US08270316B1
An on-chip Radio Frequency (RF) Interconnect (RF-I) for communication between internal circuit nodes of an integrated circuit is provided. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit is provided that includes an on-chip transmission line, a first circuit node associated with an RF transmitter connected to the transmission line, and a second circuit node associated with an RF receiver connected to the transmission line. In order to transmit data from the first circuit node to the second circuit node, the RF transmitter associated with the first circuit node modulates the data onto an RF carrier frequency to provide a modulated RF signal and transmits the modulated RF signal over the transmission line. The RF receiver associated with the second circuit node receives the modulated RF signal from the transmission line and demodulates the modulated RF signal to recover the data for the second circuit node.
US08270295B2
A system and method for reassigning buffer space during to maximize IO performance of virtual lanes is set forth. More specifically, the system and method for reassigning buffer space takes buffer space from unused virtual lanes and reassigns the unused buffer space to used virtual lanes. For example, in an embodiment that supports four virtual lanes where only two virtual lanes are in use, the system and method reassign the buffer space from the other two unused virtual lanes for use by the two virtual lanes in use.
US08270289B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for framing synchronization control for a framer/mapper/multiplexor (FMM) device with 1+1 and equipment protection. FMM device are disclosed that synchronize one or more internal signals by changing a phase of the one or more internal signals without changing a frequency of the one or more internal signals based on a desired phase at a destination of each of the one or more internal signals. A programmable synchronization signal may optionally be employed for the synchronization.
US08270281B2
According to the present invention, of all beams of light reflected from the optical disc, only light in a peripheral region excluding a push-pull region is used to generate a DPD signal. In this method of signal generation that optimizes internal light-receiving surface interconnections in a photodetector, the lens error signal required for the generation of a tracking error signal in the DPP scheme is amplified at a lower amplification factor. In addition, the light reflected from the multilayered optical disc will be divided into a plurality of regions and the divided beam of light will be focused at different positions on the photodetector. When the beam is focused upon a desired layer, stray light from recording layers other than those to be subjected to information reproduction will not enter the photodetector light-receiving surfaces used for servo signals.
US08270276B2
This invention provides accurate control of laser light power in a recording operation to achieve more stable recording operation. An optical disc drive in an embodiment of this invention monitors the power of laser light with a monitor diode and controls the laser light power based on the result of monitoring. The optical disc drive changes data transfer rate (recording frequency) depending on the disc radial position. The optical disc drive controls the gain of the monitor diode across the recording surface depending on the recording frequency. This control improves the accuracy in laser light power control to achieve stable recording operations by precise servo control.
US08270273B2
A calibration circuit and a calibration method thereof for data recovery are provided. The calibration circuit includes an amplitude detector, a period detector, and a compensation circuit. The amplitude detector samples amplitudes of a data signal according to a zero-crossing signal and outputs an amplitude signal accordingly. The period detector counts a clock signal according to the zero-crossing signal and outputs a period signal accordingly. The compensation circuit receives the amplitude signal, the period signal, and the data signal. The compensation circuit adjusts a phase of the data signal by calculating differences between a reference signal and the amplitude signal and between the reference signal and the period signal and outputs a calibrated data signal accordingly. Accordingly, a better recognition performance on the data signal is achieved by calibrating the data signal in real-time.
US08270264B2
[Object] A recoding playback apparatus and an optical disk are provided that allows reduction of a low frequency noise at a time of playback of a super resolution optical disk including small record marks whose size is below the diffractive limitation, to enhance quality of a playback signal.[Means for Solution] The reflective beams from the optical disk are received by dividing into outer portion beams and a center portion beam, and a playback signal is created by combining such beams based on respective different gains. Based on received amounts of light or amounts of low frequency noise in respective light receiving regions, adjustment or determination of gain values is made, or the optical head apparatus is optically adjusted, whereby the low frequency noise is optimally suppressed. Further, a specific region is provided on the optical disk for making the foregoing adjustment.
US08270260B2
An optically assisted magnetic recording head causes light to be efficiently incident on a near-field light generating element and is thereby capable of efficiently generating near-field light. The optically assisted magnetic recording head, according to one embodiment, has a waveguide and a thin metal film. The waveguide has a core and a clad at least partially surrounding the core and serves as near-field light generating device. The core has a plate-shaped portion that has a small width and protrudes from an edge of the core. The edge of the core is located on the air bearing surface side. The thin metal film is provided on an upper portion and side portions of the plate-shaped portion to cover the edge of the core at the air bearing surface side. Other systems and methods are disclosed as well to achieve efficient incident light on a near-field light generating element.
US08270259B2
A near field light generating element has a polyhedron core and a clad covering the core so as to contact side surfaces of the core. The polyhedron core has a reflection surface that reflects a luminous flux in a direction different from a direction of introduction of the luminous flux via one end side of the near field light generating element. A luminous flux condensing unit condenses the luminous flux reflected by the reflection surface and propagates the condensed luminous flux to the another end side. A near field light generation unit generates near field light from the propagated condensed luminous flux and emits the near field light to the exterior of the near field light generating element via the another end side. The near field light generation unit has an end surface that is exposed to the exterior on the another end side and has at least one side surface that is shielded by a light-shielding film.
US08270257B2
A system according to one embodiment comprises a slider having a first light channel and a second light channel, the first and second light channels having axes oriented at an angle relative to each other, the angle being less than 180 degrees; and a reflection portion adjacent an exit of the first light channel and an entrance to the second light channel, the reflection portion having an index of refraction that is different than an index of refraction of the first light channel, such that light from the first light channel is reflected into the second light channel. Additional systems and methods are provided.
US08270256B1
A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk drive uses a “wide-area” heater with “shingled” recording. In shingled recording, the write head pole tip is wider than the read head in the cross-track direction and writes magnetic transitions by making a plurality of consecutive circular paths that partially overlap. The non-overlapped portions of adjacent paths form the data tracks, which are thus narrower than the width of the write pole tip. The data tracks are grouped into annular bands and when data is to be rewritten, all of the data tracks in an annular band are also rewritten. The wide-area heater may be a waveguide with an output end that generates a heated area on the disk recording layer which is wider than the cross-track width of the write pole tip. It has been determined that the use of a wide-area heater with shingled recording does not result in any significant adjacent track erasure (ATE).
US08270254B2
Phased array ultrasonic contact transducer, with a flexible wedge and a profilometer. This transducer applies to the non-destructive monitoring of an object and comprises: a set of elements that are rigidly integral with each other, at least part of the elements serving as ultrasound transmitters, a wedge whereof at least the front face is flexible to be applied against the surface of the object and the rear face of which is made integral with the set of elements, and a profilometer to measure surface variations and supply signals representative thereof to allow the transmitters to create a focused ultrasonic beam whereof the characteristics are controlled in relation to the object.
US08270250B2
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to select an amount of imaging coverage associated with a substantially tubular object and a rotary scanner coupled to a telemetry system. Determining circumferential and longitudinal scan sampling intervals to provide substantially full coverage of the substantially tubular object may be included. Waveform sampling and transducer driving waveform parameters may also be determined according to an available data transmission bandwidth associated with the telemetry system.
US08270244B2
A dual function memory device architecture compatible with asynchronous operation and synchronous serial operation. The dual function memory device architecture includes one set of physical ports having two different functional assignments. Coupled between the physical ports and core circuits of the memory device are asynchronous and synchronous input and output signal paths or circuits. The signal paths include shared or dedicated buffers coupled to the ports, asynchronous and synchronous command decoders, a network of switches, and a mode detector. The mode detector determines the operating mode of the dual function memory device from a port, and provides the appropriate switch selection signal. The network of switches routes the input or output signals through the asynchronous or synchronous circuits in response to the switch selection signal. The appropriate command decoder interprets the input signals and provides common control logic with the necessary signals for initiating the corresponding operation.
US08270231B2
A configurable processor architecture uses a common simulation database for multiple processor configurations to reduce the cost of producing customized processor configurations. An unchanging core portion is used in each processor configuration. To support different memory modules, identification signals are provided from the memory modules or an identification module to configure the core portion.
US08270227B2
A method of reading a nonvolatile memory device comprises sensing data stored in memory cells adjacent to selected memory cells to identify adjacent aggressor cells, and performing separate precharge operations on bitlines connected to selected memory cells having adjacent aggressor cells and on bitlines connected to selected memory cells having adjacent non-aggressor cells.
US08270222B2
A memory includes a local word line driver for a memory array having a first word line and a second word line. The local word line driver includes a first selection transistor, a second selection transistor, and a middle transistor disposed between the first and second selection transistors. The first word line couples to the first selection transistor and the middle transistor, and the second word line couples to the middle transistor and the second selection transistor.
US08270221B2
A nonvolatile memory device includes a cell string, including a drain select transistor coupled to a bit line, a source select transistor coupled to a common source line, and memory cells coupled in series between the drain select transistor and the source select transistor, a latch unit, including a first latch for storing a detection result of a threshold voltage of a second memory cell adjacent to a first memory cell selected from among the memory cells and a second latch for storing a detection result of a threshold voltage of the first memory cell, and a first reset unit electrically coupled between the first and second latches and configured to reset the second latch, during a time in which a read operation is performed on the first memory cell, in response to a first reset signal and the detection result stored in the first latch.
US08270216B2
A semiconductor storage device including a semiconductor substrate including an upper surface having a plurality of trenches formed into the upper surface; a plurality of element isolation insulating films filled in each of the trenches so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, the element isolation insulating films containing an oxide material; a tunnel insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate situated between the element isolation insulating films; a charge storing layer comprising a first nitride film and being formed on the tunnel insulating film; a block film formed across an upper surface of the charge storing layer and an upper surface of the element isolation insulating film to prevent charge transfer; a gate electrode formed on the block film; and a barrier layer containing a second nitride film formed between the element isolation insulating film and the block film.
US08270212B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes first and second upper-layer contact members. The upper-layer contact members are arranged alternately with the first upper-layer contact members in a first direction and shifted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Plugs are formed on the second upper-layer contact members. First metal wirings are provided on the first upper-layer contact members. Second metal wirings are provided on the plugs. A height of a top surface of the plugs is higher than a top surface of the first metal wirings. A width of a bottom surface of the first metal wirings in a shorter-side direction is shorter than a width of a top surface of the first metal wirings. A width of a bottom surface of the second metal wirings in a shorter-side direction is shorter than a width of a top surface of the second metal wirings.
US08270200B2
A nanoscale three-terminal switching device has a bottom electrode, a top electrode, and a side electrode, each of which may be a nanowire. The top electrode extends at an angle with respect to the bottom electrode and has an end section going over and overlapping the bottom electrode. An active region is disposed between the top electrode and bottom electrode and contains a switching material. The side electrode is disposed opposite from the top electrode and in electrical contact with the active region. A self-aligned fabrication process may be used to automatically align the formation of the top and side electrodes with respect to the bottom electrode.
US08270198B2
A nonvolatile optical memory element in which a ferromagnetic body is provided on a semiconductor causes such a problem that in a case where magnetization of the ferromagnetic body is read by light, magneto-optical response becomes very small when the ferromagnetic body is small in volume. The present invention provides a memory element, a memory device, and a data reading method, each of which is applicable to data reading from a nonvolatile optical memory element. In a nonvolatile optical memory element having a structure in which a ferromagnetic body is provided on a semiconductor that is connected to an optical waveguide, electrons are injected into the semiconductor via the ferromagnetic body so that the electrons that are spin-polarized according to a magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic body are injected into the semiconductor, thereby enlarging a region in which a photomagnetic effect occurs effectively. By applying an electric pulse and an optical pulse to the nonvolatile optical memory element, it is possible to effectively read recorded data according to a magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic body.
US08270196B2
Interface circuitry in communication with at least one non-volatile resistivity-sensitive memory is disclosed. The memory includes a plurality of non-volatile memory elements that may have two-terminals, are operative to store data as a plurality of conductivity profiles that can be determined by applying a read voltage across the memory element, and retain stored data in the absence of power. A plurality of the memory elements can be arranged in a cross-point array configuration. The interface circuitry electrically communicates with a system configured for memory types, such as DRAM, SRAM, and FLASH, for example, and is operative to communicate with the non-volatile resistivity-sensitive memory to emulate one or more of those memory types. The interface circuitry can be fabricated in a logic plane on a substrate with at least one non-volatile resistivity-sensitive memory vertically positioned over the logic plane. The non-volatile resistivity-sensitive memories may be vertically stacked upon one another.
US08270192B2
A circuit arrangement comprises a memory cell array (2) with at least one memory circuit (99). The memory circuit (99) comprises one non-volatile memory cell (98) inserted in a first current path (106) between a supply voltage terminal (9) and a reference potential terminal (8), and a volatile memory cell (97) inserted in a second current path (107) between the supply voltage terminal (9) and the reference potential terminal (8). The volatile memory cell (97) is coupled to the non-volatile memory cell (98) for reading the non-volatile memory cell (98).
US08270183B2
A chassis structure includes a chassis member including a receiving portion and a case member including a contact surface portion mounted on the receiving portion. The contact surface portion is not fixed to the receiving portion but is movably supported by the receiving portion. A positioning portion protruding in a direction intersecting a direction extending along the surface of the contact surface portion is provided in the receiving portion, and the case member is mounted on the chassis member while an edge of the contact surface portion is in contact with the positioning portion.
US08270172B2
A wedge lock for use with a single board computer includes a cooling plate positioned with respect to a printed circuit board (PCB), a clamp device configured to secure the single board computer in an operating environment, and a heat conductance plate positioned along a top surface of the cooling plate and a top surface of the clamp device to facilitate conduction cooling of the PCB.
US08270165B2
An electronic apparatus has a case having a bottom wall in which a first vent is formed and a circumferential wall connected to a perimeter of the bottom wall; a printed circuit board housed in the case; an electronic component which is mounted on the printed circuit board and generates heat when powered; a fan which has an air outlet and sends out a wind through the air outlet in such a direction that the wind goes away from a rotation axis of a rotor; a heat radiation member opposed to the first vent and the air outlet of the fan; and a heat pipe which is disposed between an associated part of the circumferential wall and the heat radiation member and transmits heat generated by the electronic component from the electronic component to the heat radiation member.
US08270163B2
A display apparatus includes an accommodation chamber having a sealed structure, a display panel accommodated in the accommodation chamber, a cooling part which cools the air inside the accommodation chamber, a drain pipe extending from a bottom part of the accommodation chamber, and a check valve provided in the drain pipe.
US08270161B2
A chassis for a plurality of computers for use in a data center, the chassis at least one extensible fin, the fin either extensible perpendicularly from the front of the chassis or extensible parallel with the front of the chassis.
US08270150B2
A drive-removal mechanism may include, but is not limited to: at least one rotatable member; and at least one drive-engaging member operably coupled to the at least one rotatable member, wherein the drive-removal mechanism is detached from at least one drive to be removed. A drive enclosure may include, but is not limited to: at least one drive-receiving member including at least one drive-receiving channel; and at least one drive-removal mechanism including: at least one rotatable member; and at least one drive-engaging member operably coupled to the at least one rotatable member, wherein the drive-removal mechanism is configured to at least partially remove at least one hot swappable drive from the at least one drive-receiving channel.
US08270135B2
A circuit for driving a transistor half bridge is disclosed that comprises a series circuit of a first and a second transistor both having intrinsic or external free-wheeling diodes coupled in parallel. The circuit for driving a transistor half bridge comprises: an over-current detection circuit that is configured to signal an over-current condition when a load current flowing through the first transistor exceeds a first threshold; a protection circuit that is coupled to the over-current detection circuit and that is configured to disable an activation of the first transistor in response to a detected over-current and to re-enable the activation of the first transistor after a first time interval has elapsed; an evaluation circuit that is coupled to the over-current detection circuit and that is configured to check whether a further over-current condition is detected within a second time interval that follows the first time interval. An active free-wheeling by activating the second transistor is disabled when a further over-current condition is detected within the second time interval, and an active free-wheeling by activating the second transistor is enabled during the first time interval when no further over-current condition is detected within the second time interval.
US08270127B2
Magnetoresistive effect elements R1 to R4 are a TMR element or CPP-GMR element. A multilayer film forming the magnetoresistive effect elements is formed to have a width dimension T1 and a length dimension L1 perpendicular to the width dimension T1. The length dimension L1 is longer than the width dimension T1. The width dimension of magnetic field generators of the coil is T2. The multilayer film 31 is positioned within the width dimension T3 of 60% in total of 30% each to the width dimension T2 of the magnetic field generators 3 and 4 of the coil in the direction towards both sides from the center of the width dimension T2 when seen in a plan view.
US08270125B2
A magnetoresistive tunnel junction sensor having improved free layer stability, as well as improved free sensitivity. The free layer is constructed to have a low magnetic coercivity which improves free layer sensitivity. The free layer is also constructed to have a negative magnetostriction which improves free layer stability by preventing the free layer from having an easy axis that is oriented perpendicular to the air bearing surface.
US08270119B2
In a voice coil motor (VCM) of a disk drive, a coined feature formed on a ferromagnetic plate reduces magnetic flux leakage from a disk drive without increasing the weight of the drive or adding complexity to the manufacturing process. The coined feature is shaped and positioned to alter the path of magnetic flux lines produced by the VCM in a way that significantly reduces the flux leakage from the VCM. The coined feature may be formed without adding material to the ferromagnetic plate by the same stamping process used to fabricate the plate.
US08270107B1
A disk controller for a hard disk drive includes a disk formatter interfaced via an NRZ bus to a read channel for the disk. The disk formatter includes an LFSR accumulator coupled to the NRZ bus, as well as an LSFR generator that generates synthetic test data for the disk formatter. Under control of a test flag which signifies a test mode, the LSFR generator generates synthetic test data, which is used by the disk formatter to drive the NRZ bus. The LSFR accumulator accumulates data on the NRZ bus, together with data on servo information and sector information. An interface is provided through which the accumulated information is provided to test equipment, for offline analysis of the accumulated information, so as to confirm proper operation of the disk subsystem and/or to detect failures therein.
US08270106B2
A lens module includes a barrel, a holder, and a ring-shaped elastic member. The barrel includes a connecting portion and a resisting portion, the connecting portion includes a first screw thread. The holder includes a second screw thread engaged with the first screw thread. The ring-shaped elastic member is compressed between the resisting portion of the barrel and the holder. The elastic member includes a number of first segments and a number of second segments, the first segments and the second segments are arranged in an alternate fashion and connected to each other, at least one of the first segments and the second segments is V-shaped.
US08270102B2
A lens device includes a lens assembly, a lens barrel receiving the lens assembly therein and a barrel holder. The lens barrel includes a first end, an opposite second end, a first flange extending outwards from the first end, and a second flange extending outwards from the second end. The barrel holder is located between the first flange and the second flange. The barrel holder includes a first part, a second part, and two pairs of magnetic units each including a first magnetic element fixed to one of the first part and the second part, and a second magnetic element fixed to the other of the first part and the second part, the second magnetic element magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element. The first part is securely attached to the second part by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements.
US08270097B2
An imaging lens includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, an aperture stop, and a fourth lens, sequentially arranged from the object-side. The first lens has negative power, and an object-side surface is convex and an image-side surface is concave. Both surfaces of the second lens are aspheric, and in the vicinity of the optical axis, the second lens has negative power, and the object-side surface is concave and the image-side surface is convex. Both surfaces of the third lens are aspheric, and in the vicinity of the optical axis, the third lens has positive power, and the object-side surface is convex, and the image-side surface is convex. Both surfaces of the fourth lens are aspheric, and in the vicinity of the optical axis, the fourth lens has positive power, and the object-side surface is concave, and the image-side surface is convex.
US08270091B2
Disclosed is a projection variable focusing lens and a projection display device that has a reduction side which is telecentric, a high magnifying power, a small size, a light weight, and a low manufacturing cost and is capable of correcting all aberrations occurring when power varies with good balance.A projection variable focusing lens that moves only one lens group when power varies includes a first negative lens group G1, a second positive lens group G2, and a third positive lens group G3, arranged in this order from a magnification side. When a focal length varies, only the second lens group G2 is moved along an optical axis X. During focusing, the first lens group G1 is moved along the optical axis X. A reduction side is substantially telecentric.
US08270087B2
In a half mirror of a head mounted display which is formed by stacking a dielectric film and a metal film to a plate-shaped resin member, reflectivity of a P-polarized light and reflectivity of an S-polarized light do not agree with each other in at least a partial band of a visible band which contains wavelengths of three primary colors which constitute the image light. On the other hand, the reflectivity of the P-polarized light and the reflectivity of the S-polarized light with respect to the three primary colors are set approximately equal. An average value of transmittance of the P-polarized light and transmittance of the S-polarized light with respect to the respective wavelengths in the visible band which contains the wavelengths of the three primary colors is suppressed to a value which falls within a regulated range in the whole visible band.
US08270086B1
A beam splitter optical surface comprises a transparent substrate and a multilayer optical coating applied in a pattern onto the transparent substrate. The multilayer optical coating has at least an optically reflective layer and an optically absorbent layer.
US08270085B2
A lens array plate of long-size or large area is provided reducing deterioration of optical performance. A lengthy lens array plate (10), which is based on manufacturing process in accordance with the present invention, is formed by connecting a plurality of planar-shaped lens array plates (1) in the longer direction thereof, the planar-shaped lens array plate (1) including a plurality of lens portions that are regularly arranged. The connecting portion (3) is linearly formed at the position other than the plurality of lens portions. Thereby, a lengthy lens array plate with any length may be formed.
US08270080B2
An element includes a first resin layer and a second resin layer disposed between a first glass lens substrate and a second glass lens substrate, a boundary surface between the first resin layer and the second resin layer having a diffraction grating shape including a plurality of inclined surfaces and wall surfaces. The second resin layer is composed of a fluororesin in which fine metal oxide particles are dispersed. Since a refractive index distribution easily occurs in this material during curing by application of ultraviolet light, by applying ultraviolet light substantially perpendicular to the inclined surfaces of the diffraction grating shape, a refractive index distribution is formed in the thickness direction perpendicularly to the inclined surfaces.
US08270071B2
A movable objective lens assembly that includes an infinity-corrected objective lens providing the microscope with an optical field of view. The assembly permits the imaging of a specimen under investigation over an area of the specimen much larger than the field of view of the objective lens without moving the microscope and/or a specimen stage relative to one another. The assembly includes a mirror system and the linearly movable infinity-corrected objective lens. The mirror system includes a plurality of mirrors that provide a folded optical path that allows the objective lens to be moved relative to the specimen without moving the entire microscope. The mirror system and the objective lens are pivotably mounted relative to the rest of the microscope so as to allow the objective lens to be located substantially anywhere within a circular, or circular-sectoral, viewing area.
US08270068B1
Methods, apparatus and systems for an up-converter resonant cavity light emitting diode device includes a semiconductor light source, an up-converter to form the light emitter with up-converting materials and an electrical source coupled with the semiconductor light source for providing electrical energy to the semiconductor light source to provide a desired wavelength emitted light. The semiconductor light source is a resonant cavity light emitting diode or laser that emits an approximately 975 mm wavelength to provide electrical and optical confinement to the semiconductor light source to form a resonant cavity up-converting light emitting diode (UC/RCLED). Rows and columns of electrodes provide active matrix addressing of plural sets of UC/RCLEDs for display devices. The up-converter resonant cavity light emitting diode device has applications in head mounted projection display optical system using spectrally selective beam splitters to eliminate spectral overlap between colors and to combine the red, green and blue beams.
US08270056B2
An electromechanical systems device includes a plurality of supports disposed over a substrate and a deformable reflective layer disposed over the plurality of supports. The deformable reflective layer includes a plurality of substantially parallel columns extending in a first direction. Each column has one or more slots extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The slots can be created at boundary edges of sub-portions of the columns so as to partially mechanically separate the sub-portions without electrically disconnecting them. A method of fabricating an electromechanical device includes depositing an electrically conductive deformable reflective layer over a substrate, removing one or more portions of the deformable layer to form a plurality of electrically isolated columns, and forming at least one crosswise slot in at least one of the columns.
US08270053B2
Holding mechanism for long length optical element, optical scanning device, and image forming device
A holding mechanism for a long length optical element, which extends in a main scanning direction that is a movement direction of a deflected luminous flux by an optical deflector, and leads the deflected luminous flux to a scanned surface, includes; a holding member which is placed in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and holds the long length optical element in at least two places. The holding member has, an adjusting section which deflects the long length optical element in the sub-scanning direction and controls a tilt of the long length optical element in a sub-scanning cross-section and/or occurrences of a tilt distribution in a longitudinal direction in the sub-scanning cross-section.
US08270045B2
There is provided a cabling apparatus comprising, a cable connecting a first unit and a second unit which turns around a turning axial line of a hinge portion with respect to the first unit via the hinge portion, a cable guide portion, which guides the cable, in which the cable guide portion is turnably attached to the second unit on one end side of the cable guide portion and is connected to the first unit on the other end side of the cable guide portion, wherein a turning axial line of the guide portion with respect to the second unit and a turning axial line of the hinge portion accord with each other.
US08270040B2
An image-encoding apparatus includes an encoding unit that performs intra-frame encoding or inter-frame encoding on each picture of moving image data to output encoded data that includes an encoded group that includes at least one encoded picture, an encoding distortion calculating unit that calculates an amount of encoding distortion, an inter-frame correlation calculating unit that calculates a correlation between frames in the moving image data, an index value calculating unit that calculates an index value that is used to determine a structure of the encoded group based on the correlation, condition data, and the amount of encoding distortion, and an encoding control unit that outputs a control parameter for controlling at least the structure of the encoded group in the encoding unit based on the index value.
US08270035B2
An image processing device includes a generating unit and an output unit. The generating unit generates image data on the basis of which an image forming unit forms a visible image on a recording medium containing detectable substances using only a coloring material having a spectral reflection factor that is different in a particular wavelength range from a spectral reflection factor that the detectable substances have by a predetermined threshold or more. The output unit outputs the image data generated by the generating unit to the image forming unit.
US08270025B2
An image forming apparatus for printing out one or more pages in an electronic file having color information in the form of at least one of character information and image information, includes an information acquiring unit configured to acquire at least one of the character information and the image information from the electronic file; and a blank page determining unit configured to determine whether a page in the electronic file is a blank page based on the color information of at least one of the character information and the image information acquired by the information acquiring unit. A page that is determined as being a blank page by the blank page determining unit is cancelled from being printed out.
US08270019B2
The present invention includes an offset processing section that performs offset processing for shifting a sheet to be outputted in a sheet width direction, a banner output section that prints a job attribute of a print job on a sheet, a job attribute determination section that determines the job attribute of the print job, and a control section that sets offset processing or banner output in the unit of a job attribute or in the unit of a job. When a job attribute of a preceding print job and a job attribute of a subsequent print job are different, offset processing and banner output are executed. When the job attribute of the preceding print job and the job attribute of the subsequent print job are the same, any one of offset processing and banner output is executed. Thereby, printed sheets can be easily obtained in the unit of a job attribute such as in the unit of a user.
US08270017B2
A communication device, having a first connecting unit for connecting to a network and a second connecting unit for connecting to an information processing apparatus, receives data from the network through the first connecting unit. The device includes a processing unit that processes the received data and a rejection information registering unit that registers rejection information indicating a specific source, wherein the communication device is not allowed to process data received from the specific source. When receiving data, the device determines whether information indicating a source of the received data is registered in the rejection information registering unit. When determining that the information indicating the source of the received data is not registered, the device transmits confirmation data to the information processing apparatus through the second connecting unit, and allows the processing unit to process the received data in accordance with the result of transmission of the confirmation data.
US08270016B2
There is provided a printing device comprising: a data receiving unit configured to receive data transmitted from an external computer via a network; a print unit configured to execute a print process based on the data received by the data receiving unit; a prohibition unit configured to accept a command for prohibiting execution of the print process; an analysis unit configured to analyze the data received by the data receiving unit; and an execution control unit configured such that if a command other than a print command is contained in the data received by the data receiving unit, the execution control unit executes the command other than the print command even in a state where execution of the print process is prohibited through the prohibition unit.
US08270015B2
An image processing apparatus enables a user to widely select a desired transfer method, in relation to methods of transferring image data to be output to a transfer destination. To accomplish this, the image processing apparatus allows the user to set instruction information for instructing a transfer method of image data, and decides on a transfer method based on the set instruction information if the image data is color data. This transfer method includes a first transfer method of transferring color image data, a second transfer method of converting color image data to monochrome image data and transferring the monochrome image data, and a third transfer method of storing color image data in a storage unit and transmitting a report showing that image data has been received to a transfer destination printer.
US08270009B2
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus comprising: a control section; and a display section connected to a system bus, wherein the display section comprises: a display device; a screen data storage section to temporarily store screen data of an operation screen; and a display control section to display the operation screen based on the screen data, and wherein the control section comprises: a storage section to store the screen data of the operation screen; and a controller to transfer the screen data of the operation screen pertaining to a function provided to the image forming apparatus to the screen data storage section through the system bus after a power source is turned on and before the function becomes operable; and to control the display control section to display the operation screen based on the screen data stored in the screen data storage section, after the function becomes operable.
US08269989B2
A printing data generating unit designates a first section (page numbers, etc.) corresponding to a change target part of a before-being-changed document and a second section corresponding to printing data of a changed part. A printing unit includes a replacement processing portion. The replacement processing portion determines whether or not the section of the counted number of sheets of paper matches the first section, and when they match, instructs the printing unit to print the printing data of the changed part corresponding to the second section, and when they do not match, causes the before-being-changed document to be discharged directly from the printing unit, and thereby replacing just the first section of the before-being-changed document with a document of the changed part corresponding to the second section.
US08269987B2
A document printing method includes receiving a print job of electronic document data representing a document including a security character string with at least one character defined in the electronic document data in terms of a security mark creation font. The security mark creation font is a scalable outline based font, wherein the security character string is defined with a selected security effect, and wherein the security mark creation font provides an indication of the selected security effect without implementing the security effect. An SI Font is selected that corresponds to the security mark creation font of the at least one character of the security character string. The SI Font includes a bitmap representation of the at least one character of the security character string. The SI Font is suitable for printing the security character string with the selected security effect. The step of selecting an SI Font includes selecting the SI Font based upon a unique name of the SI Font that corresponds to a name of the security mark creation font, and also includes selecting the SI Font based upon at least one other attribute of the security mark creation font. A font substitution is performed in which the selected SI Font is used to define the security character string in the electronic document data in place of the security mark creation font. After the font substitution, a hard copy output of the document is printed as defined by the electronic document data including the substituted SI Font. A system is disclosed for performing the document printing method.
US08269982B1
A system for measuring deformation of at least one surface of an object including an interferometer for receiving illumination reflected from the surface of the object, and a surface treatment disposed on the surface of the object for providing a retro-reflective patina. The retro-reflective patina is configured to reflect the illumination from the surface of the object. The retro-reflective patina is attached to the surface of the object and may include a plurality of cube corners, or a plurality of dielectric spheres, or a combination of cube corners and dielectric spheres. Impinging light onto the object is provided by an optical source that may be separate from or integral to the interferometer. The impinging light may be directed toward the object through an objective lens, which is also used for receiving the illumination from the object. Alternatively, the impinging light may be directed toward the object by first bypassing the objective lens.
US08269977B2
A new broadband source having a discrete set of spectral emission lines having high peak power in each line is provided by placing a gain medium in a reflective cavity comprising reflective front and back surfaces. A cavity feedback factor less than unity is achieved by providing reflectivity of one surface substantially lower than the reflectivity of the other surface such that spontaneous emission in the gain medium is linearly amplified just below the lasing threshold. In an alternative arrangement, a movable external back surface placed at a prescribed distance from the gain medium provides a means to achieve a free spectral range and finesse of the emission lines to match a pitch of a detector array in a SD-OCT system. By simultaneously providing high power to each detector element of the array, sensitivity and imaging speed of SD-OCT system are significantly improved.
US08269973B2
In one aspect, detecting a splice connection along a component carrier tape extending from a component carrier tape feeder in a feeder slot on a pick-and-place machine having a pickup head is accomplished by scanning a section of a component carrier tape with a sensor, the sensor attached to the pick-and-place machine and positioned above or below a path of the component carrier tape, and detecting a splice connection with the sensor, the sensor generating a signal in response to detecting the splice connection such that the detection of the splice connection indicates the component carrier tape splice and such that the sensor is mounted such that relative position of the sensor with respect to the component carrier tape path is not affected by removal of the component carrier tape feeder slot or movement of the pickup head.
US08269968B2
A device (2) for evaluating the state of wetting of a surface (8) includes an emitter (4) emitting a beam (F, F1, F2) which is incident in the direction of the surface (8) and a single element (12) for receiving the beam reflected by the surface (8). The device includes: A polarization (10, 13, 14) including a first polarization zone (13) and a second polarization zone (14) designed to polarize a first part (F1) and a second part (F2) of the beam in a first and a second polarization direction; and a evaluation element (28) for calculating a polarization ratio between the polarizations of the first part of the reflected beam and the second part of the reflected beam to evaluate the state of wetting of the surface (8). Also described is an evaluation process and an associated indicator device.
US08269966B2
Disclosed is a fluorescence meter for analyzing a sample, comprising a main beam path and at least one optical module. The fluorescence meter is embodied so as to provide at least one electromagnetic beam for exciting the sample and receive at least one electromagnetic beam emitted by the sample, at least some sections of at least two of the electromagnetic beams being located on one plane while extending along the main beam path.
US08269962B2
A Raman spectrometer comprising means for illuminating a sample with a shaped laser beam and a detector that is operable to detect light that is reflected from or transmitted through a sample. Preferably, the shaped laser beam has a dark spot at its center.
US08269961B2
A system for determining the asphaltene content of crude oil includes a first optical flow cell, a first spectrometer operably associated with the first optical flow cell, and a mixer in fluid communication with the first optical flow cell. The system further includes a crude oil injection/metering device configured to receive the crude oil, the crude oil injection/metering device being in fluid communication with the first optical flow cell; a titrant injection/metering device in fluid communication with the mixer, the titrant injection/metering device configured to receive a titrant; and a filtration unit in fluid communication with the mixer. The system further includes a second optical flow cell in fluid communication with the filtration unit, and a second spectrometer operably associated with the second optical flow cell.
US08269960B2
Computer-implemented methods for inspecting and/or classifying a wafer are provided. One computer-implemented includes detecting defects on a wafer using one or more defect detection parameters, which are determined based on a non-spatially localized characteristic of the wafer that is determined using output responsive to light scattered from the wafer generated by an inspection system. Another computer-implemented method includes classifying a wafer based on a combination of a non-spatially localized characteristic of the wafer determined using output responsive to light scattered from the wafer generated by an inspection system and a spatially localized characteristic of the wafer determined using the output.
US08269958B2
A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism, to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed.
US08269950B2
A method is described for the characterization of atmospheric particles by means of a lidar device. The method provides to send a laser pulse in the atmosphere, a part of which is directly backscattered by the particles in the atmosphere. A reflecting optical device is provided, that is positioned at a predetermined distance d from the lidar device, whereby a part of the laser pulse that directly reaches the reflecting device is backreflected and is later backscattered by the particles in the atmosphere thus generating a counterpropagating backscattering signal directed towards the reflecting device, which signal reaches the reflecting device and is backreflected towards the lidar device. The lidar device detects the direct backscattering and counterpropagating signals. The optical characteristics of the particles are determined on the basis of the direct backscattering signal and the counterpropagating backscattering signal.
US08269945B2
Encoder heads and Z heads are installed in order to measure the position of a stage that moves within a predetermined plane. Measurement beams emitted from these heads are irradiated to scales arranged on the upper surface of the stage. During the idling, for example, the stage continues to be moved by driving and rotating the stage around the stop position of the stage serving as the center, or the stage is withdrawn to an area to which the measurement beams are not irradiated.
US08269941B2
A liquid crystal display panel including an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate, a plurality of spacers and a liquid crystal layer is provided. The active device array substrate includes a plurality of position limiting structures, each including a first and a second position limiting pattern. The opposite substrate is disposed above the active device array substrate. The spacers are disposed on the opposite substrate, and the spacers are protruded towards the active device array substrate and extended adjacent to the first and second position limiting patterns. Displacement of each spacer is limited by the first or second position limiting pattern. The first position limiting patterns limit the displacement of a portion of the spacers along a first azimuth range, the second position limiting patterns limit the displacement of a portion of the spacers along a second azimuth range, and the first and second azimuth ranges are different.
US08269937B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having a display region and a non-display region. In the display region, the gate line and a data line cross to define a pixel region and a thin film transistor is disposed at the crossing portion of the gate and data lines. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode and source and drain electrodes. A peripheral line having a plurality of openings is disposed in the non-display region. The openings are slits, rectangles, circles, or triangles. The openings relieve plasma during dry-etching of the peripheral line. A pixel electrode is connected to the drain electrode in the pixel region.
US08269931B2
Systems and methods for preparing films using sequential ion implantation, and films formed using same, are provided herein. A structure prepared using ion implantation may include a substrate; an embedded structure having pre-selected characteristics; and a film within or adjacent to the embedded structure and including ions having a perturbed arrangement arising from the presence of the embedded structure. The perturbed arrangement may include the ions being covalently bonded to each other, to the embedded structure, or to the substrate, whereas the ions instead may be free to diffuse through the substrate in the absence of the embedded structure. The embedded structure may inhibit or impede the ions from diffusing through the substrate, such that the ions instead covalently bond to each other, to the embedded structure, or to the substrate. The film may include, for example, diamond-like carbon, graphene, or SiC having a pre-selected phase.
US08269928B2
The present invention provides a polarizing plate that includes: a transparent protective film; a polarizer; and an optical compensation layer. The transparent protective film, the polarizer, and the optical compensation layer are laminated in this order. A moisture percentage of the polarizing plate is 2.8% by mass or less. The optical compensation layer includes a retardation film. The retardation film includes at least one resin selected from the group consisting of norbornene resins, cellulose resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, polyimide resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The optical compensation layer shows an optical property represented by the following formula (I): nx>ny>nz (I).
US08269915B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display device, a surface light source to irradiate illumination light toward the display device, and an optical member to reflect linearly polarized light having a light-vibration plane parallel to its reflection axis and to transmit linearly polarized light having a light-vibration plane parallel to its transmission axis. The display device includes a pair of substrates facing each other through a gap, a liquid crystal layer sealed into the gap between the substrates, and a pair of polarizing plates sandwiching the substrates therebetween. The substrates include electrodes formed on one of their facing surfaces. The optical member is arranged between the display device and the light source so that the reflection axis faces a direction crossing an absorption axis of the polarizing plate arranged between the display device and the light source at an angle falling within the 15° to 90° range.
US08269906B2
A transverse-electric-field liquid crystal display apparatus includes a transparent conductive resin portion and an electrode portion. The transparent conductive resin portion is provided on a surface of a counter substrate of a liquid crystal panel. The electrode portion is provided on an electrode pad portion of the liquid crystal panel and electrically connected to the transparent conductive resin portion and also to a ground wire of a printed circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel.
US08269901B2
A digital broadcast receiver and a one-touch channel setting method are disclosed. In order to set channels, the digital broadcast receiver tunes a tuner corresponding to an applied channel setting value chosen from available channel setting values that are made from combinations of channel setting value factors by referencing a transponder list corresponding to the applied channel setting value, and sets an antenna and a tuner to correspond with the applied channel setting value in accordance with the tuning result. Thus, the antenna and tuner may be set automatically for searching channels.
US08269899B2
An electronic device includes a connection terminal to connect to an external device via an interface including a first transmission path capable of unidirectional transmission of digital signals and a second transmission path capable of bidirectional transmission of a predetermined message; a detecting unit to detect whether the unidirectional transmission to the external device is possible/impossible; an obtaining unit to obtain an address of the electronic device from the external device if the unidirectional transmission is possible; a storage unit to store the obtained address; a receiving unit to receive the predetermined message from the external device; a determining unit to determine whether a destination of the received message includes the stored address; a responding unit to respond to the received message if the destination includes the address; and a control unit to control the responding unit not to respond to the received message if the unidirectional transmission is impossible.
US08269898B2
A brightness converting unit obtains brightness of each of the pixels. The low-resolution brightness image generating unit divides an image based on the input image signal into a plurality of domains, and obtains an average brightness of each of the domains, on the basis of the brightness obtained by the brightness converting unit. A high-resolution brightness image generating unit obtains brightness of each of the pixels included in the image based on the input image signal by weighting the average brightness obtained for each of the domains by a distance from a central portion of the domain. On the basis of the obtained brightness, the corrected gain lookup table determines a corrected gain, and the correcting unit corrects the input image signal.
US08269887B2
An image processing method for converting the frame frequency of a video signal includes a first step for subjecting a video signal having a first frame-frequency to three-times-repeat output and two-times-repeat output of a frame to convert the video signal having the first frame-frequency into a video signal having a second frame-frequency holding a relation of 2:5 as to the first frame-frequency; and a second step for converting the video signal having said second frame-frequency converted in said first step into a video signal having a third frame-frequency holding a relation of 1000:1001 or 1001:1000 as to the second frame-frequency, wherein the second step performs the conversion such that the difference of the number of frames after conversion becomes one or less between a frame group based on the three-times-repeat output frame in the first step, and a frame group based on the two-times-repeat output frame in the first step.
US08269886B2
Systems and methods are provided for improving the visual quality of low-resolution video displayed on large-screen displays. A video format converter may be used to process a low-resolution video signal from a media providing device before the video is displayed. The video format converter may detect the true resolution of the video and deinterlace the video signal accordingly. For low-resolution videos that are also low in quality, the video format converter may reduce compression artifacts and apply techniques to enhance the appearance of the video.
US08269876B2
An image-capturing device (image display device) 1 includes a rear monitor 12 (display means) having a primary display region MR and a plurality of secondary display regions SR1 to SR3. Further, display control means of the image-capturing device 1 controls contents of display on the rear monitor 12 so that a plurality of images are displayed in the plurality of secondary display regions SR1 to SR3 and so that an image P2 which is displayed in one secondary display region (for example, SR2) among the plurality of secondary display regions SR1 to SR3 is also displayed in the primary display region MR. Further, when a predetermined change (rotation, etc.) is carried out on the image P2, the image P2 in a state of being subjected to the predetermined change is displayed in both the one secondary display region SR2 among the plurality of secondary display regions SR1 to SR3 and the primary display region MR.
US08269874B2
An image display system includes: an image input apparatus and an image display apparatus connected thereto that displays an image obtained. The image input apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a movable holding unit selectively brought into an imaging state or a non-imaging state and a state detection unit. A control unit brings the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus into a disconnected state where a transmission path for transferring data between the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus is logically disconnected when in the non-imaging state, and brings the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus into a connected state when in the imaging state.
US08269869B2
In an imaging apparatus, a function whose value increases in time is used as a threshold electric-signal level, and an electric-signal level of a photoreceptor element is compared with the threshold electric-signal level. Even if a light received by the photoreceptor element has a low luminance, the electric-signal level of the photoreceptor element crosses the threshold electric-signal level in a short time, allowing calculation of the amount of optical energy received by the photoreceptor element. Furthermore, when an object having a region where brightness changes in time and also having a region with a low luminance is imaged, imaging interval is changed in accordance with luminance. Accordingly, information regarding how the brightness of the object is rapidly changing in time can be obtained more precisely, and an image can be output without making a projection image of the dark region completely black.
US08269867B2
A solid-state image pickup device, a driving control method, and an image pickup apparatus are capable of, in the case of changing the resolution of AD conversion, changing only a pulse that needs to be changed. In a case where the mode of the resolution of AD conversion is in a first mode , such as a 9-bit mode, a decoder operates a first counter. In a case where the mode of the resolution of AD conversion is another mode, such as a 10-bit mode or a 12-bit mode, the decoder stops a counting operation by the first counter and starts counting by second counter when the count value of the first counter reaches a start count value stored in a register, and resumes counting by the first counter when the count value of the second counter reaches the number of counts stored in the register.
US08269855B2
A low power color image capturing system having a power source, the system comprising: a narrow bandwidth illuminator adapted to provide illumination having a peak intensity defining a narrow bandwidth; an image capturing device adapted to capture a raw image from an object illuminated by the narrow bandwidth illuminator; and a processor adapted to control the system and having an algorithm operatable upon the raw image to provide a modified image; wherein the modified image has enhanced color intensities over substantially all visible wavelengths.
US08269850B2
A signal SG41 that has color signals thereof time-sequentially arranged in a color array corresponding to the color array in an image sensor 3 and that has not undergone resolution conversion is subjected to resolution conversion at a conversion rate (for example, ⅓) specified by a phase retention resolution conversion section 42. A de-mosaicing processing section 44 converts a signal SG42, which represents the order of the color array in the image sensor, into RGB signals SG44. A thin-line retention resolution conversion section 45 converts the signals SG44 into signals SG45 at a specified conversion rate (for example, ½). The signals SG45 are compressed by an encoder. In a recording medium 9, YC signals SG48 representing (640×480) pixels, the color signals SG42, a signal SG51 representing (640×480) pixels in the order of a color array and serving as thumbnail image data DT, and imaging information are recorded.
US08269846B2
An imaging apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register an ID tag, a detection unit configured to detect an ID tag within a detection area and a determination unit configured to determine if the ID tag detected by the detection unit is registered. The imaging apparatus further includes a operation member configured to execute a predetermined operation, and a control unit configured to prevent execution of the predetermined operation even if the operation member is operated, in cases where the ID tag detected by the detection unit is not registered in the registration unit.
US08269838B2
A pixel output line (14) is independently provided for each of the pixels arranged in a two-dimensionally array within a pixel area so that pixel signals can be sequentially written in a plurality of memory sections (22) through the pixel output lines (14). When a plurality of frames of pixel signals are held in the memory sections (22), the pixel signals corresponding to two arbitrarily selected frames are read and respectively stored in sample-and-hold circuits (61 and 62), and their difference is obtained. Then, the difference signals corresponding to a predetermined range of the image are integrated, and the integrated value is compared with a threshold. If the integrated value exceeds the threshold, it is presumed that a change in an imaging object has occurred, and a pulse generation circuit (66) generates a trigger signal. By controlling the discontinuation and other imaging actions according to this trigger signal, it is possible to correctly take high-speed images of the situation before or after the occurrence of an objective phenomenon.
US08269830B1
A robust video tool is provided for use in a machine vision inspection system. The robust video tool comprises a region of interest, a user interface, edge detection operations, and excluded region operations that determine a set of current-feature edge points which includes edge points detected in the region of interest and excludes edge points in an excluded region. The excluded region is determined by an excluded region generator, based on at least one previously characterized feature which is a feature characterized by using a video tool that detects the edge points of, and characterizes dimensional parameters of, the previously characterized feature. Importantly, the robust video tool features and operations are configured to allow learn mode programming on a workpiece that is either properly fabricated or improperly fabricated, and the resulting program will operate reliably on a run mode workpiece that is either properly fabricated or improperly fabricated.
US08269827B2
A method for generating a brightfield type image, which resembles a brightfield staining protocol of a biological sample, using fluorescent images is provided. The steps comprise acquiring two or more fluorescent images of a fixed area on a biological sample, mapping said fluorescent image into a brightfield color space, and generating a bright field image. Also provided is an image analysis system for generating a brightfield type image of a biological sample using fluorescent images.
US08269824B2
An illuminator of an electronic endoscope system is provided with a light emission mechanism that consists of a light source emitting white light as general illumination light and an optical chopper that turns a disc at a revolution speed in front of the light source. The disc consists of transparent glass sectors and filter sectors. Each time the general illumination light passes through the filter sectors, the illuminator emits specific illumination light having different spectral characteristics from those of the general illumination light, so a CCD outputs two kinds of image signals under the general illumination light and the specific illumination light. A spectral image producer produces a spectral image of arbitrary wavelength bands from the two kinds of image signals, whereas a general image producer produces a general image from those image signals captured under the general illumination light.
US08269821B2
Systems and methods are presented for processing three-dimensional (3D or 3-D) or pseudo-3D programming. The programming includes closed caption (CC) information that includes caption data and a location identifier that specifies a location for the caption data within the 3D programming. The programming information is processed to render the caption data at the specified location and to present the programming on the display. By encoding location identification information into the three-dimensional programming, a high level of configurability can be provided and the 3D experience can be preserved while captions are displayed.
US08269814B2
A method is provided for configuring a video conference endpoint. The method comprises receiving session data that comprises endpoint connection data for remote endpoints associated with scheduled conferences, and receiving a signal from a user interface indicating a user has activated a control associated with a selected conference, identifying the endpoint connection data for the remote endpoint associated with the selected conference, and establishing a media session with the associated remote endpoint. A video conference endpoint system also is provided. The system comprises a controller coupled to a memory, and a user interface coupled to the controller. The user interface includes a command button associated with a conference. The controller periodically receives session data associated with the scheduled conferences, stores the session data in the memory, and establishes the selected conference in response to a user activating the command button.
US08269812B2
The image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; an exposure head provided along a longitudinal direction of the image carrier, and exposing the image carrier; a housing holding the exposure head; an opening portion formed in the housing, and opening toward a position through which the image carrier and the exposure head face each other; a receiving portion provided in the housing; and a cleaning member having one and different ends, and including: a cleaning portion provided on a one end side where the one end is located, and cleaning a light-emitting face of the exposure head by moving while keeping in contact with the light-emitting face; and a guiding portion coming in contact with the receiving portion and guiding the cleaning portion toward a space between the image carrier and the exposure head when the cleaning portion is inserted into an interior of the housing through the opening portion.
US08269805B2
An image processing module with less line buffers is provided. The image processing module receives an original image signal to drive a display panel. The image processing module includes a timing controller and a scaler. The timing controller includes a line buffer and a control unit. The line buffer registers the original image signal and outputs a storage image signal. The scaler receives the storage image signal, adjusts the resolution of the storage image signal, and outputs a scaled image signal to the control unit according to the resolution of the storage image signal. The control unit receives the scaled image signal and outputs a display signal to drive the display panel according to the scaled image signal.
US08269803B2
A display device includes a plurality of pixels, each of said plurality of pixels includes a driving transistor and a light emitting diode, a compensator to receive first and second pixel currents generated by the plurality of pixels according to first and second data voltages respectively applied to the plurality of pixels, the compensator to calculate an image data compensation amount to compensate for variations in characteristics of the driving transistor of each of said plurality of pixels and a data selector to transmit the first and second data voltages to the plurality of pixels and to transmit the first and second pixel currents to the compensator, the compensator to measure the first and second pixel currents generated as a result of the first and second data voltages corresponding to different gray scale levels and to calculate an actual threshold voltage and mobility of the driving transistor of each of the pixels, the compensator including a measurement resistor, the compensator to control a resistance value of the measurement resistor, the measurement resistor to convert the first pixel current corresponding to the first data voltage into a first measured voltage and the second pixel current corresponding to the second data voltage into a second measured voltage.
US08269801B2
A unipolar gray scale drive scheme for passive matrix displays, more specifically, cholesteric liquid crystal displays, capable of creating any number of desired levels of gray scale. The drive scheme is single stage and can use either an amplitude modulation or a pulse width modulation column voltage signal in combination with a selecting row voltage signal to drive a pixel receiving the two intersecting signals to a desired level of gray scale.
US08269797B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for determining an appropriate scaling of a map display or providing an appropriately scaled map display.
US08269787B2
A method for color grading within a component color space associated with a display includes receiving a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is associated with a color comprising a plurality of color component values in the component color space, wherein the component color space comprises RGB, and wherein a pixel is associated with a color inside a gamut of the display but outside a gamut of a target media, receiving a color grading signal from a user, modifying the color associated with the pixel from the plurality of pixels in response to the color grading signal, to form a graded image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a graded color comprising a plurality of color component values, displaying the graded image on the display to the user, automatically performing a gamut remapping of the graded color associated with the pixel, to form a gamut remapped image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a gamut remapped color comprising a plurality of color component values, wherein at least one color component value of the graded color is substantially similar to one color component value of the gamut remapped color, and displaying the gamut remapped image on the display to the user, wherein the gamut remapped image comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel from the plurality of pixels is associated with a color within a gamut of the target media.
US08269785B2
An interface apparatus and a method of writing an extended display identification data (EDID) are provided. The interface apparatus includes a data processing unit, a memory unit and a switching unit. The memory unit is coupled to a connector corresponding to the memory unit and the data processing unit via the switching unit. When the interface apparatus is being initialized, the data processing unit detects whether or not the EDID stored in the memory unit is correct. If the EDID stored in the memory unit is incorrect, the data processing unit rewrites the EDID to the memory unit.
US08269782B2
There is provided a graphics processing system that includes a main processing unit and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The main processing unit puts rendering commands generated using a graphics library in the queue of a command buffer in a main memory. In this process, the library function offered by the graphics library is converted into the rendering commands, without any rendering attributes retained in the library. The GPU reads and executes the rendering commands stacked in the command buffer, and generates rendering data in a frame buffer.
US08269772B1
A system, apparatus, and method for rendering images as part of the production of animated features by generating an image of a surface or set of surfaces by modeling the reflection of light from the surface or set of surfaces. The invention may be used to provide a visually appealing and sufficiently realistic image of a surface or set of surfaces for use in production scale rendering, while requiring fewer computational resources than typically required by a strict physical model.
US08269770B1
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for tessellating a trimmed parametric surface comprising a parametric surface and a trim curve. The parametric surface may be tessellated to produce a set of polygons approximating the parametric surface. A first polygon of the set of polygons in which a first point on the trim curve is located may be determined. A second point on the trim curve may be projected into a plane, wherein the plane is determined by the first polygon. A set of one or more additional polygons of the set of polygons may be projected into the plane. A second polygon of the set of one or more additional polygons in which the second point on the trim curve is located may be determined.
US08269763B2
Techniques for providing a refresh of a scene are disclosed. In some embodiments, a scene is divided into a plurality of fragments, and successive fragments comprising the plurality of fragments are transmitted in a refresh stream. In such cases, each fragment comprises a subset that includes fewer than all of a hierarchical set of nodes comprising the scene and provides less than a complete structure of the scene. The nodes included in the respective successive fragments and the number of fragments into which the scene is divided are such that a prescribed number of consecutive fragments starting from any point in the refresh stream provides sufficient data to refresh the scene.
US08269760B2
A pixel driving device has a voltage impressing circuit that outputs a reference voltage that exceeds a threshold voltage of a drive transistor, a voltage measurement circuit, and a property parameter acquisition circuit that acquires a property parameter related to an electronic property of a pixel. The pixel driving device impresses the reference voltage on the pixel that has a light emitting element and the drive transistor. The voltage measurement circuit acquires voltage of a signal line, as measured voltages, after each of a plurality of the settling times elapsing from the time when the reference voltage is cut. The property parameter acquisition circuit acquires, as property parameters, the threshold voltage and a current amplification factor of drive transistor based on values of a plurality of measured voltages acquired by the voltage measurement circuit.
US08269759B2
A pixel driving device in which, after a reference voltage exceeds a threshold voltage of a drive transistor is impressed through the signal lines on each pixel equipping a light emitting element and the drive transistor, set the signal lines in a state of high impedance, and acquires a voltage value of one end of the signal lines subsequent to a predetermined settling time elapsing, and acquires the threshold voltage of the drive transistor for each pixel and the current amplification factor of the pixel drive circuit as a first property parameter based on acquired voltage values at the time a plurality of first settling times longer than a predetermined value and acquires an irregularity parameter indicating the irregularity in the current amplification factor based on the value of the first property parameter and the measured voltage value acquired at the time shorter than the predetermined value.
US08269756B2
Embodiments include controllable voltage device drivers adapted to generate driver output voltages. A device driver includes a direct current (DC) voltage source adapted to receive a voltage level command that indicates a commanded voltage, and to generate a DC transformer input voltage having a voltage level corresponding to the commanded voltage. The device driver also includes a step-up transformer adapted to receive the DC transformer input voltage and to convert the DC transformer input voltage into an alternating current (AC) transformer output voltage. The device driver also includes at least one processing element, adapted to receive one or more control inputs, and to generate an alternating current through a primary transformer winding based on the one or more control inputs. Other embodiments include methods for a controllable voltage device driver to generate a driver output voltage, and optical systems having an electro-optical device and an electro-optical device driver subsystem.
US08269748B2
A display is provided. The display includes at least one display cell having a display circuit; at least one light receiving cell including a light receiving element; a light emitting section operative to radiate light to the side of a display surface; and at least one transparent plate disposed on the front side in the display relative to a region in which the light emitting section is disposed and regions in which the display cell and the light receiving cell are formed, wherein an antireflection layer is formed on a most face-side surface of the display.
US08269743B2
A touch sensing display panel includes an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate, a display medium layer, a plurality of inner and outer electrode series. The opposite substrate is disposed over the active device array substrate and the display medium layer is disposed between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate. The inner electrode series are disposed on the opposite substrate and extend along a first direction, wherein each inner electrode series includes inner ring electrodes electrically connected to each other. The outer electrode series are disposed on the opposite substrate and extend along a second direction, wherein each outer electrode series includes outer ring electrodes electrically connected to each other. Each inner ring electrodes is respectively surrounded by one of the outer ring electrodes, and the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The present invention also provides a touch sensing substrate.
US08269739B2
An interactive display system, including a touch sensitive display, establishes a first image and at least one secondary image, each image representing various spatial coordinates, the spatial coordinates overlapping at least in part such that each image comprises an alternate depiction of subject matter common to all of the images. The first image is presented upon the display. Responsive to user input including contact with the display, imagery presented by the display is updated to integrate a region of at least one of the secondary images into the display. Each integrated region has substantially identical represented coordinates as a counterpart region of the first image. Further, each integrated region is presented in same scale and display location as the counterpart region of the first image.
US08269731B2
A touch screen assembly for an electronic device such as a cell phone or PDA. The touch screen assembly generally comprises a floating lens suspended over the display and, optionally, the keypad to allow a degree of freedom. An underlying thin connecting layer such as a flex film is attached beneath the floating lens, and a plurality (for example, four) differentially-mounted pressure sensors are mounted beneath the floating lens and are electrically connected to the electronic device via the flex film. The pressure sensors are differentially positioned along an x- and y-axis for registering a pressure z from a touch to the lens at each of the four positions, to provide four data sets (x1-4, y1-4, z1-4). Control software then interprets the exact touch-coordinate from the four data sets and generates a control signal. An optional haptic response generator and/or motion sensor are also contemplated. When used in a smaller electronics device such as a cell phone or PDA the touch screen sensor technology of the present invention is exceedingly thin and is capable of modular assembly for more-or-less “snap-in” construction.
US08269716B2
A liquid crystal display equipped with an overheat protection device and overheat protection method is disclosed. When a temperature sensor measures that the temperature of a LED (Light-Emitting Diode) backlight module is overheated and possibly will cause damage, the overheat protection device descend the luminance of the LED backlight module to lower the temperature inside the liquid crystal display.
US08269712B2
A high-reliability gate driving circuit is disclosed for providing a plurality of gate signals to plural gate lines respectively. The gate driving circuit includes a plurality of shift register stages. Each shift register stage includes a pull-up unit, an energy-store unit, a buffer unit, a discharging unit, a first pull-down unit, a second pull-down unit and a control unit. The pull-up unit pulls up a gate signal according to a driving control voltage and a first clock. The buffer unit receives an input signal. The energy-store unit provides the driving control voltage through performing a charging process based on the input signal. The first pull-down unit pulls down the gate signal according to a control signal. The second pull-down unit pulls down the gate signal according to a second clock having a phase opposite to the first clock. The control unit generates the control signal based on the gate signal.
US08269711B2
An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Device of improvement of flicker upon switching frame rate and method for the same are proposed. The LCD device includes a pixel matrix, a timing controller and a gate driver. The timing controller outputs a first Gate-On-Enable signal to the gate driver, when the LCD device displays frame according to a first frame rate. When the first frame rate is switched to a second frame rate, the timing controller outputs a second Gate-On-Enable signal to the gate driver to cause a charge time of the pixel matrix to be unchanged. It is appreciated that a pulse width of the second Gate-On-Enable signal is equal to a summation of a pulse width of the first Gate-On-Enable signal and an adjusted pulse width.
US08269703B2
An organic light emitting display device including a power generator for sending a plurality of voltages to a display unit. The display unit receives a scan signal, a light emitting control signal, and a data signal, which enable a current corresponding to the data signal to flow from a first power supply to a second power supply. The display unit includes a pixel circuit that includes a storage capacitor adapted to store the data signal and to stabilize the stored data signal utilizing a third power supply. A driver IC includes a signal generator for generating the data signal, the scan signal, and the light emitting control signal, and further includes a power generator for generating the first power, the second power, and the third power, wherein the second power and the third power are at a lower voltage than that of the first power.
US08269702B2
An organic light emitting display device and a method of driving the same. The organic light emitting display device includes a scan driver, a data driver for supplying data signals, and pixels. Each of the pixels is configured to control whether or not a current flows from a first power to a second power both coupled to the pixels, the current corresponding to a corresponding one of the data signals. A power supply is included for supplying the first power to a power line coupled to the pixels. A sensing resistor is coupled between the power supply and the power line. A power controller is provided for controlling the power supply to adjust a voltage value of the first power for controlling an amount of current that flows through the sensing resistor to be substantially equal to an amount of current corresponding to data of a current frame.
US08269701B2
An organic light emitting display and a driving method thereof, capable of increasing manufacturing yield by widening a range of gamma correction. An exemplary organic light emitting display includes a display region with pixels at crossings of data and scan lines; a gamma correction unit; a gamma correction circuit; a data driver; and a scan driver. The gamma correction unit includes first and second register units for storing first and second gamma correction signals, the second gamma correction signal comprising a corrected first gamma correction signal; a booster unit for correcting the second gamma correction signal to generate a third gamma correction signal; and a multiplexer for selecting the second gamma correction signal or the third gamma correction signal outputted from the booster unit, and for transferring it to the gamma correction circuit.
US08269697B2
The present invention disposes a switch transistor between a driving transistor and a light emitting element, and sets the switch transistor in an off state during a non-emission period. Thereby, a variation in threshold voltage of the driving transistor is corrected while destruction of the light emitting element due to a reverse bias is avoided.
US08269696B2
Disclosed herein is an electroluminescence display panel including: a pixel circuit; a signal line; a scan line; a drive power supply line; a common power supply line; a power supply line drive circuit; a high-potential power supply line; and a low-potential power supply line.
US08269688B2
An apparatus for screening the magnetic field of a transponder is described, which apparatus comprises, in a first area section, at least one flat antenna structure which comprises conductor tracks for conducting current in a direction of current flow and has an application-specific extent, wherein the apparatus comprises a second area section or carrier to which strips of a highly permeable screening material are applied such that they are oriented with respect to one another in a predetermined manner, wherein the second area section is arranged parallel to the first area section. In order to effectively screen the magnetic field which is beamed in from the outside, for instance by a reader, and in order to effectively screen the magnetic field which is generated by the antenna structure of the transponder itself following excitation, and in order to reduce eddy current losses in a metal area arranged underneath, the highly permeable screening material has either anisotropic permeability, wherein increased permeability is provided in the direction of current flow, in particular in the direction of the conductor tracks of important sections of the antenna structure, or else provides for the strips to be oriented parallel to one another in important sections, wherein the longitudinal edges of the strips are provided in the direction of current flow, in particular in the direction of the conductor tracks of important sections of the antenna structure.
US08269687B2
The present invention relates to an antenna arrangement comprising a first and third set of antenna elements, being arranged as a first and third column and aligned along a first and third symmetry axis, respectively, each column comprising elements being operative in a first frequency band (f1) and elements being operative in a second frequency band (f2). The antenna arrangement further comprises a second set of antenna elements, being arranged as a second intermediate column along a second symmetry axis, said second symmetry axis being parallel to said first and third symmetry axes, and being operative in said second frequency band (f2), wherein the ratio of said second center frequency (f2) to said first center frequency (f1) is in the range 1.5 to 3. The distance between said first and third symmetry axes is less than or equal to 0.6 times the wavelength of said first center frequency (f1), and the distance between said second and said first and third symmetry axis, respectively, is less than or equal to 0.6 times the wavelength of said second center frequency (f2).
US08269685B2
Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching star shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching star shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.
US08269681B2
A sheet-like dipole antenna includes a substrate (1), an F-shape antenna (2), and a cable (3). The substrate (1) has a copper clad surface (11) and a slot (12). An insulating film (13) is provided on the copper clad surface (11) and the slot (12). A first soldering region (14), a second soldering region (15), and a third soldering region (16) are positioned adjacent to the slot (12). The cable (3) has a core (31) coated with an insulating layer (32). The insulating layer (32) is coated with a grounding layer (33). The grounding layer (33) is coated with an outer skin (34). One end of the cable (3) is electrically connected to a connector (35). The core (31) is connected to the second soldering region (15). The grounding layer (33) is soldered to the third soldering region (16).
US08269674B2
Antennas for electronic devices such as portable computers are provided. An antenna may have a dipole structure in which one antenna element serves as a matching element and another antenna element serves as a radiating element. The antenna elements may be mounted on a substrate. The substrate may be mounted on a support structure that is attached to a grounding plate. The grounding plate may be grounded to a conductive housing portion of a portable computer. The antenna may be mounted within the conductive housing in the vicinity of an opening in the housing. The opening may be a slot opening that is used to accommodate optical disks or other storage media. Radio-frequency signals for the antenna may pass through the opening.
US08269670B2
An RFID tag includes a circuit board assembly having a circuit board, an RFID circuit, an antenna, and a metallic ground plane. The circuit board has a first side and a second side. The circuit board carries the antenna on the first side and the ground plane on the second side. The RFID circuit is coupled with each of the antenna and the ground plane. A backplane is coupled with the ground plane, on a side of the ground plane opposite the circuit board. An overmolded housing surrounds and hermetically seals the circuit board assembly. The housing is comprised of a material which is both autoclavable and has a low dielectric constant of between approximately 1 to 5.
US08269666B2
A high-frequency module is for fill level measuring and for use at frequencies of more than 75 GHz. The high-frequency module comprises a microwave semiconductor, a printed circuit board and a housing bonded to the printed circuit board. In order to reduce the power required, operation of the microwave semiconductor takes place in a pulsed manner.
US08269663B2
A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device.
US08269659B2
A system for implementing a cyclic digital to analog converter (c-DAC) is capable of supporting a large size liquid crystal display. The system includes an upper DAC stage configured to output a first voltage between a lower voltage supply (HVDD) and an upper voltage supply (AVDD). The system also includes a lower DAC stage configured to output a second voltage between the lower voltage supply (HVDD) and a ground. The upper DAC stage includes a single PMOS switch and the lower DAC stage includes a single NMOS switch.
US08269657B2
A multi-channel time interleaved ADC (TIADC) provides for offset estimation and correction. The correction is accomplished through analog adjustment of offset rather than by digital correction of their outputs. In certain aspects, polarity reversal circuits may be used to further improve performance.
US08269656B2
An impedance matching transmission circuit for a transducer has a transmission medium connected to the transducer. A transmitting circuit is connected to the transmission medium with the transmitting circuit terminating in a reference circuit element. The transmitting circuit comprises an analog to digital converter having an analog input connected to the reference circuit element, and having a digital output. A digital to analog converter receives the digital output and generates an analog output signal in response thereto. A driver circuit is connected to the transmission medium and receives the analog output signal and supplies a driver signal to the transmission medium.
US08269649B2
A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time.
US08269646B2
Disclosed is a light display comprised of a light display unit containing 24 LEDs of various colors, a USB connector connecting the light display unit to a computer, and light display custom software that is loaded onto the computer. When the computer plays music audio such as a WAV file, MP3 file, or a CD disk, the light display custom software, installed on the computer, transforms the audio output into a four 8-bit byte record 40 times a second. The first byte is a header record, and the remaining 3 bytes contain 24 instruction bits. The instruction bits are calculated using a programmed spectrum analyzer that filter the sampled audio signal over a range of 20 Hz to 20K Hz. When the frequencies within a given band exceeds a threshold, the bit associated with that band is set to 1, otherwise the bit is set to 0. The light display unit contains a circuit board that turns the LED associated with the bit on if the bit is one, otherwise it is turned off.
US08269640B2
One embodiment of the present invention discloses an odor-generating alarm apparatus that can ensure the reliability of a releasing operation and the odor dispersibility. In an odor-generating alarm apparatus, when abnormality information indicating occurrence of an abnormal state is supplied from a sensor for occurrence of an abnormal state, an initiator is operated by a circuit portion, and the initiator displaces a piston of a driving portion and displaces a spray can with respect to a casing and switches the spray can to a releasing state, thus releasing an odorous liquid filling the spray can in the form of fine particles.
US08269639B2
The present invention relates to the field of the detection, analysis and/or determination of matter or particles suspended in fluid. In one particular form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors, which detect unwanted pyrolysis or combustion of material. In another form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors of the early detection type, and which may be applied to ventilation, air-conditioning or duct monitoring of a particular area. In yet another form, the present invention relates to adjusting the sensitivity of particle detectors.
US08269636B2
An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), is configured to automatically detect ingestion of medications to verify that prescribed medications are taken in a timely manner and at the correct dosage. Briefly, individual pills are provided with miniature radio frequency identification (RFID) devices capable of transmitting RFID tag signals, which identify the medication contained within the pill and its dosage. The implanted device is equipped with an RFID transceiver for receiving tag signals from a pill as it is being ingested. The implanted system decodes the tag to identify the medication and its dosage, then accesses an onboard database to verify that the medication being ingested was in fact prescribed to the patient and to verify that the correct dosage was taken. Warning signals are generated if the wrong medication or the wrong dosage was taken. Therapy may also be automatically adjusted. Non-RF-based ID devices are also described, which instead transmit ID data via biphasic current pulses.
US08269634B2
Alarm tests are disclosed which use alarm test signals to assess alarms provided by medical devices. Especially relevant are implanted devices that monitor cardiac activity and provide notification in response to medically relevant events. Alarm tests can occur periodically, or in response to a patient, doctor, or remote party initiating the alarm test. Alarm tests can also occur during the actual alarms issued to detected medical events. Alarm tests lead to pass or fail results, which in turn may cause operations to contingently occur. Alarm test failure in the auditory, visual, or tactile modality, may cause an alternatively defined alarm signal to be used as back-up. Alarm test logs can store alarm test results, including quantification of the measured alarm signal. Rapid alarm tests are described, as are various methods of accurately measuring characteristics of the test signal in ambulatory patients, which are especially relevant to a vibration alarm.
US08269633B2
Multiple identical data loggers are produced on sheet material and then separated to produce individual products for distribution to separate locations. A continuous roll of tape sheet material comprises a contiguous series of data loggers which each include a cover sheet, a transponder, a sensor, a power source (such as a battery), an antenna, a microprocessor, an adhesive layer and means to separate individual data logger elements from one another.
US08269632B2
An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part.
US08269628B2
A triple-sensor motion detector is provided for illuminating the approach to a display case or other object. The triple-sensor motion detector provides a field of detection that spans the front width of the case, yet does not include the areas along the sides of the case. The detector reduces inadvertent triggering of the illumination by persons approaching the side of the case or approaching another case on the other side of an aisle.
US08269623B2
A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining the status of a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a security system for a protected premises, coupling the security system to a central monitoring station through a short-range radio and a broadband connection that receives polling messages from the protected premises where the broadband connection forwards the polling message to the central station, the central station receiving a status request from an authorized user of the protected premises, in response to the polling message, the central station transmitting the status request to the security system through the broadband connection and short range radio system and the security system transmitting a status report through the short range radio and the broadband connection to the central monitoring station in response to the request.
US08269617B2
A Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee's Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up. A catalog or index of “standardized” motion profiles are accessible for initial comparison to actual vehicle motion characteristics in order to streamline the tuning of the driver risk analysis system. The system determines if and when an offset in Center of Gravity (i.e. from where initialized) has occurred, after which the system responsively tunes the driver risk assessment/prediction/analysis/reporting system.
US08269616B2
The present invention is directed to a method and system to determine gaps, such as parking spaces, between objects. A sensor acquires a set of scanning data. A noise filter unit filters the set of scanning data and a data derivative unit generates a set of derivative data from the set of scanning data. A data analysis unit determines locations of gaps by selectively analyzing the set of derivative data which exceed a first predetermined distance and/or a second predetermined distance. The gap definition unit determines the substantial locations, shapes, and sizes of the gaps based on the previously defined location from the data analysis unit. A report generation unit generates a report including the set of gaps defined by the gap definition unit. The report is displayed on a display in a color coded format easily visible and discernable to a driver of the automobile.
US08269615B2
A door handle, for opening and closing a door such as a vehicular door, includes: a transmitting antenna, transmitting a communication signal to a portable device carried by a user; an indicating portion, optically indicating a state of the door, including locked and unlocked states of the door, to the user with a visible light; and a first power supply portion, electromagnetically coupled to the transmitting antenna and supplying electric power to the indicating portion in response to a transmission of the communication signal.
US08269613B2
A smart cap for a container to dispense a medication and for automatically (a) self-verifying at least an obverse side and a converse side of the medication once the smart cap has been programmed for the medication so as to prevent improper dispensing of the medication, (b) indicating and verifying the number of pills in the container, (c) indicating and verifying timely compliance for taking the medication as prescribed and (d) issuing instructions and/or warnings to the consumer. The cap includes necessary circuitry and displays and is programmable from computer.
US08269611B2
The present invention relates to a reading/writing station (ST) comprising a casing (1) including in particular a memory (M) and an antenna (AN) for exchanging data wirelessly by inductive technology with electronic tags (ET, ETI), each having an antenna (5, 8), a memory (60, 70) and data processing means (61, 71) for interpreting requests sent by the station (ST), characterized in that: an electronic tag, called integrated electronic tag (ETI), suitable for storing data in its memory (70), is incorporated in the reading station (ST), the integrated electronic tag (ETI) is located in the reading station (ST), within range of the antenna (AN) of the reading station (ST). The integrated electronic tag (ETI) makes it possible in particular to store data relating to the configuration of the reading station (ST) and/or application data.
US08269609B2
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to a network of RFID readers which detect a location of an RFID transmitter coupled to a portable device. The network of RFID readers transmits the location to a user. The RFID transmitter couples to any personal device and broadcasts a unique ID. The nearest RFID reader(s) receive the unique ID and alert a server in communication with the network of RFID readers. The server calculates the distance of the RFID transmitter from each RFID reader receiving the unique ID. The server triangulates the location of the RFID transmitter when three or more RFID readers are receiving the unique ID. The server then securely transmits the location of the RFID transmitter to the user of the portable device. The user receives the transmission through a secure receiver.
US08269605B2
A method and apparatus for tracking items automatically is described. A passive RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is used with a material tracking system capable of real-time pinpoint location and identification of thousands of items in production and storage areas. Passive RFID tags are attached to the item to be tracked, remote sensing antennas are placed at each remote location to be monitored, interrogators with several antenna inputs are connected to the sensing antennas to multiplex the antenna signals, and a host computer communicates with the interrogators to determine item locations to an exacting measure.
US08269598B2
The present invention relates to a laminate thermistor device comprising a lead terminal 12 connected to a terminal electrode 10. A device main body 4 is a rectangular parallelepiped having mutually perpendicular first side 4a, second side 4b and third side 4c, and when a length of the first side is α, a length of the second side is β and a length of the third side is γ, the length of each side α, β and γ satisfies a relation of α≧β>γ. The terminal electrodes 10 are respectively formed on two plane surfaces including the first side 4a and second side 4b, and the lead terminals 12 are connected to the terminal electrodes 10 respectively to sandwich the third side 4c of the device main body 4 in a length direction therebetween.
US08269589B2
An electromagnetic drive unit is disclosed, including a yoke and a movable armature. In at least one embodiment, the yoke and the armature have a matched shape so that, when the electromagnetic drive unit is activated, the armature is adapted to at least partially cross the yoke. An electromechanical switching device is also disclosed.
US08269586B2
A large-capacity vacuum circuit breaker that can increase a current shutdown capacity and enables its rated current to be increased includes at least two vacuum circuit breaker units placed side by side and connected in parallel. The two vacuum circuit breaker units are operated by a single common operating unit to concurrently perform current shutdown operations. Each vacuum circuit breaker unit has a vertical magnetic field generating means for generating a vertical magnetic field when an operation to shut down current is performed. The vertical magnetic field generating means is formed by vertical magnetic field electrodes provided in a vacuum container of each of the vacuum circuit breaker unit units or by an external coil provided on the outer circumference of each vacuum container.
US08269571B2
An amplitude modulated pulse transmitter designed to operate across a multi MHz range of modulation frequencies. A wire wound rare earth magnet is to be utilized instead of the typical modulation transformer. Additionally, a plurality of electrolytic capacitors are also employed in the transmitter.
US08269560B2
There is provided a power amplifying apparatus including: a power amplifier; a power regulator providing a driving voltage and a driving current corresponding to a control voltage to the power amplifier; a current sensing unit sensing a current and a voltage corresponding to the driving current and controlling the driving voltage according to the sensed current; a current control unit controlling a current bias according to the sensed voltage of the current sensing unit; and a current bias circuit unit controlling a bias current of the power amplifier according to the controlling of the current control unit.
US08269553B2
A delay circuit includes a MOSFET and bias voltage sources. The bias voltage sources apply a voltage difference between the drain and source of the MOSFET. The bias voltage source supplies a source voltage to a source electrode of the MOSFET. The bias voltage source supplies a drain voltage to a drain electrode of the MOSFET. An input signal to be delayed is propagated through the gate of the MOSFET in the gate width direction (y-axis direction).
US08269547B2
A bootstrap circuit comprises: a first transistor connecting a first power supply with an output node; and a second transistor applying a first input signal to a gate node of the first transistor and having a conductivity type identical to that of the first transistor. A second input signal obtained by inverting a level of the first input signal, delaying the inverted signal, and adding a direct current bias to the delayed signal is inputted to a gate node of the second transistor.
US08269544B2
An integrated circuit that includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) that adjusts a clock frequency of a critical path of the integrated circuit based on the variations in a power-supply voltage of the DCO and the critical path is described. This DCO may be included in a feedback control loop that includes a frequency-locked loop (FLL), and which determines an average clock frequency of the critical path based on a reference frequency. Furthermore, the DCO may have a selectable delay characteristic that specifies a delay sensitivity of the DCO as a function of the power-supply voltage, thereby approximately matching a manufactured delay characteristic of the critical path. Additionally, for variations in the power-supply voltage having frequencies greater than a resonance frequency associated with a chip package of the integrated circuit, adjustments of the clock frequency may be proportional to the variations in the power-supply voltage and the selectable delay characteristic.
US08269542B2
A differential latch comprising a data holding transistor, the differential latch comprising: a resetting transistor that is connected to a gate electrode of the data holding transistor and is controlled by a reset signal; and a switching transistor that is connected to the gate electrode of the data holding transistor and is controlled by a switch signal, being an inverted version of the reset signal.
US08269539B2
An output stage configured to control a driving voltage thereof is provided. The output stage includes: a first switching current module, coupled to a node for outputting a first current; a second switching current module, coupled to the node for outputting a second current; a switching capacitor module with a capacitance, coupled to the node; a calibrating control circuit, for calibrating the first current, the second current and the capacitance; a time constant calibrating circuit, for generating a reference slew rate, and controlling the calibrating control circuit to selectively calibrate the first current, the second current and the capacitance, such that a ratio of the first current and the capacitance and the ratio of the second current and the capacitance conform to the reference slew rate; and a voltage clamper for setting a high/low voltage range and limiting a amplitude of the driving voltage within the high/low voltage range.
US08269532B2
Power switching systems often benefit from controlling the instant at which the power devices change state so as to minimize dissipation in these devices. Such systems often require fairly tight tolerances on reactive components and a relatively narrow frequency operating range to be certain these switching times occur as intended. This invention defines a system that can adapt the required switching instant over very wide changes in the reactive components.
US08269520B2
A semiconductor device tester includes programmable hardware configured to test a semiconductor device under test. The programmable hardware is programmed with two or more pattern generators to control a flow of data to and from the semiconductor device under test.
US08269519B1
Methods and apparatus for testing packaged ICs are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus for testing a packaged integrated circuit (IC) can include a device handler for moving the packaged IC; a testing station for testing the packaged IC; and a pre-test conditioning station configured to remove at least a portion of an oxidation layer formed on contacts of the packaged IC prior to testing. In some embodiments, a method for testing packaged ICs may include providing a packaged IC to be tested; at least partially removing an oxidation layer from contacts of the packaged IC prior to testing; inserting the packaged IC into an interface structure; and testing the packaged IC.
US08269516B1
Disclosed is a contactor interconnect in an integrated circuit device test fixture comprises a plurality of contactor pins enabled to provide electrical contact with the contact points of an integrated circuit device, the contactor pins being mounted in the test fixture; and an electrical circuit coupled to two or more of the contactor pins of the test fixture, wherein the electrical circuit is isolated from other contactor pins of the plurality of contactor pins and wherein the electrical circuit is coupled to the two or more contactor pins by an electronically direct pathway.
US08269506B2
A signal integrity test system and method uses an oscilloscope to test a signal on each test point of a transmission line, obtains test parameter values of the signal on each test point, and compares the test parameter values with preset standard values. If any test parameter value does not match a corresponding preset standard value, a time-domain reflectometer is used to test an impedance value of the test point. If the impedance value matches a standard impedance value of the transmission line, the system and method determines the signal on the test point satisfies integrity requirements.
US08269505B2
One embodiment provides a method of locating a short circuit in a printed circuit board. Test signals may be injected at different test points on the circuit board. The distance between each test point and the short circuit may be determined according to how long it takes for a signal reflection at the short circuit to propagate back to each test point. The distances between the various test points and the short circuit can be used to narrow the possible locations of the short circuit or even to pinpoint the location of the short circuit.
US08269482B2
An intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., an electrical power meter, having circuitry for reducing the burden placed on at least one current sensor of the device resulting in a highly accurate measurement by the at least one current sensor is provided. The circuitry of the present disclosure reduces the burden on the current sensor while providing amplification, e.g., gain control, to the input signal. The circuitry includes at least one current sensor outputting a signal to an operational amplifier (op amp) having a controlled variable feedback resistance. By employing an operational amplifier in the circuitry, the output of the current sensor will be at a near zero volts condition at all times thus reducing the burden on the current sensor.
US08269472B2
Control signals are generated for a buck-boost power stage of a buck-boost power converter to convert an input voltage to an output voltage. The buck-boost power stage includes an inductor and at least two power switches connected thereto. The output voltage is monitored to generate an error signal having clamped level according to a first detecting signal related to at least one of the input voltage, output voltage and inductor current. In a buck-boost mode, a compensation signal and a duty insertion signal are generated according to a second detecting signal related to at least one of the input voltage, output voltage, inductor current and variation of the output voltage, the error signal is compensated with the compensation signal to generate a compensated error signal, and the control signals are determined upon the combination of the compensated error signal, the duty insertion signal and a ramp signal.
US08269464B2
An electronic device having a display section, which may include, a housing section configured to house a plurality of batteries, a detection section configured to detect status of each of the plurality of batteries housed in the housing section, a selection section configured to select part of the plurality of batteries for use as a power supply of the electronic device in accordance with the status detected by the detection section, and a display control section configured to display on the display section an indication identifying the part of the plurality of batteries.
US08269452B2
A battery charge monitoring device for monitoring feed of electric power from a power source installation to a battery, the power source installation being disposed separately from a vehicle on which the battery is mounted, and the vehicle using the electric power fed from the battery as a drive source for traveling, includes a vehicle storage portion which stores therein vehicle identification information allotted to the vehicle, a vehicle side communication portion which performs a power line communication with a power source side communication portion of the power source installation through a power line for feeding the electric power from the power source installation to the battery, and a vehicle side control portion which controls the vehicle side communication portion so as to transmit the vehicle identification information stored in the vehicle storage portion, to the power source side communication portion, when a communication channel is established between the power source side communication portion and the vehicle side communication portion.
US08269446B2
When an electric vehicle outputs a torque instruction, firstly, a request torque is acquired and a judged whether the acquired request torque is positive or negative. Regardless of the sign of the request torque, it is judged whether the eco-switch is ON. If the request torque has a positive sign and the eco-switch is OFF, a map A is selected. If the eco-switch is ON, a map B which limits the maximum torque to a low value for the map A is selected. If the request torque has a negative sign, a map C is selected regardless of the eco-switch ON/OFF state and the maximum torque is not limited.
US08269441B2
A motor control apparatus includes a current control unit which is configured to calculate dq-axis voltage commands to match d-axis and q-axis current commands with d-axis and q-axis currents of a motor current, respectively. A power conversion circuit is configured to drive the motor. A modulation factor command unit is configured to determine a modulation factor command. A modulation wave command unit is configured to determine modulation wave commands. A pulse width modulation generating unit is configured to generate a pulse width modulation pattern. A modulation factor saturation level calculating unit is configured to determine a modulation factor saturation level. A field-weakening control unit is configured to correct the d-axis current command.
US08269434B2
An automotive drive system and methods for making the same are provided. The system includes a three-phase motor and an inverter module. The three-phase motor includes a first set of windings each having a first magnetic polarity; and a second set of windings each having a second magnetic polarity that is opposite the first magnetic polarity. The first set of windings being electrically isolated from the second set of windings. The inverter module includes a first set of phase legs and a second set of phase legs. Each one of the first set of phase legs is coupled to a corresponding phase of the first set of windings, and each one of the second set of phase legs is coupled to a corresponding phase of the second set of windings.
US08269429B2
An apparatus for driving a light emitting device according to an aspect of the invention may include: a DC/DC converter unit generating driving power on the basis of an input voltage and supplying the generated driving power to an anode of a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting devices; a current source controlling to keep current flowing through the light emitting unit constant; a feedback circuit unit detecting voltage at a cathode of the light emitting unit; and a feedback coupling circuit unit coupling the output of the feedback circuit unit and the input of the DC/DC converter unit to supply the input voltage of the DC/DC converter unit according to the voltage detected by the feedback circuit unit and an output voltage of the DC/DC converter unit.
US08269421B2
This invention generally relates to lighting controller, more particularly to electronic ballast circuits, sometimes referred to as electronic control gears (ECG) or gas discharge lamps. An electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp, the electronic ballast comprising: a power input circuit to provide a dc voltage supply; a SEPIC converter having a converter input coupled to said dc voltage supply and having a dc voltage output; and a push-pull output stage coupled to said dc voltage output to provide an ac voltage for driving said lamp, said push-pull output stage comprising a pair of inductive elements each having a first connection to one another and to said dc voltage output and a second connection to a respective switch.
US08269418B2
A light emitting device according to an embodiment includes: a body including a cavity formed with a stepped section; an electrode of which one end is disposed on the stepped section and the other end is disposed outside of the body; a heat sink including a main frame and a sub frame, wherein the sub frame includes a slope and a portion of the heat sink is disposed outside of the body; and a light emitting diode disposed on the heat sink.
US08269411B2
A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The display device includes an illuminate unit and a color filter. The illuminate unit has a light-emitting chip and a plurality of quantum dot phosphors for generating a color light which has an optical spectrum including the first blue peak wavelength, a first green peak wavelength, and a first red peak wavelength. The color filter is disposed in the light path of the color light, wherein the color filter has a transmittance spectrum having a second blue peak wavelength, a second green peak wavelength, and a second red peak wavelength. The first blue peak wavelength, the first green peak wavelength, and the first red peak wavelength respectively match the second blue peak wavelength, the second green peak wavelength, and the second red peak wavelength in order to enhance the color performance of the display device.
US08269407B1
Provided is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) that can be used as an illumination light source. The CCFL includes cold cathode electrodes disposed at both ends of a glass tube, a fluorescent layer being formed on an inner surface of the glass tube. Each of the cold cathode electrodes includes: a base metal connected to front ends of lead wires for connection with a power source; a helical wire coil formed by helically winding a tungsten or tungsten-alloy wire around a cup shape, the helical wire coil being connected to the base metal in a manner such that the helical wire coil is erected in a length direction of the glass tube; and an emitter-coated coil inserted in the helical wire coil and coated with an emitter for inducing emission of electrons.
US08269402B2
Piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramics having the composition represented by the general formula: xBNT-yBKT-zBT (x+y+z=1) are provided, wherein at least one kind among A-site elements are allowed to become deficient from stoichiometry in which a point (x, y, z) representing content ratios x, y and z of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3, (Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 and BaTiO3 is within a range including a border line of a quadrangle ABCD with a point A, a point B, a point C and a point D as vertices in a ternary phase diagram. Vacancies are formed in an A-site of a perovskite structure by allowing the A-site elements to become deficient from stoichiometry. An amount of A-site vacancies becomes at least 2 mol % to at most 6 mol %.
US08269395B2
A translation and rotation mechanism is disclosed, which comprises of one or more bi-directional electrostatic actuators. Each bi-directional electrostatic actuator comprising of fixed electrodes and movable electrodes, where the fixed electrodes of each actuator being attached onto a base. The movable electrodes of each actuator are connected to the translating and rotation unit through a spring system. The movable elements of each said actuator being able to rotate with respect to the base plane by applying voltage signals to the actuator and by controlling the voltage signals applied to each said actuator independently, said translating and rotation unit being able to translate, rotate, or translate and rotate simultaneously.
US08269382B2
A cooling structure of a stator, including a case that accommodates a rotating electrical machine, and cooling a coil end portion protruding from a stator core included in the stator of the rotating electrical machine. The structure supplies a cooling medium from the stator axial direction toward a gap that is formed between an inner surface of the case and an outer edge of the stator core. The cooling medium introducing gap is formed above a portion of the coil end portion to which the cooling medium is to be supplied. A storage space forming member is provided along an outer peripheral surface of the coil end portion. The storage space forming member has a contact portion having a first contact portion that contacts the inner surface of the case to close the cooling medium storage space on the one side in the stator axial direction.
US08269375B2
A coil unit includes a first coil having an outer diameter of D1, and at least one second coil having an outer diameter of D2 (D2
US08269373B2
A device may include a plurality of direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converters that may produce voltages, and a first device that may receive a signal from a second device on a removable module when the removable module is coupled to the device. The first device may produce, based on the signal, an instruction related to one or more voltages associated with the removable module. The instruction may cause a first DC/DC converter and a second DC/DC converter, of the plurality of DC/DC converters, to power up at different times based on a particular sequence, and generate the one or more voltages. The particular sequence may be based on the signal. The first device may cause the one or more voltages, generated by the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter, to be provided to the removable module.
US08269372B2
There is provided a photovoltaic and fuel cell hybrid generation system using dual converters and a single inverter and a method of controlling the same. A photovoltaic and fuel cell (PV-FC) hybrid generation system according to an aspect of the invention may include: a PV DC/DC converter unit converting a PV output voltage into a predetermined voltage; an FC DC/DC converter unit converting an FC output voltage into a predetermined voltage; a DC link unit commonly connecting an output terminal of the PV DC/DC converter unit and an output terminal of the FC DC/DC converter unit, and linking the converted PV output voltage from the PV DC/DC converter unit to the converted FC output voltage from the FC DC/DC converter unit to thereby generate a DC voltage; and a DC/AC inverter unit converting the DC voltage from the DC link unit into a predetermined AC voltage.
US08269364B2
The tidal power generator includes a hollow container, an impeller designed for unidirectional rotation, an electric generator fixed in the container, and a chargeable power source. A first opening and an opposite second opening are defined in the container. The impeller is positioned at the second opening and configured for unidirectionally rotating pushed by air flow. The electric generator includes a stator and a rotor extending from the stator. The rotor is fixedly connected to the impeller. The rotor rotates with rotation of the impeller so that the stator outputs electrical energy. The power source is configured for storing the output electrical energy.
US08269360B2
A hydraulic system includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump connectable to a power source, a hydraulic motor, a fluid circuit, a pump displacement control, and a controller. The pump has an inlet for receiving fluid, an outlet for discharging pressurized fluid, and a pump displacement input. The motor has an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid and an outlet for discharging spent fluid. The fluid circuit includes a supply conduit for conducting fluid discharged by the pump to the motor and a return conduit for returning fluid discharged by the motor to the pump. The pump displacement control cooperates with the pump displacement input to vary pump displacement. The controller communicates with the pump displacement control to control the pump output such that the motor is driven at a constant speed to thereby drive a generator connected to the motor at a constant speed despite speed fluctuations of the power source.
US08269357B2
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device having device contacts exposed at a surface thereof and an interconnection element having element contacts and having a face adjacent to the microelectronic device. Conductive elements, e.g., wirebonds connect the device contacts with the element contacts and have portions extending in runs above the surface of the microelectronic device. A conductive layer has a conductive surface disposed at least a substantially uniform distance above or below the plurality of the runs of the conductive elements. In some cases, the conductive material can have first and second dimensions in first and second horizontal directions which are smaller than first and second corresponding dimensions of the microelectronic device. The conductive material is connectable to a source of reference potential so as to achieve a desired impedance for the conductive elements.
US08269349B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, an electrode pad that is composed of Au and is provided on the semiconductor layer, a silicon nitride film provided on the semiconductor layer and the electrode pad so that an end portion of the silicon nitride film is located, and a metal layer that contacts a part of a surface of the electrode pad and the end portion of the silicon nitride film and is provided so that another part of the surface of the electrode pad is exposed, the metal layer including any of Ti, Ta and Pt.
US08269348B2
IC die including RDL capture pads with notch having bonding connectors or its UBM pad over the notch
An IC die includes active circuitry and I/O nodes tied together in first net and at least a second net. A first die pad and a second die pad adjacent thereto are coupled to the first and second net, respectively. A redirect layer (RDL) coupled to the die pads over a first dielectric vias includes a first RDL trace lateral coupling the first die pad and first RDL pad and a second RDL trace coupling the second die pad and second RDL pad. The first RDL pad includes an RDL notch facing the second RDL trace. Under bump metallization (UBM) pads on a second dielectric include a first UBM pad coupled to the first RDL pad over a second dielectric via. A first metal bonding connector is on the first UBM pad. The first UBM pad or first metal bonding connector overhangs the first RDL pad over the notch.
US08269346B2
A semiconductor device has an LSI chip including a semiconductor substrate, an LSI core section provided at a center portion of the semiconductor substrate and serving as a multilayered wiring layer of the semiconductor substrate, a first rewiring layer provided adjacent to an outer periphery of the LSI core section on the semiconductor substrate and including a plurality of wiring layers, a first pad electrode disposed at an outer periphery of the first rewiring layer, and an insulation layer covering the first pad electrode. The semiconductor device includes a second rewiring layer provided on the LSI chip and including a rewiring connected to the first pad electrode. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of ball electrodes provided on the second rewiring layer. The first rewiring layer is electrically connected to the LSI core section and the first pad electrode.
US08269337B2
A packaging substrate having a through-holed interposer embedded therein is provided, which includes: a molding layer having opposite first and second surfaces; a through-holed interposer embedded in the molding layer and flush with the second surface; a redistribution-layer structure embedded in the molding layer and disposed on the through-holed interposer and having a plurality of electrode pads exposed from the first surface of the molding layer; and a built-up structure disposed on the second surface of the molding layer and electrically connected to the through-holed interposer. By embedding the through-holed interposer in the molding layer and forming the built-up structure on the second surface of the molding layer, the present invention eliminates the need of a core board and reduces the thickness of the overall structure. Further, since the through-holed interposer has a CIE close to or the same as that of a silicon wafer, the structural reliability during thermal cycle testing is improved.
US08269333B2
A zipper structure includes a first contiguous full-dense-mesh (FDM) array of a first circuit in top metal and a second contiguous FDM array of a second circuit in top-1 metal, a third contiguous FDM array of the second circuit in top metal and a fourth contiguous FDM array of the first circuit in top-1 metal, and a signal line, such that portions of the first contiguous FDM array and the second contiguous FDM array overlap and portions of the third contiguous FDM array and the fourth contiguous FDM array overlap. The Zipper structure facilitates connecting the first contiguous FDM array to the fourth contiguous FDM array by vias and a first connector lines and the second contiguous FDM array to the third contiguous FDM array by vias and a second connector lines, such that portion of the signal line overlaps with the first connector lines and the second connector lines.
US08269328B2
An assembly method is disclosed that includes providing a substrate, securing a first semiconductor device on a first surface thereof, and superimposing at least a second semiconductor device at least partially over the first semiconductor device. An outer peripheral portion of the second semiconductor device overhangs both the first semiconductor device and the substrate. Discrete conductive elements are placed between the outer peripheral portion of the second semiconductor device and a second surface of the substrate. Intermediate portions of the discrete conductive elements pass outside of a side surface of the substrate. Assemblies and packaged semiconductor devices that are formed in accordance with the method are also disclosed.
US08269326B2
An interposer includes a substrate, a conductive structure configured to contact the back side of a semiconductor device and contact pads. The interposer may include first and second sets of contact pads carried by the substrate. The interposer may also include conductive traces carried by the substrate to electrically connect corresponding contact pads of the first and second sets. The receptacles, which may be formed in a surface of the substrate and expose contacts of the second set, may be configured to at least partially receive conductive structures that are secured to the contact pads of the second set. Thus, the interposer may be useful in providing semiconductor device assemblies and packages of reduced height or profile. Such assemblies and packages are also described, as are multi-chip modules including such assemblies or packages. In addition, methods for designing and fabricating the interposer are disclosed, as are methods for forming assemblies, packages, and multi-chip modules that include the interposer.
US08269322B2
A tape wiring substrate may have dispersion wiring patterns. The dispersion wiring patterns may be provided between input/output wiring pattern groups to compensate for the intervals therebetween. Connecting wiring patterns may be configured to connect the dispersion wiring patterns to a first end of the adjacent input/output wiring pattern.
US08269321B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a lead frame package includes a number of leads and a number of contacts, where each of the contacts is situated over one of the leads. The lead frame package further includes a semiconductor die including a number of bond pads. Each of the contacts is directly attached and bonded to one of the bond pads on the semiconductor die. Each of the contacts is situated over a top portion of one of the leads, where the top portion has a shorter length than a middle portion of each of the leads. Each of the contacts is connected to one of the bond pads on the semiconductor die without a wire bond. The semiconductor die does not include a redistribution layer situated over an active surface of the semiconductor die.
US08269315B2
A semiconductor device 1 has a through hole 3 formed in a second substrate 2. On the front surface of the semiconductor substrate 2, a first insulating layer 4 is coated having an opening 4a of the same diameter as that of the through hole 3, and a first wiring layer 5 is formed on the first insulating layer 4. Further, near the first wiring layer 5, the through hole 3 and a through connection portion constituted of a third insulating layer 8 formed on the inner surface and the like and a third wiring layer 9 filled and formed in the through hole 3 are formed. In addition, a second wiring layer 7 internally contacting the through connection portion is electrically connected with the first wiring layer 5. Between the inner surface of the through hole 3 and the first wiring layer 5, a second insulating layer 6 intervenes so that the first wiring layer 5 is separated from the third wiring layer 9 filled and formed in the through hole 3.
US08269300B2
A packaged image sensor assembly utilizes a spacer paste to control the height of a transparent window above an image sensor die to provide safe wire bond clearance. A dam structure is used to control the height of the transparent window. The dam may be formed either entirely from spacer paste or by depositing the spacer paste on an underlying patterned mesa. An additional encapsulant is provided outside of the dam to encapsulate wirebonds and provide additional protection from moisture permeation.
US08269299B2
A two-dimensional solid-state imaging device includes: pixel regions arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, wherein each pixel region has a plurality of subpixel regions, a metal layer with an opening of an opening size smaller than the wavelength of an incoming electromagnetic wave and a photoelectric conversion element are arranged with an insulating film interposed therebetween, at least one photoelectric conversion element is arranged in the opening provided at a portion of the metal layer in each subpixel region, a projection image of the opening is included in a light receiving region of the photoelectric conversion element, the opening is arrayed so as to cause a resonance state based on surface plasmon polariton excited by the incoming electromagnetic wave, and near-field light generated near the opening in the resonance state is converted to an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element.
US08269295B2
There is provided a magnetic memory device stable in write characteristics. The magnetic memory device has a recording layer. The planar shape of the recording layer has the maximum length in the direction of the easy-axis over a primary straight line along the easy-axis, and is situated over a length smaller than the half of the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the easy-axis, and on the one side and on the other side of the primary straight line respectively, the planar shape has a first part situated over a length in the direction perpendicular to the easy-axis, and a second part situated over a length smaller than the length in the direction perpendicular to the easy-axis. The outer edge of the first part includes only a smooth curve convex outwardly of the outer edge.
US08269281B2
Disclosed herein is a method for forming a triple gate oxide of a semiconductor device. The method for forming a triple gate oxide of a semiconductor device includes the steps of defining a first region where a gate oxide having a first thickness will be formed, a second region where a gate oxide having a second thickness will be formed and a third region where a gate oxide having a third thickness will be formed on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first oxide film through wet oxidation on the semiconductor substrate and forming a second oxide film on the first oxide film, blocking the first region and selectively removing portions the second oxide film and the first oxide film, which are formed on the second region and the third region, forming a third oxide film through thermal oxidation on the semiconductor substrate, blocking the first region and the second region and selectively removing a portion of the third oxide film, which is formed on the third region, and forming a fourth oxide film through thermal oxidation on the semiconductor substrate and then forming a nitride film thereon, wherein a gate oxide having a triple structure of the first oxide film/second oxide film/nitride film is formed in the first region, a gate oxide having a double structure of the third oxide film/nitride film is formed in the second region and a gate oxide having a double structure of the fourth oxide film/nitrate film is formed in the third region.
US08269273B2
The present invention is to provide a trench MOSFET with an etching buffer layer in a trench gate, comprising: a substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and comprises at least a drain region, a gate region, and a source region which are constructed as a plurality of semiconductor cells with MOSFET effect; a plurality of gate trenches, each of which is extended downward from the first surface and comprises a gate oxide layer covered on a inner surface thereof and a gate conductive layer filled inside, comprised in the gate region; at least a drain metal layer formed on the second surface according to the drain region; at least a gate runner metal layer formed on the first surface according to the gate region; and at least a source metal layer formed on the first surface according to the source region; wherein the gate trenches distinguished into at least a second gate trench formed at a terminal of the source region and at least a first gate trenches wrapped in the source region; and the second gate trench comprises a gate contact hole which is filled with metal to form a gate metal contact plug, and a gate buffer layer which is formed in the gate conductive layer at the bottom of the gate contact hole in the second gate trench to prevent from over etching, causing gate-drain shortage.
US08269267B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an aspect of the invention comprises a semiconductor substrate which has an SOI region and an epitaxial region at its surface, a buried oxide film arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the SOI region, an SOI layer arranged on the buried oxide film, a plurality of memory cells arranged on the SOI layer, an epitaxial layer arranged in the epitaxial region, and a select gate transistor arranged on the epitaxial layer, wherein the SOI layer is made of a microcrystalline layer.
US08269260B2
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
US08269251B2
The method for producing a group III nitride semiconductor crystal of the invention comprises a step of preparing a seed crystal having a non-polar plane followed by growing a group III nitride semiconductor from the non-polar plane in a vapor phase, wherein the growing step includes growing the group III nitride semiconductor so as to extend in the +C-axis direction of the seed crystal. A group III-V nitride semiconductor crystal having high quality and a large-area non-polar plane can be obtained by the method.
US08269241B2
Semiconductor light emitting devices, such as light emitting diodes, include a substrate, an epitaxial region on the substrate that includes a light emitting region such as a light emitting diode region, and a multilayer conductive stack including a reflector layer, on the epitaxial region. A barrier layer is provided on the reflector layer and extending on a sidewall of the reflector layer. The multilayer conductive stack can also include an ohmic layer between the reflector and the epitaxial region. The barrier layer further extends on a sidewall of the ohmic layer. The barrier layer can also extend onto the epitaxial region outside the multilayer conductive stack. The barrier layer can be fabricated as a series of alternating first and second sublayers.
US08269232B2
A TFT LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The TFT LCD array substrate includes a substrate and a pixel array on the substrate. Each pixel has: a gate line and a gate electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line and the gate electrode; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; an ohmic contact layer having two parts, which are disposed on two sides of the semiconductor layer respectively and are apart from one another; an isolation insulating dielectric layer covering the substrate and the gate insulating layer except a portion on which the semiconductor layer is formed; a pixel electrode formed on the isolation insulating dielectric layer and the ohmic contact layer over the semiconductor layer; a source/drain electrode formed on the pixel electrode over the ohmic contact layer, and a passivation layer at least covering the semiconductor layer. The TFT LCD array substrate can be manufactured with a 3Mask technology, thereby the process steps are reduced and the utilization ratio of the equipment is improved.
US08269222B2
A detection device comprising a photodetector comprising a first semiconductor layer through which light first enters the photodetector; the first semiconductor layer formed of a first semiconductor material crystal lattice which terminates at an interface creating a first interface charge; the first semiconductor layer being an absorption layer in which photons in a predetermined wavelength range are absorbed and create photogenerated carriers; and a second polar semiconductor layer deposited on the crystal lattice of the first semiconductor layer substantially transparent to light in the predetermined wavelength range and having a total polarization different from the first semiconductor layer so that a second interface charge is induced at the interface between the first and second semiconductor layers; the induced second interface charge reduces or substantially cancels the first interface charge so as to increase the collection of photogenerated carriers by the photodetector. ; and a methodproviding the above.
US08269220B2
Provided is a transparent transistor including a substrate, source and drain electrodes formed on the substrate, each having a multi-layered structure of a lower transparent layer, a metal layer and an upper transparent layer, a channel formed between the source and drain electrodes, and a gate electrode aligned with the channel. Here, the lower transparent layer or the upper transparent layer is formed of a transparent semiconductor layer, which is the same as the channel. Thus, the use of the multi-layered transparent conductive layer can ensure transparency and conductivity, overcome a problem of contact resistance between the source and drain electrodes and a semiconductor, and improve processibility by patterning the multi-layered transparent conductive layer all at once, while deposition is performed layer by layer.
US08269213B2
An epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation, which comprises: (A) an epoxy resin having at least two epoxy groups in a molecule thereof; (B) a compound having at least two phenolic hydroxyl groups in a molecule thereof; and (C) particles of a compound represented by general formula (1), the particles having a maximum particle diameter of not greater than 30 μm and a standard deviation of not greater than 5 μm, the particles being dispersed in the epoxy resin composition: wherein X1 to X5, which may be the same or different, are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, or a fluorine atom. The epoxy resin composition is an encapsulation material excellent in pot life, fluidity and curability, and has a lower chloride ion content. The epoxy resin composition provides a highly reliable semiconductor device excellent in moisture resistant reliability.
US08269207B2
A phase-change memory device has a plurality of first wiring lines WL extending in parallel to each other, a plurality of second wiring lines BL which are disposed to cross the first wiring lines WL while being separated or isolated therefrom, and memory cells MC which are disposed at respective cross points of the first wiring lines WL and the second wiring lines BL and each of which has one end connected to a first wiring line WL and the other end connected to a second wiring line BL. The memory cell MC has a variable resistive element VR which stores as information a resistance value determined due to phase change between crystalline and amorphous states thereof, and a Schottky diode SD which is connected in series to the variable resistive element VR.
US08269205B2
According to one embodiment, an information recording and reproducing device includes a first layer, a second layer and a recording layer. The recording layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer and being capable of reversibly changing between a first state having a first resistance and a second state having a second resistance higher than the first resistance. The recording layer includes a first compound layer and a second compound layer. The first compound layer contains a first compound. The first compound includes a first cation element and a second cation element of a type different from the first cation element. The second compound layer contains a second compound. The second compound includes a transition element having a d-orbital partially filled with electron, and the second compound includes a void site capable of storing at least one of the first cation element and the second cation element.
US08269204B2
A resistive random access memory device formed on a semiconductor substrate comprises an interlayer dielectric having a via formed therethrough. A chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer is formed over the interlayer dielectric. A barrier metal liner lines walls of the via. A conductive plug is formed in the via. A first barrier metal layer is formed over the chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer and in electrical contact with the conductive plug. A dielectric layer is formed over the first barrier metal layer. An ion source layer is formed over the dielectric layer. A dielectric barrier layer is formed over the ion source layer, and includes a via formed therethrough communicating with the ion source layer. A second barrier metal layer is formed over the dielectric barrier layer and in electrical contact with the ion source layer. A metal interconnect layer is formed over the barrier metal layer.
US08269197B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for use of an electron beam system. The electron beam system may be used within a treatment center with very little radiation shielding. The electron beam system may be used in conjunction with low-z moderators that reduce the energy level of the electron beam without the need for complex or expensive energy control systems. The electron beam system may be used to treat skin cancer and dermatological patients in non-traditional treatment facilities, as well as invasive cancers, either in an unshielded operating room to deliver intraoperative radiation therapy (“IORT”) or in an unshielded room in the oncology department to deliver electron beam radiation treatment (“EB-RT”).
US08269196B2
A system for modulating a fan beam for radiation treatment employs shutters that may move rapidly into and out of different beamlets of a fan beam, the shutters having a systematic weighting so that a limited number of shutters may obtain a far greater number of regularly spaced energy reductions.
US08269193B2
Embodiments provide a handheld fluorometer and method of determining a concentration of a product within a sample. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes an immersible sensor head that measures a fluorescence of the product and a controller that calculates the concentration of product. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes a handheld controller module, an immersible sensor head connected to the controller module, a sample cup for containing a water sample, and a fastener that removably fastens the sample cup about the immersible sensor head. In some cases the sensor head is angled with respect to the controller module and the fluorometer provides a substantially stable base. The sample cup can be removed to acquire a sample of water containing the product and then refastened about the sensor head for determining the concentration.
US08269187B2
The invention relates to an electron bombarded image sensor array device comprising a vacuum chamber having a photocathode capable of releasing electrons into said vacuum chamber when exposed to light impinging on said photocathode, a photocathode capable of releasing electrons into said vacuum chamber when exposed to light impinging on said photocathode, electric field means for accelerating said released electrons from said photocathode towards an anode spaced apart from said photocathode in a facing relationship to receive an electron image from said photocathode, said anode being constructed as a back-thinned image sensor array having electric connecting pads distributed according to a pattern along the surface area of said sensor facing away from said photocathode, a carrier on which said image sensor array is mounted, said carrier having electric connecting pads distributed according to a pattern to feed electric signals from said image sensor array outside said vacuum chamber and electric connecting means for electrically connecting at least one of said electric connecting pads of said image sensor array with at least one of said electric connecting pads of said carrier.
US08269183B2
A radiation detector of this invention includes a pulse width modulation circuit for binarizing an analog electrical pulse outputted from a detector cell with a predetermined threshold, and modulating it into a digital electrical pulse, and a data superposer for outputting an incident position pulse train by superposing incident position pulses and concerning the position of the detector cell on which the radiation has fallen, and the digital electrical pulse detected by the radiation. Thus, position information which has conventionally been added after output of digital electrical pulse can be added into the digital electrical pulse. Therefore, compared with the conventional technique of adding position information after digital electrical pulse and transmitting the position information, the position of the radiation incident on the detector cell can be detected in a short time.
US08269182B2
In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a detector assembly that includes a support panel, a digital detector array with a rear side of the detector array being secured to a front side of the support panel, a backscattered X-ray and reflected light absorption layer disposed between the detector array and the support panel, a rear shock absorbing structure secured to a rear side of the support panel, and a front shock absorbing structure secured to a front side of the detector array. The digital X-ray detector further includes a shell assembly surrounding the detector assembly and secured to the rear shock absorbing structure. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector.
US08269181B2
According to an embodiment, an avalanche pixel sensor includes a substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, first sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the first surface of the substrate for detecting ionizing radiation from a radiation-emission source, second sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the second surface of the substrate, the second sensor elements each paired with a corresponding first sensor element to experience substantially coincident breakdown in response to ionizing radiation. Logic elements are each electrically interconnected to a respective pair of first and second sensor elements for receiving a signal or signal representing the substantially coincident breakdown of the respective pair to be distinguished from a dark signal even in either of the pair of the first and second sensor elements. Additionally, a detector array, a sensing apparatus, and a method of detecting ionization radiation using first and second sensor elements disposed on opposite sides of a substrate are also provided.
US08269176B2
A gamma camera (8, 180) includes at least one radiation detector head (10, 12, 210, 212). At least one such radiation detector head (10, 12, 210, 212) includes a plurality of capacitive elements (60, 260, 76, 276) disposed over at least a radiation sensitive portion (50) of the radiation detector head. A proximity sensor monitor (62) is coupled with the plurality of capacitive elements to detect proximity of a subject to the radiation detector head based on a measured electrical characteristic of the capacitive elements. A collision sensor monitor (64) is coupled with the plurality of capacitive elements to detect conductive electric current flowing between spaced apart parallel conductive plates (66, 67) of the capacitive element responsive to mechanical deformation of the spacing between the plates.
US08269164B2
This invention describes a vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer system formed from a diverging nozzle. The vacuum interface may be used to transfer a beam of ions from an atmospheric pressure ionization source into a vacuum chamber for analysis by a mass analyser.
US08269157B2
A system includes an objective lens, an imaging module, and a measurement module. The objective lens is configured to receive light emitted by a light source, focus the emitted light onto a target object, and receive light reflected by the target object. The imaging module is configured to receive a first portion of the reflected light. The measurement module is configured to receive a second portion of the reflected light and includes a photo detector and an astigmatic lens configured to direct the second beam onto the photo detector.
US08269153B2
A water boiler includes a water storage tank, a heater, and a heat pipe unit. The water storage tank includes a heating room, an outer water storage room, and an inner water storage room between the heating room and the outer water storage room in a radial direction. Outside water flows from an inlet pipe to the outer water storage room, and water in the outer water storage room flows into the inner water storage room and the heating room for storage. The heater includes an induction coil. The heat pipe unit includes a plurality of heat-transfer pipes. An upper segment of each heat-transfer pipe is arranged in the heating room, while a lower segment of each heat-transfer pipe is received in the induction coil. When the induction coil turns ON, the heat-transfer pipes are heated to heat the water in the heating room.
US08269151B2
The invention relates to a method for displaying the curve when a desired climate has been reached in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance by taking into account at least one actual value of the first variable that changes over time and is characteristic of the climate in the cooking compartment. Said method is characterized in that the actual value of the first variable is detected at least once during an interval t0 to t1 and is compared with a desired value of the first variable, said desired value characterizing the desired climate, a point in time t2 when a second interval is to begin and/or the point in time t3 when the desired climate has been reached is/are estimated in accordance with said comparison, and the course of the first variable over time is taken into account at least once when estimating the point in time t3 during a second interval t2 to t3, wherein t2≧t1. The invention also relates to a cooking appliance for carrying out such a method.
US08269141B2
A power source for an electric arc welding process, wherein the power source comprises an input stage having an AC input and a first DC output signal; a second stage in the form of an unregulated DC to DC converter having an input connected to the first DC output signal and an output in the form of a second DC output signal electrically isolated from the first DC output signal and with a magnitude of a given ratio to the first DC output signal; and, a third stage to convert the second DC output signal to a welding output for the welding process.
US08269126B2
The invention provides a gas insulated switchgear, and a method for detecting arc damage in a part used in a gas insulated switchgear, which detect directly when an electric contact or a peripheral part reaches an initially set wear limit. An insulating nozzle of a circuit breaker contains a marking substance that releases a gaseous substance inside a circuit breaker gas container as a result of wear by an arc. For ensuring heat resistance and insulation properties, the insulating nozzle is ordinarily formed of a fluororesin, but in the present invention, it is formed of the ordinarily used fluororesin having uniformly mixed therein, as the marking substance, a chlorine-containing resin which has excellent heat resistance and insulation properties such as polyvinylidene chloride.
US08269125B2
A device and method for device for sequencing disparate products includes at least a first feeder mechanism feeding a stream of a first product type in a pre-sequenced order. At least a second feeder mechanism feeds a stream of second product type though a sequencing process. A reading device reads product information of the first product type and the second product type. A pausing device pauses the first stream of the first product type or the second stream of the second product type in a first pass sort order of the sequencing process based on the information read from the reading device. The first product type and the second product type are intermixed into a stream forming a merged stream of sequenced first and second product type. A separation item may be placed between groupings of the intermixed product.
US08269124B2
Disclosed is a portable terminal, including, a first conductor formed on one surface of a board and having a contact surface, a second conductor formed at an outer periphery of the first conductor and having a support surface, and a metal dome supported by the support surface and transformed responsive to a key being pressed so as to contact the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is located at a position lower than the support surface so as to increase a transformation stroke of the metal dome.
US08269123B2
Disclosed herein is an image display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can maintain a primary color which is desired to be expressed, and prevent an interference of other unwanted colors and a change of the primary color at the time of application of a light source of each light emitting diode. The image display device comprises: a first optical filter layer containing a violet wavelength-absorbing material having a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 450 nm such as Bi2O3 so as to prevent light having a wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 450 nm from being leaked out to an undesired region of an image display portion of the image display device; and a second optical filter layer such as a blue color filter layer so as to allow a white light to be expressed in a desired region of the image display portion.
US08269114B2
A flexible printed board includes a base material, first conductive pads arranged along an imaginary line on the base material and extending with a first width from front end to rear end on a front side of the imaginary line, second conductive pads arranged along the imaginary line and extending with a second width from front end on a rear side of the imaginary line to rear end, first wiring patterns provided between the second conductive pads, and extending with a third width to front end connected to the rear ends of the first conductive pads, and a reinforcing layer for reinforcing a reinforcing area over the first conductive pads and the first wiring patterns, and having a front edge on a front side of rear ends of the first conductive pads and a rear edge on a rear side of the rear ends of the second conductive pads.
US08269112B2
A circuit structure and a fabrication method thereof manly use a plurality of wires to connect in series a plurality of pads to form a stretchable circuit. Each of the wires has a first end, a second end and an intermediate segment located between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end are respectively connected to different pads, and the position of the intermediate segment is higher than the positions of the first end and the second end. Since the connection manner of the wires and the pads has 3-D freedoms, the circuit structure can withstand both horizontal and vertical deformations and has an outstanding reliability.
US08269099B2
A photovoltaic device with high photoelectric conversion efficiency includes an electron donating organic material for photovoltaic devices containing a conjugated polymer represented by formula (1): wherein R1 to R10 may be the same or different from each other and are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group and an aryl group; R11 and R12 may be the same or different from each other and are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group and halogen; W, X, Y and Z may be the same or different from each other and are each selected from the group consisting of a single bond, an arylene group, a heteroarylene group, an ethenylene group, and an ethynylene group; m is 0 or 1; n is within a range of 1 to 1000.
US08269097B2
A thermoelectric element has a first substrate at a high temperature side, a second substrate at a low temperature side facing the first substrate, a thermoelectric material placed on the second substrate via a silicon layer, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, and a second electrode formed on the silicon layer. The thermoelectric element has a stress releasing section which is formed between the first electrode and the thermoelectric material, and which includes a plurality of columnar portions. The stress releasing section suppresses defects such as cracks that might be produced in the thermoelectric element due to a stress generated in the thermoelectric element.
US08269095B1
The magnetic pickup response measurement and presentation system quickly measures frequency responses of magnetic pickups under various loading conditions, and the data is presented graphically and aurally to the user to aid user comparison and selection of magnetic pickups for use in musical instruments.
US08269092B2
An apparatus is provided which is capable of easily reconstructing (arranging) a piece of music depending on, for example, a feeling of a user listening to the piece of music. First acquisition means acquires data of a specific music content to be played back, from a music content data storage unit in which data of a plurality of music contents are stored. Second acquisition means acquires attribute information associated with the music content in units of music constituent elements from an attribute information storage unit. Third acquisition means acquires arrangement information associated with the music content and associated with the music construction information. In accordance with an arrangement request command issued by the user, the data of the music content being output as audio playback output data is reconstructed on the basis of the music construction information acquired by the second acquisition means and the arrangement information acquired by the third acquisition means.
US08269084B2
One embodiment of a tight fitting finger sleeve is presented which has a raised flexible bar to assist in playing a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, in a style that includes barre chords. The finger sleeve (10) is configured with an internal cavity (11) to accept the insertion of a musician's index finger (14) and is made of an elastomeric material that provides a frictional connection with the finger and can be repeatedly bent and straightened without restriction. In addition, a raised flexible bar (12) is attached to the finger sleeve (10) along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end (13) to the distal end (15) and is made of a flexible material that can be repeatedly bent and straightened without restriction while providing the rigidity required to compress a number of guitar strings (16) at various fret positions (17) along a guitar fingerboard (18) as required when playing barre chords. The finger sleeve with raised flexible bar is designed for substantially improved playing qualities, aesthetically appealing appearance, and superior comfort.
US08269083B2
An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent.
US08269081B1
A novel maize variety designated X8M165 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 hybrid maize variety X8M165 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8M165 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8M165, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8M165. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8M165.
US08269080B1
A novel maize variety designated PH18T3 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18T3 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18T3 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18T3 or a locus conversion of PH18T3 with another maize variety.
US08269078B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH842817. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH842817, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH842817 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH842817.
US08269077B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH522191. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH522191, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH522191 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH522191.
US08269076B2
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides that alter tocol content in seeds. The invention further provides expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants containing the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides methods for altering tocol content in seeds.
US08269073B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015632. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015632. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015632 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015632 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08269065B2
Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, three types of invertase and four invertase inhibitors and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans.
US08269060B2
An absorbent material formed at least in part of a crosslinked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10−9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10−9 cm2. The crosslinked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer.
US08269058B2
Absorbable tissue dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as chitosan.
US08269057B2
A method for alkylating a hydrocarbon comprising at least one isoparaffin and at least one olefin by introducing liquid acid catalyst and the hydrocarbon into a high shear reactor, forming an emulsion comprising droplets comprising hydrocarbon in a continuous acid phase, wherein the droplets have a mean diameter of less than about 5 μm, introducing the emulsion into a vessel operating under suitable alkylation conditions whereby at least a portion of the isoparaffin is alkylated with the olefin to form alkylate, and removing a product stream comprising alkylate from the vessel. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
US08269049B2
The present invention fabricates diethylene-glycol tert-butyl ether (DEGtBE) by using isobutylene and diethylene glycol (DEG) coordinated with an acidic cation exchanged resin as catalyst. Through two stages of vacuum distillations, highly selective and pure DEGtBE is produced. Moreover, a byproduct of diethylene-glycol di-tert-butyl ether (DEGDtBE) can be recycled.
US08269039B2
The invention provides novel compounds and methods to carry out organocatalytic Michael additions of aldehydes to nitroethylene catalyzed by a proline derivative to provide α-substituted-γ-nitroaldehydes. The reaction can be rendered enantioselective when a chiral pyrrolidine catalyst is used, allowing for Michael adducts in nearly optically pure form (e.g., 96-99% e.e.). The Michael adducts can bear a single substituent or dual substituents adjacent to the carbonyl. The Michael adducts can be efficiently converted to protected γ2-amino acids, which are essential for systematic conformational studies of γ-peptide foldamers.
US08269036B2
Provided are processes for producing an oxalate by coupling of CO in the presence of a nitrite, wherein two or more reaction zones in series are used, and at least a portion of the oxalate as reaction product is separated between the reaction zones, and/or the nitrite is fed stagewise. The processes described herein can effectively enhance the selectivity to the oxalate and the single-pass conversion of the feedstock.
US08269026B2
The invention relates to 21-keto triterpene compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, X, and Y are as defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. These compounds exhibit significant anti-HIV activity. Thus, the invention also relates to methods for prevention or treatment of HIV infections by administering therapeutically effective amounts of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof to a subject in need of such treatment.
US08269017B2
The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, and prodrug thereof, wherein Ra, Rb, and R2 are defined herein. These compounds inhibit tubulin polymerization and/or target vasculature and are useful for treating proliferative disorders, such as cancer.
US08269011B2
The present invention provides a quinolone compound represented by General Formula (1) or a salt thereof, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, etc.; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, etc.; R3 represents a phenyl group optionally being substituted with one or more substituents, etc.; R4 represents a halogen atom; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or halogen atom; R6 represents a hydrogen atom; and R7 represents a hydroxyl group, etc. The quinolone compound have a functional improvement effect, which suppresses progression of neurological dysfunction by inhibiting the chronic progression of Parkinson's disease or protecting dopamine neurons from the disease etiology, thereby prolonging the period before first administration begins.
US08269008B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds capable of modulating the stability and/or activity of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) by inhibiting the activity of at least one HIF hydroxylase enzyme.
US08269006B2
The present invention is generally directed to a process for the preparation of a ketomorphinan comprising maintaining a ketone group as unprotected and performing reductive amination using a hydrogen source and a catalyst.
US08269002B2
A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these, all for use in the treatment of chemokine mediated diseases and disorders.
US08268998B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit tyrosine kinase activity of Trk receptors such as TrkA, TrkB, TrkC or Flt-3 thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US08268996B2
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with the activity of Cathepsin S.
US08268990B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US08268980B2
The present invention provides 5′-modified bicyclic nucleoside analogs and oligomeric compounds comprising at least one of these nucleoside analogs. In preferred embodiments the nucleoside analogs have either (R) or (S)-chirality at the 5′-carbon. These bicyclic nucleoside analogs are useful for enhancing properties of oligomeric compounds including for example enhanced nuclease resistance.
US08268976B2
The present invention relates to flea GABA receptor subunit nucleic acid molecules; to flea GABA receptor subunit proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit the activity of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and inhibitory compounds, particularly those that specifically inhibit flea GABA receptor subunit activity, as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to treat animals.
US08268971B2
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions formulated for direct delivery to the GI tract of a patient comprising an antibody specific for a target apical intestinal receptor. The present invention further provides methods of treating diseases and conditions in a patient comprising administering directly to the GI tract of the patient, compositions of the present invention wherein modulation of the target apical intestinal receptor by the antibody treats the condition.
US08268970B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to mesothelin with high affinity, particularly human monoclonal antibodies. Preferably, the antibodies bind human mesothelin. In certain embodiments, the antibodies are capable of internalizing into mesothelin-expressing cells or are capable of mediating antigen dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The invention further provides anti-mesothelin antibodies that can inhibit the binding of mesothelin to the ovarian cancer antigen CA125. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Antibody-partner molecule conjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting mesothelin, as well as methods for treating cancers, such as mesotheliomas, pancreatic cancers and ovarian cancers, using an anti-mesothelin antibody of this disclosure.
US08268963B2
The present invention concerns a process for the purification of macrolide antibiotics. More specifically it concerns a process for the purification of macrolide antibiotics that result in a white powder. The powder remains white also after some time of storage. The process of the present invention is performed by dissolving the macrolide antibiotics, e.g. commercial vancomycin hydrochloride, in water and subjecting the solution to ultrafiltration with a membrane having nominal retention lower than 30,000 Da, preferably of 10,000 Da. The purified solution is preferably concentrated by reversed osmosis and then lyophilized at the optimized conditions of pressure and temperature to obtain a white powder.
US08268962B2
The invention provides conjugates, comprising an organ, tissue or tumor cell homing molecule linked to a moiety. Such a moiety can be, for example, an oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA, gene, virus, protein, pharmaceutical or detectable agent. In addition the invention provides methods to diagnose or treat a pathology of the muscle or heart, by administrating to a subject having or suspected of having a pathology a molecule or conjugate that homes to, binds to and is taken up by the muscle cells or heart cells.
US08268956B2
The invention is directed to a transparent mold made of a polyamide molding material containing at least one polyamide formed from at least one diamine selected from the group of hexamethylene diamine (HMDA), bis-(4-amino-3-methylcyclohexyl)methane (MACM) and/or bis-(4-amino-cyclohexyl)methane (PACM) as well as from at least one dicarboxylic acid selected from the group of isophthalic acid (IPS), terephthalic acid (TPS) and/or dodecanedioic acid (DDS) or from the aforementioned diamines and dicarboxylic acids in combination with lactams and/or α-/ω-amino acids.
US08268952B2
The invention relates to supramolecular ionomers. i.e. polymers having quadruple hydrogen bonding units (4H-units) and ionic groups or ionogenic groups within their structure. The supramolecular ionomers can be dispersed or solubilized in water at high solids contents while maintaining low viscosities, facilitating easy use and processing of the resulting aqueous formulations. The aqueous supramolecular ionomer compositions have excellent film-forming properties. Moreover, the polymer materials have good mechanical properties after drying, as they are not tacky, show high elasticity and low or no creep.
US08268945B2
A catalyst component for ethylene polymerization, comprising an organic silicon compound of the formula (I), below wherein R1 is chosen from C3-C20 aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups, and is substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogens, C1-C6 acyloxy groups, epoxy, amino, C1-C6 alkylamino groups, di(C1-C6 alkyl)amino groups, C1-C6 alkoxy groups, and oxo group; R2, R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, are each chosen from C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl, C3-C10 alicyclic hydrocarbyl, C6-C10 aryl, C7-C10 aralkyl, and C7-C10 alkaryl groups. A process for preparing the catalyst component and an active catalyst comprising the catalyst component and useful in polymerization, such as ethylene polymerization.
US08268938B2
Disclosed is a composition for forming a board. The composition includes a maleimide-based compound including at least three maleimide groups and a liquid crystalline polymer or oligomer. A prepreg and a board are each fabricated using the composition.
US08268934B2
Methods of making miscible and compatible immiscible polymer blends are disclosed. The polymer blends have a polyimide as a component. The miscible polymer blends have a single glass transition temperature. The compatible polymer blends have two glass transition temperatures.
US08268932B2
This invention relates to the use of resin compositions for chemical anchoring, wherein the resin composition comprises at least: a. a thiol-containing component, and b. a resin containing one or more reactive moieties selected from the group of: i. non-aromatic carbon double bond moieties, and ii. epoxide moieties, and an initiator. Preferably, the resin composition further comprises a diluent, more preferably a reactive diluent. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of a multi-component, preferably a 2-component system of which one component contains a thiol group(s) containing component for chemical anchoring by means of cold curing.
US08268925B2
The invention relates to a graft copolymer with a polyester side chain and at least one quaternised tertiary amine group. The tertiary amine may be aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic. The invention further relates to the use of the compound as a dispersant, particularly for pigments.
US08268921B2
The instant invention relates to elastomeric compositions especially useful for manufacturing articles for tires which comprise: (1) at least one butadienic elastomer E, containing a functionalized butadienic elastomer prepared in solution, and modified by a polyfunctional alkoxy silane coupling agent; and (2) a specific precipitated silica having high dispersibility properties and containing aluminum, as at least one reinforcing filler in said butadienic elastomer.
US08268914B2
A film-forming composition made from a mixture of PVOH, chitosan, an alkali metal or ammonium bisulfite or metabi sulfite, and optional ingredients such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, surfactants, crosslinking agents, lubricants, and extenders, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of making a film from the composition, a resulting film, and a packet made from the film and containing a cleaning composition such as a rinse additive. The composition can be formulated to yield an article such as a film which is soluble only below a predetermined pH threshold.
US08268908B2
To provide a pigment dispersion liquid which provides an ink capable of recording an image having high fixability and fastness such as scratch resistance and excellent quality stably for a long time in any conditions. A pigment dispersion liquid mainly containing a polymer dispersant, a coloring material and water, in which the polymer dispersant is formed of at least a hydrophobic unit and a hydrophilic unit, the hydrophobic unit having a block portion formed of at least one hydrophobic monomer, the coloring material is formed of a pigment having on its surface an acid form anionic group, and the pigment dispersion liquid further contains a basic compound capable of forming a complex with an alkaline metal.
US08268906B2
To provide a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam which is excellent in low resiliency, air flow and hot moldability, and a process for producing a hot press molded product by using such a flexible polyurethane foam. Further, the present invention provides a hot press molded product which has a low resiliency and air flow.
US08268905B1
A composition containing poly(lactic acid), at least one bacteriocin (e.g., nisin, generally in the form of Nisaplin®), and at least one plasticizer (e.g., lactic acid, lactide, triacetin, glycerol triacetate), and optionally at least one pore forming agent. A method of making the composition, involving mixing about 100% of the total of the poly(lactic acid), about 50% to about 90% of the total of the at least one plasticizer, and optionally at least one pore forming agent at a first temperature of about 150° to about 170° C. to form a mixture, cooling the mixture to a second temperature of about 115° to about 125° C., adding at least one bacteriocin and about 10% to about 50% of the total of the at least one plasticizer and the remainder of the total of the poly(lactic acid) to the mixture and mixing to form the composition.
US08268904B2
Prepare an extruded polymeric foam using a thermoplastic polymer composition of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer having a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer content of 20 weight-percent or less, a mean acrylonitrile comonomer content that exceeds its median acrylonitrile comonomer content and an average copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution having a breadth at half-height that is greater than 2.5 weight-percent as measured at half peak height of a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution curve for the styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer.
US08268902B2
Expandable particle composite material suitable for the preparation of expanded materials having a density lower than 40 g/l and a content of closed cells of at least 60%, including heterophase cavities and/or heterophase domains, whose matrix is a synthetic thermoplastic resin having at least 60% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and in which an expanding system is contained, together with a heterogeneously distributed graphite material, having a graphitization degree, calculated by means of the Maire and Mering formula, of at least 0.2.
US08268887B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition of a covalent conjugate of a GABA analog with a drug. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating pain and neurological disorders using the conjugates of GABA analogs.
US08268866B2
The invention relates to methods for the prevention and/or treatment of tinnitus induced by cochlear excitotoxicity. In these methods, a pharmaceutical composition comprising an NMDA receptor antagonist is administered to an individual in need of such treatment by appropriate devices and/or formulations for local administration to the inner ear. The tinnitus to be prevented and/or treated may be provoked by acoustic trauma, presbycusis, ischemia, anoxia, sudden deafness, or other cochlear excitotoxic-inducing occurrence.
US08268859B2
Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, X, and Y are as defined herein, or a tautomer, optical isomer, prodrug, co-crystal, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds.
US08268854B2
Provided are compounds having the general structure according to Formula (I): Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The invention still further provides methods of treating alcoholism, methods of reducing alcohol intake, methods of treating anhedonia, and methods of treating anxiety using theses compounds or the compositions containing them.
US08268852B2
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R2, R7, R8, R9, W, X and Y are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals, and inflammatory conditions. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08268846B2
Macrocyclic benzofused pyrimidine compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods for making the compounds, and methods of treating and preventing the progression of diseases, conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are described herein.
US08268838B2
Provided are substituted purinyl-pyrazol derivatives of the following formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and their use as potassium channel modulating agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions having such derivatives that are useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases or disorders associated with the activity of potassium channels: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or alkyl; one of R2, R3 and R4 represents alkyl, hydroxy-alkyl, alkoxy-alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or alkoxy; and the other two of R2, R3 and R4, independently of each other, represent hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxy-alkyl, alkoxy-alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or alkoxy; R5 represents phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, alkoxy and cyano; and R6 represents R′OC(═O)—, wherein R′ represents alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxy-alkyl or adamantanyl.
US08268835B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula (4), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates, which are useful as inhibitors of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase enzyme and are also useful for the treatment of HCV infections in HCV-infected mammals. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (4), their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates. Furthermore, the present invention provides intermediate compounds and methods useful in the preparation of compounds of formula (4).
US08268829B2
The present invention provides a facile process for the preparation of tri- and tetra-substituted pyrimidines. The process is useful for preparing inhibitors of protein kinases, especially Aurora kinase. These inhibitors are useful for treating or lessening the severity of Aurora-mediated diseases or conditions.
US08268826B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I: wherein variable substituents are defined herein, that modulate the activity of or bind to chemokine receptors such as CCR5. In some embodiments, the compounds of the invention are selective for CCR5. The compounds can be used, for example, to treat diseases associated with chemokine receptor expression or activity such as inflammatory diseases, immune diseases and viral infections.
US08268821B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of pain management, and in particular, the management of neuropathic or inflammatory pain including a neuropathic or inflammatory component of nociceptive pain. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and compositions which treat, alleviate, prevent, diminish or otherwise ameliorate the symptoms of neuropathic or inflammatory pain. The present invention further contemplates combination therapy involved in the treatment of pain in association with the treatment of a particular disease condition or pathology. The present invention further also provides sustained and slow release formulations, tamper-proof deliver systems and stents, catheters and other mechanical devices coated with formulations which permit sustained or slow release of active ingredients involved in pain management.
US08268819B2
The present invention relates to intermediates of the formula wherein G1 is N; G2 is selected from the group consisting of C═O and CH2; X is a halogen; and the other groups are defined herein.
US08268816B2
The application describes an assay for the identification of small molecule modulators of integrin CD11b/CD18 and small molecules capable of modulating activity of this receptor. For example, one such compound useful as an agonist of integrin CD11b/CD18 is the compound of Formula (I): Such compounds may be used in certain embodiments for treating a disease or condition selected from inflammation, immune-related disorders, cancer, ischemia-reperfusion injury, stroke, neointimal thickening associated with vascular injury, bullous pemphigoid, neonatal obstructive nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease, or in other embodiments for the treatment of a disease or condition selected from immune deficiency, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), myeloperoxidase deficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, chronic granulomatous disease, hyper-IgM syndromes, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiency.
US08268814B2
Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to formula I processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds for treating and/or inhibiting pain or other conditions at least partly mediated by the bradykinin 1 receptor.
US08268804B2
Minocycline oral dosage forms containing a controlled release carrier are useful for the treatment of acne.
US08268757B2
Methods are provided that include, but are not limited to, methods of treating guar splits comprising: exposing guar splits to a treatment chemical to create treated guar splits, wherein the treatment chemical comprises at least one treatment chemical selected from the group consisting of: an aqueous salt solution; a caustic solution, and a derivatizing agent; and grinding the treated guar splits to create ground, treated guar splits.
US08268755B2
The present invention provides a novel oxime ether derivative represented by the following formula (I), or salt thereof, that can be industrially produced advantageously, and can function as a fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use that has reliable effects and can be used safely, and a fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use that contains at least one of these compounds as an active ingredient thereof. In addition, the present invention provides a novel ketone derivative that is a production intermediate of the oxime ether derivative.
US08268750B2
The invention relates to novel insecticidal active compound combinations comprising, firstly, compounds which act as insecticides on nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors as agonists and antagonists, and at least one active compound from the group of the anthranilamides, which combinations are suitable for protecting plants against attack by pests.
US08268749B2
Aqueous herbicidal glyphosate compositions are provided, particularly sprayable, ready-to-use (RTU) formulations that are capable of inducing early visually apparent phytotoxic effects while minimizing antagonism to the glyphosate component of the composition and preserving the equally desirable attribute of prolonged control of the treated plants. The compositions combine a glyphosate component and a fatty acid component as a fast symptomology active ingredient and, in one embodiment, are enhanced by the concentration of the fatty acid component utilized and the inclusion of an agronomically acceptable inorganic ammonium salt, preferably ammonium sulfate. In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention include a nonionic surfactant component comprising certain water-soluble, alkoxylated alcohols.
US08268745B2
A silicate-resistant sorbent composition, as well as a method of making and using the same, is provided. The sorbent composition generally comprises a support component comprising one or more silicate-resistant silica-containing components that have been treated one or more silicate-inhibiting metals. The inventors have discovered that sorbent compositions made and used according to embodiments the present invention exhibit a surprisingly low in situ silicate generation rate when exposed to oxidative regeneration conditions.
US08268740B2
A fused silica glass having a refractive index homogeneity of less or equal to about 5 ppm over an aperture area of at least about 50 cm2. The fused silica glass is also substantially free of halogens and has an adsorption edge of less than about 160 nm. The glass is dried by exposing a silica soot blank to carbon monoxide before consolidation, reducing the combined concentration of hydroxyl (i.e., OH, where H is protium (11H) and deuteroxyl (OD), where D is deuterium (12H)) of less than about 20 ppm by weight in one embodiment, less than about 5 ppm by weight in another embodiment, and less than about 1 ppm by weight in a third embodiment.
US08268735B2
Surface treatment is performed with a liquid, while shielding a semiconductor surface from light. When the method is employed for surface treatment in wet processes such as cleaning, etching and development of the semiconductor surface, increase of surface microroughness can be reduced. Thus, electrical characteristics and yield of the semiconductor device are improved.
US08268728B2
The present invention generally provides a method of forming a high efficiency solar cell device by preparing a surface and/or forming at least a part of a high quality passivation layer on a silicon containing substrate. Embodiments of the present invention may be especially useful for preparing a surface of a p-type doped region formed on a silicon substrate so that a high quality passivation layer can be formed thereon. In one embodiment, the methods include exposing a surface of the solar cell substrate to a plasma to clean and modify the physical, chemical and/or electrical characteristics of the surface.
US08268723B2
The present invention relates to methods for forming through-wafer interconnects in semiconductor substrates and the resulting structures. In one embodiment, a method for forming a through-wafer interconnect includes providing a substrate having a pad on a surface thereof, depositing a passivation layer over the pad and the surface of the substrate, and forming an aperture through the passivation layer and the pad using a substantially continuous process. An insulative layer is deposited in the aperture followed by a conductive layer and a conductive fill. In another embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor device is formed including a first interconnect structure that extends through a conductive pad and is electrically coupled with the conductive pad while a second interconnect structure is formed through another conductive pad while being electrically isolated therefrom. Semiconductor devices and assemblies produced with the methods are also disclosed.
US08268721B2
There are provided a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device manufacturing method capable of preventing electrical leakage while suppressing increase of wiring resistance and deterioration of productivity. The semiconductor device manufacturing method for forming on a substrate a semiconductor device having a porous low-k film serving as an interlayer insulating film. Further, the semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming the low-k film on the substrate; etching the low-k film to form a trench or a hole therein; reforming a surface of the low-k film exposed by etching the low-k film by allowing plasma of a nitro compound to act on the exposed surface within the trench or the hole; and filling the trench or the hole with a conductor.
US08268715B2
An integrated circuit connection is describe that includes a first, securing member and a second, connection member. The first member, in an embodiment, is a spike that has a portion of its body fixed in a layer of an integrated circuit structure and extends outwardly from the integrated circuit structure. The second material is adapted to form a mechanical connection to a further electrical device. The second material (e.g., solder), is held by the first member to the integrated circuit structure. The first member increases the strength of the connection and assists in controlling the collapse of second member to form the mechanical connection to another circuit. The connection is formed by coating the integrated circuit structure with a patterned resist and etching the layer beneath the resist. A first member material (e.g., metal) is deposited. The resist is removed. The collapsible material is fixed to the first member.
US08268711B2
Provided is a floating gate having multiple charge storage layers, a non-volatile memory device using the same, and a method of fabricating the floating gate and the non-volatile memory device, in which the multiple charge storage layers using metallic/semiconducting nano-particles is formed to thereby enhance a charge storage capacity of the memory device. The floating gate includes a polymer electrolytic film which is deposited on a tunneling oxide film, and is formed of at least one stage in which at least one thin film is deposited on each stage, and at least one metal nano-particle layer which is self-assembled on the upper surface of each stage of the polymer electrolytic film and on which a number of nano-particles for trapping charges are formed. The floating gate is made by self-assembling the nano-particles on the polymer electrolytic film, and thus can be fabricated without undergoing a heat treatment process at high temperature.
US08268708B2
Silicon wafers polished on their front sides are individually placed on a susceptor in an epitaxy reactor and firstly pretreated under a hydrogen atmosphere, and secondly with addition of an etching medium with a flow rate of 1.5-5 slm to the hydrogen atmosphere, the hydrogen flow rate being 1-100 slm in both steps, and subsequently epitaxially coated on the polished front side, and then removed from the reactor. In a second method, gas flows introduced into the reactor by injectors are distributed into outer and inner zones of the chamber, such that the inner zone gas flow acts on a wafer central region and the outer zone gas flow acts on a wafer edge region, the inner/outer distribution of the etching medium I/O=0-0.75. Silicon wafers having an epitaxial layer having global flatness value GBIR of 0.02-0.06 μm, relative to an edge exclusion of 2 mm are produced.
US08268702B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly sophisticated functional IC card that can ensure security by preventing forgery such as changing a picture of a face, and display other images as well as the picture of a face. An IC card comprising a display device and a plurality of thin film integrated circuits; wherein driving of the display device is controlled by the plurality of thin film integrated circuits; a semiconductor element used for the plurality of thin film integrated circuits and the display device is formed by using a polycrystalline semiconductor film; the plurality of thin film integrated circuits are laminated; the display device and the plurality of thin film integrated circuits are equipped for the same printed wiring board; and the IC card has a thickness of from 0.05 mm to 1 mm.
US08268701B2
Instead of forming a semiconductor film by bonding a bond substrate (semiconductor substrate) to a base substrate (supporting substrate) and then separating or cleaving the bond substrate, a bond substrate is separated or cleaved at a plurality of positions to form a plurality of first semiconductor films (mother islands), and then the plurality of first semiconductor films are bonded to a base substrate. Subsequently, the plurality of first semiconductor films each are partially etched, whereby one or more second semiconductor films (islands) are formed using one of the first semiconductor films and a semiconductor element is manufactured using the second semiconductor films. The plurality of first semiconductor films are bonded to the base substrate based on a layout of the second semiconductor films so as to cover at least a region in which the second semiconductor films of the semiconductor element are to be formed.
US08268699B2
Wafer structures and wafer bonding methods are provided. In some embodiments, a wafer bonding method includes providing a conductive wafer and a plurality of insulating wafers, the conductive wafer being larger than the insulating wafers; performing a pre-treatment operation on the conductive wafer, the insulating wafers, or both; and directly bonding the insulating wafers to the conductive wafer.
US08268687B2
An embodiment is directed to a method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, the method including preparing a substrate having a cell array region and a contact region, forming a thin film structure on the substrate, including forming sacrificial film patterns isolated horizontally by a lower isolation region, the lower isolation region traversing the cell array region and the contact region, and forming sacrificial films sequentially stacked on the sacrificial film patterns, and forming an opening that penetrates the thin film structure to expose the lower isolation region of the cell array region, the opening being restrictively formed in the cell array region.
US08268674B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor constituent provided with a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of electrodes for external connection provided under the semiconductor substrate. A lower-layer insulating film is provided under and around the semiconductor constituent. A plurality of lower-layer wirings are electrically connected to the electrodes for external connection of the semiconductor constituent, and provided under the lower-layer insulating film. An insulation layer is provided on the lower-layer insulating film in the periphery of the semiconductor constituent. An upper-layer insulating film is provided on the semiconductor constituent and the Insulation layer. A plurality of upper-layer wirings are provided on the upper-layer insulating film. A base plate on which the semiconductor constituent and the insulation layer are mounted is removed.
US08268673B2
A stacked electronic component comprises a first electronic component adhered on a substrate via a first adhesive layer, and a second electronic component adhered by using a second adhesive layer thereon. The second adhesive layer has a two-layer structure formed by a same material and having different modulus of elasticity. The second adhesive layer of the two-layer structure has a first layer disposed at the first electronic component side and a second layer disposed at the second electronic component side. The first layer softens or melts at an adhesive temperature. The second layer maintains a layered shape at the adhesive temperature. According to the stacked electronic component, occurrences of an insulation failure and a short circuiting are prevented, and in addition, a peeling failure between the electronic components, an increase of a manufacturing cost, and so on, can be suppressed.
US08268669B2
A method is provided for detecting laser optical paths in integrated circuit (IC) packages. The method provides an IC die encapsulated as a package in a compound of glass spheres and epoxy. Power is supplied to the IC. The IC is scanned with a laser. Typically, a laser wavelength is used that is minimally absorbed by the glass spheres in the epoxy compound of the IC package, and changes in current to the IC are detected. A detected current change is cross-referenced against a scanned IC package surface region. This process identifies an optical pathway underlying the scanned IC package surface region. In some aspects, this process leads to the identification of a glass sphere-collecting package structure underlying the optical pathway. Examples of a glass sphere-collecting structure might include an inner lead wire, lead frame edge, or die edge.
US08268668B1
A method of fabricating an electronic circuit including forming a first depression on a first surface of a first wafer and forming a second depression on the first surface of the first wafer. The second depression is adjacent the first depression and separated from the first depression by a wall. The method further includes locating an actuator on the wall and attaching a first surface of a second wafer to the first surface of the first wafer to cover the first and second depressions. A first portion of the second wafer and the first depression define a first reservoir to contain a first chemical, and a second portion of the second wafer and the second depression define a second reservoir to contain a second chemical.
US08268657B2
A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) apparatus and a method of making an electronic device using the same are disclosed. The LITI apparatus includes a chamber, a substrate support, a contact frame, and a laser source or oscillator. The LITI apparatus transfers a transferable layer from a film donor device onto a surface of an intermediate electronic device. The LITI apparatus uses a magnetic force to provide a close contact between the transferable layer and the surface of the intermediate device. The magnetic force is generated by magnetic materials formed in two components of the LITI apparatus that are spaced apart interposing transferable layer and the surface of the intermediate device. Magnets or magnetic materials are formed in the two following components of the LITI apparatus: 1) the intermediate device and the film donor device; 2) the intermediate device and the contact frame; 3) the substrate support and the film donor device; or 4) the substrate support and the contact frame.
US08268651B2
The invention provides a side-view LED having an LED window opened to a side to emit light sideward. A pair of lead frames each act as a terminal. An LED chip is attached to a portion of the lead frame and electrically connected thereto. A package body houses the lead frames and has a concave formed around the LED chip. Also, a high reflective metal layer is formed integrally on a wall of the concave. A transparent encapsulant is filled in the concave to encapsulate the LED chip, while forming the LED window. In addition, an insulating layer is formed on a predetermined area of the lead frames so that the lead frames are insulated from the high reflective metal layer. The side-view LED of the invention enhances light efficiency and heat release efficiency with an improved side-wall reflection structure.
US08268649B2
A laser system may include a first portion of laser host material adapted for amplification of laser radiation and a second portion of laser host material surrounding the first portion which may be adapted for suppression of ASE. The first portion of laser host material and the second portion of laser host material may be respectively doped at a different predetermined concentration of laser ions. A heat exchanger may be provided to dissipate heat from the first portion and the second portion.
US08268645B2
A method for producing a lamina from a donor body includes implanting the donor body with an ion dosage and heating the donor body to an implant temperature during implanting. The donor body is separably contacted with a susceptor assembly, where the donor body and the susceptor assembly are in direct contact. A lamina is exfoliated from the donor body by applying a thermal profile to the donor body. Implantation and exfoliation conditions may be adjusted in order to maximize the defect-free area of the lamina.
US08268642B2
An object is to suppress a significant change in electrical characteristics of thin film transistors and a deviation thereof from the designed range due to static electricity, and to improve the yield in manufacturing semiconductor devices. In order to prevent a substrate from being charged with static electricity by heat treatment or to favorably reduce static electricity with which a substrate is charged in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, heat treatment is performed with a substrate provided with a thin film transistor stored in a conductive container. In addition, a heating apparatus for performing the heat treatment is electrically connected to a ground potential, and the container and the substrate are also electrically connected to the ground potential.
US08268636B2
The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.
US08268634B2
A spongy swab (16) is mounted against the distal face (15) of a piston (14) at the end of a push-rod (12). Once humected with a sample fluid, the swab and piston assembly is inserted into a tubular body (30) like the plunger of a syringe. As the swab is pushed and squeezed against the distal end (20) of the body up to a trippable stop, part of the fluid is excreted into a chromatographic immunoassay testing device (21) through a first aperture (19) in a distal section of the body. The remainder of the sample is kept in a sealed chamber (7) between the piston and the end wall of the tubular body until it is excreted through a second aperture (23) for a secondary test by pushing the piston beyond the trippable stop. That preserves the sample within the spongy swab that has been used to collect it; thus preventing the adsorption of the analytes on the surfaces of the sealed chamber, and to provide a convenient and rapid way to extract the remainder of the specimen in a syringe-like manner.
US08268632B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for the recording of process parameters of reaction fluids in several microreactors which are continuously agitated, at least until the termination of the reaction in all the microreactors. The process parameters in the microreactor are recorded during the reaction by means of at least one sensor optical system. According to the invention, the reliability of the method may be increased, whereby, during the recording of the value of a process parameter, for example, on recording an instantaneous value of the auto-fluorescence of the reaction fluids, the sensor optical system is held stationary. The relative movement of the agitated microreactor and each sensor optical system thus produced is not problematical when the electromagnetic radiation from each sensor optical system is introduced exclusively into one of the microreactors concerned during the recording of the process parameter in said microreactor and the radiation emitted from the reaction fluid is only incident on the sensor of the corresponding sensor optical system.
US08268629B2
A system and method for characterizing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel having unknown or variable composition is described and shown herein.
US08268628B1
The invention describes a method for determining aggregation in protein, peptide or peptoid formulation, without the use of probes or additives. The method uses FTIR spectroscopy combined with the two-dimensional correlation analysis (2DCOS) which allows for the determination of the presence of aggregates, the determination of the mechanism of aggregation, allowing for correction in the pipeline manufacturing process of the protein to once again generate viable protein. In addition, the thermal transition of the protein can also be determined and a 2DCOS plot generated to compare with the established viable protein, allowing for quality control, stability and viability of the desired protein product. The ease of sample preparation and data analysis allows for the automation of this method.
US08268627B2
A method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.
US08268618B2
The present invention provides methods for modulating expression of endogenous cellular genes using recombinant zinc finger proteins.
US08268616B2
A method of creating a biotechnological product and an efficient and stable bio-luminescence vector which could be used for tracking Gram-negative bacteria when distributing inside animal body are provided. Through conjugation, this auto-luminescence vector can be easily transmitted from bacteria to bacteria among Gram-negative bacteria, and may facilitate bacteria to be luminescence-labeled for subsequently analyzing the dynamic change of bio-luminescent bacteria within animal body in vivo. This system includes a lacZ promoter-driven luxABCDE, a high copy number of ColE1 replicon, and a high plasmid stability of the conjugative and broad host-ranged plasmid pSE34 from Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis Sal550. This resulting construct pSE-Lux1 can not only conjugatively transmit among bacteria with broad host range, but also stably maintain in bacteria to efficiently express the bio-luminescent luxABCDE without supplementing the subtract for luciferases and the antibiotics for plasmid selection.
US08268611B2
The invention relates to a microtiter plate and use thereof for conducting fermentation under fed-batch conditions. In order to produce a microtiter plate which permits screening under fed-batch conditions, the invention proposes that the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate according to the invention be filled with a culturing fluid and nutrient solution and be designed in such a way that each of the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate which is filled with nutrient solution is connected by a channel (4) to at least one other further cavity (3) of the microtiter plate which is filled with a culturing fluid. A diffusion barrier (13) arranged in the material permeable channel (4) controls the kinetics of the material transfer of nutrients from the cavity containing the nutrient solution to the cavities containing the culturing fluid.
US08268610B2
Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.
US08268599B2
Compositions and methods for producing hydrocarbons such as aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes are described herein. Certain hydrocarbons can be used in biofuels.
US08268598B2
The present invention relates to mutant Δ5 desaturases, which have the ability to convert dihomo-γ-linolenic acid [DGLA; 20:3 ω-6] to arachidonic acid [ARA; 20:4 ω-6] and/or eicosatetraenoic acid [ETA; 20:4 ω-3] to eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA; 20:5 ω-3] and which possess at least one mutation within the HPGG motif of the cytochrome b5-like domain. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding Δ5 desaturases, along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”] using these mutant Δ5 desaturases in oleaginous yeast, are disclosed.
US08268592B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody which is useful for treating or diagnosing a disease relating to system ASC amino acid transporter 2 (hereinafter, referred to as “ASCT2”) or a method using the antibody. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes a native three-dimensional structure of an extracellular region of ASCT2 and binds to the extracellular region, or an antibody fragment thereof; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which contains the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a therapeutic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof, and a diagnostic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.
US08268589B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08268587B2
The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.
US08268583B2
A progeny cell derived from a parent cell, wherein the progeny cell comprises at least one gene encoding MrgA protein or a functional homologue thereof and/or a DNA segment operably linked with the encoding gene, wherein said gene and/or DNA segment is manipulated with respect to the parent cell; the progeny cell comprises two or more copies of a gene encoding MrgA protein or a functional homologue thereof; or the progeny cell is mutated with respect to the parent cell; whereby the progeny cell produces greater amounts of MrgA protein or a functional homologue thereof than the parent cell.
US08268579B2
A presence/absence test for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) involves placing a first generation test sample in a solution that will clot in the presence of S. aureus. The solution contains components that will selectively grow S. aureus and also contains clotting factors that will react with S. aureus, if S. aureus is present in the sample, to clot the solution. Examples of specimen samples that can be tested include nasal swabs and lesion swabs, among others. The test can also be modified to detect the presence or absence of methicillin resistant S. Aureus (MRSA).
US08268578B2
To find out an in-vitro bioassay system capable of ensuring qualities of yokukansan to a higher degree, it is intended to provide a method of bioassaying yokukansan characterized by comprising adding a yokukansan-containing test sample to astroglial cells to be cultivated under the condition of thiamine deficiency, and then determining the pharmacological activity value of yokukansan based on the glutamic acid or neutral red intake level in the cultivated astroglial cells.
US08268576B2
A method for diagnosing autism in a subject is performed by determining the presence and concentration of specific peptides in the body fluid. The peptides have the amino acid sequences SKITHRIHWESASLL (SEQ ID NO: 1), SSKITHRIHWESASLL (SEQ ID NO: 2), and SSKITHRIHWESASLLR (SEQ ID NO: 3) with the molecular masses 1779 +/−1 Da, 1865 +/−1 Da and 2022 +/−1 Da, respectively.
US08268573B2
The present invention provides compositions and processes for preparing the same wherein the compositions are useful for monitoring breast cancer treatment.
US08268571B2
The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.
US08268569B2
Recombinant 15-kDa polypeptide and use of same in detecting human infection with Bartonella henselae
Disclosed are the cloning and expression of a novel antigen of Bartonella henselae. The recombinant polypeptide is found to be highly immunogenic and is useful as a diagnostic test antigen. The polypeptide of the present invention provides the basis of a diagnostic assay that is sensitive, rapid and accurate diagnosis of infection with Bartonella henselae using patient's sera. Disclosed also are the ELISA for both IgG and IgM and allows diagnosis of early and late infection.
US08268564B2
Methods of identifying the genotypes of a plurality of single cells, wherein each cell includes a plurality of DNA barcodes, each associated with a genetic mutation or marker, are provided. In particular, methods including linking a plurality of DNA barcodes together to create a stitched barcode, amplifying the stitched barcode and sequencing the stitched barcode are provided. Also provided are methods of determining the presence of at least one genetic mutation in a population of cells.
US08268554B2
A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising (a) contacting the sample with at least one set of at least first, second and third proximity probes, which probes each include an analyte-binding domain and a nucleic acid domain and can simultaneously bind to the analyte, the nucleic acid domain of the third proximity probe being a splint which is capable of hybridizing at least to the nucleic acid domains of the first and second proximity probes, wherein when all of the at least three proximity probes bind to the analyte, the nucleic acid domains of the first and second proximity probes are conjugatable by means of an interaction mediated by the hybridized splint of the third proximity probe; (b) conjugating the nucleic acids, of the first and second proximity probes; and (c) detecting the conjugation. Also provided is a kit for use in such a method.
US08268548B2
Human MAP3K genes are identified as modulators of the p53 pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective p53 function. Methods for identifying modulators of p53, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MAP3K are provided.
US08268546B2
A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure.
US08268538B2
A method for producing a thin film transistor includes providing a glass substrate; disposing a positive photosensitive coating on the glass substrate; providing a transparent molding plate having a plurality of ladder opaque protrusions that are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern and that have at least two different depths; pressing the transparent molding plate into the positive photosensitive coating without contacting the glass substrate; exposing a part of the positive photosensitive coating which is unshielded under the ladder opaque protrusions, with a UV light; separating the transparent molding plate from the glass substrate after the step of exposing; and removing the part of the positive photosensitive coating, which is unshielded under the ladder opaque protrusions and not cured, using a chemical solvent, whereby the thin film transistor is formed in a pattern having more than two different depths.
US08268537B2
A printed circuit board substrate includes a metal-clad substrate and a number of N spaced circuit substrates arranged on the metal-clad substrate along an imaginary circle, N is a natural number greater than 2. The circuit substrates are equiangularly arranged about the center of the circle, and each of the circuit substrates is oriented 360/N degrees with respect to a neighboring printed circuit board.
US08268536B2
Systems and methods of forming an electrode on a substrate are disclosed. The methods can include applying a solution including metal ions and metal nanomaterials to a surface of a substrate. The methods further can include exposing a selected portion of the solution with light having a wavelength capable of inducing reduction of the metal ions, wherein the selected portion corresponds to at least a portion of the electrode.
US08268529B2
Positive resist composition, method of forming resist pattern using the same, and polymeric compound
A positive resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under the action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure dissolved in an organic solvent (S), the base component (A) containing a polymeric compound (A1) including a structural unit (a0) derived from an acrylate ester having a cyclic group containing a sulfonyl group on the side chain thereof, a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and a structural unit (a5) represented by general formula (a5-1) (Y1 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group; Z represents a monovalent organic group; a represents an integer of 1 to 3, and b represents an integer of 0 to 2, provided that a+b=1 to 3).
US08268526B2
The present invention relates to toner compositions containing: toner particles made of: binder resin; colorant; and a wax which is dispersed in the toner particles, where the toner composition satisfies relationship (2): B≦394−400A′ when 0.950
US08268525B2
A toner usable with electrophotography includes an iron (Fe) content in the toner is in a range of about 1.0×102 ppm to about 1.0×104 ppm and a circle equivalent diameter of a sectional area of an Fe agglomerating agent is in a range of about 1.0 nm to about 2.0×102 nm.
US08268518B2
A method and lithography device addressing the problem in projection optics of pupil apodization which leads to imaging defects. As here proposed, the illumination system is configured to illuminate the mask inhomogeneously. As a result, inhomogeneities in reflectivity caused by the mask itself are at least partly counteracted. This compensation not only makes the apodization over the pupil become more symmetric but also makes the intensity variation smaller overall.
US08268509B2
A hydrogen-permeable structure is disclosed, which includes a hydrogen-permeable base in which a fluctuation range of a d value by X-ray analysis measurement is at most 0.05% in a region within 2 μm deep from a surface, and an oxide proton conductive film formed on a surface thereof. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the hydrogen-permeable structure and a fuel cell using the hydrogen-permeable structure.
US08268507B2
Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L1 of the flow guides and the seal length L2 of the overlapping section are substantially the same.
US08268505B2
A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells. At opposite ends of the stack body in a stacking direction, end plates are provided. A second power collecting terminal protrudes outwardly from the end plate. One end of a bus bar is electrically connected to the second power collecting terminal such that the bus bar extends along an end plate surface intersecting the second power collecting terminal. A high voltage cable is connected to the other end of the bus bar. The high voltage cable is drawn toward the end plate.
US08268502B2
An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect. The channels of the first set have a larger cross sectional area than the channels of the second set.
US08268501B2
A fuel cell system has produced water amount detection means that detects the amount of water produced in the fuel cell during low-efficiency operation of the system and gas supply limitation means that limits the amount of gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, based on the detected amount of water. The produced water amount detection means allows the amount of produced water to be correctly determined during low-efficiency operation of the fuel cell, thereby enabling the appropriate warm-up, and inhibits a condition, in which the amount of produced water is too large and warm up operation is hindered, to be generated. As a result, the amount of water produced during low-efficiency operation of the fuel cell is correctly determined and the appropriate warm-up is enabled.
US08268499B2
An aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack (1) configured to provide electric power or electric current, a cooling unit (3, 4) configured to cool the fuel cell stack (1) by flowing a coolant through a coolant passage (2) provided in the fuel cell stack (1), an inlet temperature detecting unit (5) configured to detect the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the fuel cell stack (1), and a control unit (21) configured to control the electric power or electric current extracted from the fuel cell stack (1) in accordance with the coolant temperature detected by the inlet temperature detecting unit (5).
US08268495B2
When the operation point of a DC/DC converter, which steps up/down the output voltage of a fuel cell stack, is in a range of reduction in response capability and further there is issued a request of determining an AC impedance, a controller switches numbers of the drive phases of the DC/DC converter to determine an AC impedance of the fuel cell stack. If the operation point of the DC/DC converter is in the range of reduction in response capability and further the precision of determining the AC impedance is reduced, then the determination of AC impedance in the range of reduction in response capability is inhibited and the switching of the phases of the DC/DC converter is implemented, thereby causing the operation point of the DC/DC converter to be out of the range of reduction in response capability, with the result that the precision of determining the AC impedance can be raised.
US08268486B2
A positive electrode includes a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material including a core including a compound LiaCO1-bMbO2 and a surface-treatment layer. In the core compound, 0.95≦a≦1.1, 0.002≦b≦0.02, and M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, Rf, V, Nb, Ta, Db, Cr, Mo, W, Sg, Tc, Re, Bh, Fe, Ru, Os, Hs, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, P, As, Sb, Bi, S, Se, Te, Po. The surface-treatment layer includes a compound including element of P, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, Rf, V, Nb, Ta, Db, Cr, Mo, W, Sg, Tc, Re, Bh, Fe, Ru, Os, Hs, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, S, Se, Te, Po.
US08268484B2
An electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery 6 according to the present invention includes: a current collector 3; a first active material layer 2 formed on the current collector 3; and a second active material layer 5 provided on the first active material layer 2, the second active material layer 5 including a plurality of active material particles 4. The plurality of active material particles 4 is mainly of a chemical composition represented as SiOx (0≦x<1.2). The first active material layer 2 is mainly of a chemical composition represented as SiOy (1.0≦y<2.0, y>x). The area in which the first active material layer 2 is in contact with the plurality of active material particles 4 is smaller than the area in which the current collector 3 is in contact with the first active material layer 2.
US08268480B1
An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems.
US08268477B2
A secondary battery is manufactured by mounting an electrode assembly having a cathode/separator/anode structure into a pouch-shaped battery case and thermally welding the electrode assembly to the battery case, wherein a pair of insulative films are attached to opposite major surfaces of each electrode lead, to which electrode taps of the electrode assembly are electrically connected, at regions contacting an upper thermally-welded portion (upper sealed portion) of the pouch-shaped battery case, one of the insulative films, extends such that the lower end of the insulative film supports a coupled region where the electrode taps are coupled to the electrode lead, and the overlapping length between the insulative films is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the upper sealed portion.
US08268476B2
A battery includes a power generation element, a case member that accommodates the power generation element, and an opening closure member that closes the case member. The opening closure member includes a case contact part for contacting an elongated opening edge of the case member around an entire periphery thereof, and a case inside part projecting toward an inside of the case member from a portion of a surface of the opening closure member on the case member side internally of the case contact part. The case inside part has two narrower portions positioned at both ends of the case inside part in a longitudinal direction of the elongated opening edge of the case member and spaced from an inner surface of the side of the case member, and a wider portion positioned between the two narrower portions and contacting an inner surface of the side of the case member.
US08268471B2
An electrochemical method and apparatus for high-amperage electrical energy storage features a high-temperature, all-liquid chemistry. The reaction products created during charging remain part of the electrodes during storage for discharge on demand. In a simultaneous ambipolar electrodeposition cell, a reaction compound is electrolyzed to effect transfer from an external power source; the electrode elements are electrodissolved during discharge.
US08268470B2
The present invention relates to a ventilator of fuel-cell vehicles for ventilating hydrogen in the hydrogen-system unit area arranging a hydrogen circulating device in the fuel-cell vehicles boarding the fuel cell. The ventilator of fuel-cell vehicle includes a first ventilating device for taking ventilating air in from a front side of the fuel-cell vehicle to hydrogen-system unit area arranging the fuel cell, the hydrogen supply device, and the hydrogen exhaust device in the center of front and rear direction of the fuel-cell vehicle; and a second ventilating device for sucking the ventilating air taken in from the rear end of vehicle body of the fuel-cell vehicle to the hydrogen-system unit area.
US08268468B2
An electrochemical cell is provided with an enhanced pressure relief vent formed in a closed end of the cell container that allows for effective venting of gas from the closed end of the container. The cell includes a container having a first end, a second end, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, and an end wall extending across the first end. The cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, all disposed in the container. The cell further includes a pressure relief vent mechanism having an offset C-shaped reduced thickness groove formed in the end wall of the container. A cover can be welded to the closed end wall of the container over the pressure relief vent mechanism.
US08268467B2
The invention broadly provides improved safety features for batteries utilized in electronic devices. The invention provides an improved CID design that allows for more reliable disconnection (breaking the electrical circuit) during abnormal pressure or temperature events inside the cell. The invention provides a multi-layered CID configured to force electric current through a thin, fragile element such that the thin, fragile element is broken upon any abnormal pressure and temperature event.
US08268466B2
A lithium/fluorinated carbon electrochemical cell having the CFx material supported on a titanium current collector screen sputter coated with a noble metal is described. The gold, iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium-coated titanium current collector provides the cell with higher rate capability, even after exposure to high temperatures, in comparison to cells of a similar chemistry having the CFx contacted to a titanium current collector painted with a carbon coating.
US08268462B2
Magnetic layers are described that include the use of magnetic grains and non-magnetic grain boundaries with hybrid additives. Hybrid additives include the use of at least two different additives in the composition of the grain boundaries of a magnetic layer in magnetic recording media. The use of hybrid additives in the grain boundaries results in improved recording media. Methods for forming magnetic layers and magnetic recording media with the hybrid additive grain boundaries are also described.
US08268457B2
Disclosed is a novel compound useful as a constituent of an organic EL device. Also disclosed is a practical organic EL device using this compound. This organic EL device has low driving voltage, long life, and reduced leakage current. Specifically disclosed is a compound characterized by having at least one structure (1) shown below in a molecule. Structure (1)
US08268450B2
Thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions include the essential components of polyamide resins, polyalcohol and epoxy resin, and, optionally, one or more additives selected from among thermoplastic impact modifiers, reinforcement agents, and polyoxides; such thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions provide superior impact resistance, heat resistance, low degree of deformation, low degree of contraction, and external appearance, but also superior paint adhesion properties without requiring a primer, and function as an adhesion medium that advantageously may be applied to the interior and exterior parts of an automobile requiring painting.
US08268449B2
New compositions for use as protective coatings and/or adhesives are provided. The compositions comprise a hydrocarbon resin (e.g., terpene rosin) and a rubber (e.g., EPDM) dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. The solvent system is preferably a single-solvent system, and the compositions are preferably free of surfactants, dyes, and chromophores. The compositions can be cured or dried to form layers or films that are chemically and thermally resistant, but that can be readily dissolved and removed at the appropriate stage in the fabrication process.
US08268445B2
A composite article comprises a first glass layer, a silicone layer, a second glass layer, and an organic layer. The silicone layer is disposed adjacent to the first glass layer. The silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition. The second glass layer is disposed adjacent to the silicone layer, spaced from and substantially parallel to the first glass layer. The organic layer is disposed adjacent to the second glass layer, spaced from and substantially parallel to the silicone layer. The organic layer includes a cured organic composition. A method of making a composite article including a first glass layer and a polymeric layer disposed adjacent to the first glass layer includes providing a dual-compartment chamber. The chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a polymeric separator. The separator can be manipulated through pressure differentials between the compartments. Pressure is applied to at least one of the silicone layer and the first glass layer with the polymeric separator.
US08268443B2
A wax printing process, apparatus, formulation, and label. The process includes contacting a wax formulation with a surface having at least one etched region thereon, and confronting a carrier with the surface such that at least a portion of the wax transfers from the etched surface to the carrier. The apparatus includes a tray and a manifold positioned in the tray. In another aspect, the apparatus includes a gravure sleeve and a heatable mandrel disposed inside the gravure sleeve. The wax formulation includes a paraffin wax, an ester wax, a hydrocarbon resin, a microcrystalline wax, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. The label includes a carrier and a wax release layer confronting a surface of the carrier. The wax release layer confronts less that the entire surface of the carrier.
US08268441B2
Light diffusion member, back light assembly including the same and display device including the same
The light diffusion member includes a light diffusing body and a light diffusing layer. The light diffusing body includes a polymer mixture obtained by uniformly blending a first polymer having a first glass transition temperature and a second polymer having a second transition temperature higher than the first transition temperature. Alternatively, the light diffusing body includes a copolymer prepared from the first and the second polymer. The light diffusing body diffuses an incident light through a light exiting surface. The light diffusing layer is formed on the light exiting surface of the light diffusing body and includes a binder resin having beads. A back light assembly including the light diffusion member and a liquid crystal display device including the light diffusion member exhibit an improved luminance and an improved light diffusing efficiency.
US08268435B2
Retroreflective sheeting (10) comprising a retroreflecting layer (12), which has an array of retroreflective elements (34) formed thereon, and a divergence-enhancing layer (14) which is positioned in front of the retroreflecting layer (12). The divergence-enhancing layer (14) has localized aberration regions (42) which change the divergence of light traveling therethrough. The placement of the localized aberration regions (42) relative to the retroreflective elements (34) broadens the divergence range of the sheeting (10).
US08268433B2
An information recording medium (1) of the present invention is an information recording medium allowing information to be recorded thereon by irradiation with a laser beam or by application of electrical energy. The information recording medium (1) includes a recording layer (15) capable of undergoing a phase change by the irradiation with the laser beam or by the application of the electrical energy. The recording layer (15) contains Sb, Te, Ge, and C, and a content of Te in the recording layer (15) is at least 8 atom % but not more than 25 atom %.
US08268430B2
A method for producing a manufactured wood product using less desirable or discarded natural wood and a manufactured wood product produced by the described method. This inventive method comprises utilizing less desirable or discarded natural wood pieces by slicing the wood pieces into elongated strips that are then partially separated into elongate sections that maintain fibrous connectivity between the elongate sections. The elongate sections are dried and covered or impregnated with an adhesive. A second drying follows the adhesive application and the elongated strips are then arranged lengthwise in a mold for cold or hot pressing.
US08268427B2
A display sheet includes a substrate; front-side and rear-side synthetic resin composition layers formed on front and rear surfaces, respectively, of the substrate; and an ink layer formed by ink-jet on the front-side synthetic resin composition layer. The substrate is made of sailcloth having projections and depressions on front and rear surfaces thereof. A surface of the front-side synthetic resin composition layer is formed on an irregular surface having projections and depressions attributed to the projections and depressions of the surface of the substrate. The ink layer is formed by causing a fine ink to cover the projections and permeate the depressions.
US08268424B1
A composite structure mainly composed of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril and a water swellable solid body, the fine fibers being obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof, and at least part of the surface of the solid body is covered with the fine fibers. The absorbent composite can be formed in various form of, for example, particle, pellet, sheet and the like, especially of a sheet type with a supporting sheet of a non-woven fabric. The present invention further provides a method of making the composite structure.
US08268421B2
A packaging bag and a drying agent with a moisture absorption indicator function are provided without using a heavy metal harmful to the human body. The packaging bag includes a first packaging material (10) and a second packaging material (20). The first packaging material (10) is provided on an outermost side thereof with a transparent barrier film (12) having a barrier property against water vapor. The second packaging material (20) has a light-reflective or light-absorbing film (24) and a pattern printed layer (23) overlaid on a bag interior side thereof, the pattern printed layer (23) having a printed moisture-absorbing indicator pattern (30). A desiccant-containing resin film (11, 21) which becomes transparent due to moisture absorption is overlaid on a bag interior side of at least one of the first packaging material (10) and the second packaging material (20). The drying agent with a moisture absorption indicator function includes an indicator film layer (70) having a barrier film (75), a pattern printed layer (73) for a moisture absorption indicator, and a moisture-absorbing film (71) containing zeolite, the pattern printed layer (73) and moisture-absorbing film (71) being laminated in this order on the barrier film (75). The drying agent further includes a main desiccant layer (61) and a moisture permeable film (64) that are overlaid on the moisture-absorbing film (71).
US08268415B2
A melt thermal transfer recording paper suitable for melt thermal transfer recording comprising a stretched resin film, wherein stretched resin film contains from 30 to 75% by weight of an inorganic fine powder and/or an organic filler and from 25 to 70% by weight in total of a thermoplastic resin having a Vicat softening point of not higher than 140° C. and a polyolefin-based resin having a Vicat softening point of higher than 140° C.; the stretched resin film contains more than 75 parts by weight and at most 900 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyolefin-based resin.
US08268400B2
A photosensitive film, which has a transparent support and a silver salt emulsion layer containing a silver salt formed thereon, is exposed and developed to form a metallic silver portion. The base material to be plated is electrified in a solution containing a metal ion, using the metallic silver portion as a cathode. Then, the electrified base material is subjected to an electroless plating treatment to form a plated layer only on the metallic silver portion. The metal ion in the solution is preferably an ion of copper, nickel, cobalt, or tin.
US08268399B2
A contact leveling surface for an ink jet imaging member including a coating disposed on a contact leveling substrate, wherein the coating includes a fluoroalkyl-substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. In embodiments, the contact leveling surface is for an ink jet imaging member that jets a phase change ink, a gel ink, a curable phase change ink, or a curable gel ink directly to a final image receiving substrate such as a direct to paper imaging device.
US08268398B2
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and forming at least one conductive coating on a plurality of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube structure to achieve a carbon nanotube composite structure, wherein the conductive coating comprises of a conductive layer.
US08268394B2
A method of fabricating a metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a functional material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the functional material to deposit or otherwise integrate into the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and functional materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location of the integration of the functional material within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced.
US08268393B2
A method of fabricating a friction part out of carbon/carbon composite material, the method including obtaining a three-dimensional fiber preform of carbon fibers impregnated with a solution or a suspension enabling a dispersion of refractory metal oxide particles to be left on the fibers of the preform; applying heat treatment to form a metallic carbide by a carboreduction reaction of the refractory oxide with the carbon of the fibers; continuing the heat treatment until the carbide is transformed into carbon by eliminating of the metal; and then densifying the preform with a carbon matrix by chemical vapor infiltration.
US08268392B1
Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly. By changing the composition of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment, the time required for its complete regeneration is varied from a few seconds to several days.
US08268390B2
An adhesive film which comprises at least two continuous polymer phases A and B each formed from a polymer or polymer mixture A (polymer A for short) and a polymer or polymer mixture B (polymer B for short) and which is obtainable by filming at least one of the polymers, A or B, initially in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion.
US08268389B2
Precast curable thermal interface adhesives facilitating the easy and repeatable separation and remaining of electronic components at thermal interfaces thereof, and a method for implementing the foregoing repeatable separation and remating at the thermal interfaces of components through the use of such adhesives.
US08268382B2
A stent including hollow struts is formed on a cylindrical substrate. The struts of the stent are formed by electroforming metal layers of the strut in openings formed in a patterned photoresist material. A first metal layer forming the inner strut material is formed in openings in a first photoresist material. A sacrificial material to form the cavity to make the struts hollow is formed in openings in a second photoresist material. A second metal layer forming the side walls and outer wall of the struts is formed in openings in a third photoresist material and around the sacrificial material. The photoresist materials are removed. The substrate and cavity sacrificial material are removed, leaving hollow struts formed into a stent pattern. The hollow struts may be filled with a therapeutic substance for elution. Openings through the struts to the cavity may be formed during the forming process.
US08268379B2
A method of forming a snack food product having partially scrambling eggs to obtain partially scrambled eggs having a curd size of about 1 to about 8 mm, mixing at least one food grade binder with the partially scrambled eggs, fully cooking the scrambled eggs, shaping the fully-cooked scrambled eggs, and battering the shaped scrambled eggs.
US08268378B2
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a powdered product from a product in the liquid state in the form of a solution-, suspension- or emulsion-type mixture in an aqueous medium. According to the invention, during the first step (E1) of the method, the product in the liquid state is transformed into a product in the viscous state. The invention is characterised in that it includes at least one overrun step (E2, E4) and at least one product-drying step (E3, E6) comprising at least a first step (E3) involving thermomechanical treatment with at last one thermomechanical treatment machine into which the viscous state product and a determined amount of powered product from the same family as the liquid state product are injected simultaneously. The treatment machine is configured to mix the viscous state product and the powdered product such as to produce solidified particles of the product upon contact with the ambient air.
US08268370B2
A solid oral sensorial product includes at least one botanical material and at least one phosphate containing stain inhibitor. The botanical material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco, tea, coffee, cocoa, and combinations thereof.
US08268362B2
The invention relates to a medicinal product for topical use for the promotion of wound healing, which comprises thrombocytes or thrombocyte fragments, wherein the thrombocytes or thrombocyte fragments contain growth factors and are capable of releasing the same and are present in the lyophilized or deep-frozen state and have been subjected to a process for virus partitioning and/or virus inactivation.
US08268361B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the regeneration of damaged, lost and/or degenerated tissue in humans and animals. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides an acellular bioabsorbable tissue regeneration matrix, methods of making such a matrix, and methods of using such a matrix for the regeneration of damaged, lost and/or degenerated tissue. In certain embodiments, methods and compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment of damaged, lost and/or degenerated nerve tissue.
US08268354B2
This invention provides methods of spray drying pharmaceutical powders from a vibrating nozzle at low pressures. The method can effectively spray dry thick or viscous solutions or suspensions to provide small uniform particles. The invention includes dry particle compositions prepared by methods of low pressure spraying from vibrating nozzles.
US08268341B2
This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10−7 reciprocal second.
US08268340B2
Implantable materials having engineered surfaces and method of making same comprising geometric features on at least one surface of the material having at least one of chemical, physiochemical and electrochemical activity different than regions of the at least one surface without the features.
US08268331B2
The invention provides gp38 polypeptides, which play a role in immunomodulation, nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activities of gp38 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and therapeutic methods employing these compounds.
US08268330B2
The present invention provides vaccine compositions and methods for using the same. Generally, the vaccine is used to prevent infection of a microorganism that produces an HIF inducing compound. Accordingly, vaccines of the invention comprise at least a portion of an HIF inducing compound that is produced by the microorganism.
US08268326B2
This invention provides recombinant polypeptides comprising a fragment of a High Molecular Weight Melanoma-Associated Antigen (HMW-MAA), recombinant Listeria strains comprising same, and methods of inducing an anti-HMW-MAA and anti HER-2/neu immune response thus treating and impeding the growth of tumors, comprising administering same.
US08268317B2
The invention relates to therapeutic conjugates with improved ability to target various diseased cells containing a targeting moiety (such as an antibody or antibody fragment), a linker and a camptothecin as a therapeutic moiety, and further relates to processes for making and using the said conjugates.
US08268309B2
The present invention provides novel anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies and related compositions and methods. These antibodies may be used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection.
US08268301B2
Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, therapeutic agent delivery systems that include the cationic polymers, methods for administering a therapeutic agent using the delivery systems, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers, monomers, surfaces, and therapeutic agent delivery systems.
US08268291B2
The present invention relates to novel modified fatty acid analogs, where a positron or gamma-emitting label is placed at a position on a fatty acid backbone and an organic substituent is substituted at the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions of a fatty acid backbone. These novel fatty acid analogs are designed to enter the tissues of interest by the same long chain fatty acid carrier mechanism as natural fatty acids, however, functional substituents in the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions, block the catabolic pathway, thus trapping these analogs in a virtually unmodified form in the tissues of interest.
US08268284B2
A system (100) of the present invention for producing an iodine compound includes: a raw material adjusting unit (1) for supplying hydrogen-containing gas to at least one of liquid iodine in an iodine melting pot (4) and gaseous iodine obtained by evaporating liquid iodine so as to obtain a mixture gas; a hydrogen iodide producing unit (10) including a hydrogen iodide producing tower (12) having a catalyst layer (12a) for converting the introduced mixture gas into crude hydrogen iodide gas; a hydrogen iodide refining unit for removing unreacted iodine from the introduced crude hydrogen iodide gas so as to obtain hydrogen iodide gas; and an iodine compound producing unit (30) for producing a target iodine compound from the obtained hydrogen iodide gas and a reaction material. This allows producing an iodine compound with high purity easily, efficiently, and with low cost.
US08268276B2
In a method for reducing lime consumption in DFGD systems, a slaker is provided wherein lime and water is introduced to produce a slaked lime slurry. The slurry is introduced into a spray dryer wherein the slurry is atomized. A flue gas stream is also introduced into the spray dryer and reacts with the atomized slurry, causing calcium sulfate and sulfite, as well as unreacted lime particulate to form. A portion of the particulate is filtered and sent back in a substantially dry form to the slaker to form part of the slurry.
US08268272B2
A method for removing vinyl monomers from a gas stream comprises steps of: irradiating a photoactive-inorganic medium by a light emitting unit to activate the photoactive-inorganic medium; and pumping a gas stream including vinyl monomers to contact with the activated photoactive-inorganic medium to make the vinyl monomers in the gas stream to polymerize on the photoactive-inorganic medium to jointly form a polymeric nano-composite.
US08268271B2
The present invention relates generally to a method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream and chemically upgrading the stream at the same time. More particularly, the invention relates to a catalytic moving bed filter for removing contaminants from a gas or vapor stream and to compositions comprising both moving bed filter materials and one or more catalysts intimately admixed therewith.
US08268270B1
A coating solution for forming a light-absorbing layer of a chalcopyrite solar cell, including a hydrazine-coordinated Cu chalcogenide complex, a hydrazine-coordinated In chalcogenide complex and hydrazine-coordinated Ga chalcogenide complex dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, the hydrazine-coordinated Cu chalcogenide complex being obtained by dissolving Cu or Cu2Se and a chalcogen in dimethylsulfoxide having hydrazine added, and adding a poor solvent to the resulting solution.
US08268269B2
As population density increases, the transportation of hazardous chemicals, including acids and disinfectants, lead to an increased incidence of spills while the consequences of spills become more serious. While solutions of halide acids, hypohalites and halites are safer disinfectants for transportation, handling, storage and use than traditional gaseous chlorine, the manufacturing cost of these disinfectants has here-to-fore limited their use. Economical processes are presented for the manufacture of O2, halogen oxides, halide acids, hypohalites, and halates; as well as polynucleate metal compounds, metal hydroxides and calcium sulfate hydrate (gypsum). The instant invention presents methods and processes that incorporate the use of sulfur. This is while environmental regulators, such as the US EPA, require an increased removal of sulfur from hydrocarbon fuels, thereby creating an abundance of sulfur, such that the refining industry is in need of a way to dispose of said abundance of sulfur.
US08268268B2
A method for preparing titania or precursor thereof with a controllable structure from micropore to mesopore is provided. The method is characterized in that the alkali metal titanate as raw material is reacted for 0.5˜72 hours in the wet atmosphere with humidity of 2˜100% at temperature of 20˜250° C., then washed with water or acid, finally performed by air roasting or solvent thermal treatment. The method has advantages that the raw material is easy to be obtained, the conditions and preparation are controllable, the pore structure may be adjusted from micropore to mesopore, crystal mixing and doping are easy, reacting time is short, preparing cost is low, and the said method is suitable for large scale production and so on. The most probable aperture of titanium oxide or precursor thereof with a controllable structure from micropore to mesopore is in the range of 1˜20 nm, the pore volume thereof is in the range of 0.05˜0.4 cm3/g, and the specific surface area thereof is more than 30 m2/g. The titania is at least one of anatase-phase titania, TiO2(B)-phase titania and rutile-phase titania.
US08268261B2
A pipette core member is used in a pipette for sampling a sample. This pipette core member includes: a pump body including a reservoir communicated with one suction/discharge port of an electroosmotic flow pump, the electroosmotic flow pump and the reservoir being integrally formed; and a capillary connected to the electroosmotic flow pump and communicated with the other suction/discharge port of the electroosmotic flow pump. The capillary is secured to the pump body.
US08268260B2
A microfluidics system comprising a channel having an inlet (32) and an outlet (38); a first membrane (31) positioned between the inlet (32) and outlet (38) and comprising an aperture having a radius within the range 0.1 to 50 μm, the inlet (32) and the outlet (38) being in hydraulic communication with one another, such that a fluid can move along the channel from the inlet to the outlet.
US08268251B2
An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (ΔIf). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ΔIf is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
US08268250B2
The present invention provides a low-cost hydrogen gas sensor, which exhibits high sensory selectivity for protons and operates at room temperature, and can also provide a highly sensitive sensor capable of fulfilling the important functions of detecting hydrogen gas and preventing leakage accidents in production plants that use hydrogen gas as a carrier, in hydrogen gas storage facilities, and in so-called fuel cells that use hydrogen gas as an energy source. In addition, the sensor is also effective as an acid sensor for hydrofluoric acid and the like.
US08268245B2
A method for determining analytes in a liquid is provided comprising applying a liquid volume to be examined to a substrate of a transport plane; moving the liquid volume to be examined on the substrate of the transport plane to a site of examination; contacting the liquid volume to be examined with at least one sensory element, wherein the sensory element is located in a detection plane opposite to the substrate of the transport plane; and determining an analyte in the liquid volume to be examined by the sensory element, wherein the liquid volume is only in contact with the substrate of the transport plane during the step of moving the liquid volume to be examined on the substrate of the transport plane to a site of examination. The application also concerns a device for determining analytes in a liquid corresponding to the method according to the invention.
US08268240B2
The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a sterile ciclesonide-containing aqueous suspension comprising the step of sterilization by autoclaving a ciclesonide-containing aqueous suspension.
US08268236B2
The invention concerns an aluminum-based master alloy for manganese alloying of metal alloys and a method for producing thereof, and use thereof for production of the metal alloys. The master alloy is aluminum and manganese (Al—Mn) alloy in form of splatters, which contains the following components in mass %: Mn 77-93, other components in total 0-5, Al—the rest. The method for producing the master alloy is characterized in that the temperature for adding the manganese to the liquid metal is in the range from 660 to 1600° C., and the cooling rate of the alloy during casting is in the range of 50-1500° C./sec for obtaining splatters of the master alloy. Thickness of splatters is in the range of 1-10 mm. The master alloys AlMn80 and AlMn90 are designed to be used for manganese alloying of metal alloys, whereas the temperature for adding the master alloy in the liquid metal is in the range from 600 to 850° C. Master alloy and the method according to the invention provides high concentration of manganese in the master alloy, high dissolution rate of the master alloy in the liquid metal and high recovery degree of master alloy when used for alloying metals.
US08268226B2
A system for forming a composite structure comprises an electromagnetic press including an upper die, a lower die and an electromagnet. The lower die may be mounted in spaced relation to the upper die for receiving a composite layup therebetween. The electromagnet is energizable such that the upper and lower dies apply a compressive force to the composite layup.
US08268206B2
A method of making a dental article including a pressable body possessing a flexural strength of at least 125 MPa and flowable at about 850° C. to about 950° C. The body is composed of at least a glass matrix phase having a composition comprising Li2O and MgO.
US08268188B2
A refrigeration composition containing at least one ester formed by esterification of a hydroxycarboxylic acid component and an alcohol component, the hydroxycarboxylic acid component chosen from hydroxycarboxylic acids comprising more than one carboxylic acid group, hydroxystearic acid, hydroxylauric acid, hydroxydecanoic acid, hydroxyarachidic acid, hydroxypalmitic acid, hydroxylinoleic acid, hydroxyerucic acid, hydroxyarachidonic acid, ricinoleic acid, and combinations thereof, and the alcohol component containing at least one alcohol; and a base oil lubricant chosen from alkylbenzenes, alkylated naphthenics, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinylethers, polyalphaolefins, mineral oils, polyol esters, and combinations thereof.
US08268185B2
A method of analyzing a quartz member includes the step of supplying an etchant to the quartz member so as to etch the quartz member. The method also includes analyzing the etchant used in the supplying step. The etchant is supplied to a concave etchant receiving portion that is formed in the quartz member prior to the supplying step and has an inner wall thereof formed of the quartz member.
US08268182B2
A processing method of forming a through-hole in a workpiece by means of a pulsed laser beam includes the steps of providing a removable sacrifice layer on the workpiece, forming a through-hole in the workpiece by the laser beam in a state where the sacrifice layer is provided, and removing the sacrifice layer from the workpiece after the step of forming the through-hole.
US08268179B2
A liquid vacuuming and filtering device may include a container having a sealed interior, a vacuum pump connected to the interior, a two-way valve connected to the interior, a flexible hose connected to the valve, a filter positioned within the interior and connected to the valve and a standpipe positioned within the interior and connected to the valve. The pump may be adjusted to a filling configuration, in which the pump evacuates the container interior to a pressure below ambient, causing fluid to be drawn through the hose, valve, and filter, which collects suspended particulates; or to a discharge configuration, in which the pump pressurizes the interior to a pressure above ambient, wherein the valve is adjusted to allow filtered fluid within the container to flow through the standpipe, valve and out through the hose.
US08268177B2
A microfluidic separation system, which comprises a magnetic separator, which itself comprises a magnetic energy source; first and second magnetically conductive members leading from the magnetic energy source and having respective terminal ends that are separated by a gap over which a magnetic field is applied due to the magnetic energy source. The separation system further comprises a microfluidic chip for insertion into the gap, which comprises a body defining channels on respective faces of the body; and an exterior lining that seals the plurality of channels to allow separate test sample volumes to circulate in at least two of the channels. Upon insertion of the chip into the gap, a first test sample volume is confined to circulating closer to the terminal end of the first member and a second test sample volume is confined to circulating closer to the terminal end of the second member.
US08268154B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for planar metal plating on a workpiece having a surface with recessed regions and exposed surface regions; comprising the steps of: causing a plating accelerator to become attached to said surface including the recessed and exposed surface regions; selectively removing the plating accelerator from the exposed surface regions without performing substantial metal plating on the surface; and after removal of plating accelerator is at least partially complete, plating metal onto the surface, whereby the plating accelerator remaining attached to the surface increases the rate of metal plating in the recessed regions relative to the rate of metal plating in the exposed surface regions.
US08268153B2
A single crystal of zinc oxide which is c-axis oriented with use of electrolytic deposition method is formed on an amorphous carbon layer, after the amorphous carbon layer is provided on an inexpensive graphite substrate. The amorphous carbon layer is provided by oxidizing the surface of the graphite substrate.
US08268149B2
The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.
US08268147B2
A control device for a gas sensor is configured to: receive a mode command to specify one of a plurality of sensor energization modes including at least a gas concentration detection mode, a protection mode and a pre-energization mode; switch a sensor element of the gas sensor into the one of the plurality of sensor energization modes according to the mode command; judge satisfaction of a certain condition where the mode command is to specify the gas concentration detection mode and the sensor element is in any of the plurality of sensor energization modes other than the pre-energization mode at the time of receipt of the mode command; and prohibit the sensor element from switching over to the gas concentration detection mode when the certain condition is satisfied.
US08268145B2
Electrochemical test cells are made with precision and accuracy by adhering an electrically resistive sheet having a bound opening to a first electrically conductive sheet. A notching opening is then punched through the electrically resistive sheet and the first electrically conductive sheet. The notching opening intersects the first bound opening in the electrically resistive sheet, and transforms the first bound opening into a notch in the electrically resistive sheet. A second electrically conductive sheet is punched to have a notching opening corresponding to that of first electrically conductive sheet, and this is adhered to the other side of the electrically resistive sheet such that the notching openings are aligned. This structure is cleaved from surrounding material to form an electrochemical cell that has a sample space for receiving a sample defined by the first and second conductive sheets and the notch in the electrically resistive sheet.
US08268143B2
The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor having a sensing chemistry that operates substantially free of any “oxygen effect”. The electrochemical sensors are useful in determining the level of an analyte in a biological sample from a subject. The present invention also provides sensor assemblies including the electrochemical sensors as well as methods of using the same.
US08268139B2
The present invention relates to a hydrogen generation apparatus using chemical hydride. The present invention features an electrolyte including chemical hydride and a catalyst that is inserted between metal electrodes, wherein the hydrogen is generated in a unit cell by hydrolysis of the hydride.
US08268131B2
The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus and method for recovering acetic acid from an aqueous feed stream containing acetic acid, in particular a stream generated during terephthalic acid production. The apparatus includes: a liquid-liquid extraction column to which water-rich feed streams are fed, having a guard bed situated near the top and within the extraction column for conversion by reaction with acetic acid of alcohol within the mixture to the corresponding ester; and an azeotropic distillation column to remove residual water from acetic acid, to which water-poor feed streams are fed directly at a height of the azeotropic distillation column at which the mixture therein has a similar water concentration. The liquid-liquid extraction column produces an extract comprising an extraction solvent and acetic acid which is sent to the azeotropic distillation column to separate residual water and acetic acid.
US08268129B2
The invention relates to a wet-fast nonwoven, preferably a fiber paper, which comprises fibers from a cellulose-containing material and fibers from a thermoplastic material welded firmly together at their points of intersection. The fibers from the cellulose-containing material are preferably hemp fibers while the fibers from the thermoplastic material are preferably fibers from polypropylene, polyester or polyamide. The fibers are interlinked under the action of pressure and/or heat, especially using a pair of heated calender rolls. The nonwoven or the fiber paper is especially used to reinforce food casings based on regenerated cellulose, especially in artificial cellulose hydrate-based sausage skins.
US08268127B2
A method of degumming jute fibers with complex enzyme, wherein said complex enzyme comprises pectinase and laccase, comprises the steps of: a. soaking the jute fibers in the water solution of said complex enzyme made from pectinase and laccase and adjusting the weight proportion of said complex enzyme water solution and said jute fibers; b. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a first temperature, then keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the first temperature for a certain period of time; c. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a second temperature; then, keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the second temperature for another period of time; d. conducting enzyme deactivation of the jute fibers processed with said complex enzyme.
US08268119B2
A method of manufacturing high purity fiber cement grades of cellulose fibers is described. Additional washing steps, coupled with an elevated temperature, are used in the process to extensively wash the pulps and remove substantially all COD components remaining in the pulps. The pulps are counter-currently washed by diffusion and dewatering at elevated temperatures following the brown stock washer systems. During the additional washing steps, the pulps are soaked in counter-current heated water for a pre-determined time and some chemicals may be introduced to chemically break down the COD components in the pulps and to make them more soluble in the aqueous solution. The additional washing steps can be performed using existing equipment at conventional pulp mills.
US08268104B1
A method of using UV cationic epoxy to repair cracks and breaks windshields in order to eliminate oxygen inhibition and shrinkage. The method includes embodiments that employ pretreatment or priming of the of a crack or break in order to negate the moisture and PVB retardation of the UV cationic epoxy polymerization and mixing the UV cationic epoxy and a UV radical resin to create a hybrid or; adding other ingredients to the UV cationic epoxy to negate the moisture and PVB retardation; and use of the UV cationic epoxy as a cap over repair resin/epoxy and as a pit filler. Other combinations of materials and procedures are disclosed.
US08268103B2
A method and apparatus for the circumferential labeling containers where the individual containers may have at least one varying dimension, due to manufacturing tolerances. The method and apparatus may provide more consistent labeling of individual containers in the run of containers.
US08268102B2
Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.
US08268093B2
An R—Fe—B based porous magnet according to the present invention has an aggregate structure of Nd2Fe14B type crystalline phases with an average grain size of 0.1 μm to 1 μm. At least a portion of the magnet is porous and has micropores with a major axis of 1 μm to 20 μm.
US08268091B2
A dish washing machine configured to consume the smallest possible amount of water has a device for storing the washing liquid, in which at least one storage reservoir is provided that is made of a flexible material for holding at least a portion of the washing liquid located inside the dish washing machine. The dish washing machine offers the possibility of removing, at any time during the washing program, at least a portion of the washing bath from the washing circuit, of storing it in the storage reservoir and, when needed, of supplying it once again to the washing circuit. Thus, for example, after completing the last clear rinsing cycle, the washing bath is at least partially retained in the storage reservoir until use of the bath in a subsequent washing cycle, whereby by and large reducing the consumption of water of the dish washing machine.
US08268087B2
A liquid processing apparatus includes: a hollow holding plate configured to hold an object to be processed; a hollow outer rotational shaft fixedly connected to the holding plate; a rotary drive part configured to rotate the outer rotational shaft; and a lift pin plate disposed in a hollow space of the holding plate, and having a lift pin configured to support the object to be processed. Inside the lift pin plate, a cleaning-liquid supply part configured to supply a cleaning liquid is extended. Connected to the lift pin plate is a lifting member configured to locate the lift pin plate on an upper position and a lower position. When located on the lower position, the lift pin plate receives a force of the rotary drive part for rotating the outer rotational shaft so that the lift pin plate is rotated.
US08268080B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing composite particulates, including a rotary body having a bottom surface and a side wall and operative to contain particulates to which an adhering material is to be made to adhere; a centrifugal machine for rotating the rotary body so as to apply centrifugal forces to the particulates in the rotary body; and an inclination varying device operative to vary the inclination of the rotary body to an arbitrary inclination angle in the range from an angle at which the bottom surface of the rotary body forms a horizontal surface perpendicular to the direction of gravity to an angle at which the bottom surface forms a vertical surface parallel to the direction of gravity, and operative to support the rotary body at the arbitrary inclination angle.
US08268078B2
A method and system is described for reducing particle contamination of a substrate in a deposition system. The deposition system comprises one or more particle diffusers disposed therein and configured to prevent or partially prevent the passage of film precursor particles, or break-up or partially break-up film precursor particles. The particle diffuser may be installed in the film precursor evaporation system, or the vapor delivery system, or the vapor distribution system, or two or more thereof.
US08268077B2
An upper heater for use in the production of a single crystal, the upper heater having electrodes to which a current is supplied and a heat generating section which generates heat by resistance heating are provided, the upper heater being used when a single crystal is produced by a Czochralski method, the upper heater being placed above a graphite heater which is placed so as to surround a crucible containing silicon melt, wherein the heat generating section is ring-shaped and is placed so as to surround the crucible, and has slits formed from the inside and the outside of the heat generating section in a horizontal direction. As a result, the upper heater controls a crystal defect of the single crystal efficiently and improves the oxygen concentration controllability.
US08268072B2
A cement composition for cementing an oil or gas well includes Portland cement, water and a sulfur component. The cement composition may be used to cement a well bore by creating a cement slurry including the sulfur component, pumping the slurry into the well bore to a selected location and allowing it to solidify.
US08268070B2
A hybrid pigment composition and method of forming the hybrid pigment composition is provided. The hybrid pigment composition is formed from a fibrous clay and a dye or pigment. The dye or pigment includes perinones, diphenylmethanes, acridines, xanthenes, triarylmethanes, thiazines, indophenols, indulines, nigrosines, aminoazobenzenes, anilines, monoazos, benzimidazoles, diazos, phthalocyanines, quinacridones, metal complexes, azo/metal complexes, and mixtures thereof.
US08268069B2
The present invention relates to pearlescent pigments based on glass flakes which are distinguished by the fact that they have the following layer structure: A) optionally a layer of SiO2, B) a high-refractive-index coating have a refractive-index n>1.8 which essentially consists of TiO2, C) a low-refractive-index layer comprising SiO2 and/or Al2O3 and optionally D) an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, automobile paints, powder coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, paper, in toners for electrophotographic printing processes, in seed, in greenhouse sheeting and tarpaulins, as absorbers in the laser marking of paper and plastics, as absorbers for the laser welding of plastics, in cosmetic formulations, for the preparation of pigment pastes with water, organic and/or aqueous solvents, for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.
US08268067B2
A composition and method of treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surface such as ceramics, metal or glass, to render them water, oil, stain, and dirt repellent is described.
US08268059B2
The invention relates to a waste gas system for bioreactors having a hydrophobic sterile filter, arranged at the end, and a heat exchanger which protects the sterile filter against blocking by liquid media. The gas outflow duct for discharging waste gas from a bioreactor vessel is divided in a cooling zone of the heat exchanger into a multiplicity of subducts and is extended in a heating zone of the heat exchanger to a calming zone. Due to the multiplicity of subducts, a considerably larger surface area for the removal of heat from the waste gas is available, with the result that in the case of laminar flow of the waste gas through the subducts a high effectiveness of the separation of liquids from the waste gas can be achieved. In the heating zone, the waste gas can heat up again due to the reduced flow rate until it reaches the hydrophobic sterile filter by way of taking up heat from the surroundings to a such a degree that the relative vapor contents are below 100% and separation of liquids from residual vapors at or in the hydrophobic sterile filter is precluded.
US08268055B2
A membrane gas dryer includes an upstream fitting assembly, a downstream fitting assembly, a purge tube, and a sample element. The upstream fitting assembly and the downstream fitting assembly include fitting bodies and barrier sleeves. The fitting bodies and the barrier sleeves form purge plenums that are in fluid communication with the purge tube. Sealing interfaces on the fitting bodies maintain fluid-tight seals around the purge plenums as the barrier sleeves rotate about fitting bodies. The sample element includes a water-permeable membrane and passes inside the purge tube such that moisture in a sample gas flowing in a downstream direction through the sample element between the fitting body to the downstream fitting body passes moisture through the water-permeable membrane and into a purge gas flowing in the purge tube in one of an upstream direction or a downstream direction between the purge plenums.
US08268041B2
A suspension of inorganic particles, a copolymer comprising soft segments and hard segments, and a solvent may be extruded through a spinnerette to produce inorganic/organic composite hollow precursor fibers. The precursor fibers may be sintered. The fibers may be utilized in a gas separation module for separation of a gas mixture or production of syngas. The fibers may be installed in the gas separation module after sintering or they may be sintered after installation.
US08268035B2
A process for producing refractory metal alloy powders includes the steps of blending at least one powder with at least one solvent and at least one binder to form a slurry; forming a plurality of agglomerates from the slurry; screening the plurality of agglomerates; sintering the plurality of agglomerates; and melting said plurality of agglomerates to form a plurality of homogenous, densified powder particles.
US08268030B2
The invention provides wind energy use. One application provides wind energy use for water harvesting from natural humid air. The method is based on changing thermodynamic state parameters of ambient wind air portions passed through a device comprising convergent-divergent and wing-like components. Those components transform the ambient wind portions into fast and cooled outflowing air portions. A decrease in static pressure and temperature triggers condensation of water-vapor into water-aerosols. Another application of the method provides an effective mechanism for harvesting electrical energy from naturally warm air using renewable wind energy, including the wind inertia, internal heat, and potential energy stored in the air mass in the Earth's gravitational field. The electrical energy harvesting mechanism is also applicable to use of natural renewable energy of streaming water.
US08268029B2
A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus includes a body unit, a top portion of which is detachably engaged with a cover unit; a cyclone unit disposed inside the body; and a filter unit detachably disposed above the cyclone unit, wherein air flowing into the body unit is guided from the cyclone unit upward to the filter unit, and is discharged downward via the filter unit.
US08268027B2
Gas generation apparatus and methods are provided, including apparatus and methods for efficient vaporization, and optional burning, of meltable fuels. The apparatus and methods provide controlled generation and combustion of any low melting point dimensionally stable combustible meltable fuel. This is preferably accomplished by first converting the solid or semi solid meltable fuel material into a liquid state, then into vapor, and finally mixing with an air source or other oxidizer before combustion.
US08268026B2
A method for controlling the synthesis gas composition obtained from a steam methane reformer (SMR) that obtains its feedstock as product gas directly from a steam hydro-gasification reactor SHR). The method allows control of the H2/CO syngas ratio by adjusting the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into a steam hydro-gasification reactor that supplies the SMR. The steam and methane rich product gas of the SHR is generated by means of hydro-gasification of a slurry of carbonaceous material and water. The mass percentages of the product stream at each stage of the process are calculated using a modeling program, such as the ASPEN PLUS™ equilibrium process. By varying the parameters of solid to water ratio and hydrogen to carbon ratio, a sensitivity analysis can be performed that enables one determine the optimum composition of the slurry feedstock to the SHR to obtain a desired syngas ratio output of the SMR. Thus one can adjust the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into the SHR that supplies the SMR to determine the syngas ratio output of the SMR.
US08268025B1
The present invention involves methods and apparatus for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell to produce electricity. Water may be supplied in the form of steam for input to a catalytic converter. The converter may have a substrate element disposed therein coated with an oxide that may be oxidizable with steam and reducible back to an original state without use of a chemical agent. The steam may be converted to hydrogen and oxygen with the hydrogen channeled to an input and the oxygen channeled to an output of the fuel cell. The hydrogen output of the fuel cell and the oxygen may be combined to produce steam. The steam from the output may be recycled to the converter.
US08268018B2
Lightweight composite particles, primarily comprising various bentonite clays, but which may include other functional solid particles, are formed by introducing expanding gases or air into the particle forming process. The methods presented create the ability to reduce the bulk density of the composite particles while maintaining and in some cases even increasing the particle strength.
US08268013B2
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of removing color from dyed hair, the method comprising applying to the hair a color removal composition comprising a sulfur-containing nucleophile or a precursor thereof.
US08268005B2
A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion can have a first radial sidewall that extends between an outboard face and an inboard face. The outboard face can include an articulating surface. The inboard face can include one of a stem and a recess, and one of an annular central hub and an annular radial pocket. The anterior portion can have a second radial sidewall that extends between a tissue engaging surface and a posterior portion engaging surface.
US08268000B2
A composite interbody spacer includes a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material.
US08267994B2
A mono cusped patch for repairing cardiac outflow tract is disclosed in the present invention, which comprises an inner patch, an external supporting patch and a leaflet. An approximate semicircular slit is provided on the inner patch. The inferior border of the leaflet is set between the inner patch and the external supporting patch along the slit. The inner patch, the inferior border of the leaflet and the external supporting patch are stitched together along the slit edge of the inner patch with sutures. The inferior border of the leaflet is fixed between the inner patch and the external supporting patch. According to this special stitching structure, the present invention also provides a valved conduit of good performance. The leaflets of mono cusped patch and valved conduit are sutured with the inner patch/conduit and external supporting patch/conduit to repair cardiac outflow tract, and the inferior border of leaflet is provided between the inner patch/conduit and external supporting patch/conduit, so that the present invention avoids fixing leaflet only with sutures, makes leaflets more durable and improves postoperative longtime treatment effect of patients significantly.
US08267985B2
A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.
US08267961B2
A barbed monofilament and a method for making the same is provided. The barbed monofilament has a substantially triangular primary cross-section defined by a periphery including first, second and third points of said triangle, and further has a plurality of barbs formed therein. Successive barbs are staggered around the periphery of the monofilament, and extend inwardly into the monofilament to a predetermined depth from the first, second and third points respectively.
US08267955B2
A vaso-occlusive device is provided for reducing blood flow in a patient. The device can include a coil, a stretch resistant member, and a plurality of fibers. The coil can define a lumen and be sized for insertion to a point of use in a vascular network of the patient. The stretch resistant member can have a first end fixedly attached to the first end of the coil. Further, the plurality of fibers can be configured with each of the fibers in direct contact with the stretch resistant member.
US08267952B2
The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar and obturator combination configured to separate body tissue. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention includes a rigid shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a closed, tapered distal end. The bladeless, closed and tapered tip is adapted to penetrate tissue. The shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. The shaft includes an ledge on the inner surface to provide proper positioning of the distal end of the optical instrument. The tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.
US08267947B2
A surgical device of suturing vascular vessels is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. In one form the device includes a distal member for insertion into a vascular vessel puncture wound. The distal member contains a suture and needle engaging fitting. At least one needle is advanced through tissue adjacent the puncture wound and into the needle engaging fitting to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close the puncture wound. In another form the device includes at least one needle advanceable through tissue and into a needle capture element within a distal end of the surgical device to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close various puncture wounds, particularly in vascular tissue. In still another form the device includes at least one needle advanceable through tissue to drawn lengths of suture material which can then be used to close various puncture wounds, particularly in vascular tissue. A foot is pivotal between a non-deployed position and a deployed position where it engages vascular tissue on a distal side of the vessel.
US08267946B2
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue includes an actuator at least partially disposed within a body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of a handle portion. The apparatus includes a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position and a rack having ratchet teeth connected to the actuator. The apparatus includes a pawl engaging a series of ratchet teeth and capable of preventing an inadvertent return of the actuator before full actuation of the apparatus. A clip pusher incrementally moves distally each time a clip is released from the apparatus. When the clip pusher reaches a predetermined distal point in a clip carrying channel, a feed bar is deflected to a second position to prevent retraction but not advancement of the actuator and thereby manipulates the pawl to engage the ratchet teeth.
US08267945B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted.
US08267944B2
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.
US08267936B2
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 flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. An adhesive is included and is operably disposed between at least one jaw member and the flexible insulating boot for securing the flexible insulating boot to the jaw member.
US08267934B2
An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating targeted tissue, which tool includes a conductive outer shaft which defines a return or reference electrode, and a conductive inner tube disposed within the outer shaft. The inner tube defines both a suction pathway for removing fluid and/or surgical debris from the surgical site through the distal end of the tool, and a pathway for delivering electrical energy to an active electrode secured to the distal end of the suction tube.
US08267926B2
An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
US08267916B2
A guidewire exchange device is configured to exchange a guidewire associated with a guidewire port in a medical device. The guidewire exchange device is further configured to interface with the medical device at the guidewire port, remove the guidewire from the medical device, and insert a replacement guidewire.
US08267909B2
A canister for use with a medical suction or aspiration device has a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber has an inlet. The second fluid chamber has an outlet port. A splash baffle is disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The splash baffle has an aperture formed therethrough to allow for fluid flow from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. An absorbent valve having voids is disposed within the second fluid chamber and engages a portion of the outlet port. The absorbent valve restricting fluid permeability upon contact with fluid from the first fluid chamber to restrict fluid flow through the outlet port.
US08267908B2
An apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site are presented. The apparatus includes a delivery tube that may have at least one lumen. The delivery tube may be operable to transmit reduced pressure to the tissue site and to receive liquid from the tissue site. The apparatus may also include an absorbent material disposed in the at least one lumen. The absorbent material may be operable to absorb the liquid from the tissue site. The delivery tube may be formed with a number of recesses.
US08267904B2
A medicinal delivery device is provided. The device includes a clip defining an ala inner surface-engaging portion about a first end thereof. The clip also defines an ala outer surface-engaging portion about a second end thereof. The ala outer surface-engaging portion is in spaced-apart and generally inward facing arrangement relative to the first end of the clip. This forms a gap between the ala inner surface-engaging portion and the ala outer surface-engaging portion for receiving a patient's ala. A medicine chamber is carried about the first end of the clip for dispensing medicine into the patient's nasal cavity.
US08267889B2
An applicator (100) used to apply microneedle arrays (10) to a mammal. In particular, an application device for applying a microneedle device (120) to a skin surface comprising a flexible sheet (110) having a raised central area (115) attached to the microneedle device and a supporting member at or near the periphery of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is configured such that it will undergo a stepwise motion in the direction orthogonal to the major plane of the sheet.
US08267883B2
An implant comprises a photocatalytic layer on at least one surface and is adapted to act as a sensor. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic layer is a semiconductor oxide that is doped. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a wave guide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light port. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a reflective material on a surface of the waveguide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a composite material comprising a first material that has a transmissivity when exposed to a predetermined wavelength of light and a second material that has photocatalytic activity when exposed to the predetermined wavelength of light. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light source adapted to irradiate the photocatalytic surface.
US08267882B2
An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
US08267879B2
A spacer element for use in an orthopedic or prosthetic device includes an apertured fabric layer having first and second fabric layers. A discrete and continuous web-like frictional layer is laminated onto the first fabric layer and has greater frictional properties than the fabric layer. The frictional layer has a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern in direct correspondence to a pattern of the first surface layer apertures. A compressible material layer has opposed first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is secured to the second surface layer. The compressible material layer has a first compression molded region with reduced thickness and increased density relative to a second region of the compressible material having a predetermined thickness.
US08267877B2
A kit and method for cooling the carotid arteries includes cervical immobilization collar includes a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, at least two cheek support structures having an extended vertical length, and an anterior opening that may be covered with a door. The door has a body-facing surface on which a pressure member may be secured and an outward-facing surface. The kit and method also includes a cooling element that may be disposed within the anterior opening and can be secured to the substantially annular support structure by placing the cooling element between the anterior portion of a patient's neck and the pressure member located on the door.
US08267876B2
A walking assist device having a load transmit portion, a leg link connected to the load transmit portion, and a driving source capable of driving the leg link in a direction to raise a seat member, so that at least a partial weight of a user may be supported by the leg link through the load transmit portion. An electric component to be used for controlling the driving source can be mounted on the walking assist device without degrading the compactness of the walking assist device. At least a part of the leg link is constituted of a cylindrical link member in which at least the electric component, such as a motor driver to be used for the control of the driving source, is partially housed. The walking assist device also includes a heat transfer member for absorbing the heat of the electric component by the cylindrical link member. The heat transfer member is thermally connected to a side plate of the cylindrical link member directed toward the side opposite to the leg of the user.
US08267871B2
An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a mechanism for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a sealing member into the open end of the tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.
US08267866B2
A method and apparatus for controlling access of individuals to a service, device or location in order to restrict access to members of a particular age and/or gender category, by machine-sensing a predetermined biometric characteristic of the individual indicative of the particular age and/or gender category, and utilizing the machine-sensed characteristic for automatically controlling access of the individual. The method and apparatus are particularly suited to controlling access of children to certain Internet sites, TV programs, chat rooms, or other places inappropriate to children.
US08267861B2
An improved dental prop that is formed of a slim, cylindrical configuration for bilateral access with voided areas on either end for the purpose of aiding in the comfort of the patient by allowing the patient's jaw to relax during lengthy dental procedures, while effectively articulating the mouth in an open position. The prop contains a safety line eyelet, perpendicular to the center of the cylindrical body, thereby allowing a dentist an extra precautionary step toward the safety of the patient in the case of ingestion or aspiration.
US08267857B2
Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening. One embodiment of a medical device generally includes a flexible sheath and an expandable member. The flexible sheath has a length suitable for forming the pathway along a longitudinal axis. The expandable member is connected to a distal portion of a sheath. The expandable member is operable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable member includes a plurality of longitudinally extending struts connected together by a wire frame. The plurality of struts move radially and circumferentially relative to one another between collapsed and expanded configurations.
US08267855B2
An illuminated medical instrument comprises an insertion portion (1) for insertion into a body opening and defining an elongate passageway (2), the passageway extending along a longitudinal axis (3) and having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5). An obturator (19) is fitted into the passageway (2). A light emitting structure (7) has a distal end arranged to direct light from the insertion portion (1) into the body opening. The obturator (19) is movable in the passageway (2) between a first position within the passageway and a second position proximal of the first position and is constructed and arranged so that when in its first position it substantially covers in the direction of the longitudinal axis the distal end of the light emitting structure (7).
US08267854B2
An endoscope system includes a camera for picking up an image inside a body cavity, a camera side magnet connected to the camera and a fixing magnet, for fixing the camera inside the body cavity by holding an abdominal wall from different surfaces of the abdominal wall, and a second CCU for controlling the camera.
US08267853B2
The present disclosure relates to a system for overlaying ultrasound imagery on a laparoscopic camera display. The system may include a laparoscope configured to capture a laparoscopic image of a surgical field and a laparoscopic ultrasound probe configured to capture an ultrasonic image of a structure in the surgical field. The system may further include a tracking system configured to detect a position and orientation of the laparoscope and a position and orientation of the laparoscopic ultrasound probe. The system may further include data associated with the laparoscope wherein the data indicates a distortion in the laparoscopic image. The system may further include a computer configured to receive the laparoscopic image, the ultrasonic image and the distortion data associated with the laparoscope. The computer may be configured to position and orient the ultrasonic image relative to the laparoscopic image, adjust the ultrasonic image based upon the distortion data, combine the adjusted ultrasonic image with the laparoscopic image, and output the combined images.
US08267849B2
An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple mechanisms that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. A holder is for receiving the first and second mechanisms in a substantially parallel array so that the standard staples close the incision at a surgical margin while the source staples are secured adjacent thereto.
US08267832B2
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having a transmission input member, a transmission output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08267822B2
A belt drive is provided which includes a circulating belt (8) which is driven by at least one drive element (9) and which drives at least one driven element (10). At least one first tensioning device (20) acts upon the belt (8) in the slack strand and at least one second tensioning device acts in the tightened strand. To prevent or reduce jumps and/or transverse oscillations of the belt (8), the second device (21) guides the belt (8) and at least one third device (22) which is arranged radially inside the belt drive, which is suitable, optionally, limits deviations of the belt (8). The second device (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) also tensions the belt (8) in such a manner that it is subjected to a force (F1) which is smaller than the force (F2) which is oriented counter thereto during the operation of the belt (8) on the second tensioning device (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100).
US08267820B2
A bicycle chain tensioner is provided with a bracket, a tensioner arm, a securing position adjustment mechanism and a chain engaging member. The bracket has a bicycle axle mounting portion and an arm attachment portion. The tensioner arm is adjustably secured to the arm attachment portion of the bracket. The securing position adjustment mechanism selectively fixes the tensioner arm with respect to the bracket in one of a plurality of the securing positions. The chain engaging member is attached to the tensioner arm.
US08267819B2
A tensioner having a backstop device which allows free rotation of the pivot arm in a first direction but controls rotation of the pivot arm in a second, opposite direction. The backstop device permits a predetermined, limited amount of free rotation in the second direction and thereafter, employs a braking device to prevent rotation in the second direction if the torque that acts on the pivot art is less than a predetermined threshold.
US08267814B1
A first lacrosse head constructed from a first material having first properties or a second lacrosse head constructed from a second material having second properties is selectively used in lacrosse activities, based on environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and/or solar activity, to provide generally consistent head performance as perceived by a lacrosse player across a range of environmental conditions. The first and second heads can be identical in structure, but constructed from different materials. For example, the first head can include a polyamide, optionally, Nylon 6,6 polyamide, and the second head can include a high performance polyamide resin, optionally a polypthalamide. An environmental indicator that provides visual and/or audible output with regard to environmental conditions can be included with at least one of the first head, the second head and a shaft to which the heads can be joined. Related methods of use are also provided.
US08267811B2
A golf ball includes an outer spherical surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the dimples in accordance to the invention have a polygonal perimeter and a substantially spherical, concave depression. The substantially spherical depression comprises a spherical depression and a transitional portion bridging the area between the polygonal perimeter and the spherical depression. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, one or more sides of the polygonal perimeter may be non-linear or curved. The dimples of the present invention may fill the ball's entire outer surface, or the dimples may occupy a predetermined pattern on the ball. The predetermined pattern may also include one or more channels or raised beads on the surface of the ball.
