wherein the antiglare layer is formed on the transparent substrate, has a concave-convex structure on the opposite surface of the antiglare layer from the transparent substrate, and includes a binder matrix and particles, the integrated reflectance of the antiglare layer at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than or equal to 4%, and a haze value of the antiglare layer is in the range of 3-15%.
US08253892B2
A liquid crystal display includes; a first substrate, a gate line and a data line disposed on the first substrate, a color filter including protrusions and depressions aligned with the data line, the color filter being disposed on the data line, a pixel electrode disposed on the color filter, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a common electrode disposed on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08253891B2
A thin film transistor array panel includes: a substrate, a plurality of gate and data lines, a thin film transistor, a light blocking member, a color filter, and a pixel electrode. The substrate includes a display area having a plurality of pixels and a non-display area. The gate lines and data lines are formed on the substrate. The thin film transistor is connected to a respective gate line and data line of the plurality of gate and data lines. The light blocking member is formed on the non-display area, the gate line, the data line, and the thin film transistor. The color filter is formed on the light blocking member. The pixel electrode is formed on the color filter. The color filter covers the entire light blocking member of the non-display area.
US08253886B2
A backlight assembly includes a first receiving container including a bottom plate, at least one sidewall extending from the bottom plate and an opening portion disposed in the sidewall, a printed circuit board disposed contacting an outer surface of the at least one sidewall and including a first side and a second side opposing the first side, a light source disposed on the first side of the printed circuit board and generating light emitted through the opening portion of the sidewall, and a light guide plate disposed on the bottom plate of the first receiving container, and guiding light emitted from the light source and incident to a light incident surface of the light guide plate.
US08253876B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display panel for displaying images, a lower receiving member for receiving the liquid crystal display panel, and a source PCB disposed on a side of the lower receiving member to supply a driving signal to the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display device includes a shield case arranged on rear surface of the lower receiving member. The shield case includes a body that protects a driving board, a fixing portion that fixes the source PCB to the lower receiving member, and a connection portion that connects the body to the fixing portion. The connection portion extends from an edge of the shield case. The liquid crystal display device includes an upper receiving member that combines with the lower receiving member to cover the liquid crystal display panel.
US08253868B2
In one embodiment, a display device includes a movably suspended diffuser screen, and a voice-coil mechanism coupled to the diffuser screen. A signal-processing device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a driver circuit to produce a drive signal at an output terminal for the voice coil in response to a voltage sensed across the voice coil. The driver circuit includes shutdown control to drive its output terminal to a high-impedance state to accommodate sensing voltage across the voice coil. Thus, the signal for the voice coil is produced by the signal-processing device in a closed-loop feedback arrangement without the need for separate position-sensing elements. In a preferred arrangement, a second voice coil is coupled to the diffuser screen and to the signal-processing circuitry to produce a second signal for the second voice coil to accommodate generating a circular motion for the diffuser screen without stationary points.
US08253866B1
A hand-held universal remote control enabling a user to jump directly to a desired channel and adjust sound level of a conventional remotely-controllable television receiver. A minimum number of key-buttons reduces operator confusion, particularly for elderly and physically challenged persons. A desired channel number is incrementally entered by actuation of a single key-button that advances a viewable display to any channel between 01 and 99. Once the desired channel number appears on the display a SEND button is pressed and the desired channel number change is commanded to the television receiver. A provision enabling entry of 3-digit channels between 001 and 999 is discussed. Inclusion of at least one additional key-button controls sound volume level and mute. The SEND key may also command power on/off. A complement of as few as three keybuttons may implement all of the essential features.
US08253854B2
An image processing engine, comprising: a frame rate conversion entity configured to: (a) generate output pictures from input pictures, the output pictures comprising a set of first output pictures and a plurality of sets of second output pictures, each set of second output pictures being associated with one of the first output pictures, each of the first output pictures being derived from a respective one of the input pictures; and (b) control generation of the set of second output pictures associated with a particular first output picture based upon repetitive pattern presence detection within a related picture that is either (i) the particular first output picture or (ii) the input picture from which the particular first output picture was derived.
US08253839B2
A lens assembly includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens includes an optical axis, and a first engaging face facing toward the optical axis and a first engaging structure formed on the first engaging face. The second lens is used for engagement with and coaxially alignment with the first lens. The second lens includes a second engaging face facing away from the optical axis and a second engaging structure formed on the second engaging face for engagement with the first engaging structure of the first lens. The second lens is rotatable about the axis but non-movable along the optical axis relative to the first lens when the second lens is engaged with the first lens.
US08253838B2
A vibrating device includes a drive unit configured to drive a vibrating member to produce vibration Z (x, y) at a dust-screening member, the vibration being expressed as follows: Z(x,y)=Wmn(x,y)·cos(γ)+Wnm(x,y)·sin(γ) where Z (x, y) is vibration at a given point P (x, y) on the dust-screening member, m and n are positive integers including 0, indicating the order of natural vibration corresponding to a vibrational mode, W mn ( x , y ) = sin ( n π · x + π 2 ) · sin ( m π · y + π 2 ) , W nm ( x , y ) = sin ( m π · x + π 2 ) · sin ( n π · y + π 2 ) , and γ is +π/4 or ranges from −π/8 to −π/4. The dust-screening member is shaped such that the ratio of length of either short side to either long side of a virtual rectangle is 0.9 or more, but less than 1, the virtual rectangle having the same area as the dust-screening member and having sides including the one side which the dust-screening member has.
US08253836B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section having unit pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix form. Each of the unit pixels includes a charge generation section configured to generate a signal charge, charge transfer sections configured to transfer the signal charge generated by the charge generation section, and a signal output section configured to generate and output a target signal commensurate with the charge of the signal generated by the charge generation section. The plurality of charge transfer sections are provided for each of the charge generation sections. The plurality of charge transfer sections are connected, on the side opposite to the charge generation section, to the signal output sections in different rows.
US08253834B2
An image pickup apparatus includes: a photoelectric transduction portion to transduce an optical image of a subject formed on an image plane through a lens to output an image signal; a movement portion provided between the photoelectric transduction portion and a base to move the photoelectric transduction portion relative to the base; an illumination portion placed at a predetermined position from the base to emit light onto the image plane of the photoelectric transduction portion in a state in which a shutter is closed to block light entering from the lens; a light-blocking portion placed at a predetermined position from the base to interrupt part of light from the illumination portion at between the illumination portion and the image plane; an adjustment image obtaining portion to obtain an image signal output by the photoelectric transduction portion as a result of photoelectric transduction, in a state in which the illumination portion emits light; and a relative position detection portion to detect a relative position of the photoelectric transduction portion with respect to the base, based on an image of the light-blocking portion that is included in an image based on the obtained image signal.
US08253825B2
The invention concerns image data processing, through noise reduction comprising the following steps: associating a learning zone (ZA) with a reference point (Pref) of the image (IM); for each variable point (PC, PC′,) of the learning zone, evaluating a distance (d, d′,) between: values of points in a first window (f1) of the image, centered on the reference point, and values of points in a second window (f2, f′2,), of similar format as the format of the first window and centered on the variable point; repeating said distance calculation for all the points of the learning zone as successive variable points and estimating an average value to assign to the reference point, said average being weighted on the basis of the distances evaluated for each variable point.
US08253817B2
An image compression device includes a motion vector detecting section, a determination section, an intra-frame compression section, and an inter-frame compression section. The motion vector detecting section obtains a motion vector between sets of image data at a plurality of positions on an image. The determination section determines whether a spatial variation of the motion vector on the image is large or small. The intra-frame compression section selects an image area A, which is determined to have the large spatial variation of the motion vector, from the image data to be compressed, and subjects the selected image area A to intra-frame compression. The inter-frame compression section selects an image area B, which is determined to have the small spatial variation of the motion vector, from the image data to be compressed, and subjects the selected image area B to inter-frame prediction differential compression.
US08253815B2
A synchronized multiple imager system includes a plurality of imagers having pixels arranged in rows and columns. The pixels generate pixel data responsive to light directed onto the imagers. One or more respective sensors are coupled to the imagers. The sensors sense the pixel data from the columns and output a vertical raster stream representative of the pixel data in the columns, thereby generating a plurality of vertical raster streams. A clock circuit synchronizes the sensors to sense selected columns in the imagers and to output the vertical raster streams from the selected columns. A processor circuit is configured to receive the vertical raster streams from the imagers and to process the vertical raster streams to generate a plurality of stitched raster streams. The processor circuit stitches seam vertical raster streams from adjacent pairs of imagers.
US08253804B2
An electronic device includes a video signal detection system to measure video signals. A measurement method can measure the video signals by using the electronic device. The measurement method sets measurement parameters that are used to measure video signals. Furthermore, the measurement method generates measurement results that each corresponds to a video signal transmission channel between the electronic device and a video signal processing device. In addition, the measurement method generates a measurement report according to all the measurement results.
US08253803B2
A subjective quality estimating part (11) receives an undeteriorated reference video signal (RI) and a deteriorated video signal (PI) produced from the reference video signal, calculates video signal feature values for both the signals, and according to a difference between the calculated video signal feature values of the signals, estimates a subjective quality of the deteriorated video signal. A feature value calculating part (12) calculates the video signal feature values of the reference video signal. A correction information storing part (13) stores correction information that corresponds to video signal feature values and is used to correct the subjective quality. A correction calculating part (14) receives the video signal feature values of the reference video signal from the feature value calculating part (12), retrieves correction information corresponding to the received video signal feature values from the correction information storing part (13), and transfers the retrieved correction information to a correcting part (15). According to the transferred correction information, the correcting part (15) corrects the subjective quality estimated by the subjective quality estimating part (11).
US08253800B2
A tracking device includes: a light measurement device for light measuring an object; a focus detection device for performing focus detection of the object by an optical system; and a tracking control device for tracking the object based on light measurement information from the light measurement device and focus detection information from the focus detection device corresponding to the light measurement information.
US08253798B2
The video surveillance device with infrared LEDs has a casing and utilizes a partition element within the casing to place a camera assembly behind the partition element and the infrared LEDs in indentations on a front side of the partition element. A protective lens is interfaced directly with a washer on the front side of the partition element. As such, the light interference by the lens is effectively improved, while the external impact is buffered and absorbed largely by the washer, not directly on the camera assembly. In addition, the camera assembly is mounted on a downwardly concaved platform so that the camera assembly is able to slide along the curvature of the platform to aim at a specific direction. On the other hand, the LEDs are mounted on slant aluminum bases so that they could be aimed at different directions from that of the camera assembly.
US08253789B2
In a correction data storing unit of a digital camera which captures a microscopic image, image data of a light image without a sample, image data obtained by using a filter for removing a defective portion for the light image without a sample, image data where a region without being corrected (or a region being corrected) is set in the light image without the sample, and shading correction data calculated from image data obtained by setting a mask region where data after being corrected is set to 0 are stored. An operator obtains, captures, records, and stores an observation image satisfactory for great-looking by using arbitrary shading correction data. In this way, a captured image satisfactory for great-looking is obtained by making a suitable shading correction according to a shading characteristic, which is caused by an optical system.
US08253784B2
An image capturing device assembly for use with a test probe and a testing system. The image capturing device assembly including an image capturing device module configured for coupling to an external surface of the test probe and having an image capturing device housed within. The image capturing device is configured to generate a digital output video signal or the analog output video signal of a testing site. A digital monitor is coupled to the image capturing device via a wired or wireless link and configured to receive the digital output signal and generate a display of the testing site on the display monitor.
US08253780B2
An image display system for displaying interlaced images to achieve three dimensional effects. The system includes a user electronic device, such as a computer or television, with a display with a faceplate. The electronic device operates the display to generate an image that includes an interlaced portion at an inner display surface or location at an internal offset distance from an outer surface of the faceplate. The image display system includes a lens array with lenticules configured to focus through the lens array material, through an air gap, and into the faceplate the internal offset distance rather than simply on the back of the lens array. The display system may also include a mounting mechanism for selectively positioning the lens array relative to the faceplate to adjust the size of the air gap so as to focus the lens array onto the image being displayed within the display device.
US08253778B2
The simulation regarding the state change of the subject in a real space provides a system which represents impacts to three-dimensional computer graphics caused by changes of state of three-dimensional computer graphics composed and fixed to subject, and state of image taking space by simulation, surface polygon model and similar surface polygon model 1 is selected, according to shape pattern, from surface polygon model 2 measures, in a three-dimensional way, subject image existing in the same space, a tracking process is performed on the computer graphics, following to the relative position change of the position changes of the subject and the camera caused in real three-dimensional space, subjects in the visual field of the camera and virtual three-dimensional computer graphics image is unified and displayed by displaying computer graphics image having the same relative position change on the image.
US08253766B2
A thermal printer 1 and control method for controlling print speed to prevent variation in printing pitch due to frequent slight changes in the print speed following a significant change in print speed. The print speed, which is the speed at which the print medium i.e., paper is conveyed when printing, is controlled based on known print speed control factors. The thermal printer comprises a paper feed mechanism for conveying the print medium at a controlled print speed passed a thermal print head, a print speed control unit 9 for controlling the print speed of the paper feed mechanism based on the print speed control factors, a print speed change acquisition unit 3 for determining the change in the print speed over a predetermined time, and a comparison unit 7 for determining if the change in print speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The print speed control unit 9 limits change in the print speed based on the print speed control factors for a predetermined time after the comparison unit 7 determines that the change in print speed exceeds the threshold value.
US08253764B2
An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; an image formation section contained in the main body frame that forms an image on a recording medium; an ejection mechanism contained in the main body frame that ejects the recording medium on which an image has been formed to an ejection section on the upper surface of the main body frame; an image scanning device mounted on the ejection section that scans the image of a document; and an operation section provided on the upstream side in the ejection direction of the recording medium in the ejection section that operates the image scanning device; wherein sides and the backside of the ejection section being opened viewed from the operation section side.
US08253761B2
An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a movement and rotation of a displayed three-dimensional graphic object using a user input, such as a click or slide on a touch pad. The apparatus for controlling a three-dimensional motion of a graphic object includes a touch pad which receives a user input by a touch, a position determining unit which determines a touch position of the user input on the touch pad, a path detecting unit which detects a slide path and a direction of the slide path based on the determined touch position, and a graphic object control unit which controls a three-dimensional motion of a graphic object according to the detected slide path.
US08253760B2
An imaging display apparatus, includes: display means for image display; first image signal generation means for generating a display image signal based on a captured image signal captured by an imaging section with a field of view direction of a user being a direction of an object; second image signal generation means for generating a display image signal of an image different from an image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means; and control means for allowing, simultaneously on the display means, display of the image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means and display of the image of the display image signal generated by the second image signal generation means.
US08253759B2
Methods and apparatuses for anti-aliasing scan conversion. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method to scan convert an image on a data processing system includes: sampling the image in a first direction to generate first signals for points along a second line in a second direction using a closed form solution for a convolution integral with a first kernel; and weighting the first signals for the points according to a second kernel in the second direction to generate a second signal for a pixel. In one example according to this aspect, the closed form solution is tabulated in a look up table. After entries are looked up from the look up table according to the image along a first line in the first direction on a first point of the points, the entries are combined to generate one of the first signals for the first point.
US08253753B1
Component connections are preserved during destructive component operations. Upon receiving a notification of the destruction of a direct component connection, a direct component connection is converted to an implied component connection. The implied component connection may be specified as additional component attributes of one or both components associated with the direct component connection or as data external to the component data structures. This allows preservation of the component connection despite destructive component operations. Upon the creation of a component, it is determined if the newly created component corresponds with a previously destroyed component that was associated with a direct connection. If the newly created component corresponds with this previously destroyed component, a direct component connection is created for the newly created component as specified by the implied component connection. Component connections can be recreated upon loading or instantiating components or upon accessing a component via a revision control system.
US08253751B2
In one embodiment of the invention, a memory integrated circuit is provided including an address decoder to selectively access memory cells within a memory array; a mode register with bit storage circuits to store an enable bit and at least one sub-channel select bit; and control logic. The control logic is coupled to a plurality of address signal lines, the address decoder, and the mode register. In response to the enable bit and the at least one sub-channel select bit, the control logic selects one or more of the address signal lines to capture independent address information to support independent sub-channel memory accesses into the memory array. The control logic couples the independent address information into the address decoder.
US08253746B2
It may be desirable to apply corrective data to aspects of captured image or the user-performed gesture for display of a visual representation that corresponds to the corrective data. The captured motion may be any motion in the physical space that is captured by the capture device, such as a camera. Aspects of a skeletal or mesh model of a person, that is generated based on the image data captured by the capture device, may be modified prior to animation. The modification may be made to the model generated from image data that represents a target or a target's motion, including user gestures, in the physical space. For example, certain joints of a skeletal model may be readjusted or realigned. A model of a target may be modified by applying differential correction, magnetism principles, binary snapping, confining virtual movement to defined spaces, or the like.
US08253740B2
A method of rendering an output image (202) on basis of an input image (200) and a corresponding matrix of depth related data (204), the input image (200) corresponding to a first viewpoint and the output image (202) corresponding to a second viewpoint being different from the first viewpoint comprises computing edges (212,312) in the matrix of depth related data (204), computing a measure of variation in pixel values in regions of the input image (200) corresponding to neighborhoods of the edges (212,312), and computing the output image (202) by shifting respective pixel values of the input image (200) in the predetermined direction (X) on basis of scaled depth related data. Scaling, via the scaled depth related data, is such that a relative large measure of variation results in a relative large reduction of depth for the scaled depth related data.
US08253739B2
A method for interpolating an intermediate polygon P from two polygons P1 and P2. The method includes, in at least one embodiment, defining a similarity measure based on a geometrical reference object, the geometrical reference object being associated with the two polygons P1 and P2; and based on the similarity measure, determining an initial pair of corresponding points. Based on this initial pair of corresponding points, in at least one embodiment of the method, a sequence of pairs of corresponding points is determined from which sequence the intermediate polygon is interpolated.
US08253737B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for generating a disparity map. In use, a z-buffering operation is performed. In addition to such z-buffering operation, a plurality of disparity values are calculated, such that a disparity map may be generated utilizing the disparity values. To this end, such disparity map may be used for displaying stereoscopic content.
US08253736B2
An occlusion reduction system is described. The occlusion reduction system can reduce occlusions when displaying multiple objects by computing an occlusion measure and applying one or more functional dynamics techniques to minimize the occlusion measure, such as by moving objects, making objects at least partially transparent, and altering the scale of objects. The occlusion reduction system can create a geometric model based on modeling information it receives, establish a viewpoint, identify a set of objects for analysis, and compute an occlusion measure for the identified set of objects.
US08253730B1
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for building ray tracing data structures for three-dimensional scenes. The methods may include accessing an initial data structure representing a coarse hierarchy of a scene geometry, e.g., a scene graph, and sorting elements of the initial data structure into multiple spatial partitions with respect to one or more splitting planes. The sorting may be dependent on spatial bounding ranges of non-leaf nodes of the initial data structure, which may be sorted without visiting the geometric primitives below. Sorting may be performed on pointers to elements of the initial data structure and may comprise a hierarchical quicksort. The resulting ray tracing data structure may comprise a k-dimensional tree, binary space partitioning tree, k-plane tree, bounding interval hierarchy, or fine-grained hierarchical bounding volume tree. The methods described herein may accelerate the building of ray tracing data structures for use in interactive graphics applications.
US08253723B2
A method for visualization and inspection of elongated curved structures is disclosed. According to an embodiment improved inspection of elongated three dimensional (3D) curved structures such as blood vessels in a 3D medical image is disclosed. Rendering is performed such that it results in the visualization of a (3D) curved cutplane of said curved elongated structure. The advantages of this method are for instance that the cutplane information is interpreted easily in relation to the three-dimensional shape and surroundings of the elongated object, without distortions, and that cutplanes along more than one structure can be visualized and examined together at the same time, without interpretation problems for diagnosis and therapy of anomalies in e.g. the blood vessels.
US08253719B2
A liquid crystal display device and a method of driving the same is disclosed, which can minimize the number of delay devices to delay a discharging time by a preset period of time. The liquid crystal display device comprises a first pumping unit that first pumps a high-potential power source voltage applied; a second pumping unit that generates a gate high voltage by pumping the high-potential power source voltage first pumped in the first pumping unit; a level shifter that shifts an input high voltage to a level corresponding to that of the gate high voltage from the second pumping unit, and supplies the gate high voltage to a discharging circuit; and a delay device, connected between input and output sides of the second pumping unit, that maintains the gate high voltage output from the level shifter for a preset period of time.
US08253716B2
Method and apparatus provide for attaching a planar electroluminescent lamp unit to the side of a billboard, and providing a media adhered to the surface of the lamp unit and to the side of the billboard adjacent the lamp unit, wherein the media has advertising indicia printed thereon. The lamp unit is connected to a source of power on the billboard.
US08253714B2
An optical touch screen apparatus and method for manufacturing an optical touch screen apparatus are disclosed. The optical touch screen apparatus may comprise a touch screen plate having at least one pair of grooves formed on a front surface thereof; at least one pair of circuit boards disposed on the front surface of the touch screen plate, wherein each of the grooves respectively partially receives each of the circuit boards; an infrared emitting device for emitting an infrared beam, wherein the infrared emitting device is mounted on the first of the circuit boards; and an infrared receiving device for receiving the infrared beam, wherein the infrared receiving device is mounted on the second of the circuit boards and in optical communication with the infrared emitting device.
US08253709B2
An electronic device and a method for predicting word input include generating a virtual keyboard comprising a plurality of virtual keys and receiving input letters and searching an English word database according to the input letters. The electronic device and the method further include retrieving the one or more possible words that begin with the input letters, confirming one or more virtual keys corresponding to the retrieved one or more possible words, and displaying the confirmed one or more virtual keys different from other virtual keys.
US08253705B2
A portable electronic device is disclosed that includes a user interface with improved menu or list controls. Each of the items of the menu or list include a target zone that is spatially arranged in such a manner as to differentiate the menu items from one another and provide an easy target for contact by a user.
US08253692B2
A top-emitting OLED display having a transparent touch panel includes a substrate, an upper cover plate, an OLED display device, a capacitive touch device and a sealant layer. The OLED device is stacked on the substrate, the capacitive touch device is stacked on the upper cover plate, and the sealant layer combines the substrate and the upper cover plate such that the OLED device and the capacitive touch device are enclosed between the substrate and the upper cover plate. The capacitive touch device includes a first transparent conductive layer, an isolating layer, a second transparent conductive layer and an electromagnetic shielding layer sequentially formed on the upper cover plate. The electromagnetic shielding layer can effectively reduce the electromagnetic interfering between the OLED device and the capacitive touch device.
US08253690B2
The present invention relates to a method for selecting characters and a device thereof. The method comprises the steps of sensing a touch on a first key, which has a plurality of characters marked thereon; confirming the touch and displaying the plurality of characters associated with the first key on a display unit; sensing a shifting motion of the touch on the first key; and selecting one of the plurality of characters associated with the first key in response to the shifting motion of the touch. The present invention further provides a character input module and an electronic device for implementing the character selection method.
US08253688B2
A system and method is provided for selecting a light source in a pointing device such as a mouse. The selection of the light source may be based on attributes of a received image, which are in turn based on reflected light received at the pointing device from the tracking surface. Because the attributes of the receive image are related to characteristics of the tracking surface over which the pointing device is moved, an illumination source appropriate for a particular surface type can be chosen.
US08253687B2
A slim mouse includes a mouse body, a battery box case, a wheel function module, multiple click buttons, a PCMCIA connecting part and a connecting frame. The mouse body includes a first receiving part, a first body fillister, a second receiving part and a second body fillister. The connecting frame includes a first connecting arm, a first salient, a second connecting arm, a second salient, a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively inserted into the first body fillister and the second body fillister. By using the first protrusion and the second protrusion as a shaft, the connecting frame is rotatable with respect to the mouse body so as to change the operating mode of the slim mouse.
US08253681B2
A light source device and a display device are disclosed of which high display quality can be maintained by correcting luminance or a color tone without making a user feel strangeness or inconvenience. A light source device is disclosed in at least one embodiment, including light source blocks each of which has red-color light-emitting diodes, green-color light-emitting diodes and blue-color light-emitting diodes and is capable of independently adjusting luminance of the three color diodes, a photo-receiving mechanism arranged to photo-receive light, and a correcting operation control mechanism arranged to calculate correction amounts of the luminance of the light sources in each of the blocks based on photo-receiving amounts of the photo-received light in order to maintain uniform luminance or a uniform color tone among the blocks, wherein the mechanism controls the mechanism to photo-receive the light when a termination operation of the light source device is performed.
US08253673B2
A method for driving a liquid crystal display adjusts the falling edges of the gate driving signals for reducing image flicker. A first gate driving signal falls from a high level to a first level at the signal falling edge. A second gate driving signal falls from the high level to a second level at the signal falling edge. When the parasitic capacitance of a first pixel is larger than that of a second pixel, the first level is lower than the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is substantially the same as that of the second pixel, the first level is the same as the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is smaller than that of the second pixel, the first level is higher than the second level.
US08253659B2
To efficiently compensate a threshold value of a driving transistor. In a state where a first switching transistor is non-conductive and a second switching transistor in conductive, a sampling transistor is made conductive and a reference voltage is supplied from a signal line to write a threshold voltage of a driving transistor to a first capacitance. After that, in a state where first and second switching transistors and are non-conductive, the sampling transistor is made conductive and a signal voltage from the signal line is written to the first capacitance. Further, after that the sampling transistor is put into a non-conductive state, and the first and second switching transistors are put in a conductive state, to drive the driving transistor and supply current to a light emitting element.
US08253656B2
A plasma display apparatus and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel including scan electrodes and sustain electrodes, a sensor unit for detecting a temperature or a peripheral temperature of the panel, and a scan driver for supplying reset signals to the scan electrodes in a reset period of at least one subfield among a plurality of subfields at a predetermined reference temperature so that a first period in which a lowest voltage of the reset signal is supplied is different from a supply period of a lowest voltage when the temperature or the peripheral temperature of the PDP deviates the predetermined reference temperature.
US08253645B2
An antenna system comprising at least two antenna radiating elements and respective reference ports the ports being defined by a symmetrical antenna scattering N×N matrix. The system further comprises a compensating network connected to the reference ports. The compensating network is arranged for counteracting coupling between the antenna radiating elements. The compensating network is defined by a symmetrical compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix comprising four N×N blocks, the two blocks on the main diagonal containing all zeros and the other two blocks of the other diagonal containing a unitary N×N matrix and its transpose. The product between the unitary matrix, the scattering N×N matrix and the transpose of the unitary matrix equals an N×N matrix which essentially is a diagonal matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for calculating a compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix for a compensating network for an antenna system.
US08253643B2
A chip antenna comprising a magnetic substrate comprising Z-type ferrite or Y-type ferrite as a main phase and having a through-hole extending linearly along a center axis, and a conductor penetrating the through-hole, the magnetic phase having a c-axis substantially parallel or perpendicular to the through-hole.
US08253642B2
A leaky-wave antenna capable of multi-plane scanning is provided. The leaky-wave antenna includes a substrate, a first antenna series, a second antenna series and a plurality of control units. The first antenna series intersects with the second antenna series to share a predetermined antenna unit among many antenna units. A part of the antenna units is connected in series to extend from a first and a second transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the first antenna series, and the other antenna units are connected in series to extend from a third and a fourth transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the second antenna series. The control units control the transmission paths between the first to the fourth transmission lines and the antenna units, and switch a leaky beam to different scanning planes, wherein the leaky beam scans with frequency variation through the antenna units.
US08253630B2
A microstrip antenna located on a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface includes a feeding portion, a grounding portion, and a radiating portion. The feeding portion is located on the first surface of the substrate to feed electromagnetic signals. The grounding portion is located on the second surface of the substrate. The radiating portion is located on the first surface and includes a first radiating part, a second radiating part, a third radiating part, and a fourth radiating part. Each of the first radiating part, the second radiating part, and the third radiating part is on a rectangle-shaped strip line. The first radiating part is connected to the feeding portion. The fourth radiating part is perpendicularly connected to a second end of the third radiating part.
US08253628B2
A method of and system for calibrating un-calibrated time information within a mobile terminal 101 is disclosed. The terminal has a receiver 203 capable of receiving signals from which calibrated time information carried by a calibrated system (a satellite positioning system) can be extracted, and a receiver 200 capable of receiving signals from which un-calibrated time information carried by an un-calibrated stable system (a cellular communications system) may be extracted. The time offset between calibrated time information extracted from the calibrated system and un-calibrated time information extracted from the un-calibrated stable system is determined at a first terminal position where the signals from the un-calibrated stable system are available, the travel times of the signals from the un-calibrated stable system are known or determined, and the signals from the calibrated system are available. The un-calibrated time information extracted from signals of the un-calibrated stable system received at a second terminal position, is calibrated from known or determined travel times of the signals from the un-calibrated stable system at the second terminal position and the time offset which has been determined.
US08253625B2
An array antenna system in a BS has a horizontal-beam-radiation-pattern-forming module for receiving/outputting a plurality of transmission/reception signals from/to a BTS via the input/output ports at the one end of the horizontal-beam-radiation-pattern-former, and receiving/outputting a plurality of transmission/reception signals from/to a plurality of antennas via the input/output ports at the other end of the horizontal-beam-radiation-pattern-former, and a plurality of vertical-beam-radiation-pattern-forming modules installed on the plurality of antennas, respectively, to form a vertical beam radiation pattern for the transmission/reception signals, each for receiving a transmission signal from the horizontal-beam-radiation-pattern-forming module, dividing the transmission signal, providing the divided signal to antenna elements, filtering and amplifying signals received from the antenna elements according to a predetermined reception band, combining the amplified signals, and providing the combined signal to the horizontal-beam-radiation-pattern-forming module.
US08253622B2
A device and a method for the improved directional estimation and decoding by means of secondary radar signals. The device includes: at least one array of antenna elements; a low noise first amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to a plug-in connector S of the respective antenna elements; a first linear amplifier being connected at a filter output of said combination for amplifying the band-limited signal; a mixer connected to the first linear amplifier for the frequency conversion into a ZF region; a second linear amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to the mixer output for amplifying and limiting the bandwidth of the signal in the ZF region; a first analog-to-digital converter connected to the second bandpass filter; a configurable signal processor connected to the first analog-to-digital converter; and a processing unit connected to the configurable signal processors.
US08253614B1
Methods and systems for converting analog signals to digital signal using a cyclic analog-to-digital converter are disclosed. For example, such a cyclic analog-to-digital converter may include digitization circuitry configured to digitize either an input signal or an amplified feedback residue signal to produce first digital signals, digital accumulator circuitry configured to produce N-bits of digital information based on the first digital signals over N consecutive cycles, where N is a positive integer, and a residue amplifier configured to amplify a residue signal to produce the amplified feedback residue signal, wherein for at least M cycles, the residue amplifier operates using a capacitor averaging technique, where M is a positive integer and less than N, and wherein for P cycles the residue amplifier operates using a simple gain amplification technique, where P is a positive integer and less than N.
US08253607B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for encoding and decoding information. In one aspect, methods of encoding information in an encoder include the actions of receiving a signal representing information using a collection of discrete digits, converting, by an encoder, the received signal into a time-based code, and outputting the time-based code. The time-based code is divided into time intervals. Each of the time intervals of the time-based code corresponds to a digit in the received signal. Each digit of a first state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a first time within the corresponding time interval of the time-based code. Each digit of a second state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a second time within the corresponding time intervals of the time-based code, the first time is distinguishable from the second time. All of the states of the digits in the received signal are represented by events in the time-based code.
US08253602B2
A keyboard includes a keyboard body, a first resistor, a first capacitor, a jumper block mounted to the keyboard body, a battery, a keyboard interface, and a keyboard control circuit. The jumper block includes a grounded first pin and a second pin. The battery includes a positive terminal grounded by the first resistor and the first capacitor connected in series, and a grounded negative terminal. The keyboard interface includes a data pin, a voltage pin, and an idle pin. The idle pin is connected to a node between the first resistor and the first capacitor, and connected to the second pin of the jumper block. The keyboard control circuit is connected to the data pin to transmit data, and connected to the voltage pin to receive a voltage.
US08253601B2
A miniature electronic device includes a main body, a cover, two sliding boards and a functional component. The main body includes two rotation members and two connection members. Each rotation member includes a first annular groove, a second annular groove and a geared portion. Each connection member includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion having an equal length with the first connection portion. The cover includes two rotation shafts each including a first annular groove and a second annular groove. Each sliding board includes a rack. The functional component is below the two sliding boards. When the cover is opened or closed, the two rotation shafts are driven to rotate to drive the two geared portions to rotate in the two racks to cause the two sliding boards to slide relative to the main body, thereby exposing or covering the functional component.
US08253596B2
A digraphic keypad includes a configuration of specific keys. These specific keys include an “S” key, an “O” key, a “U” key, an “A” key, an “N” key, an “I” key, a “T” key, an “E” key, an “R” key, an “H” key, a “D” key and an “L” key.
US08253583B2
A hazard indicator including a power-saving control circuit having a transistor with a collector connected via a resistor to the output of the signal processing circuit. In operation, the transistor delivers the clocked control signal for the semiconductor switch as a function of the current-proportional voltage applied to the base of the transistor.
US08253582B2
A home appliance and home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may include an input device, through which an input signal is received from a user, and a control panel, into which the input device is inserted and connected, including a sound through-hole through which sound information passes. The home appliance may further include a sound output device disposed on a rear surface of the control panel that outputs the sound information corresponding to product information of the home appliance through the sound through-hole to outside of the home appliance. A gap may be formed between the input device and the sound through-hole into which the input device is inserted. Therefore, the sound information output from the sound output device may be transmitted to the outside through the gap. The home appliance may further include a sound guide, such that the sound information transmitted from the sound output device may be efficiently transmitted to the sound through-hole.
US08253571B2
An apparatus for sensing impact of a body on a strip located on a support, characterized by comprising: a strip (2) of material presenting piezoelectric characteristics, applicable to a support in the region to be monitored; at least one continuous tape (4) made of conductive material and associated with said strip (2) in a manner parallel to it; a device (6) connected to said tape to condition the electric signal generated by the impact of said body on said strip (2); a device (12) for sensing said signal; a device (18) for indicating the sensed signal.
US08253568B2
The apparatus of the present invention are directed to a selectively accessible electromagnetically resonant data storage element (implemented as a resonant tag, card, embedded element and/or similar devices), for inventory and facility control and management, for product tracking during transportation, for security purposes (e.g., personal identification (e.g., passports, driver's licenses, alien registration cards), access control, etc.), and to facilitate various forms of electronic information interchange (for example in electronic commerce, such as payment cards, etc.), that is selectively responsive to predetermined electromagnetic interrogation thereof, that comprises a novel membrane switch component for enabling a user to selectively enable and/or disable interrogatory access to the resonant component, to protect from unauthorized interrogation thereof. The novel membrane switch may be formed through a combination of aligned and configured subcomponents of at least a portion of the element within at least two stacked layers.
US08253565B2
The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device; receiving a wireless signal including an identifier within the radio frequency identification device; processing the identifier; generating a control signal after the processing; and indicating presence of the radio frequency identification device using indication circuitry of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
US08253562B2
My invention's new fuel tank with built in sensor, and analytical software is new to the present world of Radio Control Modeling. So is the 5-wire independently programmable annunciating, light emitting diode arrays. This invention will allow modelers in the Academy of Model Aviation (AMA) to enjoy the sport in a more relaxed, safe, and enjoyable manner by not having to worry about running out of fuel up in the air, or model boaters running out of fuel in the middle of a lake, or model car racers running out of fuel far from the pit stop. This invention is novel to the above-mentioned sport/s.
US08253561B2
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for managing medication. In particular, the invention relates to adaptable pill organizer. The adaptable pill organizer comprises of at least one or more rectangular units for containing pills. Individual units and/or rows of seven units, wherein one unit corresponds to the days of the week, attach and detach from one another in order to create a custom pill organizer. The adaptable pill organizer further employs electronic capabilities which: allow user to input, store and display information on the pill organizer; provide lighting means for the device; provide various automatic and/or commanded physical responses to usage of the device such as the lighting of a unit, or the opening and closing of a unit; provide programmed alarms; communicate data messages and usage information with third party devices; and store and provide access to user medication and medication schedule information. The invention further relates to a system and method for managing a self medication regime which works in conjunction with an electronic adaptable pill organizer, a third party device, or a combination thereof, in order to provide the aforementioned capabilities within the electronic pill organizer. The system further allows a third party device to receive, and transmit messages to and from an electronic pill organizer in real. The system provides a means and a method for monitoring the usage of an electronic pill organizer by a third party.
US08253559B2
A wireless device includes a user interface that generates a first location request signal in response to an indication from a user to locate a handheld wireless communication device. A short-range wireless transmitter transmits a first RF paging signal in response to the location request signal. An adjunct device is coupled to the handheld wireless communication device via a communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. The adjunct device emits a first detectable alert signal in response to the first RF paging signal to assist the user in locating the handheld wireless communication device.
US08253558B2
A system and method for determining a location of a set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The location of the set-top box is determined utilizing global positioning information. A message indicating the emergency and the location is sent through a satellite in communication with the set-top box.
US08253557B2
A system for tracking an object including a tracking station in communication with a network. The system includes a first tag coupled to the object, the first tag comprising a first tag identifier and a first GPS transmitter. The first GPS transmitter is effective to communicate the location of the first tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a second tag comprising a second tag identifier and a second GPS transmitter effective to communicate the location of the second tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a database in communication with the tracking station, the database is effective to associate the first tag identifier with the second tag identifier. A user may access the database through the network and ascertain the location of his luggage.
US08253549B2
A telemetry system coupled to a vehicle can communicate with a remote site using the overhead control channels of a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile radiotelephone network. The telemetry system can monitor or control aspects of the vehicle's operations based on remote user input. The telemetry system can receive a command from a data processing center and, based on the command, perform an action at the vehicle such that a user can remotely interact with the vehicle.
US08253535B2
An electronic device and method for controlling access to an electronic device includes acquiring a login iris image of a user, and computing iris characteristic values according to iris characteristic points in the login iris image. The electronic device and method further includes obtaining original iris characteristic values of one or more authorized users of the electronic device, and determining an identification of the user by determining if the computed iris characteristic values match the original iris characteristic values of the one or more authorized users.
US08253531B2
On Chip Smart Card verification of a cardholder using biometrics such as a fingerprint and consequent enablement of a card operating system, having an additional software layer boot prior to the commercial card operating system booting. This software layer, or boot loader, provides the drivers and functionality for the finger print sensor and on-card matching. If the cardholder is successfully authenticated, the unmodified commercial OS is then allowed to boot. If the cardholder does not authenticate with the boot loader then the card does not boot the card operating system and thus cannot be used for financial transactions.
US08253525B2
A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.
US08253524B2
There is provided a system for readily and efficiently fabricating a wound coil composed of a bobbinless coil. The system includes a coil winding device having an upper jig to which an upper plate is attached and a lower jig to which a lower plate is attached which are provided so as to be relatively displaceable and a tension device for applying predetermined tension to a wire rod fed from a wire rod supplying source. The coil winding device is provided with a claw section having first through third split claws that function as a winding section around which the wire rod is wound between the upper and lower plates and that slide in a radial direction when the upper jig is assembled coaxially with the lower jig.
US08253522B2
A coil component includes a bobbin having a core part and a flange. The flange has a first surface on a first side and a second surface on a second side. The first surface of the flange is attached to an axial end of the core part. An end of a wire is electrically connected to a metallic terminal of a terminal-mounting member disposed on the flange. The flange is formed with a notch at a position near the terminal-mounting member, and the notch extends from a peripheral edge of the flange toward the core part. A segment of the wire near the end thereof extends from the second side to the first side of the flange through the notch and further to the core part, and this segment of the wire is hooked around the wire-supporting member in the notch.
US08253520B2
The magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device of the present invention relates to a clamping device with sector type prism rotating gripper clamping various shapes desirable targets, in which magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism is installed between rotary sector type prism rotating gripper and flush socket with sector type recessed cylindrical sliding surface of clip jaw for coupling to prevent from detachment.
US08253512B2
A low pass filter circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor. A first terminal of the inductor functions as an input to receive direct current voltage, and a second terminal of the inductor is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor through first and second conductor traces connected in series. A second terminal of the capacitor is grounded. Widths of the first and second conductor traces both range from about 2 mils to about 5 mils. A node between the first and second conductor traces outputs the direct current.
US08253511B2
A planar antenna module according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an antenna portion (101), a feeder portion (102), and a connection plate (18). The antenna portion (101) includes a first ground plate (11) having a first slot (21), a second ground plate (12) having dielectrics, an antenna substrate having a radiation element (41), a third ground plate (13) having dielectrics, a fourth ground plate (14). The feeder portion (102) includes the fourth ground plate (14), a fifth ground plate (15), a feed substrate (50), a sixth ground plate (16), a seventh ground plate (17). The connection plate (18) has a second waveguide opening portion (64). The connection plate (18) to be connected with a high frequency circuit, the seventh ground plate (17), the sixth ground plate (16), the feed substrate (50), the fifth ground plate (15), the fourth ground plate (14), the third ground plate (13) including the third dielectric (33) and the fourth dielectric (34), the antenna substrate (40), the second ground plate (12) including the first dielectric (31) and the second dielectric (32), and the first ground plate (11) are stacked in this order.
US08253508B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide arrays of electrical circuits having one or more chirped elements or components for providing output signals to corresponding arrays of electro-optic devices. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of modulator driver circuits, each of the plurality of driver circuits configured to be substantially identical to each other and provide a corresponding one of a plurality of modulator drive signals to a respective one of a plurality of electro-optic modulators, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits being chirped to provide a desired output to the corresponding electro-optic modulator for enhanced operation. Each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits comprises a plurality of electrical components, at least one of the electrical components being chirped such that a design or operating parameter of the electrical component differs from an electrical component having a similar function in at least one of the remaining modulator driver circuits of the plurality of driver circuit. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits is provided on a common substrate.
US08253504B2
A variable simulated inductor comprises an integrator connected to receive the voltage across the input to the circuit. The output of the inductor is connected to a control terminal of a transconductor connected across the input of the circuit. The gain of the transconductor is electronically controllable in order to control the inductance of the circuit. An oscillator using a variable simulated inductor and a piezoelectric resonator connected in parallel is also provided.
US08253503B2
A method of controlling an atomic oscillator includes generating a resonant light pair in response to a center frequency signal and a sideband signal, and setting the sideband signal so that an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon does not occur in a gas cell of the atomic oscillator. The method includes applying the resonant light pair to the gas cell and detecting an intensity level of light transmitted through the gas cell. While the sideband signal is set so that the EIT phenomenon is not occurring, the center frequency signal is varied until a minimum value of the intensity level is identified. A first frequency is calculated by subtracting a predetermined frequency offset from the center frequency at which the intensity level was equal to the minimum value. A center frequency of the resonant light pair is set to the first frequency for operation of the atomic oscillator.
US08253502B2
A spread spectrum clock generator includes a voltage-controlled oscillator generating an operation clock, a feedback control unit, a modulated pulse generation unit generating a pulse signal obtained by performing a delta-sigma modulation on a component fluctuating a frequency of the operation clock, a level set unit setting an amplitude of the pulse signal, an adder adding a voltage generated by the feedback control unit and the pulse signal whose amplitude is set by the level set unit, and a low pass filter filtering a signal outputted from the adder and generating a control voltage applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator. The feedback control unit compares a phase of the operation clock with a phase of a reference clock, and based on results of the comparison, generates a voltage used as a reference to oscillate the voltage-controlled oscillator.
US08253501B2
The present invention concerns a device having a first and a second differential oscillators (1, 2; 1′2′) coupled to and in quadrature-phase with each other, comprising first and second resonant electronic means (L1, C1, C2; L2, C3, C4) respectively, which are apt to provide, respectively on first two and second two terminals (NODE—1, NODE—2; NODE—3, NODE 4), first two and second two oscillating signals (VNODE—1, VNODE—2; VNODE—3, VNODE—4), said first two oscillating signals (VNODE—1, VNODE—2) being in phase opposition to each other and in quadrature-phase with said second two oscillating signals (VNODE—3, VNODE—4), the device being characterised in that it comprises first generator electronic means (M13-M24) apt to detect first instants of passage through a first reference value of each one of said first oscillating signals (VNODE—1, VNODE—2) and to generate first power supply pulses for said second resonant electronic means (L2, C3, C4) in second instants, and in that it comprises second generator electronic means (M1-M12) apt to detect third instants of passage through a second reference value of each one of said second oscillating signals (VNODE3, VNODE—4) and to generate second power supply pulses for said first resonant electronic means (L1, C1, C2) in fourth instants.
US08253500B2
A frequency-phase adjusting device includes a first controller, a second controller, and an oscillating circuit. The first controller generates a first control signal according to a target frequency and a current frequency. The second controller generates a second control signal according to the first control signal, wherein the second control signal is related to a first frequency difference, a second frequency difference, and a designated duration. The oscillating circuit adjusts the current frequency according to the first frequency difference, the second frequency difference, and the designated duration. The current frequency is set as a first frequency during a first duration, set as a second frequency during the designated duration, and set as a third frequency during a second duration. The first frequency difference equals a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency, and the second frequency difference equals a difference between the second frequency and the third frequency.
US08253497B2
An atomic oscillator, attention is paid to the fact that the degree of change of the energy difference between the two ground levels of the alkali metal atom with respect to the change of the magnetic field intensity is specific to each of the magnetic quantum numbers, a resonant light pair to cause a transition between the two ground levels corresponding to each of the plural magnetic quantum numbers is sequentially generated, plural pieces of profile information capable of specifying the energy difference between the two ground levels corresponding to each of the magnetic quantum numbers are sequentially acquired based on the detection signal, the change amount of the magnetic field intensity is specified based on the acquired plural pieces of profile information, and the control is performed so that the intensity of the magnetic field becomes constant.
US08253491B2
A method and apparatus for power conversion in a class D amplifier is provided. The power conversion is achieved using synchronous rectifiers in a regulated half bridge power supply, taking the sum of the positive and negative rails as feedback, in order facilitate energy transfer between positive and negative output rails. This minimizes the effects of off side charging and rail sag, as well as achieving good line regulation, while allowing use of very small, low value output capacitors.
US08253487B2
A tracking power supply, a method for controlling a power supply, and a communication apparatus are disclosed. The tracking power supply includes: a basic voltage output unit, configured to provide a basic voltage; and a compensation voltage output unit, configured to provide a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage output unit and the basic voltage output unit are connected in series so as to provide a voltage which is the sum of the basic voltage and the compensation voltage for a load.
US08253474B2
An electronic circuit for switching purposes comprises a set of at least four electronic switches. A first subset and a second subset comprise at least two electronic switches of said set, respectively. Said at least two electronic switches of said first subset are arranged in a serial connection. Said at least two electronic switches of said second subset are arranged in a serial connection. The electronic circuit comprises a first buffer connected to a first electronic switch of said first subset and a second buffer connected to a second electronic switch of said second subset. Said first buffer minimises a potential drop across said first electronic switch when in open state, and said second buffer minimises a potential drop across said second electronic switch when in open state. The electronic circuit further comprises a switched connection towards ground arranged in between the two subsets.
US08253472B2
In a level shift circuit in a high electric potential side driving circuit, a latch circuit and a transmission circuit located at the front stage of the latch circuit are provided. The transmission circuit makes its output impedance high when two inputs V1 and V2 are detected as low level signals by which erroneous signals due to dv/dt noises can be effectively blocked. In the transmission circuit, since there is no necessity of deliberately increasing delay in part of the circuit for achieving complete blocking, error signals due to dv/dt noises can be blocked with the minimum delay time.
US08253471B2
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for offsetting reverse-bias leakage of a high impedance bias network. In an example, an apparatus includes an anti-parallel diode pair coupled between a signal node and a common-mode node. The anti-parallel diode pair can include a first diode and a second diode coupled to the first diode. A third diode can be coupled between a supply node and the signal node, and the third diode can be sized to compensate for a parasitic diode junction of the anti-parallel diode pair.
US08253468B2
According to one embodiment, a clock generating circuit includes first and second current generating circuits, first and second voltage generating circuits, first and second comparing circuits, a clock output circuit, a control circuit. The first current generating circuit is configured to generate a first current. The first voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a first voltage which increases or decreases according to a phase of a clock signal as time advances by the first current. The first comparing circuit is configured to compare the first voltage with a first threshold voltage to generate a first comparison result. The second current generating circuit is configured to generate a second current. The second comparing circuit is configured to compare the second voltage with a second threshold voltage to generate a second comparison result. The clock output circuit is configured to generate the clock signal whose phase inverts in synchronization with timing when the first and the second comparison results change. The control circuit is configured to generate a random number and configured to variably control at least one of the first current, the second current, the first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage according to the random number.
US08253463B1
Integrated circuits with pulse latches are provided. Pulse latches are controlled by clock pulse signals. The clock pulse signals are generated by pulse generators. The pulse generators are controlled by adaptive pulse width control circuitry to provide clock pulse signals with a minimum pulse width and with sufficient margin to tolerate for process, voltage, and temperature variations. The pulse width control circuitry may include a replica pulse generator, a test data generation circuit, a test latch, and a pulse width calibration circuit. The replica pulse generator controls the test latch. The test latch may attempt to latch the test data. The pulse width control circuit may determine if the test latch properly latches the test data with the given pulse width. The pulse width control circuit adjusts the pulse generator dynamically to provide a minimized pulse width.
US08253458B2
A method to operate a digital phase locked loop (DPLL) in which the DPLL includes a phase-frequency detector that compares the frequency of a reference signal with a feedback signal to generate an error signal. The error signal is used to generate first and second control words. Binary current control word bits and thermometric current control word bits are generated using the first and second control words, respectively. A binary controller switches a first set of binary current sources prior to a frequency lock being achieved using the binary current control word bits and the thermometric current control word bits are held at a predetermined value. After achieving the frequency lock, the binary current sources are fixed and then a thermometric controller switches a second set of thermometric current sources using the thermometric current control word bits. Operating the DPLL using the binary controller before the frequency lock and the thermometric controller after the frequency lock reduces switching noise and achieves stable loop dynamics.
US08253456B2
A time correction circuit includes: a time-measurement device that measures a time period; a receiver device that receives electromagnetic wave based on a first baseband signal, the first baseband signal including time information concerning time and being encoded by a pulse width modulation method, and outputs a second baseband signal based on the electromagnetic wave received; and an asynchronous circuit that corrects the time based on the second baseband signal, wherein the asynchronous circuit executes a specified process to retrieve the time information from the second baseband signal based on the time period measured, at least one of when the second baseband signal changes from high level to low level and when the second baseband signal changes from low level to high level, and assumes a standby state after executing the specified process.
US08253455B2
A delay locked loop (DLL) circuit includes an analog DLL core and a digital DLL core. The analog DLL core receives an input clock signal of a first operating frequency. The digital DLL core receives an input clock signal of a second operating frequency equal to or lower than the first frequency. The analog and digital DLL cores operate selectively. The DLL core also includes a selection circuit configured to select one of the first and second DLL cores. The selection circuit may operate in response to a detection signal from a frequency detector which detects the frequency of the input clock signal. The selection circuit may also operate in response to a column address strobe writing latency signal that indicates frequency information of the input clock signal.
US08253448B1
A circuit includes first and second frequency divider circuits and first storage circuits. Each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits receives periodic input signals and generates a periodic output signal having a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a bypass mode. The periodic output signal of each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits has a fraction of a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a frequency divider mode. Each of the first storage circuits stores an enable signal in response to the periodic output signal of one of the first frequency divider circuits. The enable signals stored in the first storage circuits enable the second frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode. The circuit may include second storage circuits storing enable signals that enable a subset of the first frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode.
US08253446B2
The transistor suffers the variation caused in threshold voltage or mobility due to gathering of the factors of the variation in gate insulator film resulting from a difference in manufacture process or substrate used and of the variation in channel-region crystal state. The present invention provides an electric circuit having an arrangement such that both electrodes of a capacitance element can hold a gate-to-source voltage of a particular transistor. The invention provides an electric circuit having a function capable of setting a potential difference at between the both electrodes of the capacitance element by the use of a constant-current source.
US08253440B2
Methods and systems to calibrate an on-die resistor relative to an operating voltage of an on-die push-pull driver, and to calibrate the push-pull driver relative to the on-die resistor and relative to operating voltages of the push-pull driver. The calibrated on-die resistor may be used to calibrate receive terminations, a differential transmit termination, and a simulated far-end differential receive termination. The calibrated differential transmit termination and simulated far-end differential receive termination may be coupled in parallel to calibrate current drivers. Calibration of the current drivers may include calibrating voltage swing, and may include a first phase that simultaneously adjusts compensation to the current drivers, and a second phase that individually adjusts the compensation to the current drivers.
US08253434B2
Systems and methods for closed loop feedback control of integrated circuits. In one embodiment, a plurality of controllable inputs to an integrated circuit is adjusted to achieve a predetermined value of a dynamic operating indicator of the integrated circuit. An operating condition of an integrated circuit is controlled via closed loop feedback based on dynamic operating indicators of the integrated circuit's behavior.
US08253427B2
One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated.
US08253425B2
In one embodiment, a method for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device is disclosed. In this embodiment, the present technology for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device samples a first value corresponding to a first channel of a capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device is in production. The present embodiment also samples a second value corresponding to the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device has a self-test capacitive circuit applying a signal thereto. The present embodiment compares the first value and the second value to determine a production testing result for the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device, wherein the sampling of the second value and the comparing the first value and the second value occur during production of the capacitive touch sensing device.
US08253420B2
A detection circuit and one or more wires or circuit traces are included in a die. The combination is used to detect mechanical failure of the substrate, e.g. silicon after singulation of the dice from the wafer. Failures may be detected at different regions or planes within the die, and the tests may be performed during operation of the packaged die and integrated circuit, even after installation and during operation of a larger electronic device in which it is incorporated. This is especially useful for chip scale packages, but may be utilized in any type of IC package.
US08253418B2
The system and method provided modify a conventional seafloor long-wire electromagnetic (LEM) receiver by increasing the number of discrete antennae placed on the long wire. Two dipoles of electric field data are positioned exactly adjacent to each other, providing input to the same data logger system located within a seafloor survey unit to which the long wire is connected. Highly precise electric field gradients can be obtained by taking the difference of the measurements of the two electrodes, both for amplitude and phase. Any common-mode source of noise, such as magnetotelluric signals and receiver instrument noise will be rejected when the signals from the two electrodes are differenced. An acoustic navigation system utilizes a plurality of transponders to permit triangulation for accurate source-receiver ranging.
US08253417B2
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for determining at least one dimension of at least one geological feature of an earthen formation from a subterranean well bore includes at least two electric current transmitting electrodes and at least two sensing electrodes disposed in the well bore. The electric current transmitting electrodes are configured to create an electric field and the sensing electrodes are configured to detect perturbations in the electric field created by at least one target object.
US08253413B2
A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals.
US08253412B2
A rotation detector that can be assembled into a hub of a wheel without breakage of an object to be detected. The rotation detector has a housing (1) having an insertion section (1a) in which an axle (S) is inserted and that is placed between a hub (10a) of a front wheel (10) and a front fork, a magnet (3a) placed in the housing (1) and generating a magnetic field, and a magnetism detection element (3) provided in the housing (1) so as to be able to detect a change in the magnetic field and detecting the change in the magnetic field involved in the rotation of the object (5) to be detected. The object (5) to be detected is formed of a different magnetic material from the hub (10a) and has a portion (5a) to be detected that rotates in synchronous with the hub (10a).
US08253406B2
A switching regulator comprises a sensing module for sensing an input current of the switching regulator to generate a sensing current, a switch module for determining whether an input end is electrically connected to an output end, a first comparator for comparing a feedback signal and a reference voltage to generate a first comparison result, a compensation module for providing a compensation signal, a sawtooth wave generator for generating a sawtooth wave signal according to the sensing current, a second comparator for comparing the sawtooth wave signal and the compensation signal to generate a second comparison result, a third comparator for comparing the sawtooth wave signal and the first comparison result to generate a third comparison result, and a logic module for generating a switching signal according to the second and the third comparison results.
US08253402B2
In one embodiment, the method of these teachings includes decomposing the output ripple voltage into its constituent components and utilizing the scale factor necessary for this decomposition to obtain the measure capacitance and ESR for a power supply/converter.
US08253386B2
Capacity degradation due to charge/discharge cycles is suppressed in either a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium-transition metal complex oxide having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as transition metals, and a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material and having a higher initial charge-discharge efficiency than that of the positive electrode, or an assembled battery having a plurality of cells each of which is the secondary cell. A control circuit incorporated in the secondary cell or the assembled battery, or in an apparatus using the secondary cell or the assembled battery, monitors the voltage of the secondary cell or each of the cells in the assembled battery so that the end-of-discharge voltage of each cell is 2.9 V or higher.
US08253382B2
Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.
US08253377B2
A battery charger (10) for charging a rechargeable battery (45, 46) which is located in a hearing aid (18, 20), the battery charger (10) includes a power supply for supplying a charging current to the rechargeable battery (45, 46), a hearing aid connector for reception and accommodation of the hearing aid (18, 20), the connector having a set of first electrical terminals (36, 38) connected with the power supply and positioned for connection with the rechargeable battery (45, 46) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector, and an actuator (32, 34) that is adapted for providing access to the battery (45, 46) for connection with the first electrical terminals (36, 38) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector.
US08253376B2
A battery charger may be capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit. The charger may be configured to receive a request for reactive power and, in response, cause the requested reactive power to be present on the power distribution circuit.
US08253373B2
A charger for recharging the batteries of a portable electronic device even when no external power source is available. A battery or cell is installed within the charger, and when no access is available to a fixed power source into which the charger can be plugged, the internal battery or cell can be used to recharge the electronic device. The internal battery can be a primary battery or a secondary battery. In the latter case, the internal battery can be maintained in a charged state by means of circuitry which, when the charger is plugged into the external power source, charges the internal battery as well as the battery of the electronic device. The external power source can be either an AC power wall socket, in which case the charger includes AC/DC voltage conversion circuits, or a car lighter socket, or the DC output of a conventional wall charger.
US08253369B2
The present invention relates to a single phase induction motor, and more particularly, to a single phase induction motor, wherein a variable resistance element which can change a winding number of a main winding or an auxiliary winding capable of producing a magnetic field at the time of starting is connected in parallel to some portion of the main winding or the auxiliary winding. A single phase induction motor including a stator composed of a core, a main winding and an auxiliary winding, and a rotor rotated by a mutual electromagnetic force by the stator comprises a resistance variable element connected in parallel to some portion of the main winding. In addition, a single phase induction motor including a stator composed of a core, a main winding and an auxiliary winding, and a rotor rotated by a mutual electromagnetic force by the stator comprises a capacitor connected in series to the auxiliary winding, and a resistance variable element connected in parallel to some portion of the auxiliary winding and the capacitor.
US08253368B2
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
US08253367B2
An abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an output measurement unit is abnormal is provided, and whether or not the output measurement unit is abnormal is determined. When the output measurement unit is abnormal, an elastic actuator is controlled based on a desired internal state decision unit and an internal state error compensation unit. Accordingly, it becomes possible to control the elastic actuator to continuously operate to a predetermined position without instantaneously stopping even when the output measurement unit is abnormal.
US08253364B2
A method for controlling fan speed is disclosed. Firstly, a number of temperature ranges are defined. Each temperature range is associated with a corresponding fan speed. Each two adjacent temperature ranges overlap. The temperature of an electronic system is measured and is compared with the defined temperature ranges to determine whether it enters into a new range. If the measured temperature exceeds any one of the limits of a temperature range associated with the current fan speed, it enters into a new temperature range. The fan speed is adjusted to which is associated with the new entered temperature range. The overlap of each two adjacent temperature ranges covers the fluctuation of the temperature of the electronic system caused solely by the adjustment of fan speed caused by the traversing of the measured temperature between the two adjacent temperature ranges.
US08253362B2
An apparatus which estimates the temperatures of a motor without using a temperature sensor can achieve overheat protection by proper control. In an example, a heat generation amount calculation section calculates a heat generation amount of a motor. A current upper limit map has a current upper limit value corresponding to a temperature estimated value and a ratio map has a ratio corresponding to the temperature estimated value. A lower one of limited current values, determined using the two maps, controls energization of the motor. The heat generation amount calculation section includes a heat generation correction term, and a heat radiation correction term for calculating a function of the difference between the integrated value of the heat generation amount and a motor ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature becomes equal to or higher than a comparison temperature, then the heat generation amount is calculated without the heat radiation correction present.
US08253357B2
An electric drive system includes a prime mover connected to a generator, which is controlled in part by an excitation current. The generator makes electrical power available on a dc link. A method of load demand and power generation balancing within the electric drive system includes determining a voltage of the dc link and determining a torque command by an operator of the system. A speed for each of one or more drive motors receiving power from the dc link is determined and normalized to derive an average motor speed. A mechanical power being commanded is derived based on the average motor speed and the torque command. A predicted excitation current that is required to achieve the derived mechanical power is determined and an actual excitation current is determined based on the predicted excitation current. The actual excitation current is then applied to the generator.
US08253345B2
A method for driving a LED and to an illumination system comprising at least one LED. The LED is driven by a pulse signal, wherein the pulse signal comprises pulses of a duration of T/n, wherein T is the duration of a single pulse and the corresponding pause in between two consecutive pulses and n is at least 2, and the current value of the pulses is at least double as much as the nominal constant current of said LED. The light intensity is increased by n times while the power consumption is the same in comparison to driving that LED with a prescribed constant driving voltage and the prescribed constant driving current.
US08253343B2
A drive circuit (100) includes an operational amplifier (OP1) that compares a voltage applied to an inverting input terminal with a reference voltage applied to a non-inverting input terminal, a MOS transistor (M1) that has an output connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) and supplies a current to a load (3) depending on a comparison result of the operational amplifier (OP1), and a switch (SW1) that switches, based on a control signal, between outputting the comparison result of the operational amplifier (OP1) to the MOS transistor (M1) and outputting a predetermined voltage to the MOS transistor (M1) to turn off the MOS transistor (M1).
US08253342B2
An LED illumination system includes an LED lamp, a voltage stabilizing circuit and a control circuit. The LED lamp includes an LED string which has a plurality of LEDs connected in series. The voltage stabilizing circuit connects the LED lamp for supplying an electric current to the LED string. The control circuit includes an MCU and a MOSFET connected between the MCU and the LED string. The MCU detects the electric current flowing through the LED string and outputs a PWM signal which has a frequency within a range from 60 Hz to 500 Hz to the MOSFET. The MOSFET receives the PWM signal from the MCU and turns on and off repeatedly under a control of the PWM signal, to make a flicker frequency of the LEDs of the LED string be within a predetermined range.
US08253336B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp for producing a biologically-corrected light. In one embodiment, the LED lamp includes a color filter, which modifies the light produced by the lamp's LED chips, to increase spectral opponency and minimize melatonin suppression. In doing so, the lamp minimizes the biological effects that the lamp may have on a user. The LED lamp is appropriately designed to produce such biologically-correct light, while still maintaining a commercially acceptable color temperature and commercially acceptable color rending properties. Methods of manufacturing such a lamp are provided, as well as equivalent lamps and equivalent methods of manufacture.
US08253333B2
A plasma display panel equipped with a front substrate and a back substrate facing each other to form a discharge space. On the discharge space side of the front substrate there are disposed a metal oxide layer and magnesium oxide crystal particles. The magnesium oxide crystal particles are arranged on the discharge space side of the metal oxide layer, or alternatively, part of the magnesium oxide crystal particles are disposed within the metal oxide layer.
US08253331B2
A fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube having an inner wall forming a discharge chamber. One or more coiled electrodes are disposed within the discharge tube. A mercury containing composition is disposed on at least one coiled electrode.
US08253326B2
A light-emitting device of the present invention includes: a light-emitting element; and a phosphor layer containing phosphors that absorb light from the light-emitting element and wavelength-convert the absorbed light to emit light. The phosphor layer has a structure in which the phosphors are disposed on an applied adhesive with a thickness equal to or less than an average particle size of the phosphors. A thickness of the phosphor layer is equal to or less than five times the average particle size of the phosphors, and an occupancy ratio of the phosphors in the phosphor layer is 50% or more. Further, the phosphors disposed on the adhesive has an adjusted particle size.
US08253305B2
A drive unit of a pressure device, such as a welding gun, includes a piezoelectric type load cell adapted to be arranged in an easily attached and removed manner and to have relatively small capacity. The drive unit includes a through-hole 6, formed in a rotary shaft 5 of a drive motor 1, which is a drive source, and a pressure shaft 10, configured to be able to move with a part thereof being in the through-hole 6. The rotary shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the bearing 7, and the piezoelectric type load cell 17 is sandwiched between a preload striker plate 18, through which the pressure shaft 10 passes, and a preload setting striker plate 19, through which the pressure shaft 10 passes with a preload exerted on the load cell 17.
US08253298B2
A stator includes an elongate core defining an inner volume to receive a rotor of an electric machine. The core includes a yoke and an array of teeth extending from the yoke toward the inner volume. The array of teeth defines slots between each pair of adjacent teeth in the array. Each slot includes a first slot region adapted to hold at least a portion of a conductive winding and a second slot region adapted to hold at least a portion of a conductive winding. The first slot region is defined by two non-parallel opposing slot side portions, and the second slot region is defined by two parallel opposing slot side portions.
US08253286B2
A motor includes a coming-off preventing portion including an inner circumferential edge defining a through hole, inside which a substantially cylindrical bearing housing is inserted, and being arranged axially above an insulator. The inner circumferential edge has at least two different radial dimensions. A boss portion includes a columnar portion inserted inside the through hole, and a collar portion extending radially outward from a lower end of the columnar portion. The collar portion includes an outside surface having at least two different radial dimensions, and an upper surface arranged axially opposite a bottom portion of the inner circumferential edge. The radial dimensions of the inner circumferential edge and those of the collar portion are arranged to allow the collar portion to be axially inserted through the inner circumferential edge only when the inner circumferential edge and the collar portion are arranged in a predetermined circumferential orientation relative to each other.
US08253284B2
An electric motor includes: a stator of columnar shape including a stator core of annular shape and mold resin molding the stator core, the stator core accommodating a rotor configured to rotate about a rotary shaft; and a position detecting circuit board including a position detecting element configured to detect a position of the rotor. The stator has a cavity for accommodating the rotor. One end of the cavity is covered by the mold resin. The position detecting circuit board is placed on an opposite side from the rotor across the mold resin covering the one end of the cavity.
US08253270B2
An automobile light control system includes first and second light groups, a battery, a micro control unit (MCU), a speed sensor, first and second switches, and an electronic switch. The battery is connected to the first light group through the first switch. The first light group is connected to the first terminal of the electronic switch through the second switch. The second terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the second light group. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the MCU. The MCU is connected to the speed sensor to receive a speed signal. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned on in response to the speed signal being greater than a predetermined value. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned off in response to the speed signal being less than or equal to the predetermined value.
US08253269B2
An economizer configured to connected coils in series and in parallel with a voltage source in order to facilitate pulling relays to a closed position, and thereafter, holding the relays in the closed position while reducing a voltage applied across the coils.
US08253266B2
A building with an integrated wind-powered electricity generation system includes a plurality of floors, wherein each of the plurality of floors includes inhabitable space. The building further includes a plenum space between adjacent ones of the plurality of floors and a plurality of vertical axis wind turbines, wherein each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbines is positioned within a separate plenum space. The building further includes at least one electricity generator operably coupled to the plurality of vertical axis wind turbines. At least one of the vertical axis wind turbines includes a wind screen extending around a portion of the outer circumference of the vertical axis wind turbine.
US08253263B2
A wave energy conversion system or device includes a float and base on top of which there is a power take-off system. The float, its base and the machine room are inserted in a main column supported by legs and corresponding leg supports on the bottom floor in shallow waters (seas or lakes). In deeper waters, the main column may be supported by column supports attached to an underwater float. The machine room is separated of the float frame through a rotary joint which allows the float and base to rotate in any horizontal direction while maintaining the machine room fixed in the same horizontal direction. The rotary joint separating the float frame and the machine room also allows for the vertical up and down movement when interacting with incoming waves. The distance between the machine room and the float frame is always the same. The device includes flaps or blades for the absorption of kinetic energy derived from the back and forth movement of water generated by waves. The device extracts potential energy of the wave from the up and down movement of the floating structure through a power take-off system in the machine room.
US08253260B2
An exhaust gas turbine generator system for a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine with an exhaust system is provided. The exhaust system comprises a turbine, an electrical generator, a waste gate, and an electronic control module. The turbine is disposed in fluid communication with an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine to allow fluid flow between the turbine and the exhaust gas system. The electrical generator connects to the turbine. The waste gate is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The waste gate is positionable between an open position and a closed position in response to an output signal from the electronic control module. The fluid flow in the exhaust gas system to the turbine is reduced when the waste gate is positioned to the open position.
US08253254B2
A semiconductor device has a first insulation film defining a plurality of contact holes arranged along a predetermined direction. A plurality of first contact plugs is respectively formed in the contact holes. A second insulation film is formed on the first insulation film and defining an opening to expose a predetermined region of the first insulation film including a region where the first contact plugs are formed. A plurality of interconnections are formed to extend across the opening and to be in contact with top surfaces of the first contact plugs, respectively.
US08253251B2
Hydrophobicity of a low dielectric constant film comprising a porous silica film is improved by applying a raw material for forming a porous silica film onto a substrate, and performing vapor-phase transport treatment to expose the substrate to an atmosphere of organic amine vapor to which no water is added. Simultaneously, reduction in a dielectric constant, reduction in leakage current, and improvement in mechanical strength are attained by controlling a pore diameter in a predetermined range.
US08253242B2
A sensor assembly includes a sound sensor, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. The sound sensor includes a substrate defining a first cavity, a diaphragm positioned on the substrate and covering the first cavity, a back plate covering the diaphragm and positioned on the substrate, and a capacitance. A first electrode layer is coated on the diaphragm and faces the first cavity. A second cavity is defined between the diaphragm and the back plate. A second electrode layer is coated on the back plate and faces the second cavity. The capacitance is electrically connected between the first and second electrode layers. The image sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the gyroscope sensor are positioned on the substrate.
US08253233B2
A module includes a substrate including a first copper surface and a semiconductor chip. The module includes a first sintered joint bonding the semiconductor chip directly to the first copper surface.
US08253232B2
A package on package includes a lower semiconductor package including a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips, a connection portion including an electrically-conductive lead having a height lower than that of an encapsulation member, and an upper semiconductor package connected to the connection portion of the lower semiconductor package via a solder ball in a fan-in structure.
US08253223B2
A diode comprises a P-type well formed in a semiconductor substrate, at least one N-type impurity doping area formed in the P-type well, an isolation area formed to surround the N-type impurity doping area, a P-type impurity doping area formed to surround the isolation area, first contacts formed in the N-type impurity doping area in a single row or a plurality of rows, and second contacts formed in the P-type impurity doping area in a single row or a plurality of rows, wherein pin resistance can be adjusted through changing any one of a distance between the N-type impurity doping area and the P-type impurity doping area, a contact pitch between the first contacts, and a contact pitch between the second contacts.
US08253222B2
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, disposed on a surface of the first semiconductor region, and having an impurity concentration higher than that of the first semiconductor region; a trench that penetrates the second semiconductor region to reach the first semiconductor region; a first electrode disposed inside the trench via an insulating film; a first recess portion disposed deeper than an upper end of the first electrode, in a surface layer of the second semiconductor region, so as to be in contact with the trench; and a second electrode embedded in the first recess portion.
US08253207B2
By integrating a diode and a resistor connected in parallel into the same chip as an IGBT and connecting a cathode of the diode to a gate of the IGBT, the value of dv/dt can be limited to a predetermined range inside the chip of the IGBT without a deterioration in turn-on characteristics. Since the chip includes a resistor having such a resistance that a dv/dt breakdown of the IGBT can be prevented, the IGBT can be prevented from being broken by an increase in dv/dt at a site (user site) to which the chip is supplied.
US08253203B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit that includes a parallel connection of parasitic vertical and lateral bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) each with a floating base and a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) field transistor with a floating body is disclosed. The three transistors may be connected in parallel between a bond (input or output) pad and a substantially fixed voltage level (e.g., a ground (or zero potential) or Vcc, depending on the transistor configuration) in a semiconductor electronic device so as to protect transistor gates or other circuit portions from damage from electrostatic voltages. The parasitic BJTs and the field transistor may be configured to remain cut off so long as an input voltage at the pad is between a negative V1 voltage (−V1) (V1>0) and a +V2 voltage (V2>Vcc), thereby allowing a greater input voltage swing without signal clamping.
US08253200B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an image sensor having pixel transistors and peripheral transistors disposed in a silicon substrate. For some embodiments, a protective coating is disposed on the peripheral transistors and doped silicon is epitaxially grown on the substrate to form lightly-doped drain (LDD) areas for the pixel transistors. The protective oxide may be used to prevent epitaxial growth of silicon on the peripheral transistors during formation of the LDD areas of the pixel transistors.
US08253199B2
A semiconductor memory device has a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of word lines formed on the semiconductor substrate at predetermined intervals, a selecting transistor arranged on each of two sides of each of the plurality of word lines in which a spacing between the selecting transistor and an adjacent one of the word lines is not less than three times a width of each of the word lines, an interlayer insulating film formed to cover upper surfaces of the word lines and selecting transistors, a first cavity portion which is located between each pair of adjacent ones of the word lines and whose upper portion is covered with the interlayer insulating film, a second cavity portion which is formed at a side wall portion of the word line adjacent to each selecting transistor which faces the selecting transistor and whose upper portion is covered with the interlayer insulating film, and a third cavity portion which is formed at a side wall portion of each of the selecting transistors and whose upper portion is covered with the interlayer insulating film.
US08253197B2
An integrated circuit with a transistor advantageously embodied in a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device having a gate located over a channel region recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a source/drain including a lightly or heavily doped region adjacent the channel region, and an oppositely doped well extending under the channel region and a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain. The transistor also includes a channel extension, within the oppositely doped well, under the channel region and extending under a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain.
US08253192B2
A semiconductor device includes a drain region comprising an epitaxial layer, a body disposed in the epitaxial layer, a source embedded in the body, a gate trench extending into the epitaxial layer, a gate disposed in the gate trench, an active region contact trench extending through the source, and an active region contact electrode disposed within the active region contact trench. The active region contact trench has a first width associated with a first region that is in proximity to a bottom portion of the body and a second width associated with a second region that is in proximity to a bottom portion of the source. The first width is substantially different from the second width.
US08253186B2
A semiconductor device of this invention is a single-layer gate nonvolatile semiconductor memory in which a floating gate having a predetermined shape is formed on a semiconductor substrate. This floating gate opposes a diffusion layer serving as a control gate via a gate oxide film and is capacitively coupled with the diffusion layer by using the gate oxide film as a dielectric film. The diffusion layer immediately below the dielectric film is insulated from the semiconductor substrate by an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film. A pair of diffusion layers are formed in surface regions of the semiconductor substrate on the two sides of the floating gate extending on a tunnel oxide film. This invention can realize a reliable semiconductor device which is a single-layer gate semiconductor device by which a low-cost process is possible, has a control gate which can well withstand a high voltage applied when data is erased or written, and can prevent an operation error by minimizing variations in the threshold value.
US08253176B2
A photodiode device and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. The photodiode device comprises a light absorption layer defining a light-facing side and a back-light side; a via passing through the absorption layer, the via defining a side wall and a bottom surface; a conformal isolation layer covering the side wall and the bottom surface; a first patterned conductive layer disposed on the back-light side, the first patterned conductive layer having a first portion covering a first portion of the conformation isolation layer; a second patterned conductive layer disposed on the light-facing side of the absorption layer; and an opening through the conformal isolation layer, wherein the opening is filled with the second patterned conductive layer such that the second patterned conductive layer is connected with the first portion of the first patterned conductive layer.
US08253175B2
A sealed semiconductor device having reduced delamination of the sealing layer in high temperature, high humidity conditions is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a stack of device layers on the substrate sealed with a sealing layer. The upper surface of a street area of the substrate is oxidized so that the oxidized region extends under the sealing layer. The presence of the oxidized region of the upper surface of the substrate helps reduce the delamination, because the oxidized surface does not react with water to the same extent as a non-oxidized surface. The semiconductor devices remain sealed after dicing through the street area because the oxidized surface does not delaminate.
US08253158B2
One embodiment of the present invention is an organic electroluminescence display, including: a substrate with a partition wall between adjacent organic electroluminescence elements; a first electrode layer formed on the substrate; a hole transport layer formed on both the first electrode layer and the partition wall; an underlayer formed on the hole transport layer; a first light emitting layer formed on the underlayer, emitted light from the first light emitting layer having a first wavelength; a second light emitting layer formed so as to partially overlap the first light emitting layer, emitted light from the second light emitting layer having a second wavelength, and the second wavelength being longer than the first wavelength; and a second electrode layer, wherein overlapping point of the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer is above the partition wall.
US08253151B2
A semiconductor light emitting device is provided. The semiconductor light emitting device includes a first nitride layer, an active layer, and a second nitride layer. The first nitride layer includes an irregular, uneven surface, and the active layer is formed on the irregular, uneven surface. The second nitride layer is formed on the active layer. A plurality of quantum dots are formed at the active layer.
US08253147B2
A light emitting chip includes a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate and including a number of horizontally grown nitride nanostructures, a cap layer grows from a top of the nitride nanostructures, and a light emitting structure formed on the cap layer. The light emitting structure sequentially comprises a first semiconductor layer connected to the cap layer, a light emitting layer, and a second semiconductor layer.
US08253141B2
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the same, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device having the TFT. The TFT includes: a substrate; a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, including source, drain, and channel regions, a crystallization-inducing metal, first gettering sites disposed on opposing edges of the semiconductor layer, and a second gettering site spaced apart from the first gettering sites; a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; and source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer.
US08253137B2
A laminate structure is disclosed that has a region having high surface free energy and a region having low surface free energy that are well separated, has high adhesiveness between an underlying layer and a conductive layer, and can be formed easily with low cost. The laminate structure includes a wettability-variable layer including a first surface free energy region of a first film thickness and a second surface free energy region of a second film thickness, and a conductive layer formed on the second surface free energy region of the wettability-variable layer. The second film thickness is less than the first film thickness and the surface free energy of the second surface free energy region is made higher than the surface free energy of the first surface free energy region by applying a predetermined amount of energy on the second surface free energy region.
US08253127B2
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device in which a layer having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 3 is further formed on an upper electrode of at least one region of regions through which rays having red, green, and blue colors are passed and a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting device. An optical length that can cause the microcavity effect according to the type of color of emitted light is controlled by using the layer to manufacture the organic light emitting device having high light emitting efficiency.
US08253119B1
One embodiment relates to an apparatus of a dynamic pattern generator for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a plurality of base electrodes in a two-dimensional array, an insulating border surrounding each base electrode so as to electrically isolate the base electrodes from each other; and a sidewall surrounding each base electrode. The sidewall comprises a plurality of stacked electrodes which are separated by insulating layers. In addition, the base electrodes are advantageously shaped so as to be concave. Furthermore, a conformal coating may be advantageously applied over the base electrodes and sidewalls. Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a shadow mask configured to form an array of incident electron beamlets. The shadow mask comprises an array of holes which correspond one-to-one with an array of pixel pads of an electron reflective patterned structure. Other embodiments, aspects and features are disclosed.
US08253104B2
A terahertz wave detecting apparatus includes a semiconductor chip 12 in which a 2-dimensional electron gas 13 is formed at a constant position from its surface, and a carbon nanotube 14, a conductive source electrode 15, a drain electrode 16 and a gate electrode 17 provided in close contact with the surface of the chip. The carbon nanotube 14 extends along the surface of the chip, where both ends of the tube are connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode of the chip, and the gate electrode 17 is spaced at a constant interval from the side surface of the carbon nanotube. Further, the apparatus includes a SD current detecting circuit 18 for applying a voltage between the source electrode and the drain electrode and for detecting SD current therebetween, a gate voltage applying circuit 19 for applying a variable gate voltage between the source electrode and the gate electrode, and a magnetic field generating device 20 for applying a variable magnetic field to the chip.
US08253100B2
An electron microscope has an electron beam source generating an accelerated electron beam, electromagnetic lenses for converging the electron beam, alignment coils for adjusting the optical axis of the beam transmitted through the lenses, a control unit for controlling the ambient around a specimen, at least one vacuum pump mounted in a given location of the electron optical column, a gas inlet device mounted near the specimen, an imager for creating an image based on a signal arising from the region of the specimen illuminated with the beam, an image output device for recording and displaying the image, and a computer for controlling these components. The computer finds the orifices to be used and diameters of orifices at which the pressure is maintained without electrical discharge in an electron beam source from the selected gas species and the pressure around the specimen.
US08253097B2
In a mass spectrometer having ion sources capable of switching between atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electron impact ionization, a first gas chromatography device capable of separating a sample to meet a condition suitable for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization measurement is connected to upstream of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion source. Part of the sample separated by the first gas chromatography device is introduced to a second gas chromatography device by distributing a flow channel. In the second gas chromatography device, a target substance and background ingredients contained in the sample are further separated and are introduced to an electron impact ionization ion source. By separating the target substance from the background ingredients, an electron impact ionization spectrum of the target substance is obtained without an effect of the background ingredients.
US08253095B2
A supersonic gas jet having gas molecules with substantially equal velocities is formed by directing the gas through a Laval nozzle into an evacuated chamber. A field barrier having a substantially constant height across a cross-section of the supersonic gas jet is formed by respectively applying potentials U2, U3 and U4 to an arrangement of three apertured diaphragms R2, R3 and R4, which are respectively separated by distances d2 and d3, where (U4−U3)/(U3−U2)=d3/d2. The ions in the supersonic gas jet are directed against the field barrier, where ions with a mobility below a mobility threshold are pushed over the field barrier, and where ions with a mobility higher than the mobility threshold are held back by the field barrier.
US08253093B2
An optoelectronic detector and method of using same. In order to avoid any condensation on a surface, it has been known to heat such a surface. However, heating an optoelectronic detector will create a stronger hissing noise due to the greater dark current that is caused thereby. The invention is intended to avoid any condensation on an optoelectronic detector without airtight encapsulation. To this end, the detector is cooled and equipped with a sensor for the determination of a current value of one of the variables ambient humidity and ambient dew point temperature and a control unit that is connected with the sensor and designed to control the cooling device in dependence of such a value. By taking into account the ambient humidity or, respectively, the dew point temperature in the control of the cooling device, condensation on the detector can be avoided. An airtight encapsulation of the detector and the cooling device is not required.
US08253088B2
An exemplary heat-distribution sensor includes a base and a number of thermocouples. The base includes a spherical surface and defines a number of receiving holes in the spherical surface. Each thermocouple has a sensing end which is received in a corresponding receiving hole and is configured for sensing heat generated by sunlight rays impinging on the sensing end.
US08253086B2
A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.
US08253081B2
A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.
US08253074B2
A wiring assembly for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a main body and a door movably attached to the main body. The wiring assembly includes a base attachable to the door and having a first end and a second end; a slide slidably mounted on the base so that the slide is moveable between a first position where the slide is adjacent to the first end and a second position where the slide is adjacent to the second end; a tensioning or biasing member engaging the slide with the base and biasing the slide to the first position; and a cable assembly including a power/communication cable attachable to the main body and connected to the slide. An appliance incorporating such a wiring assembly is also disclosed.
US08253067B2
A method of machining a roller utilizes a laser machining system is disclosed. The roller includes a main body and two spindles extending from opposite end surfaces of the main body. The laser machining system includes a laser device, an adjustment device, and a controller. The laser device scans the position of the roller and sends a scanned signal to the controller. The controller analyzes the scanned signal, and if the roller is positioned at the exact position, the controller will send a signal to the laser device, and then the laser device begins to machine the roller. If not, the controller will send a signal to the adjustment device, the adjustment device adjusts the roller to the exact position, then the controller sends a signal to the laser device, and the laser device begins to machine the roller.
US08253064B2
A laser blanking device for high speed cutting of a rapidly fed strip of coil stock is disclosed and includes a support frame extending along a first longitudinal axis and a conveyor supported by the support frame. A strip of coil stock material is fed onto the conveyor at a pinch roll located near a first end of the frame. Transverse, moveable gantries above the conveyor suspend lasers. A pinch roll located near a second end of the frame assists movement of the material. Multiple laser cutting operations are simultaneously performed on the material as it moves along the device, and a laser head suspended from a gantry situated after the second pinch roll completes a cut that separates a blank from the remainder of the stock material.
US08253063B2
A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.
US08253059B2
A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a supporting plate supporting a substrate and a shielding unit that is disposed above the substrate to protect the substrate. A portion of the shielding unit, which is adjacent to a focal point where light for generating shock waves is focused, is switched. Therefore, the substrate cleaning apparatus prevents the concentration of plumes and residence beams, which are generated together with the shock waves, on a specific region of the shielding unit and further prevents the recontamination of the substrate by the damage of the shielding unit.
US08253048B2
An input device includes a base. A keycap is coupled to the base by a key guide structure that supports the keycap in a position that provides a space between the keycap and the base. The keycap includes a light transmitting section. An illuminator is located adjacent the light transmitting section. A flexible illumination guide is positioned about a perimeter of the illuminator. The flexible illumination guide is operable to flex in response to engaging the keycap. The illuminator is operable to provide illumination through the flexible illumination guide and the light transmitting section. The flexible illumination guide prevents illumination from escaping directly from the perimeter of the illuminator and through the space between the keycap and the base.
US08253042B2
An arrangement of an electronic component in a plastic housing, including a cover and a lower part, and to a method for fixing the electronic component in the housing. The cover is connected to the lower part and exerts a pre-defined force (F) on the electronic component. The cover is designed such that the influence of the height tolerance (dh) of the electronic component on the force (F) can be compensated to the effect that, once the cover has been mounted, the force (F) applied to the lower part is in a pre-defined force range (B).
US08253038B2
An enclosure includes a plate. The plate defines a number of through holes. A first shield extends from an edge bounding each through hole. A second shield extends from the edge bounding each through hole, opposite to the first shields. Each through hole is partially covered by a corresponding first shield and a corresponding second shield. The enclosure with the shields can shield the electronic device from electromagnetic interference.
US08253028B2
The present invention relates to a microwave chip supporting structure comprising a first microwave laminate layer, with a first side and a second side, and an outer limit. At least one conductor is formed on said first side extending towards said outer limit. The microwave chip supporting structure further comprises a second microwave laminate layer, with a first side and a second side, the second side of the second laminate layer being fixed to at least a part of the first side of the first laminate layer. The first laminate layer and/or the second laminate layer comprises at least one recess arranged for receiving a microwave chip intended to be connected to said conductor. The second laminate layer extends outside the outer limit of the first laminate layer, said conductors continuing on the second side of the second laminate layer without contacting the first laminate layer.
US08253022B2
A suspension tray is provided that is adapted to hold a plurality of cables and/or wires that includes a device for electrically bonding and grounding the tray. The tray includes a series of spokes forming a wire mesh support on which the cables and/or wires are placed. The device (which serves to electrically bond and ground the tray) includes a plurality of conductive elements affixed to the wire mesh support. Each conductive element may include two side portions and a middle portion. The two side portions are preferably sealed with a paint composition and the middle portion includes a conductive surface that is capable of electrically bonding and grounding the tray.
US08253011B2
The present invention is directed to a semiconductor substrate having an electrode formed thereon, the electrode including at least silver and glass frit, the electrode including: a multi-layered structure constituted of a first electrode layer joined directly to the semiconductor substrate, and an upper electrode layer formed of at least one layer and disposed on the first electrode layer; wherein the upper electrode layer is formed by firing a conductive paste having a total silver content of 75 wt % or more and 95 wt % or less, the content of silver particles having an average particle diameter of 4 μm or greater and 8 μm or smaller with respect to the total silver content in the upper electrode layer being higher than that in the first electrode layer. As a consequence, it is possible to form the electrode, which has the high aspect ratio and hardly suffers an inconvenience such as a break, on the semiconductor substrate by a simple method.
US08253009B2
The invention relates to a solar cell connecting apparatus, for example a solar cell connecting apparatus, for manufacturing solar cell strings from individual solar cells and electrically conductive strips, having a first module for joining solar cells and strips together; a second module which is connected to the first module for connection, for example, soldering of the strips to the solar cells; and a third module for transportation of the solar cells from the first module through the second module. The connecting apparatus is characterized in that the first module has an apparatus for placing a strip retaining element on to a solar cell with strips, in order to fix the strips on the solar cell, and the third module is adapted in order to also transport the retaining element together with the solar cell (FIG. 2).
US08253008B2
There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.
US08252996B1
A novel maize variety designated 10962300 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10962300 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10962300 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10962300, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10962300. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10962300.
US08252979B2
The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the protein AMT. The invention provides genomic sequence for the AMT gene. AMT is responsible for controlling nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants.
US08252975B2
The present invention relates to genetically modified monocotyledonous plant cells and plants whose starch has an apparent amylose content of less than 5% by weight and an increased activity of a protein with the activity of a starch synthase II and an increased activity of a protein with the activity of a glucan, water dikinase. Such plants synthesize starch with an increased hot-water swelling power. Methods and processes for the generation/preparation of these plant cells, plants, starches and flours are likewise subject matter of the present invention.
US08252965B2
The invention provides a method for separating halocarbons. In particular, a method for separating 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) based on differences in melting points of these compounds. More particularly the invention pertains to a method for separating HCFC-244bb from HCFO-1233xf which are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf).
US08252962B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,2-propanediol, in which a glycerol-containing stream, especially a stream obtained on the industrial scale in the production of biodiesel, is subjected to a hydrogenation in a two-stage reactor cascade.
US08252950B2
Porous organic-inorganic hybrid materials with crystallinity and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method comprises preparing a reaction solution containing a mixture of at least one inorganic metal precursor, at least one organic compound which may act as a ligand, and a solvent (step 1); and forming porous organic-inorganic hybrid materials with crystallinity by reacting the reaction solution (step 2), wherein the reaction is carried out under the pressure of about 3 atm or less.
US08252928B2
The present invention provides processes for the synthesis of five and six membered rings. In particular, the present invention provides processes for the synthesis of five and six membered rings in alkaloids.
US08252926B2
Provided is an environmentally-friendly process for preparing imatinib base in high yield, without the use of an organic solvent.
US08252925B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 3-phenyl(thio)uracils and -dithiouracils of the formula I where the variables are each as defined in the description, and also intermediates for their preparation.
US08252922B2
The present application discloses a method for crystallizing sucralose, which uses an alcohol solvent or a mixed solvent of alcohol and other solvent(s) in the crystallization of sucralose.
US08252920B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an inosine derivative represented by the following general formula (1) including the steps of subjecting an inosine derivative of general formula (3) to dithiocarbonylation and carrying out radical reduction of the obtained compound. According to the present invention there can be produced compounds useful as anti-AIDS drugs on industrial scale. wherein R1 may be the same or different and are each benzyl group, benzhydryl group or trityl group, each of which may have a substituent in general formulas (1) and (3).
US08252915B2
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, and 53320 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human transferase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08252906B2
The invention provides antibodies and polypeptides that specifically bind to the glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and use of the antibodies and polypeptides for treating or diagnosing HSV infections.
US08252903B2
The invention relates to sarcoma-associated antigens and the nucleic acid molecules that encode them. The invention further relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and fragments thereof associated with sarcoma in methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, such as cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to the discovery of a novel cancer/testis (CT) antigen, NY-SAR-35.
US08252902B2
The present invention provides antibody targeting compounds in which the specificity of the antibody has been reprogrammed by covalently or noncovalently linking a targeting agent to the combining site of an antibody. By this approach, the covalently modified antibody takes on the binding specificity of the targeting agent. The compound may have biological activity provided by the targeting agent or by a separate biological agent. Various uses of the invention compounds are provided.
US08252901B2
In accordance with the present invention, a family of membrane fusion protein and polynucleotides encoding the proteins have been identified. The proteins and nucleotides are derived from the family Reoviridae. Two membrane fusion proteins have been isolated from reoviruses isolated from poikilothermic hosts: the p14 protein from reptilian reovirus (RRV) isolated from python, and the p16 protein from aquareovirus (AQV) isolated from salmon. The genes encoding these proteins have been cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the amino acid sequences of these proteins show that both lack the typical fusion peptide motif found in other membrane fusion proteins. Expression of these proteins in cells results in cell-cell fusion.
US08252897B2
The present application relates to compositions of modified toxins exhibiting reduced immunogenicity and reduced binding to vascular endothelium or vascular endothelial cells, thereby reducing the incidence of Vascular Leak Syndrome. Also provided are polypeptide toxophores from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope. Another aspect relates to a polypeptide toxophore from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope and at least one amino acid residue of at least one VLS motif of an unmodified native diphtheria toxin. Another aspect relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified diphtheria toxin and a non-diphtheria toxin fragment that is a cell binding portion. Another aspect relates to the use of a modified diphtheria toxin for the treatment of a malignant disease or a non-malignant disease.
US08252896B2
The present invention relates to the efficient commercial synthesis of Bivalirudin.
US08252892B2
A process for obtaining an elastomer in solid phase from its polymer solution which comprises: (a) optionally pre-concentrating the polymer solution coming from the production system by a flash process; (b) subjecting the polymer solution to a concentrating stripping operation by water vapor in a mixing device comprising internal moveable mixing parts which transfer minimal mechanical energy to the solution in the form of friction heat; and (c) subjecting the concentrated polymer phase coming from (b) to devolatilization by mechanical energy and/or vapor flow to remove residual solvent.
US08252889B2
The invention relates to formulations comprising polythiophenes A) comprising at least one polythiophene containing recurring units of the general formula (I-a) and/or (I-b) and at least two further polymers, the use thereof and electroluminescent arrangements comprising hole-injecting layers comprising these formulations.
US08252877B2
Provided is a polymerizable compound represented by the following general formula (ca-1) or (cb-1): wherein the variables in the formulae are defined in the specification.
US08252870B2
The instant invention is a cure system for halogenated elastomer compositions, a curable halogenated elastomer composition, and a method for curing a halogenated elastomer composition. The cure system for halogenated elastomer compositions includes a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator. The curable halogenated elastomer composition includes a chlorinated elastomer, and a cure system including a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator. Furthermore, the method for curing a halogenated elastomer composition includes the following steps: (1) providing a chlorinated elastomer composition; (2) providing a cure system composition including a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator; (3) uniformly blending the cure system into the chlorinated elastomer composition; (4) thereby forming a curable chlorinated elastomer composition; (5) subjecting the curable chlorinated elastomer composition to heat or heat and pressure; and (6) thereby curing the curable chlorinated elastomer composition.
US08252867B2
The present invention relates to an impact strength modifier for thermoplastic polyester resin and a thermoplastic polyester resin composition containing the same, more precisely an impact strength modifier for thermoplastic polyester resin prepared by graft-polymerization of a) 20-80 weight % of multilayered rubber latex in which the ratio of particle diameter (Pb/Pa) of an inner layer (Pa) to outer layer is 1.05-1.5, and glass transition temperature of the inner layer or the outer layer is up to −30° C.; and b) 20-80 weight % of vinyl monomer. According to the present invention, a thermoplastic polyester resin composition having excellent transparency and improved impact strength can be provided by containing an impact strength modifier for thermoplastic polyester resin having multilayered structure in which content of rubber latex, glass transition temperature, particle diameter and refraction index are regulated.
US08252866B2
The present invention relates to polysaccharides that have been modified by providing azetidinium functionality thereto. Such functionality can be provided by crosslinking a polysaccharide with a resin having azetidinium functional groups. In one or more aspects, the polysaccharide can comprise one or more of starch, guar gum, alginate or derivatives thereof. Polysaccharides having azetidinium functionality according to the present invention are suitable for multiple uses. Such uses include, but are not limited to, removal of one or more solid materials from a liquid, beneficiation of an ore, removal of metallic ions from a liquid; providing oil from bitumen; and removal of mercury from synthetic gypsum. Other uses of the functionalized polysaccharides of the present invention include hydroseeding, dust control and erosion control.
US08252859B2
Aldimines of formula (I) that are particularly suitable as latent hardeners in curable compositions, particularly compositions having one or two-component isocyanate groups. Due to the presence of the reactive group, they can be converted to compounds of formulas (X) and (XII) having aldimine groups. The aldimines, or the aldimine compounds, can be used primarily in adhesive and sealant materials, but also in coatings, and can be produced easily from readily available source materials, and have good thermal stability. The tertiary amino group thereof has a surprisingly low alkalinity and can in some cases have a catalytic effect in chemical reaction systems.
US08252857B2
A process for producing odor-inhibiting water-absorbing polymer particles based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers bearing acid groups, wherein the polymer particles are coated with a chelating agent and a tannin.
US08252851B2
The invention provides composite materials prepared by i) providing a fluid formulation comprising (1) at least one compound capable of polymerization and/or cross-linking and (2) a water-consuming reactive filler; ii) optionally injecting said formulation into a site of use; iii) polymerising and/or cross-linking said compound, to form a solid polymer matrix (which may be degradable or non-degradable); iv) causing or allowing said filler to react with water absorbed by said polymer matrix, to produce a solid filler material which is dispersed throughout the composite material. The hydration and formation of the solid filler in situ provides desirable properties to the composites, which have utility for dental composites, bone fillers and adhesives and so on. The composite may also be used to release an active ingredient e.g. an antibacterial or DNA.
US08252846B2
The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.
US08252837B2
The present invention provides a practical preparation form of Tamibarotene and dosage form thereof, which exhibit high absorptivity by the body with minimized toxicity, and which are safe and stable without any risk of contamination. It is provided a Tamibarotene capsule preparation which encapsulates a composition comprising an oil component as its base and Tamibarotene as an active ingredient dissolved in the base. It is preferred that the oil component be propylene glycol fatty acid esters or polyethylene glycols. It is also preferred that the Tamibarotene capsule preparation comprise 0.1-50 mg/mL of the Tamibarotene based on the oil component.
US08252836B2
A unique composition of a 5-amino salicylic acid (5ASA) and a phospholipid is disclosed for treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), where the composition can be a mixture, a molecular association complex or a covalent compound of 5ASA and a reactive phospholipid covalently bonded together via a diazo linkage and to methods for administering the compositions to treat symptoms of IBD.
US08252835B2
Provided herein in certain embodiments are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for modulating the functions of estrogen receptor alpha 36, for preventing and/or treating diseases related to estrogen receptor alpha 36, for preventing and/or treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, for inducing cell death and/or inhibiting cell proliferation and for preventing and/or treating diseases involving abnormal cell proliferation such as cancers.
US08252834B2
The present invention relates to novel therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to dendrimer-linker conjugates, methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer) diagnosis and/or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer-linker conjugates of the present invention may further comprise one or more components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy.
US08252828B2
A series of S-triazolyl α-mercaptoacetanilides having general structure (1) are provided, where Q is CO2H, CONR2, SO3H, or SO2NR2. The compounds inhibit several variants of the reverse transcriptase of HIV, and are useful in the treatment of HIV infections.
US08252826B2
This invention relates to novel cyclopentyl- and cycloheptylpyrazole derivatives of the formula I wherein A and R1 to R4 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. The invention relates also to compositions including these compounds and methods of using the compounds.
US08252821B2
Pharmaceutical capsule compositions containing the active compound (2R)-2-[[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl][[2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]methyl]amino]-5,5,5-trifluoropentanamide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate, polyvinylpryrrolidone (PVP) or copovidone (PVP-Polyvinyl acetate), with or without citric acid, are provided.
US08252819B2
A low-melting biocidal composition comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, 3-iodopropargyl-N-butyl carbamate and at least one C1-C4 alkyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. The composition is stable with regard to agglomeration and crystallization at room temperature.
US08252813B2
A crystalline form of a drug, ways to make it, compositions containing it and methods of treatment of diseases and inhibition of adverse physiological events using it are disclosed.
US08252804B2
Fused cyclic pyrimidine compounds, including tautomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates and hydrates thereof, are disclosed having the general Formula I: These compounds are useful in methods for treating cancer, selectively targeting cancerous cells via the proton coupled folate transporter, folate receptor alpha, and/or folate receptor beta pathways, inhibiting GARFTase in cancerous cells, and selectively targeting activated macrophages in a patient having an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
US08252798B2
A compound of the formula: and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain.
US08252792B2
Thienopyrimidines of formula (Ia) or (Ib): wherein R1-R3 have any of the values described herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof have activity as inhibitors of PI3K and may thus be used to treat diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behaviour associated with PI3 kinase, in particular the p110 delta subtype, such as immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine disorders and neurological disorders. Processes for synthesizing the compounds are also described.
US08252784B2
Base-polymerizable or base-crosslinkable compositions comprising select bicyclic amines with benzylic substitution undergo photochemically induced, base-catalysed reactions upon photochemical conversion of the benzylically substituted amine to an amidine derivative.
US08252776B2
Minocycline oral dosage forms containing a controlled release carrier are useful for the treatment of acne.
US08252773B2
The invention provides a combination therapy wherein one or more other therapeutic agents are administered with an organic arsenical, preferably SGLU-1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to methods for the treatment of cancer, comprising administering SGLU-1 in combination with another therapeutic agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising SGLU-1 and another therapeutic agent.
US08252771B2
A biomaterial is disclosed having unique properties that make it useful in ocular drug delivery applications, where the drugs selected from the group consisting of a prostaglandin, a prostamide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and a corticosteroid, and mixtures, derivatives, salts and esters thereof.
US08252766B2
The compound spongosine (2-methoxyadenosine), of the class of adenosines, is useful as an analgesic, particularly in a method of preventing, treating, or ameliorating pain which comprises administering spongosine (2-methoxyadenosine) to a subject in need of such prevention, treatment, or amelioration.
US08252764B2
The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibition receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity. An exemplary placental receptor is FcRn/β2M, and compounds that bind to FcRn/β2M are potential teratogens.
US08252759B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions that decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. The compositions of the invention comprise short interfering nucleic acid molecules (siNA) including, but not limited to, siRNA that decrease expression of genes associated with production or drainage of intraocular fluid. The compositions of the invention can be used in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an eye conditions displaying increased IOP such as glaucoma, infection, inflammation, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. The methods of the invention comprise the administration to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more siNAs of the invention.
US08252757B2
The invention provides methods for treating asthma by using multiple rounds of administration of ISS over a period of time to confer long term disease modification.
US08252756B2
Materials and methods for regulating gene expression using nanoparticles functionalized with antisense oligonucleotides are provided.
US08252748B2
Peptide derived from neurotensin receptor 3 and use thereof in the treatment of psychiatric diseases
The invention relates to a peptide derived from neurotensin receptor 3 (NTSR3), and to the use thereof in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. The present invention particularly relates to the use of this peptide for producing a drug, such as an antidepressant. The peptide of the invention is characterized in that the sequence thereof is the attached SEQ ID No. 2. The present invention can be used in the fields of the pharmaceutical industry and particularly in the field of drug development for treating psychiatric diseases. The present invention can also be used in the development of a novel antidepressant. It can also be used for example, in the treatment of pain and inflammations.
US08252744B2
Methods and compositions are provided for suppressing appetite by surgically implanting a drug infusion pump into a site in a subject, and delivering a stable suspension of an appetite suppressing agent a region in a central nervous system of the subject. The appetite suppressing agent binds to a target receptor on a neural cell in the central nervous system and modifies the receptor function to suppress appetite.
US08252743B2
Modified erythropoietin (EPO) polypeptides and other modified therapeutic polypeptides are provided. The EPO polypeptides and other therapeutic polypeptides are modified to exhibit physical properties and activities that differ from the unmodified EPO polypeptides and other unmodified therapeutic polypeptides, respectively. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides also are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment and diagnosis using the polypeptides.
US08252740B2
Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) serves as a vector for thermally-targeted delivery of therapeutics, including cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin. Examples of an ELP-based delivery vehicle can comprise: (1) a cell penetrating peptide, such as a Tat peptide, (2) ELP, and (3) the lysosomally degradable glycylphenylalanylleucylglycine (GFLG) (SEQ ID NO: 3) spacer and a cysteine residue (SEQ ID NO: 4) conjugated to therapeutic such as doxorubicin, or an analog thereof.
US08252735B2
A basestock that comprises a fully hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer; a partially hydrogenated mono-aromatic substituted styrene linear dimer; and a partially hydrogenated di-aromatic substituted styrene linear dimer. A process of producing a basestock that comprises reacting a feed stream that comprises substituted styrene, alcohol, and a dimerization catalyst, in the presence of a solvent, to form a crude slurry of dimerized substituted styrene; and partially hydrogenating the dimerized substituted styrene with hydrogen over a Group VIII catalyst to form a basestock that comprises a fully hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer and a partially hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer.
US08252716B2
A two-cycle thermal process for making porous activated carbon materials involves a first step of heating a mixture of a carbon precursor/chemical additive in a first heating cycle at a first temperature to cause gas liberation and volumetric expansion of the mixture, and heating the carbon material produced in the first step in a second heating cycle at a second temperature to carbonize and activate the carbon precursor. During the second cycle, essentially no gas liberation or volumetric expansion is observed.
US08252713B1
Methods and systems of preparing a catalyst to be used in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes through Chemical Vapor Depositions are disclosed. The method may include a mixture comprising at least one of an iron catalyst source and a catalyst support. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes using the catalyst is disclosed. The method may include driving a reaction in a CVD furnace and generating at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube through the reaction. The method also includes depositing the catalyst on the CVD furnace and driving a carbon source with a carrier gas to the CVD furnace. The method further includes decomposing the carbon source in the presence of the catalyst under a sufficient gas pressure for a sufficient time to grow at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube.
US08252712B2
An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer.
US08252711B1
A highly dispersed, unsupported, electrocatalyst made of pyrolyzed porphyries and a method for synthesizing the same. The disclosed synthesis procedure allows for optimization of pore size and therefore transport properties. Compounds suitable for use include transition metal N4-chelates such as, but not necessarily limited to, N4-chelates containing different metal centers including Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ru, Cu, etc., and other N4-chelates such as porphyrin, phthalocyanies, and structures based on their pyro products.
US08252707B2
A composition for the manufacture of high strength glass fibers suitable for manufacture in both precious metal lined furnaces and refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The glass composition of the present invention includes 62-68 weight % SiO2, 22-26 weight % Al2O3, 8-15 weight % MgO and 0.1 to 3.0 weight % Li2O. One suitable composition of the present invention includes 64-66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23-24.5 weight percent Al2O3, 9-11 weight percent MgO and 0.3-0.35 weight percent Li2O. Another suitable composition includes 66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23.4 weight percent Al2O3, 9.8 weight percent MgO and 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Yet another suitable composition is about 66 weight percent SiO2, about 23 weight percent Al2O3, about 10.5 weight percent MgO and about 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed. The fibers have a fiberizing temperature of less than 2650° F., a ΔT of at least 25° F. Further, the glass fibers of the present invention typically have a strength in excess of 700 KPSI, in one embodiment, a strength in excess of about 730 KPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, a strength in excess of about 750 KPSI. The glass fibers will typically have a modulus greater than 12.8 MPSI, in one embodiment, greater than about 13 MPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, greater than about 13.2 MPSI.
US08252703B2
Methods of forming a roughened metal surface on a substrate are provided, along with structures comprising such roughened surfaces. In preferred embodiments roughened surfaces are formed by selectively depositing metal or metal oxide on a substrate surface to form discrete, three-dimensional islands. Selective deposition may be obtained, for example, by modifying process conditions to cause metal agglomeration or by treating the substrate surface to provide a limited number of discontinuous reactive sites. The roughened metal surface may be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits.
US08252701B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes: (a) forming an oxide film having a predetermined thickness on a substrate by alternately repeating: (a-1) forming a layer containing a predetermined element on the substrate by supplying a source gas containing the predetermined element into a process vessel accommodating the substrate and exhausting the source gas from the process vessel; and (a-2) changing the layer containing the predetermined element into an oxide layer by supplying an oxygen-containing gas and an hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, wherein inside of the process vessel is under a heated atmosphere having a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure; and exhausting the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas from the process vessel; and (b) modifying the oxide film formed on the substrate by supplying the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, wherein the inside of the process vessel is under the heated atmosphere having the pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and exhausting the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas from the process vessel.
US08252697B2
Methods of forming transparent zinc-tin oxide structures are described. Devices that include transparent zinc-tin oxide structures as at least one of a channel layer in a transistor or a transparent film disposed over an electrical device that is at a substrate.
US08252694B2
A plasma etching method that can increase the selection ratio of a stop layer to an interlayer insulation film. The plasma etching method is carried out on a substrate that has the interlayer insulation film formed of CwFx (x and w are predetermined natural numbers) and a stop layer that stops etching and is exposed at the bottom of a hole or a trench formed in the interlayer insulation film. The interlayer insulation film and the stop layer are exposed at the same time to plasma generated from CyFz (y and z are predetermined natural numbers) gas and hydrogen-containing gas.
US08252687B2
The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition for polishing a substrate. The polishing composition comprises silica, a compound selected from the group consisting of an amine-substituted silane, a tetraalkylammonium salt, a tetraalkylphosphonium salt, and an imidazolium salt, a carboxylic acid having seven or more carbon atoms, an oxidizing agent that oxidizes a metal, and water. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the aforementioned polishing composition.
US08252680B2
An apparatus includes an interconnect in a recess. The interconnect includes a liner structure and the liner structure in the recess. The liner structure is breached at the recess bottom feature and a bottom interconnect makes a single-interface contact with a subsequent interconnect through the breach.
US08252670B2
The invention relates to a production method of a lateral electro-optical modulator on an SOI substrate, the modulator comprising a rib waveguide formed in the thin layer of silicon of the SOI substrate, the rib waveguide being placed between a doped region P and a doped region N formed in the thin layer of silicon, the rib waveguide occupying an intrinsic region of the thin layer, at least one doped zone P being formed in the rib and perpendicularly to the substrate. The method comprises masking steps of the thin layer of silicon to define therein the rib of the waveguide, etching of the rib, masking of the thin layer of silicon to delimit the parts to be doped P, doping of the parts to be doped P, masking of the thin layer of silicon to delimit the region to be doped N and doping of the region to be doped N. The masking steps utilizes a hard mask whereof the pattern defines the rib of the waveguide, the zone to be doped P in the rib of the waveguide and the limit of the doped region N relative to the rib of the waveguide.
US08252661B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell region and a peripheral region. A cell array is defined within the cell region, the cell array having first, second, third, and fourth sides. A first decoder is defined within the peripheral region and provided adjacent to the first side of the cell array. A first isolation structure is formed at a first boundary region provided between the first side of the cell array and the peripheral region. A first active region is formed at a second boundary region that is provided between the second side of the cell array and the peripheral region. The first isolation structure has a first portion that has a first depth and a second portion that has a second depth.
US08252657B2
A method for fabricating metal gate transistor and resistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a transistor region and a resistor region; forming a shallow trench isolation in the substrate of the resistor region; forming a tank in the shallow trench isolation of the resistor region; forming at least one gate in the transistor region and a resistor in the tank of the resistor region; and transforming the gate into a metal gate transistor.
US08252654B2
In a method for manufacturing a memory cell, a substrate is provided. A doped region with a first conductive type is formed in the substrate near a surface of the substrate. A portion of the substrate is removed to define a plurality of fin structures in the substrate. A plurality of isolation structures is formed among the fin structures. A surface of the isolation structures is lower than a surface of the fin structures. A gate structure is formed over the substrate and straddles the fin structure. The gate structure includes a gate straddling the fin structure and a charge storage structure located between the fin structure and the gate. A source/drain region is formed with a second conductive type in the fin structure exposed by the gate structure, and the first conductive type is different from the second conductive type.
US08252648B2
A power MOSFET device and manufacturing method thereof, includes the steps of selectively depositing a first conductive material in the middle region at the bottom of a contact trench and contacting with light-doped N-type epitaxial layer to form a Schottky junction and depositing a second conductive material at the side wall and bottom corner of the contact trench and contacting with P-type heavy-doped body region to form an ohmic junction. The first and second conductive materials can respectively optimize the performance of the ohmic contact and the Schottky contact without compromise. Meanwhile, the corner of the contact trench is surrounded by P-type heavy-doped region thereby effectively reducing the leakage currents accumulated at the corner of the contact trench.
US08252647B2
Semiconductor device fabrication method and devices are disclosed. A device may be fabricated by forming in a semiconductor layer; filling the trench with an insulating material; removing selected portions of the insulating material leaving a portion of the insulating material in a bottom portion of the trench; forming one or more spacers on one or more sidewalls of a remaining portion of the trench; anisotropically etching the insulating material in the bottom portion of the trench using the spacers as a mask to form a trench in the insulator; removing the spacers; and filling the trench in the insulator with a conductive material. Alternatively, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) structure may be formed on a sidewall and at a bottom of the trench and one or more conductive structures may be formed in a portion of the trench not occupied by the ONO structure.
US08252646B2
Methods are provided for simultaneously processing transistors in two different regions of an integrated circuit. Planar transistors are provided in a logic region while recessed access devices (RADs) are provided in an array region for a memory device. During gate stack patterning in the periphery, word lines are recessed within the trenches for the array RADs. Side wall spacer formation in the periphery simultaneously provides an insulating cap layer burying the word lines within the trenches of the array.
US08252641B2
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, first contact holes reaching diffusion regions of a cell transistor, bit line contact holes reaching diffusion regions of the cell transistor, and interconnect grooves communicating with the bit line contact holes are buried in a first insulating film. In addition, first contact plugs and bit line contacts are respectively formed by burying conductive materials in the first contact holes, the bit line contact holes and the interconnect grooves, and the first contact plugs are electrically connected to a capacitor formed in a third insulating film through an opening formed in a second insulating film.
US08252640B1
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes rapid thermal annealing of a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate at a temperature of at least 950° C., followed by forming source/drain regions in the semiconductor substrate.
US08252638B2
A method for forming an empty area under a layer of a given material, including forming on a substrate a stacking of a photosensitive layer and of a layer of the given material; insolating a portion of the photosensitive layer or its complement according to whether the photosensitive layer is positive or negative with an electron beam crossing the layer of the given material; and removing the portion of the photosensitive layer.
US08252628B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second surfaces opposite each other, the first surface being an active surface by provided with an electronic element thereon, a pad electrode formed to be connected to the electronic element in a peripheral portion of the electronic element on the active surface, a first opening extending from the second surface toward the pad electrode so as not to reach the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second opening, formed to reach the pad electrode from a bottom surface of the first opening, having a diameter smaller than that of the first opening, an insulating layer formed to cover sidewall surfaces of the first opening and the second opening, and a conductive layer formed, inside of the insulating layer, to cover at least an inner wall surface of the insulating layer and a bottom surface of the second opening.
US08252626B2
A manufacturing method for a thin film transistor array panel including forming a gate electrode, forming an insulating layer on the gate electrode, sequentially forming a lower conducting layer and a upper conducting layer on the insulating layer, etching the upper conducting layer to form a first source electrode and a first drain electrode, etching the lower conducting layer to form the second source electrode and the second drain electrode, over-etching the second source electrode and the second drain electrode, and forming an organic semiconductor between the second source electrode and the second drain electrode.
US08252623B2
A phase change memory device and an associated method of making same are presented. The phase change memory device, includes first wiring lines, second wiring lines, memory cells, and conduction contacts. The first wiring lines are arranged substantially in parallel to each other so that the first wiring lines are grouped into odd and even numbered first wiring lines. The memory cells are coupled to the first and second wiring lines. The conduction contacts coupled to the first wiring lines so that only one conduction contact is coupled to a center of a corresponding odd numbered first wiring line. Also only two corresponding conduction contacts are coupled to opposing edges of a corresponding even numbered first wiring line. Accordingly, the conduction contacts are arranged on the first wiring lines so that conduction contacts are not adjacent to each other with respect to immediately adjacent first wiring lines.
US08252620B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a photoanode of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) by pressure swing impregnation, which includes impregnating a metal oxide layer on a conductive substrate in a photosensitizing dye solution in a vessel; introducing a pressurized inert gas into the vessel to maintain a first pressure therein for a period of time, wherein the first pressure can be lower or higher than the critical pressure of the inert gas and the solution is expanded by the inert gas; further pressurizing the vessel with the inert gas and maintaining at a second pressure higher than the first pressure for a period of time, wherein the inert gas becomes sub-critical or supercritical fluid and dissolves more in the solution, creating an anti-solvent effect, so that the photosensitizing dye further deposits onto the metal oxide layer due to the anti-solvent effect.
US08252618B2
Methods for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device are generally disclosed. A resistive transparent layer can be sputtered on a transparent conductive oxide layer from a metal alloy target in a sputtering atmosphere of argon and oxygen that includes argon from about 5% to about 40%. A cadmium sulfide layer can then be formed on the resistive transparent layer. A cadmium telluride layer can be formed on the cadmium sulfide layer; and a back contact layer can be formed on the cadmium telluride layer. The sputtering can be accomplished within a sputtering chamber.
US08252614B2
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a solid state image sensor including at least one antireflective layer and/or non rectangular shaped wiring layer cross section to reduce dark currents and 1/f noise.
US08252608B1
A sample with at least a first structure and a second structure is measured and a first model and a second model of the sample are generated. The first model models the first structure as an independent variable and models the second structure. The second model of the sample models the second structure as an independent variable. The measurement, the first model and the second model together to determine at least one desired parameter of the sample. For example, the first structure may be on a first layer and the second structure may be on a second layer that is under the first layer, and the processing of the sample may at least partially remove the first layer, wherein the second model models the first layer as having a thickness of zero.
US08252605B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing a dissociated species from a fluid medium solution during and after it has detached from a solid-phase immersed in said medium, thereby allowing the concentration of free species to remain close to zero, and for improving the signal to noise ratio in assays. This is achieved by employing a substrate, such as a scavenging solid-phase, having an attached binding partner or partners (“scavenger”) for the specifically binding species and which is present during storage. This substrate may also contain regions for binding signal generating components attached to the solid-phase. This substrate binds any free species bleeding off the solid phase, increasing the reliability and sensitivity of assays. A subset of the substrates in the invention additionally forms cross-linked networks of solid-phase particles that further increase the sensitivity of assays.
US08252604B2
The invention relates to a method for selecting charged particles possessing a predetermined property from a population of a multiplicity of different particles, and also to a device which is suitable for implementing the method.
US08252602B2
The system and method for explosives detection may be used for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A testing device may have a case with a cover. A sample holder may be disposed in the case for receipt of a sample element and may have a sample retainer. The sample element may have a swipe pad attached to a backing element a heater may be disposed in the sample holder wherein the heater may be below the swipe pad adjacent the backing element when the sample element may be positioned in the sample holder. The heater may be in communication with an electric power source. The case may have a plurality of cavities formed therein for receipt of a plurality of fluid containers. The plurality of fluid containers may have at least a first reagent fluid and a second reagent fluid.
US08252598B2
Methods and systems of detecting analytes using a microcantilever system are generally described. The microcantilever system generally includes micro- or nano-sized elements that can be electrostatically driven to resonance. Utilizing the disclosed devices and methods, direct electronic detection of the resonant frequency, changes of the resonant frequency, and associated phase signal of a micro- or nano-sized element can be utilized to measure the presence of a targeted analyte. The detection system of the present invention utilizes a non-contact microcantilever device. That is, the surface of the microcantilever (e.g., the surface of the resonating beam) does not bond or otherwise attach to an analyte or other chemical. Thus, the microcantilever device, including the resonating beam, can be kept in pristine condition during and even after repeated use.
US08252597B1
Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.
US08252594B2
A composition containing a petroleum hydrocarbon, a biodiesel fuel or an ethanol fuel, and an organic marker compound.
US08252583B2
A method for inducing differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes, which comprises contacting the ES cells with an agonist for G-CSF receptor.
US08252578B2
Isolated fragments of the HFE2A protein able to bind and modulate HFE2A and other proteins, such as hepcidin, involved in the iron metabolism pathway are disclosed, such fragments being of molecular weight of approximately 7 kDa to 43 kDa. Also disclosed are corresponding isolated polynucleotides encoding the fragments of the HFE2A protein. The invention includes derivatives and analogs of the polypeptide fragments of HFE2A, along with compositions of these, that are functionally active, i.e. capable of interacting with the HFE2A, as well as methods of production of the HFE2A cleavage products, derivatives and analogs, e.g. by recombinant means. Methods for identifying modulators of HFE2A, comprising contacting a test compound with HFE2A and determining a change in HFE2A activity due to the compound, are provided. Also taught are methods of diagnosing an animal afflicted with or at risk of developing a disease of iron metabolism comprising determining a change in the level, amount or activity of a fragment of an HFE2A obtained in a sample from said animal relative to the level, amount or activity of a fragment of an HFE2A obtained in a control sample from an unaffected animal, wherein a change identifies said individual as being affect by or at risk of developing a disease of iron metabolism. Methods for treating and/or preventing a disorder in animals comprising administering to an animal afflicted therewith, or at risk of developing said disorder, a therapeutically effective amount of an HFE2A modulator are provided.
US08252575B2
A newly isolated lytic bacteriophage specifically against Klebsiella pneumoniae, deposited at DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen with deposit number (DSM 24329), shows broad host ranges and lytic effects on K. pneumoniae isolated from Taiwan under either in vivo or in vitro models.
US08252573B2
The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.
US08252566B2
The present invention relates to processes for producing ethanol from citrus waste wherein the level of fermentation-inhibiting compounds found in citrus waste or the complex polysaccharide or sugars derived therefrom is reduced using a pre-fermentation treatment step to lower the level of fermentation-inhibiting compounds to the fermentation feedstock.
US08252557B2
Disclosed is a culture medium for culturing an animal cell, which is characterized by containing a peptide comprising, as a constituent unit, an amino acid residue selected from the amino acid group consisting of serine, tyrosine and cysteine. The culture medium is suitable for the high level production of a protein by an animal cell.
US08252556B2
Recently, the development of inducible expression systems has involved exploitation of the p-cym operon from Pseudomonas putida. Disclosed herein are novel expression systems and components thereof, which involve the development of a CymR variant with reverse DNA binding activity, such that they exhibit increased affinity for DNA in a presence rather than an absence of an effector molecule such as cumene or an equivalent thereof. Also disclosed are the CymR variant, fusion proteins incorporating such a variant, and its use in the control and expression of polynucleotides. The CymR variant comprises a 142Glu to 142Gly single point mutation of wild type CymR.
US08252553B2
The present invention identified a high affinity binding sequence in collagen type III for the collagen-binding integrin I domains. Provided herein are the methods used to characterize the sequence, the peptides comprising this novel sequence and the use of the peptides in enabling cell adhesion. Also provided herein are methods to identify specific integrin inhibitors, sequences of these inhibitors and their use in inhibiting pathophysiological conditions that may arise due to integrin-collagen interaction.
US08252545B2
Immunogenic peptides of a melanoma antigen recognized by T cells, designated gp100, bioassays using the peptides to diagnose, assess or prognose a mammal afflicted with cancer, more specifically melanoma or metastatic melanoma, and use of the proteins and peptides as immunogens to inhibit, prevent or treat melanoma.
US08252535B2
The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the expression of a target gene in a eukaryotic cell. The method includes the following steps: a) providing at least one eukaryotic cell, the cell being capable of RNA interference, b) transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a composition that includes a genetic construct that includes an siRNA tag, and a target gene that forms a transcription unit together with the siRNA tag, and c) introducing at least one siRNA that is complementary to the siRNA tag of the transfected genetic construct to inhibit the expression of the target gene.
US08252533B2
Disclosed are a process for increasing efficiency or specificity of hybridization between peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes immobilized on a support and target nucleic acids, which comprises the step of fragment the target nucleic acids to reduce the size of the target nucleic acids, or selectively degrading the target nucleic acids which mismatch with the PNA probes, in the hybridization reaction between the PNA probes supported on a support and the target nucleic acids; and a composition and a kit therefor.
US08252527B2
Provided are methods for identifying a polynucleotide that can reduce the level of a target mRNA. The method can be performed by providing cells that express an RNA polynucleotide that contains a target mRNA sequence, an internal ribosome entry sequence (IRES) and a sequence encoding a secreted reporter protein; introducing to the cells a test polynucleotide, and measuring activity of the secreted reporter protein. A reduction in secreted reporter protein activity relative to a control cell into which the test polynucleotide has not been introduced is indicative that the test polynucleotide is capable of reducing the level of the target mRNA in the cells. The method is adaptable for high throughput screening methods and is suited for identifying polynucleotides that can catalyze cleavage of target mRNA and/or act on target mRNA through and antisense or RNAi mechanism.
US08252518B2
There is disclosed a chemically amplified positive resist composition to form a chemically amplified resist film to be used in a lithography, wherein the chemically amplified positive resist composition comprises at least, (A) a base resin, insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkaline solution, having a repeating unit whose phenolic ydroxyl group is protected by a tertiary alkyl group, while soluble in an alkaline solution when the tertiary alkyl group is removed; (B) an acid generator; (C) a basic component; and (D) an organic solvent, and a solid component concentration is controlled so that the chemically amplified resist film having the film thickness of 10 to 100 nm is obtained by a spin coating method. There can be provided, in a lithography, a chemically amplified positive resist composition giving a high resolution with a suppressed LER deterioration caused by film-thinning at the time of forming a chemically amplified resist film with the film thickness of 10 to 100 nm, and a resist patterning process using the same.
US08252514B2
A printing plate assembly for use in flexographic printing application is provided which includes an integral carrier layer, one or more cushion layers, and one or more photopolymer layers. The photopolymer layer(s) in the integral assembly are provided with relief images using digital imaging photopolymerization, which eliminates the need for a back exposure step and provides a precise relief depth for the plate.
US08252512B2
An novel epoxy compound is represented by the general formula (I) and has a benzo- or naphtho-cycloalkane skeleton: X, Y, and Z each independently represent an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, an aryl group having 6-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, an arylalkyl group having 7-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a heterocyclic group having 2-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, or a halogen atom; k represents a number of 0-4; p represents a number of 0-8; r represents a number of 0-4; n represents 0-10; x represents a number of 0-4; y represents a number of 0-4; a sum of x and y is 2-4; and an optical isomer that exists when n is not 0 may be of any type.
US08252508B2
A positive photosensitive composition comprises: (A) 5 to 20 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray; and (B) 100 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one fluorine atom-containing resin having a group that increases a solubility of the resin in an alkaline developer by the action of an acid.
US08252495B2
The electrophotographic toner of the present invention comprises toner particles and inorganic fine powder externally added to the toner particles. The toner particles comprise a core particle containing at least a resin, a coloring agent and wax, a first shell layer that is formed on the surface of the core particle to prevent inorganic fine powder from being buried, and a second shell layer that is formed on the surface of the first shell layer to retain inorganic fine powder. This makes it possible to inhibit inorganic fine powder that is an external additive from being buried in a toner and prevent deterioration of developing performance, reduction in transfer efficiency, blocking of a developer and toner aggregation.
US08252491B2
A marker, for example an alignment marker or an overlay marker is formed in two steps. First, a pattern of two chemically distinct feature types having a pitch comparable to product features is formed. This pattern is then masked by resist in the form of the desired marker, which has a larger pitch than the pattern. Finally, one of the two feature types is selectively etched in the open areas. The result is a marker with a large pitch suitable to be read with long wavelength radiation but the edges of the features are defined in an exposure step having a pitch comparable to the product features.
US08252487B2
A device manufacturing method, is presented herein. In one embodiment, the device manufacturing method includes a mask for use with DUV having a quartz substrate and chrome absorber. The chrome absorber has a thickness of about 700 nm which causes increased TE polarization in the transmitted light and improves contrast at the substrate level.
US08252483B2
A lightweight, compact high-performance fuel cell separator is provided with enhanced output density and capable of being stacked without a gas seal member. Embodiments include a separator having a corrugated electrically conducting flow path. A recess and projection are formed on front and rear surfaces, each constituting a gas flow path alternately arrayed abreast in a plane.
US08252480B2
Disclosed is a gasket for reducing stress concentration in a fuel cell stack, which prevents damage or deformation of a separator and further prevents a position shift of the gasket by reducing stress concentration formed at a specific region by deformation of the gasket due to a compression force. In particular, the gasket includes a T-shaped or cross-shaped gasket joint to form hydrogen, air and coolant manifolds, and the gasket joint has a structure in which two joint branches forming an angle of 180° in the opposite direction to each other are joined at one point with a particular angles which reduce stress concentration formed due to compression force by deformation of the gasket.
US08252472B2
Fluid control valves, such as a humidifying module bypass valve, an inlet shutoff valve, an outlet shutoff valve are opened and closed by the pressure of air flowing in a fluid flow path. The pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated, based on a drive demand pressure emitted to drive the flow control valves, by the flow rate of air discharged from an air compressor, the degree of opening of a fuel cell bypass valve, the degree of opening of an air pressure regulation valve, etc. The drive demand pressure for driving a shutoff valve is set such that, for example, the greater the absolute value of the negative pressure inside the fuel cell stack, the higher the drive demand pressure, and the air pressure is controlled to be the drive demand pressure. Since the pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated based on a drive demand pressure of the fluid control valves, the response of drive and reliability of the fluid control valves are better than those in the case where, for example, the pressure is regulated based on a request from a fuel cell.
US08252468B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell is provided having enhanced safety against overcharge and reduced self-discharge. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and electrolytic salt. The non-aqueous solvent contains 20 to 80 volume % tertiary carboxylic acid ester represented by Formula 2 at 25° C. and 1 atm. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a halogenated benzene compound. where R1 to R4 each denote a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 4 or less carbon atoms and may be the same or different.
US08252461B2
An improved cathode suitable for lithium-sulfur batteries, a battery including the cathode, and a battery including a separator containing inorganic fillers are disclosed. The cathode includes sulfur and a metal oxide and optionally includes an additional polymeric material. The metal oxide reduces dissolution of sulfur at the cathode and reduces sulfur-containing deposits on the battery anode, thereby providing a battery with relatively high energy density and good partial discharge performance. The separator also reduces unwanted diffusion of sulfur species.
US08252459B2
A new invention in cathode composition, arrangement, and design for primary and secondary batteries that offers high power, high capacity, and high specific energy is proposed herein. The claimed technology described herein incorporates materials into the cathode that results in a cathode which may accept two electrons per active site. Other advantages of the technology included herein include: 1) lower cost, 2) environmental friendliness, 3) safety, 4) a wide operational temperature range, 5) backwards compatibility with present electrochemical cells, and 6) versatility. The technology is cross-cutting, and has high impact applications, such as for electric vehicles, which require both high power and high specific energy.
US08252456B2
A battery outer label 1 including a heat-shrinkable resin film such as of polyethylene terephthalate as a base material 2, a printing layer 5 and a protective layer 6 formed on a front surface of the base material 2, and a vapor-deposited metal layer 3 and an adhesive layer 4 formed on a back surface of the base material 2, wherein the battery outer label 1 has a water vapor permeability in the range of 14 to 30 g/m2·24 h.
US08252453B2
A secondary battery that can simplify manufacturing of an assembly of a bare cell and a protection circuit module, and reduce manufacturing costs by installing a connecting member of a protection circuit module electrically coupled to a bare cell in one direction of the bare cell. The secondary battery may be constructed with a bare cell; a protection circuit module installed on one edge side surface of the bare cell; first and second electrode terminals included in the bare cell; and first and second lead plates respectively configured to electrically couple the protection circuit module to the first and second electrode terminals, wherein the first and second lead plates are installed on the same single side edge surface between side surfaces of the bare cell.
US08252452B2
Disclosed herein are a secondary battery including an electrode assembly for charging and discharging mounted in a sheathing member including a metal layer and a resin layer, wherein the secondary battery further includes a secondary battery having a molding part of a predetermined thickness at least partially formed at the outside of a sheathing member, preferably, at a sealing region of the sheathing member, and a medium- or large-sized battery pack including the same. The molding part is formed at the outside of the sheathing member of the secondary battery. Consequently, the secondary battery according to the present invention has high mechanical strength, and therefore, it is possible to construct a battery pack without using addition members, such as cartridges. When the molding part is formed at the sealing region, which is weak, the molding part increases the mechanical strength and the sealing force of the secondary battery. Consequently, a battery pack including the secondary batteries as unit cells can be manufactured generally in a compact structure and with relatively small weight, and the assembly process of the battery pack is greatly simplified. The battery pack according to the present invention has high structural stability. Consequently, the battery pack can be preferably used as a power source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles.
US08252451B2
The invention provides a battery electrode manufacturing method that includes a composition adjusting process of adjusting an electrode layer forming composition that includes a first electrode material having a particle size that is larger than an opening size of a porous collector, and a second electrode material having a particle size that is smaller than the opening size of the porous collector; and an application process of applying the electrode layer forming composition to the porous collector. The invention also provides a battery electrode having an inner electrode layer and an outer electrode layer.
US08252446B2
A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device includes a housing, a battery cover, a pivot member and two latch members. The housing forms two support stages at two sides thereof. The battery cover forms two extending portions corresponding to the support stages. Each support stage forms two protrusions. The pivot member rotatably connects the battery cover to the housing. The two latch members are attached to the support stages. Each latch member includes two receiving spaces receiving a corresponding protrusion. Each latch member deforms to allow the battery cover to releasably latch to the housing.
US08252445B2
A battery lock for locking a battery of an electronic apparatus is provided. The battery lock includes a sliding button and a sliding member. The sliding button includes a sliding part for sliding the battery lock. The sliding member includes a base part and a side part extended from the base part. The sliding button is assembled on the base part of the sliding member detachably. At least one pushing part are fixed on the side part of the sliding member to lock the battery of the electronic apparatus.
US08252439B2
A rechargeable battery includes a housing comprising at least two cells that can be filled with an electrolyte. The rechargeable battery includes a cover and a degassing system having openings provided therein. The cover and the degassing system are arranged such that the openings provided in the cover and the degassing system are located above the cells of the rechargeable battery. A sealing plug is provided in each of the openings, the sealing plug having an upper part and a lower part having a splash basket. The upper part covers the openings on the outside of the cover and the lower part extends in the direction of the cells. The splash basket surrounds a cavity and has slots distributed over its circumference, the slots continuing as far as a free end of the splash basket.
US08252438B2
A lithium ion battery is provided comprising a shell, an electric core disposed in the shell with a space formed therebetween, and a non-aqueous electrolyte housed in the shell, in which the space is filled with a non-aqueous electrolyte resistant filler.
US08252436B1
A touch screen includes a substrate, and a coating attached to the substrate. The coating includes titanium dioxide and cadmium selenide in a relative weight ratio of about 3:1. The particle size of the titanium dioxide is about 2 nanometers. The particle size of the cadmium selenide ranges from about 2.3 to about 3.7 nanometers.
US08252434B2
A light emitting device comprises a pair of electrodes and a mixed layer provided between the pair of electrodes. The mixed layer contains an organic compound which contains no nitrogen atoms, i.e., an organic compound which dose not have an arylamine skeleton, and a metal oxide. As the organic compound, an aromatic hydrocarbon having an anthracene skeleton is preferably used. As such an aromatic hydrocarbon, t-BuDNA, DPAnth, DPPA, DNA, DMNA, t-BuDBA, and the like are listed. As the metal oxide, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, ruthenium oxide, rhenium oxide, and the like are preferably used. Further, the mixed layer preferably shows absorbance per 1 μm of 1 or less or does not show a distinct absorption peak in a spectrum of 450 to 650 nm when an absorption spectrum is measured.
US08252433B2
The present invention provides a novel organic compound having excellent heat resistance. By using the novel organic compound, a light-emitting device and an electronic device having excellent heat resistance can be provided. A quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) is provided. Since the quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) has excellent heat resistance, when it is used for a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element also have excellent heat resistance. Further, electronic devices having excellent heat resistance can be provided.
US08252421B2
The present invention relates to a gas barrier film where a polyurethane type resin layer and an inorganic layer are disposed in this order from a polyester type resin film side on at least one surface of a polyester type resin film, wherein the polyurethane type resin constituting said polyurethane type resin layer is a resin containing a skeleton represented by the following formula (1) and/or the following formula (2).
US08252419B2
An adhesive for bonding and securing a semiconductor chip to a circuit board and electrically connecting the electrodes of the two, and containing an adhesive resin composition and an inorganic filler being contained in an amount of 10 to 200 parts by weight of 100 parts by weight of the adhesive resin composition.
US08252418B2
In one embodiment, a drug delivery system and method provide a member including a combination of a drug substance and a polymer or other material, and an encapsulating layer formed in an outer surface of the member by gas cluster ion beam irradiation of the outer surface of the member, which encapsulating layer is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system.
US08252390B2
A structure for reducing internal reflections in an optical system includes a stack of layers including a first layer having a first refractive index, a second layer having a second refractive index, a third layer having a third refractive index, a fourth layer having a fourth refractive index, and a fifth layer having a fifth refractive index. The second layer is arranged between the first layer and the third layer, and the fourth layer is arranged between the third layer and fifth layer. Further, the third refractive index is greater than the second and fourth refractive indexes, the second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index, and the fourth refractive index is greater than the fifth refractive index.
US08252388B2
A method of performing plasma immersion ion processing (PIIP), particularly suited for processing three-dimensional objects. One or more such objects are placed in a conductive cage having solid or mesh walls. The cage completely encloses the objects. A voltage is applied to the cage, and the plasma is generated, resulting in the plasma being contained within the cage.
US08252385B2
Processes for printing conductors, insulators, dielectrics, phosphors, emitters, and other elements containing elongated functional particles aligned along the axis of a spun fiber or film that can be for electronics and display applications are provided. Also provided are viscoelastic compositions used in the processes, and devices made therefrom.
US08252382B2
The present invention relates to an aluminum wheel having high gloss and a method for manufacturing the same, and the method for manufacturing an aluminum wheel having high gloss includes the steps of: (i) coating a primary coating powder paints for increasing a flatness of an aluminum wheel having a rough surface and improving an adhesive force to a silver mirror coating surface, (ii) forming of silver coating layer forming a mirror surface having a high gloss and high reflectivity on the powder paints coated surface using a silver coating solution, and (iii) forming at least one transparent top coating for protecting the silver mirror surface and increasing an abrasion resistance and a saltwater resistance after the step (ii). In accordance with the present in an aluminum wheel having high gloss and high reflectivity can be manufactured in a simple processes and relative inexpensive cost.
US08252362B2
Evaluation methods that employ the near infrared spectrum have generally had a low specificity and in particular have encountered difficulty in the evaluation of trace components, and the accurate measurement of coating quantity by methods using the near infrared spectrum has been quite problematic. The quantity of coating applied to a coating target, such as granules or uncoated tablets, is measured based on the absorption or scattering of light in the 800 to 1100 nm wavelength region by an additive coated on the coating target. The use of polyethylene glycol or a long-chain hydrocarbyl-containing compound as the additive is preferred.
US08252356B2
The present invention relates to a flavor composition or fragrance composition which can satisfy diversified requirements for flavored products, as well as to a flavor-improving agent which can improve the quality and release of aroma of a beverage or food. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flavor composition or fragrance composition which comprises an optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate as an active ingredient, a flavor- or fragrance-added product, a flavor-improving agent which comprises an optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate as an active ingredient, and a beverage or food having an improved flavor. The optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate includes S-alkyl(R)-2-methylbutanethioate and S-alkyl(S)-2-methylbutanethioate.
US08252349B2
The invention relates to a ruminant feed supplement for the treatment of milk fever. According to the invention rice bran that has been subjected to a ruminal bypass treatment is used in the feed of dairy cows.The ruminal bypass treatment may for instance be selected from the chemical cross-linking, physical cross-linking, coating, or combinations thereof.The invention further relates to the use of rice bran for the manufacture of a composition for the prophylactic treatment of parturient paresis in ruminants, wherein the rice bran has been subjected to a ruminal bypass treatment.
US08252348B2
The present invention relates to cosmetic preparations with an active substance combination of hyaluronic acid and saponins.
US08252346B2
Obtaining, producing and using metabolites having anti-botrytis cinerea properties from a natural extract of a native Chilean plant. An in vitro cultivated quillay extract (Quillaza saponaria Mol.), which allows improving the antifungal activity as the result of the enrichment of some secondary metabolites not found in the in vivo plants. Also provided are an in vivo cultivation method, an extraction method, a biocide formulation, and their applications and uses.
US08252342B2
A method for producing a complex of metallic nanoparticles and inorganic clay and an organic promoter, wherein the organic promoter is ethanolamine, for example, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA). The metallic nanoparticles produced by this method can be stably and uniformly dispersed without adding other reducing agent or dispersant.
US08252340B2
An extract for preventing or treating thrombotic disease, particularly, an extract of leech and/or earthworm with molecular weight of not more than 5800 Dalton, and processes for preparation, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. The extract of the present invention has improved significantly safety without any reducing in pharmaceutical activities or the therapeutical effects as compared to existing products.
US08252338B2
The present invention provides a synthetic LDL nanoparticle comprising a lipid moiety and a synthetic chimeric peptide so as to be capable of binding the LDL receptor. The synthetic LDL nanoparticle of the present invention is capable of incorporating and targeting therapeutics to cells expressing the LDL receptor for diseases associated with the expression of the LDL receptor such as central nervous system diseases. The invention further provides methods of using such synthetic LDL nanoparticles.
US08252332B2
A method of treatment for epilepsy and other disease states is described, which comprises the delivery of gabapentin in a gastric retained dosage form.
US08252327B2
A dosage form that provides a controlled release solid dosage form for the oral administration of a central nervous system stimulant, preferably methylphenidate hydrochloride.
US08252316B2
This invention relates to a convenient and safe product and method of applying glycopyrrolate topically in order to reduce excessive sweating in localized areas for those who suffer from this condition. This invention also relates to combining oral and topical delivery of glycopyrrolate to reduce excessive sweating and minimize side effects. This invention also relates to a convenient and safe product and method of applying glycopyrrolate topically to areas of compensatory sweating after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
US08252314B2
This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal (including pet) consumption, and particularly hypoallergenic compositions, and more particularly semi-solid hypoallergenic compositions and hypoallergenic compositions that comprise a hydrolysate. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.
US08252313B2
Dietary compositions and methods for restoring normal thyroid function in a feline having hyperthyroidism to a more nearly normal state are disclosed. The compositions and methods restrict the amount of iodine intake in the feline.
US08252311B2
Black beans B are coated with a mineral layer 1 containing calcium powder and dolomite powder, a dough layer 2 formed by roasting a dough mixture containing flour, and an outside layer 3 formed by solidifying a seasoning mixture containing, for example, soymilk powder and powdered tea with hardened fat or oil. In 30 parts by weight of black beans, from 2 to 5, both inclusive, parts by weight of the calcium powder, from 30 to 45, both inclusive, parts by weight of the dolomite powder, and from 5 to 15, both inclusive, parts by weight of the soymilk powder, are contained.
US08252308B2
The present invention provides a substantially clear gel designed to reduce itching discomfort when applied to the vulvar tissue. The gel includes at least one anesthetic, protectant, emulsifier, and pH modifier, such as a base. The gel has a pH adapted to vulvar use and may be applied to the vulvar tissues.
US08252306B2
A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.
US08252298B2
A foundation having a shade which covers a wide spectrum of different skin tones and undertones, comprises red and gold interference pigments, which provide a formula that is adaptable to both red and yellow skin undertones. The composition virtually eliminates the risk of application of the wrong foundation color, and provides enhanced color and textural effects, and superior optical performance.
US08252287B2
For the first time, the present invention provides antibodies that enhance the generation of activated blood coagulation factor VIII. The antibodies enhance the cleavage of blood coagulation factor VIII at the Arg of position 372 and suppress the cleavage at the Arg of position 336 by recognizing and binding to the A2 domain of blood coagulation Factor VIII. Such antibodies are expected to be useful in preventing or treating diseases that develop or progress due to decrease or loss of the blood coagulation factor VIII activity, for example, hemophilia A, acquired hemophilia, and von Willebrand's disease.
US08252248B2
The invention relates to an analytical test element for analysis of a liquid sample. The analytical test element may contain a channel which is suitable for capillary transport of the liquid sample and which is provided with an inlet opening for the liquid sample and with an air outlet opening. At least one test field may be arranged in the channel, spaced apart from the inlet opening. The test element comprises a sample application site which is closed with a seal and which is designed in such a way that, when the seal is opened, the sample application site and the inlet opening of the channel are simultaneously open to the outside environment of the test element. The test element can then receive the liquid sample inside the channel via the sample application site and inlet opening, for analysis in the test field. The invention also relates to a test element magazine and to a system for analysis of liquid samples with at least one test element.
US08252244B2
A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that has an open space that receives waste feedstock. At least two plasma electrodes are mounted to the vessel. An electrode movement control system may position the plasma electrodes to facilitate a pryolysis process to treat the waste feedstock.
US08252237B2
A substance detection sensor comprises an insulation layer (2) having flexibility, two electrodes (3A, 3B) so disposed on the insulation layer as to be opposite to each other at a space therebetween and connected to an electric resistance detector, and a conductive layer (4) which is so formed on the insulation layer as to span the two electrodes and to be electrically connected to the two electrodes. The swelling ratio of the conductive layer (4) is changed according to the type and/or the quantity of a specific substance.
US08252231B2
An analyzer includes plural stirrers that have plural sound-wave generating units, which are provided on respective vessels holding liquid and generate sound wave toward the liquid, and drive units, which drive the plurality of sound-wave generating units, and that stir the liquid using sound wave generated by the sound-wave generating units; a power detecting unit that detects traveling-wave power output from the drive unit and reflected-wave power reflected from the sound-wave generating unit; and a control unit that determines whether an abnormality occurs in each of the stirrers on the sound-wave generating unit side or on the drive unit side in each of the stirrers based on a reflectivity of the power, and controls continuation or suspension of an analytical work based on a result of the determination.
US08252228B1
A kit is described including at least one container including a predetermined quantity of sterilized biodegradable carriers in a powder form having a treatment agent disposed therein. The kit further includes a delivery device for delivering the predetermined quantity of sterilized biodegradable carriers with the treatment agent disposed therein to a treatment site. In other embodiments, methods are described for producing the sterilized treatment agent loaded biodegradable carriers and delivering the sterilized carriers to a treatment site.
US08252226B2
A high-energy treated cutter comprising a substrate having a top surface, an outer region, and an inner core and a wear resistant layer coupled to the top surface. The high-energy treatment alters the substrate's physical properties so that the inner core provides greater toughness and the outer region provides greater hardness, and greater abrasion resistance. The layer is protected prior to commencement of the treatment. In one embodiment, a cover is positioned to surround the layer and then the cutter undergoes treatment, wherein the cutter is subjected to impact forces with other cutters. In another embodiment, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in a tray table, thereby providing protection to the layer. The cutter is secured in place via vacuum, glue, or weight. A spray nozzle applies shot material directed to the substrate of the cutter, thereby applying the impact forces to alter the substrate's properties.
US08252214B2
A gas extraction method including: providing an injection mold apparatus (100) including a mold cavity (300), a gas vent (490) and a gas vent pin (49), the mold cavity including an end portion of a material injection path (210), the gas vent communicating with the end portion, the gas vent pin being received in the gas vent; injecting molten material into the mold cavity and toward the end portion; venting gas from a gap between the gas vent pin and the gas vent as molten material is injected into the mold cavity; driving the gas vent pin to substantially close the end portion of the material injection path when the mold cavity having been injected with molten material to about 95 percent of a capacity of the mold cavity.
US08252205B2
Disclosed herein is a method for the preparation of metal phosphide nanocrystals using a phosphite compound as a phosphorous precursor. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method for preparing metal phosphide nanocrystals by reacting a metal precursor with a phosphite compound in a solvent. A method is also provided for passivating a metal phosphide layer on the surface of a nanocrystal core by reacting a metal precursor with a phosphite compound in a solvent. The metal phosphide nanocrystals have uniform particle sizes and various shapes.
US08252201B1
The present invention relates to low viscosity, broad range nematic media having large birefringence and moderately large dielectric anisotropy. The nematic media are useful in a variety of electrooptical devices, including electronic lenses.
US08252199B2
The disclosed embodiments include coolant compositions, packages of such compositions, and articles of manufacture derived from coolant compositions. According to one embodiment disclosed a liquid coolant composition is disclosed that comprises: (a) glycerol, (b) an aqueous solution of menthol, (c) calcium hydroxide, (d) barium hydroxide, and (e) water. According to another embodiment, a gel coolant composition is disclosed that comprises: (a) glycerol, (b) an aqueous solution of menthol, (c) calcium hydroxide, (d) barium hydroxide, (e) water, and (f) sodium polyacrylate. Such gel coolant composition can be converted to solid form by adding paraffin.
US08252197B2
A processing agent for processing urethane elastomer fibers contains a disperse medium of a specified kind having mineral oil as its principal component and a dispersoid of a specified kind including aliphatic ester compound. The disperse medium is 80-99.99% by mass and the dispersoid is 0.01-20% by mass for a total of 100% by mass. The average particle size of the dispersoid is prepared to be in the range of 0.01-500 μm as measured by a specified measuring method.
US08252196B2
A method for preparing nanotubes by providing nanorods of a piezoelectric material having an asymmetric crystal structure and by further providing hydroxide ions to the nanorods to etch inner parts of the nanorods to form the nanotubes.
US08252190B2
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a tapered trailing edge step. The resulting tapered trailing edge step maximizes write field at very small bit sizes by preventing the magnetic saturation of the write pole at the pole tip. The method includes depositing a magnetic write pole material and then depositing a magnetic material over the magnetic write pole material. A RIE mask and hard mask are deposited over the magnetic bump material. A resist mask is formed over the RIE mask and hard mask, and a reactive ion etching is performed to transfer the pattern of the resist mask onto the underlying hard mask. Then an ion milling is performed to form a the magnetic step layer with a tapered edge that defines a tapered trailing edge step structure of the write pole.
US08252189B2
A method for manufacturing a nano structure includes forming a stamp having a line pattern on a surface thereof, positioning the stamp upon a substrate, forming at least one protruded portion in the substrate substantially corresponding to the line pattern of the stamp, forming a protective coating layer on at least a portion of the at least one protruded portion, and removing a portion of the substrate by etching at least another portion of the at least one protruded portion not covered with the protective coating layer.
US08252188B1
A separator for separating F.O.G. from an effluent that contains F.O.G. includes a tank, an inlet to the tank for receiving effluent that contains F.O.G., and an outlet to allow grey water to leave the tank. The tank has a size to enable stratification of a layer of F.O.G. present in the tank on water in the tank, and first and second thermocouples are positioned at differing levels in the tank. Conductors couple the thermocouples to sensors, and differing voltages in the thermocouples can be sensed to determine if the thermocouples are surrounded by F.O.G. or water.
US08252183B1
An exemplary method of treating nitrogen-contaminated wastewaters, especially those with high ammonia concentrations, according to the invention includes the steps of ammonia degassing and recapture, and of nutrient assimilation with microalgae. Organic nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, heavy metals and other compounds may also be removed in different embodiments of the invention. Examples of applicable wastewaters include landfill leachate, municipal solid waste anaerobic digester effluent, agricultural anaerobic digester effluent, municipal wastewaters, agricultural wastewaters, and other similarly contaminated wastewaters.
US08252180B2
A tank for water-carrying appliances is proposed, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for the treatment of foods and/or beverages, such as beverage vending machines, in particular coffee vending machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air purifiers and conditioners or the like, a suction connection on the tank for the intake of water from the tank, with means for generating a vacuum, and a filter connection for connecting a filter cartridge inside the tank being provided, while it is ensured that only one permitted filter type is used. A tank according to the invention is characterized by mechanical coding structures at the filter connection element in order to exclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.
US08252176B2
Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning an electric pool cleaning vehicle having a drive assembly and including an advanced system for draining water from the vehicle as the vehicle is removed from a pool of water. The vehicle includes a housing defining a body shell and the body shell having an interior cavity and an electrical power cord to supply power to the vehicle having a connection point on the vehicle. A filtering system is located within the body cavity. The vehicle includes a drain door assembly and the drain door assembly has an inlet connected to the filtering system. A handle is located adjacent the electrical cord connection point, sized and shaped to easily lift the vehicle filled with water out of a pool and the drain door assembly being on an opposed portion of the vehicle from the handle.
US08252162B2
The invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus which can improve the operability and measuring speed. According to the invention, a sensor for identifying the type of sample containers is fixed at the position away from a capillary anode electrode. The sensor is made to be closer to the sample containers by moving a moving stage so that the sample containers disposed on the moving stage can be identified by the sensor. A fixing apparatus for fixing at least a pair of sample containers is provided on the moving stage.
US08252152B2
The quantity of oxide contained in a magnetic layer is controlled to control the crystal grains and the segregation structure for ensuring low noise characteristic in a granular magnetic layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The granular magnetic layer consists of ferromagnetic crystal grains and a nonmagnetic grain boundary region mainly of an oxide surrounding the ferromagnetic crystal grains. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium has a nonmagnetic underlayer composed of a metal or alloy having hexagonal closest-packed crystal structure. The ferromagnetic crystal grain is composed of an alloy containing at least cobalt and platinum. The volume proportion of the nonmagnetic grain boundary region mainly of the oxide falls within a range of 15% to 40% of the volume of the total magnetic layer.
US08252151B2
In a layout method of a bridging electrode, the method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a transparent electro-conductive layer on the substrate and the transparent electro-conductive layer having a plurality of neighboring patterned blocks; forming an alignment film layer on the substrate and the alignment film layer having a plurality of bridging grooves of a bridging insulation unit crossing between the patterned blocks; forming an electro-conductive layer on the substrate and the electro-conductive layer having a plurality of wires respectively disposed on the bridging grooves, wherein the wires of the electro-conductive layer being formed through an optical compensation mask in conjunction with at least one of over-exposure and over-development; and forming a protection layer on the substrate to enhance optical transmission and to protect the substrate, the transparent electro-conductive layer, the alignment film layer and the electro-conductive layer.
US08252149B2
The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to treatment of water contaminated with glycol to be recycled for further effective use of the cleaned water resulting therefrom, especially at airports. More specifically, this invention relates to improved techniques for efficiently and reliably generating continuous flows of cleaned water as well as a continuous flow of recyclable glycol water of controlled concentration.
US08252144B2
The invention relates to a flame resistant paper product and a method for manufacturing a flame resistant paper product. In an embodiment the invention is a paper product comprising a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a flame retardant composition, wherein the first surface is smoother than the second surface. In another embodiment, the invention is a method for forming a flame resistant paper product comprising applying a flame retardant composition to a web of fibers having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is smoother than the second surface by at least about 70 SSU according to TAPPI T538.
US08252138B2
The present invention provides a thermosensitive multiple recording sheet characterized in that a second base material having light transmission properties is attached to the side of a first thermosensitive recording layer of a first thermosensitive recording sheet comprising a first base material and the first thermosensitive recording layer formed on one surface of the first base material, through a temporary adhesive layer, the second base material is composed of an information disclosing portion and an information non-disclosing portion, a shielding layer is formed at the position corresponding to the information non-disclosing portion on the second base material, and an ultraviolet curable resin layer are formed as an outermost layer of the sheet.
US08252135B2
A decorative molded article which is obtained by transferring hydraulically a hydraulic transfer film comprising a transfer layer including at least two layers of a curable resin layer with an active energy ray and a printed design layer such that the curable resin layer with an ionization radiation becomes a surface layer, wherein the printed design layer comprises a layer printed with a design to be raised which is obtained by using an ink containing an inorganic pigment having a degree of swelling of 200% or more, and the surface of the transfer layer has the raised design corresponding to the design of the layer printed with a design to be raised; and a method for producing a decorative molded article having a raised portion, after a hydraulic transfer film is activated and transferred onto a product to be transferred, the hydraulic transfer film includes a support film, and a printed design layer having a curable resin layer and a layer printed with a design to be raised, which is obtained by using an ink containing an inorganic pigment having a degree of swelling of 200% or more, and the printed design layer does not include a solid print layer obtained by using an ink containing an inorganic pigment having a degree of swelling of 200% or more; the curable resin layer is semi-cured; the support film is removed from the transfer layer, the transfer layer is dried, and the curable resin layer is completely cured.
US08252130B2
Surface processing of titanium alloy members for aerospace equipment imparts high wear resistance, lubricity and high fatigue strength. The method includes an oxygen diffusion step for causing oxygen to diffuse and penetrate in solid solution form into a surface of a titanium alloy member under an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere and a particle bombardment step for bombarding the surface of the titanium alloy member with an airflow containing particles. The aerospace equipment can include a flap rail member and slat rail member for aircraft.
US08252128B2
A population of extrusion billets has a specification such that every billet is of an alloy of composition (in wt. %): Fe<0.35; Si 0.20-0.6; Mn<0.10; Mg 0.25-0.9; Cu<0.015; Ti<0.10; Cr<0.10; Zn<0.03; balance Al of commercial purity. After ageing to T5 or T6 temper, extruded sections can be etched and anodised to give extruded matt anodised sections having improved properties.
US08252123B2
A rare earth permanent magnet is prepared by disposing a powdered metal alloy containing at least 70 vol % of an intermetallic compound phase on a sintered body of R—Fe—B system, and heating the sintered body having the powder disposed on its surface below the sintering temperature of the sintered body in vacuum or in an inert gas for diffusion treatment. The advantages include efficient productivity, excellent magnetic performance, a minimal or zero amount of Tb or Dy used, an increased coercive force, and a minimized decline of remanence.
US08252119B2
Several embodiments of cleaning systems using polyelectrolyte and various associated methods for cleaning microelectronic substrates are disclosed herein. One embodiment is directed to a system that has a substrate support for holding the microelectronic substrate, a dispenser positioned above the substrate support and facing a surface of the microelectronic substrate, a reservoir in fluid communication with the dispenser via a conduit, and a washing solution contained in the reservoir. The washing solution includes a polyelectrolyte.
US08252112B2
A method and apparatus for the unusually high rate deposition of thin film materials on a stationary or continuous substrate. The method includes delivery of a pre-selected precursor intermediate to a deposition chamber and formation of a thin film material from the intermediate. The intermediate is formed outside of the deposition chamber and includes a metastable species such as a free radical. The intermediate is pre-selected to include a metastable species conducive to the formation of a thin film material having a low defect concentration. By forming a low defect concentration material, deposition rate is decoupled from material quality and heretofore unprecedented deposition rates are achieved. In one embodiment, the pre-selected precursor intermediate is SiH3. The method further includes combining the pre-selected precursor intermediate with a carrier gas, preferably in a deactivated state, where the carrier gas directs the transport of the pre-selected precursor intermediate to a substrate for deposition of the thin film material.
US08252111B2
It is aimed at providing a heavy concrete, which does not require addition of a thickener such as methyl cellulose, which is less in segregation between a heavy aggregate and a cement paste, and which is high in flowability and excellent in construction ability. The present invention provides a heavy concrete comprising, at least, a cement, a heavy aggregate, and water, mixed with one another, characterized in that the heavy fine aggregate includes hot scarves brought about in a scarfing process of a steel slab surface. The present invention further provides the above-described heavy concrete characterized in that the heavy fine aggregate includes fine aggregate particles passing through a sieve having a nominal size of 0.15 mm, in an amount of 10% to 20% in mass percentage, and the heavy fine aggregate includes spherical particles each having a distortion irregularity of 3.3 or less as defined below, in an amount of 20% or more in the whole of particles having diameters between 50 μm inclusive and 5 mm inclusive in the heavy fine aggregate: [Distortion irregularity]=[Length of circumferential outline of particle]/[Diameter of true circle having the same area as the area of the particle providing the outline].
US08252101B1
The invention is a method and composition for polishing a wet surface. The invention is a water based composition for polishing wet surfaces and a method of applying the water based composition to polish wet surfaces. The method does not include a dry to haze or buffing step in order to achieve a lasting high gloss shine on the polished surface.
US08252095B2
Filter media for an active field polarized media air cleaner includes two layers of dielectric material with a higher resistance air permeable screen sandwiched between the lower resistivity electric layers. The filter media may further include a mixed fiber filter layer having fibers from different sides of the triboelectric scale. The filter media may further include a layer of relatively higher density dielectric material followed by a layer of relatively lower density dielectric material.
US08252092B2
Water is substantially separated from a liquid mixture (e.g., saline water) that includes water using a humidification chamber at a lower pressure and a dehumidification chamber at a higher pressure. A carrier gas is flowed through the humidification chamber; and inside the humidification chamber, the carrier gas directly contacts the liquid mixture to humidify the carrier gas with evaporated water from the liquid mixture to produce a humidified gas flow. The humidified gas flow is then directed through the dehumidification chamber, where water is condensed from the humidified gas flow and collected. The absolute pressure inside the humidification chamber is at least 10% lower than the absolute pressure inside the dehumidification chamber.
US08252091B2
In a system involving CO2 capture having an acid gas removal system to selectively remove CO2 from shifted syngas, the acid gas removal system including at least one stage, e.g. a flash tank, for CO2 removal from an input stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent, the method of recovering CO2 in the acid gas removal system including: elevating a pressure of the stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent; and elevating the temperature of the pressurized stream upstream of at least one CO2 removal stage.
US08252084B2
One aspect provides for the separating of two or more joined materials by heating with microwaves, thereby producing differential thermal expansion of the materials. The pieces to be treated are exposed to microwave energy, producing differing rates of heating, and therefore expansion, of the differing materials making up the treated pieces of material. The differential thermal expansion of the differing materials will cause sufficient strain to separate the differing materials. Separation can be enhanced in some cases by following microwave heating with rapid cooling of the treated material.
US08252080B2
A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic. The filter further includes a Hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.
US08252072B2
A downdraft-updraft gasifier (1) and method for the gasification of biomass and waste to produce combustible effluent, the gasifier comprising: a fuel valve (22) for loading solid fuel (11) into a first oxidation zone (8); a first throat (2) defining the lower edge of the first oxidation zone (8); a second throat (4) defining the lower edge of a second oxidation zone (14); a reduction zone (5) linking the first oxidation zone (8) to the second oxidation zone (14) and a vortex discharge pipe (18) for the combustible effluent. The method includes steps of: partially oxidising a biomass fuel in the first oxidation zone (8) to produce char; reducing the char in the reduction zone (5) to form ash; further oxidising any char residue in the ash in the second oxidation zone (14); and extracting the combustible effluent produced in the above steps, by the discharge pipe (18).
US08252069B2
A cathode of a lithium battery includes a composite film. The composite film includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a plurality of active material particles dispersed therein. A method for fabricating the cathode of the lithium battery includes the steps of (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) pulling out, by using a tool, at least two carbon nanotube films from the array of carbon nanotubes to form a carbon nanotube film structure; and (c) providing a plurality of active material particles, dispersing the active material particles in the carbon nanotube structure to form a composite film, and thereby, achieving the cathode of the lithium battery.
US08252064B2
Absorbable/disintegratable endourological stents, specifically endoureteral stents, and applicators for their introduction into the biological site, are formed from fiber-reinforced elastomeric films configured to prevent their migration from the application site.
US08252060B2
Disclosed are methods for implant installation and assembly between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert. Methods of installing multiple implants are also disclosed.
US08252058B2
A spinal implant prosthesis includes a pair of end plates for affixation to adjacent vertebral bone structures and respectively defining inter-engaged convex and concave articulatory surfaces of elliptical profile. These elliptical articulatory surfaces are elongated in an anterior-posterior direction, and are comparatively shorter in a medial-lateral direction. With this configuration, in response to angular displacement and/or axial rotation, the elliptical surfaces displace in a manner increasing the distance between the adjacent vertebral bone structures, thereby tensioning the prosthesis and producing counteracting forces which urge the components back toward a substantially centered or neutral position. In addition, in the preferred form, the anterior-posterior length of the concave articulatory surface in incrementally greater than the anterior-posterior length of the convex articulatory surface to accommodate a limited range of anterior-posterior translation.
US08252055B2
Described are intervertebral spinal implants that include a biocompatible load bearing composite comprised of a particulate mineral material and collagen and having a wet compressive strength of at least about 200 N/cm2. The composite provides a load bearing body sized and shaped for insertion between adjacent vertebrae in a patient. The load bearing body has upper and lower surfaces configured to frictionally engage the adjacent vertebra. Also described are related methods of making and using the spinal implants, and other bone implants comprising the strong composites made available in the present invention.
US08252052B2
Methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, the anchor having a braid, and expanding the braid to a deployed configuration against the patient's tissue. The braid may be fabricated from a single strand of wire and/or may comprise at least one turn feature.
US08252051B2
A method of implanting a prosthetic mitral valve assembly is disclosed. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent and valve combination. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly is provided with an anchoring portion adapted to be positioned in the left atrium. In one embodiment, the anchoring portion includes at least one anchoring arm sized for placement in a pulmonary vein. The stent is radially expandable so that it can expand into position against the walls of the left atrium and accommodate a wide range of anatomies. Contact between the stent and the native tissue in the left atrium reduces paravalvular leakage and prevents migration of the stent once in place.
US08252042B2
Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation. In embodiments, the device comprises a core segment, an annular flange to engage one surface of the atrial septum and two other annular flanges to engage another surface of the atrial septum.
US08252040B2
The present application discloses an apparatus for treating vascular aneurysms and includes a radially expandable substantially cylindrical structure formed from a plurality of support members and defining a plurality of openings, and at least one reactive material strand selectively integrated into the substantially cylindrical structure. The reactive material is configured to assume a non-reacted state and a reacted state. The reactive material in the reacted state is configured to restrict a flow of blood to an aneurysm.
US08252039B2
A stent is provided for external application to an artery in which an aneurysm has occurred or is about to occur to provide support thereto, the stent being of bespoke character by virtue of its creation to conform morphologically to the actual contour of the artery captured using for example MRI, CAD and RP.
US08252036B2
The present invention is directed towards sealable and repositionable endovascular implant grafts, and methods for their use for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and other structural vascular defects. Sealable, repositionable endograft systems for placement in a blood vessel are disclosed, in which endograft implants with circumferential sealable collars and variable sealing devices upon deployment achieve a desired controllable seal between the collar and the vessel's inner wall. Embodiments of endovascular implants according to the present invention may further be provided with retractable retention tines or other retention devices allowing an implant to be repositioned before final deployment. An endograft system according to the present invention further comprises a delivery catheter to allow placement through a peripheral arteriotomy site, and of sufficient length to allow advancement into the thoracic or abdominal aorta.
US08252033B2
A wearable hands-free apparatus for providing phototherapy treatment to a number of skin related conditions includes a head unit (e.g., a headset, headphones, headband, or helmet unit) with earphones to allow the user to listen to an audio program during a treatment. The head unit supports a light emitting canopy band that is fitted with an array of light generating sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or infrared lights, that emit light within a particular wavelength range correlating with the treatment of one or more specific skin-related conditions. The light emitting canopy band is specifically designed for providing complete, uniform and consistent light coverage to a user's face.
US08252031B2
A molding device is disclosed and can include a first mold component and a second mold component substantially opposite the first mold component. The first mold component and the second mold component can fit around a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.
US08252028B2
A posterior dynamic stabilization system that allows a) elongation through a ligament connected to the bone anchors that ultimately reaches its full length to provide a secure flexion limit, and b) compression through a spacer positioned between bone anchors to provide an extension limit.
US08252027B2
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.
US08252025B2
A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing a vertebral segment. The assembly includes a vertebral anchor, a first stabilization member, a second stabilization member, and a threaded fastener. A post of the first stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a first socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor and a post of the second stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a second socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor. The threaded fastener is configured to threadedly engage a threaded opening of the head portion such that when the threaded fastener is threaded into the threaded opening, the threaded fastener engages both the post of the first stabilization member and the post of the second stabilization member.
US08252024B2
A spinal support device for providing a guide to a user lying with the user's back on a surface for positioning the user's spine correctly over the surface. The device includes an elongated guide body having a first tubular portion, a second portion, and a third tubular portion parallel to the first tubular portion, wherein the first and third tubular portions are at least partially filled with a filler material such that the second portion forms a gutter or trough between the first and third tubular portions of the guide body.
US08252015B2
An apparatus for providing access to a body lumen includes a tubular proximal portion and an expandable distal portion, which extends distally from a distal end of the proximal portion. The expandable distal portion includes an expandable sheath and a stiffening member. The proximal portion has a first lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and the expandable sheath defines a second lumen that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and extends distally from the proximal portion to a distal terminal opening of the second lumen. The stiffening member is attached directly to the expandable sheath so as to extend alongside the second lumen, and the distal terminal opening of the second lumen is defined by a portion of a perimeter of a distal terminal end of the expandable sheath that becomes spaced apart from the stiffening member when the sheath is expanded.
US08252007B2
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.
US08251996B2
An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end movable about a pivot from a first position disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. One or both of the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting electrical energy to tissue held therebetween. An insulative sheath is fitted for removal atop at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members, about the pivot and the distal end of the shaft. The insulative sheath houses a silicone lube configured to facilitate insertion of the forceps through a cannula after removal of the insulative sheath.
US08251994B2
An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.
US08251985B2
A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.
US08251984B2
An improved dental laser system includes a DC power section that rectifies its AC electrical input energy in a format suitable for both CW and pulsed operation, an RF power supply operating in a range of about 40 to 125 MHz and configured for both CW and high peak power pulsing operation, a sealed-off, RF excited CO2 waveguide or slab resonator laser filled to a gas at a pressure between about 260 to 600 Torr (or about 34,700-80,000 Pa), and a beam delivery system to steer the beam from the output of the laser to the mouth, such as the patient's mouth.
US08251979B2
A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.
US08251965B2
Dark colored absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins. More specifically, dark colored absorbent articles are disclosed comprising an apertured topsheet, an underlying layer visible through the apertures of the topsheet and a backsheet, wherein both the topsheet and underlying layer have a L Hunter value of less than 60. Preferably the topsheet, the backsheet and the underlying layer have the same color (e.g., black).
US08251964B1
The present invention provides a sanitary device having a significant capacity (e.g. 30 c.c.) in an plastic pouch (or envelope) gently attached to the end of the male member by releasable pressure sensitive adhesive across an opening which receives the male member. The pressure sensitive adhesive provides close connection to the skin, provides a fluid closure around the male member, and permits closure with opposing adhesive surfaces of the sanitary device not used to surround the circumference of the inserted male member. A further feature provides flaps, tabs or margins at the sanitary device opening which are foldable over the adhesive to selectably cover some portion or all of the adhesive as may be desired by the wearer.
US08251960B2
Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same. The valves includes a valve element and a valve seat, and one of the valve seat and the valve element includes a main portion and a seal portion that is less tacky than the main portion.
US08251958B2
A method and device for intradermal delivery of a reconstituted medicament. The device includes a chamber, which is in fluid communication with a microdevice, e.g. microabrader or one or more microneedles. A cartridge containing the medicament may be located within said chamber. At least one burstable membrane retains a medicament within the housing. The method involves the steps of positioning the device at a delivery site on the skin of a patient and intradermally administering the medicament by dispensing a diluent from a diluent source an through inlet port to rupture the membranes, reconstitute the medicament and deliver the reconstituted medicament through the microdevice to the dermal region of the skin.
US08251957B2
A catheter securement device that adheres to the skin of a patient having an epidural catheter or similar small flexible tube member inserted percutaneously, the securement device having a flexible, sheet-like main body member capable of adhering to the skin of the patient, a notched pad member over which the catheter is bent, an exposed portion of adhesive to contact the catheter, and a releasable retention member to secure the catheter onto the main body member.
US08251949B2
A catheter for delivering a stent includes an outer tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall defining a lumen; an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and defining a lumen for a guidewire, wherein a portion of a length of the inner tube is wrapped around with a spiral-shaped wire; a balloon sealingly connected to the inner tube and the outer tube adjacent the distal ends thereof, the balloon defining an interior volume and having an exterior surface; and a marker made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material, wherein the wire is wrapped in a plurality of at least partially overlapping layers such that the marker is flexible along the length of the catheter.
US08251942B1
The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner channel and an annular outer channel. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. An annular suction orifice is defined between the distal end of the outer catheter and the inner catheter. First and second balloons are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters. The distal free end of the inner catheter extends beyond the second balloon. In use, the first and second balloons are inflated in the coronary sinus and blood containing contrast dye is then removed from between the first and second balloons.
US08251934B2
A method of using a neck brace to move a neck of a person or stabilize the neck includes connecting a vest of the neck brace to a torso of a person. A support member of the neck brace is connected to the vest. A chin support of the neck brace is connected to a chin of the person. Force is applied between the support member and the chin support to move the chin support relative to the support member. A cam member of the neck brace guides movement of the chin support relative to the support member.
US08251926B2
The present subject matter is suited for evaluating biomechanics and electrophysiology of an infant's orofacial system during sucking. The present subject matter includes at least one orofacial sensor and a processor. In various examples, the present subject matter additionally includes one or a combination of: a pacifier having a baglet, a receiver assembly, a stimulation device, a memory, a display, and data acquisition and analysis software. Advantageously, the present subject may non-invasively sample and analyze suck and may stimulate nerve endings in the face of an infant.
US08251924B2
A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
US08251908B2
An image-guide therapy system comprises a thermal treatment device (e.g., an ultrasound transducer) configured for transmitting a therapeutic energy beam, and The system further comprises an imaging device (e.g., a magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) device) configured for acquiring images of the target tissue mass and the thermal treatment device. The system further comprises a controller configured for controlling thermal dose properties of the thermal treatment device to focus the energy beam on a target tissue mass located in an internal body region of a patient, and a processor configured for tracking respective positions of the thermal treatment device and the target tissue mass in a common coordinate system based on the acquired images. The system may optionally comprise a display configured for displaying the acquired images.
US08251895B2
An endoscope is provided, comprising a first tube whose distal end is sealed with a cover glass disposed in a mount and an electric heating system for heating the cover glass, with the heating system comprising two electric connections which can be connected with a power source, and an electrically conductive coating which is applied to the inside of the cover glass and comprises two mutually spaced contact sections, of which one each is electrically connected with one of the connections, and with the mount being electrically conductive and a first of the two contact sections being electrically connected via the mount with the associated connection.
US08251890B2
An endoscope insertion shape analysis system of the present invention includes an insertion state acquisition unit that acquires coordinate values of a plurality of locations in an insertion portion of an endoscope inserted in an examinee, an insertion shape detection unit that detects at least some insertion shapes of the insertion portion inserted in the examinee based on the coordinate values at the plurality of locations, a coordinate plane setting unit that sets a plurality of coordinate planes according to the coordinate values and the insertion shapes at the plurality of predetermined locations, an insertion shape projecting unit that projects the insertion shapes onto the plurality of coordinate planes and an insertion shape judging unit that judges whether or not a predetermined shape exists in the insertion shapes projected onto the plurality of coordinate planes.
US08251888B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for treating overweight and obese patients by applying a restrictive Artificial Gastric Valve (AGV) on part of the stomach. The apparatus includes a mechanism to control the opening of the AGV automatically on demand, dynamically and progressively. The controlled opening of the AGV inside the stomach controls and regulates the flow of food.
US08251887B2
Artificial insemination of female animals and in vitro fertilization of oocytes with fresh or frozen-thawed semen have been applied to the reproduction of animals. According to the traditional theory and conventional procedures, a great number of sperm cells are needed to ensure a successful fertilization.
US08251883B2
The present invention relates to an automatic balance adjusting centrifuge which calculates the magnitude and the location of imbalance of itself based on the vibration generated in the dynamic state and automatically compensate for the imbalance based on the calculation, and the control method thereof. The method includes: (a) measuring the amount of vibration of a rotor of a centrifuge, supporting buckets that load samples, at a predetermined rotational velocity; (b) determining whether the amount of vibration measured in step (a) is greater than an allowed value; and (c) when the amplitude of the vibration is greater than the allowed value, compensating for a weight imbalance of the rotor by an amount calculated based on the vibration amount measured in step (a) and returning to step (a), otherwise, performing a centrifugal separation by accelerating the rotor to a working velocity.
US08251881B2
A plastic motion sickness receptacle is disclosed having a seamless perimeter defined by a tubular member folded at a first closed end, and an open end including means for closing the receptacle after use. The plastic tubular member comprises integrally formed walls that terminate in a base at said closed end with the edges of the walls cooperating to form a fluid-tight relationship. An outer surface of the receptacle may include indicia printed thereon including instructions for using the bag upon the occurrence of motion sickness.
US08251880B2
An apparatus that facilitates the stretching and exercising of the hamstring and back muscles is provided. The apparatus can be used for stretching to improve flexibility, to warm up muscles before physical activity, and/or for physical rehabilitation after injury. The apparatus includes a set of hand grips and a set of foot plates. A user grasps the hand grips and positions the arches of his or her feet above the foot plates. The apparatus includes a user actuated drive mechanism for moving a set of hand grips along the shaft toward the foot plates. The user maintains a grip of the hand grips as the hand grips move along the shaft toward the foot plates, thereby stretching the hamstring and back muscles of the user.
US08251879B2
A shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device is disclosed which enables a user to perform internal and external rotations of both right and left shoulder. The device is comprised of a base plate, hydraulic damper, restrictor arm, actuator arm, elbow cup and hand grip. A smooth, fluid-like movement is achieved during performance of arcuate internal and external shoulder rotations while also providing automatic increases and decreases in resistance to such motion in response to user effort. In certain preferred embodiments, in addition to such automatic adjustment of resistance, the device includes a means of manually adjusting resistance. The device may be utilized to perform the aforementioned internal and external rotations on a user's right or left side without need for making any adjustments to the machine. Range of motion limitations may be set to control the arcuate degree of internal and external rotations performed. Adjustment in the elevation of a user's forearm via adjustment of a two section, pivoting base plate is provided that enables elevation adjustment without effecting operating resistance. The actuator arm includes an adjustable elbow cup and adjustable hand grip. The device does not store potential energy or produce sufficient momentum to oppose a user's immediate and safe termination of motion.
US08251876B2
A breathing exercise apparatus comprises a chamber having a vent open to the atmosphere, a mouthpiece having an opening, a first member having a plurality of apertures positioned in the chamber between the opening in the mouthpiece and the vent, a second member having a plurality of apertures positioned in the chamber adjacent the first member, and a motor coupled to the second member and operable to move the second member with respect to the first member such that the apertures in the second member intermittently align with the apertures in the first member to vary the resistance a user experiences when both inhaling and exhaling through the apparatus.
US08251874B2
An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.
US08251873B2
A method for actuating a continuously variable clutch such that the torque to be transmitted by the clutch is continuously adjusted either electromechanically via an electromotive drive, hydraulically via a pressure actuator, or electromagnetically via an electromagnetic actuator. The torque transmitted by the clutch is adjusted by utilizing a position-dependent clutch torque specification.
US08251867B2
A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle in which the drive train has at least an internal combustion engine, an engine clutch, an electric machine, a single and a multi-group manual transmission with synchronized and/or unsynchronized shift elements for shifting gears, an axle transmission, as well as an associated control device for controlling the gear shifts. It is provided for the purpose of expanding the functional possibilities, that the electric machine is used, during gear shifts in the manual transmission, as a mode of synchronization, a synchronization aid, or at least as a shifting aid such that changes in the direction of rotation of the transmission shafts are taken into consideration.
US08251863B2
A transmission or actuator offering multiple rotational outputs proportionate in speed to that of a common rotational input, each output according to its own ratio. The ratios are continuously variable between positive and negative values, including zero, and may be varied by electromechanical actuators under computer control. The transmission relates the output speeds one to another under computer control, and thus makes possible the establishment of virtual surfaces and other haptic effects in a multidimensional workspace to which the transmission outputs are kinematically linked. An example of such a workspace is that of a robotic or prosthetic hand.
US08251861B2
A planetary wheel end assembly includes an axle shaft having an inboard end and an outboard end, a planetary gear assembly receiving driving input from the axle shaft, and a rotational support element that pilots the outboard end of the axle shaft. The planetary gear assembly includes a sun gear that is fixed for rotation with the axle shaft, a plurality of planet gears that are in meshing engagement with the sun gear, a non-rotating ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears, and a planetary spider that supports the plurality of planet gears. The planetary spider provides driving output to rotate a wheel component. The rotational support element is positioned radially between the outboard end of the axle shaft and planetary spider to allow relative rotation between the planetary spider and the outboard end of the axle shaft.
US08251860B2
A planetary gear set includes: a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears externally meshed with the sun gear, and a carrier that interconnects the plurality of planetary gears such that the plurality of planetary gears revolve around a exterior circumference of the sun gear, and an arrangement of the plurality of planetary gears is rotationally non-symmetrical.
US08251859B2
A multi step transmission, of a planetary design, which has an external housing and includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. First, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets are each accommodated within the transmission housing along with third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, and at least six shift elements. The at least six shift elements comprises first and second brakes and first, second, third and fourth clutches, whose selected engagement produces different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine separate forward gears and one reverse gear can be achieved. For each of the forward and reverse gears, only three of the six shift elements are engaged.
US08251855B2
A transmission which comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, first, second, third, fourth and fifth gearshifting elements for achieving eight forward gears and one reverse gear. The first gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the third shaft with a housing of the transmission. The second gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the fourth shaft with the housing of the transmission. The third gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the input first shaft with the fifth shaft. The eighth shaft (8) is coupled with the fourth gearshifting element and the fifth gearshifting element (E), when engaged, couples the fifth shaft (5) and the seventh shaft (7).
US08251851B2
An auxiliary oil pumping system for an automatic transmission includes an auxiliary oil pump, the auxiliary oil pump being separate from an internal oil pump of the transmission but connected to an oil circuit of the automatic transmission to circulate oil in the system. An oil pump motor is connected to the auxiliary oil pump and selectively connectable to a power source for driving the auxiliary oil pump when a vehicle engine is off and the internal oil pump is not operating.
US08251849B2
An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, two electric motors, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include a rotating clutch and a brake. The rotating clutch and the brake share a common fixed connection. The rotating clutch is released by a stationary actuator that engages a rotatable release plate. The actuator is engaged to release the rotating clutch when the brake is engaged.
US08251847B2
An electric motor driven barrier operator includes spaced apart frame plates for supporting the motor, an intermediate drive shaft and an operator final output shaft. The motor output shaft, intermediate shaft and final output shaft are mounted on bearings at fixed centers on the frame plates and the motor and intermediate shaft are interconnected by a stretchable flexible drive belt reeved over respective drive pulleys mounted on the motor output shaft and the intermediate shaft. The drive belt may be mounted on the pulleys and replaced without adjusting the position of the motor output shaft, the intermediate shaft or the operator output shaft.
US08251846B2
A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
US08251842B2
A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.
US08251838B2
A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed adjacent the core, the cover including an ionomeric thermoplastic inner cover layer disposed about the core and having a hardness of 55 Shore D to 60 Shore D; a castable thermoset polyurethane outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D; and a non-ionomeric thermoplastic intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, the non-ionomeric intermediate cover layer being formed of a polyester/polycarbonate blend and having a hardness greater than both the inner and outer cover layers; wherein the inner cover layer has a first thickness, the outer cover layer has a second thickness, and the intermediate cover layer has a third thickness less than the first or second thickness by at least 20%.
US08251830B2
A low-pressure turbine shaft (11) for a gas-turbine engine includes a fiber-composite plastic tube (13) with fiber layers provided in an inner wall area for taking up and transmitting torsional forces, and, in an outer wall area, with fiber layers suitably oriented for influencing stiffness and damping characteristics. The fiber layers are embedded in a high temperature resistant plastic matrix. A load input element (14) is an attachment flange (24) made of fiber-composite plastic material integrally formed on a fiber-composite plastic tube (13). A load output element (15) is a metallic driven protrusion inseparably connected to the fiber layers transmitting the torsional forces. Alternatively, the load input element may be provided as a metallic driving protrusion, which is firmly connected to the fiber layers taking up the torsional forces.
US08251825B2
Systems and methods for providing programs on wagering game machine peripherals are described. The programs may be shader programs for execution by one or more programmable shaders on a graphics processing unit. The programs may provide a graphical result, e.g. an output on a display, or may provide a non-graphical result of a computation to a general purpose processor on the wagering game machine.
US08251821B1
A movable game controller for controlling aspects of a computer controlled game display with apparatus for determining the linear and angular motion of that movable controller. The apparatus includes a plurality of self-contained inertial sensors for sensing the tri-axial linear and tri-axial angular motion of the moving controller. Each sensor is mounted at a fixed linear position and orientation with respect to the others. The linear and angular motion of the controller is computed from the correlated motion sensor readings of each of the plurality of self-contained inertial sensors.
US08251819B2
Interactive multiplayer augmented reality game play is enhanced in a mobile device used in such game play by establishing a virtual world coordinate system based on one or more game conventions and by reducing device sensor error before, during or after game play using one or more such game conventions.
US08251817B2
A game device includes a shape data storage which stores data of an object disposed in a three-dimensional space, a first rendering unit which sets a point of view and a line of sight and renders the object, a viewpoint changing unit which receives a change instruction indicating a change of the point of view or line of sight and changes the point of view or line of sight, and a character controller which moves a character along the outer surface of the object. The character controller allows the character to move between two-dimensional planes of objects rendered in such a manner that the objects are adjacent to each other in the two-dimensional planes generated by the first rendering unit, and the game device further includes a search unit which searches a set of objects lying within a predetermined range of distance in the two-dimensional plane, and changes the point of view or line of sight so that the searched objects can be rendered adjacently to each other in the two-dimensional plane.
US08251811B2
A game machine includes playing content of a player in a game play part, in which the player operates an operation target, to be reflected in an action of the operation target in a video image. Reproduction data is recorded for reproducing a scene of the operation target moving in a game space according to the operation of the player. Base video image data is stored for reproducing a base video image representing a scene of a predetermined region of the game space. A video image is displayed based on a base video image and a reproduced video image such that a time of displaying a predetermined scene of the base video image and a time of displaying a scene of the operation target moving in the predetermined region in the reproduced video image based on the reproduction data are synchronized.
US08251806B2
A player is permitted to participate in an interactive gaming event from a remote location, such as a hotel room or home computer, once the player's entitlement to participate has been confirmed using a biometric identifier. One method of the invention includes first verifying the identity of a potential player of a gaming event, such as by verifying the age of the player. If verified, the fingerprint of the player is obtained and the fingerprint is stored in association with an assigned identification code. When a player requests to participate in a gaming event from a remote location, the player's identification code is received from the player and is used to locate the corresponding stored fingerprint. The player then transmits their scanned fingerprint. If the transmitted fingerprint and stored fingerprint match, the player is verified as entitled to participate in the gaming event.
US08251800B2
A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.
US08251787B2
A separating unit for a combine harvester and operating in accordance with a principle of axial flow, has a housing having at least one separating grate provided with openings, a rotatably supported separating rotor located in the housing, a cover having a closed jacket surface including, on a side facing the separating rotor, a plurality of guide elements disposed next to one another coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the separating rotor and extending in sections in a radial direction of the cover, and at least one ramp-shaped crop flow deflecting element extending axially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the separating rotor and arranged on the side of the jacket surface facing the separating rotor.
US08251773B2
A control system for a high pressure cutting arrangement is disclosed. The cutting arrangement comprises a liquid stream and a slurry stream, the slurry comprising abrasive particles suspended in a fluid. The liquid stream and the slurry stream are both supplied under pressure of about 300 MPa to a cutting tool, with at least a portion of the supplied pressure being converted to kinetic energy in the cutting tool to produce a combined liquid and abrasive stream at high velocity. The cutting tool includes a combining chamber into which both the liquid and slurry streams are introduced, the pressure in an entry region of the combining chamber being determined by the pressure of the liquid stream. The control system acts to actuate or prevent flow of slurry in the slurry stream by activation or de-activation of an energizing means up-stream of the chamber. Pressure in the slurry stream is substantially equal to the pressure in the entry region of the combining chamber whether or not slurry is flowing.
US08251771B2
An electronic toy includes a main body and a moving device disposed under the main body for moving the electronic toy. The moving device includes a fixing board, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a motor. The first wheel and the second wheel are magnetic. The first wheel is rotatably fixed to the fixing board for supporting and moving the electronic toy. The second wheel is rotatably fixed to the fixing board and facing the first wheel. The second wheel is operable to apply a magnetic torque to the first wheel when rotating relative to the first wheel, so as to rotate the first wheel. The motor is connected to the second wheel for rotating the second wheel.
US08251765B2
To provide a long lifetime light-emitting element, in particular, to provide a long lifetime white light-emitting element, and to provide a light-emitting element having high luminous efficiency, in particular, to provide a white light-emitting element having high luminous efficiency. In a light-emitting element having, between an anode and a cathode, a first light-emitting layer containing a first light-emitting substance and a second light-emitting layer containing a second light-emitting substance which is provided to be in contact with the first light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer is divided into a layer provided on the anode side and a layer provided on the cathode side. At this time, a host material having a hole-transporting property is used for the layer provided on the anode side, and a host material having an electron-transporting property is used for the layer provided on the cathode side.
US08251764B2
A swim fin includes a foot cover, a fin blade, and a pair of reinforcement ribs extending from two sides of the foot cover. The fin blade is disposed between the pair of the reinforcement ribs and fixedly connected to the pair of the reinforcement ribs. Each reinforcement rib includes a front rib portion, a middle rib portion, and a rear rib portion. The rear rib portion has a bottom fixedly connected to the foot cover. The middle rib portion has at least a cavity extending axially and a spring in the cavity to improve the resilience of the reinforcement rib. The spring has two ends connected to the front rib portion and the rear rib portion, respectively. The one spring or the plurality of springs in the reinforcement rib of the present invention is to replace a conventional solid reinforcement rib, with the property of the spring.
US08251754B2
A power connector includes an insulative housing, a power contact retained in the insulative housing, a locking member formed on the insulative housing and a key member. The key member includes a retaining portion fixed in the insulative housing and a protrusion extending along a lengthwise direction of the insulative housing. The locking member locks the key member in a mounting hole of the insulative housing. The locking member includes a locking arm. The locking arm is accessible from outside of the insulative housing to thereby release the key member from the insulative housing.
US08251752B2
The invention relates to a high frequency surgical device for generating high frequency energy for separating and/or coagulating of biological tissue, comprising at least one energy source and at least one output socket, into which a longitudinally extending electrically conductive plug contact of an electrosurgical instrument can be inserted, and which output socket comprises a catch for engaging an opposite catch configured in the plug contact, wherein a socket contact is electrically insulated from the catch, which socket contact is electrically connected to the energy source.
US08251751B2
The present invention relates to a plug. The plug includes a plug body, a fixing frame, and a number of elastic plates. The plug body is made of an insulating material. A number of gold fingers are disposed on the outer surface of the plug body. The fixing frame is made of a conductive material and sleeves the plug body. The elastic plates are disposed on inner sidewalls of the fixing frame and electrically connected to the fixing frame. Each elastic plate includes an apex. The present disclosure also relates to a connector assembly using the plug.
US08251743B2
Terminal insert holes 61 are provided in a spacer 60 inserted into an inner housing. In each of the terminal insert holes 61, a lance 62 is provided. The lance is arranged in an obliquely upper position relative to the vertical direction and the transverse direction seen from a central part of the terminal insert hole 61. A bending direction of each lance is set to a direction substantially corresponding to the oblique direction. Further, in the spacer 60, an engaging protrusion part 63 is provided as a mainly terminal engaging part. Thus, the spacer is pushed in to a mainly engaged position from a temporarily engaged position to shift a temporary engagement by the lance to a main engagement by the engaging protrusion part.
US08251742B2
A charging connector (10) is provided for connection to a vehicle-side connector (50) in a vehicle. The charging connector (10) has terminal fittings (20) to be electrically conductively connected to vehicle-side terminals (60) in the vehicle-side connector (50), and terminal accommodating portions (15) internally formed with cavities (17) for accommodating the terminal fittings (20). A front wall of each cavity (17) includes a resilient member (30) that allows the insertion of the vehicle-side terminal (60) into the cavity (17) while being held in close contact with the vehicle-side terminal (60) over the entire circumference.
US08251739B2
The present disclosure relates to a strain relief. In various embodiments, the strain relief includes a strain relief body and at least one alignment feature. The strain relief body is configured to provide support for connection of a cable and/or a wire lead of the cable to a frame. The alignment feature is configured to facilitate alignment of the strain relief relative to the frame. In various embodiments, provided are methods of manufacturing a sensor with a strain relief. The methods may include forming the strain relief about a cable and/or wire leads, wherein the strain relief comprises at least one alignment feature, aligning the alignment feature of the strain relief to a complementary alignment feature of a frame, engaging the complementary alignment feature of the frame with the alignment feature of the strain relief, and electrically coupling the cable and/or wire leads to a circuit.
US08251735B2
An electrical connector assembly (100), comprises: a housing (1) having a receiving room (11) therein communicated with an exterior along a longitudinal direction, and the housing comprising a first shield part (15) and second shield part (16) assembled with each other; two paralleled printed circuit boards (21, 22) received into the receiving room and positioned in the housing; a metallic holder (8) binding the first and second shield parts; and a latch mechanism assembled to an exterior surface of the housing and having a portion shielded by the metallic holder.
US08251722B2
An electrical connector includes a base, terminals each being disposed on the base and having a contact, and one pair of switch terminals, disposed on the base, including first and second terminals each having a fixing portion, a pin portion and an extension. The base has a connection slot for accommodating an electronic element. The first and second terminals have the fixing portions, each fixed to the base and having a plateless section. The extensions respectively have corresponding connection points. The extension of the first terminal has a pushing portion. The electronic element is inserted into the slot to push the pushing portion to make the extension of the first terminal be elastically moved to touch the switch terminals. Plate surfaces of the fixing portions are arranged in parallel or on the same plane and fixed to the base, and do not overlap with each other.
US08251718B2
A power device includes a substrate portion and a connector plug. The substrate portion defines a recess portion and a pair of receiving grooves, and includes at least one contact terminal. The connector plug includes a main body and a pair of conducting strips protruding outwardly from the main body. The main body defines at least one receiving slot. The pair of conducting strips are received in the receiving grooves correspondingly and the contact terminals slide into the corresponding receiving slots to accommodate the connector plug in the substrate portion. The main body and the recess portion are in a square shape respectively, so that the connector plug is capable of turning for 90 degrees relative to the substrate portion to be mounted on the substrate portion.
